Retractor Blocks - Walls and floors that retract into the background

One of the coolest things in Starbound (in my opinion) is that all tile based blocks can be used in the background or the foreground. It is a lot smarter than the Terraria system where you need to craft specific walls, and it gave me an idea. When we get the planned wiring system, what if there was a way to move blocks from the foreground to the background and vice versa?

I propose we have a new special block called a Retractor. Crafting it would require something like Steel and maybe Copper, and would give you two Retractors. You can only place them in the foreground, and there cannot be blocks in the background behind them. You then place blocks from one Retractor to the other in a straight line. It can only be perfectly horizontal or vertical, no slopes or diagonals of any kind. Just like the Retractors, these cannot have any blocks in the background behind them.

Once you set up your platform between the Retractors and it is considered valid, it automatically retracts into the background once no player is standing on it (so you don't die after making a platform over your lava pit). Then you run your wire to either of the Retractors. When you power the wire, the platform automatically extends into the foreground for a walkway or wall.

Cool Uses for the Retractor

• Trap floors that dunk enemies into acid or lava
• Additional walls and barricades that emerge from the backround at the flip of a switch
• Hidden rooms and secret passageways
• Screw it, make every wall of your house out of these and have an entire building that retracts into the background

 

Actually there are building pieces, wich Switch between fore and Background (i have seen them in those lonely houses with just one npc in it). But i agree i wish there were more possiblities for it.

 

Really? Anyone have a name for this block for reference?

 

Glitch Hidden Trap Door I think. Or something along those lines. You find them in the building with the single glitch kingly looking fellow.

 

Ah I see. That is neat, but I think this idea still has merit. One of the bigger benefits of this idea is you can use any block that can be used in the foreground and background as your platform, giving you a ton of variety.