1 réponse à ce sujet

[-Skorpious-]

Although I noticed this myself during playthroughs of ME2, a recent thread created by BiancoAngelo7 inspired me to offer my criticism on ME2's galaxy map and offer suggestions on possible solutions to appease fans of both systems. Before I begin, I am aware that my "opinion" is not the correct one, but rather a difference between tastes.

First I will highlight the main aspects of the ME galaxy map -

• Navigate using a "cursor"
• Planet designs are zoomed in with emphasis on individual design
• More detailed Codex entry's
• No restrictions on travel

And ME2's map -

• Travel using a mini model of the Normandy
• Planets designed to be compatible with the mining system, hurting the "individuality" of the planets themselves. Compare Bres toShir
• Codex entry's see a drop in quality (possibly due to the sheer number of planets, but just an educated guess on my part)
• Mining system added to make purchasing upgrades possible
• New fuel system included to enhance realism

I personally prefer ME's system over ME2's. I liked controlling the cursor (it made me feel like a true "captain") over the gimmicky tiny Normandy model of ME2. The planets were each uniquely designed, the Codex entry's took science and realism more seriously, and I was allowed to travel wherever I pleased. In fact, one of my biggest criticisms about ME2's map is that the fuel system hampered exploration rather than encourage it. It wasn't fun, it didn't enhance realism, and it was definitely a tedious activity rather than a strategically implemented mini-game that forced users to be smart about where and how far they traveled. It was just annoying. So is planet scanning, but I didn't create this thread to beat a dead horse, So I'll get to the point.

Suggestions that I believe will improve the galaxy map for ME3 -

A) Navigation: I already made clear my preference for the cursor over the Normandy, so naturally I would prefer a digital arrow, cursor, icon or other similar designs be used over the tiny SR2 model (everytime I see the model I imagine Shepard making car noises while flying in circles). To sum this up, I want an icon that assumes the player is an actual soldier and not a toy collector.

Planets: Assuming that mining is included in ME (which it probably will be) I believe this design will compliment both systems. I propose that ME3 include the smallest  amount of planets in any ME game so far. Why? Artists, having only about 30-60 planets to design, can focus on making each celestial body unique and aesthetically pleasing (the same for writers and Codex entry's). But what about mining? The planet can still be rendered in the beautiful close-up view of ME, but upon pressing a button the player can "zoom" into a 3D rendering, making mining possible.

C) Mining: I'll eat my hat if somebody actually likes mining. Admittedly, mining isn't so bad after the lastest patch fixed most of the issues, but mining is still boring. To fix this, mining should have less importance in the long run. Like I mentioned earlier, I proposed a shrink in the amount of planets, so more resources should be available per planet (making "platinum runs" more bearable).

D) Fuel/Traveling: Again, like I stated above, the current fuel system hampered traveling rather than promote it. For starters, the Normandy was a gas-guzzler. Without the upgrade you could barely travel two clusters before having to make a return trip to buy more fuel. Like I said, annoying. At least fuel was cheap. Which is part of the problem. Bioware wanted to project an atmosphere of realism to the game by adding a fuel system (their words), but the relative cheapness of the fuel lessened that goal. Instead of planning where to go next, players could simply make several returns to a fuel station at next to no cost.

A possible solution could be to increase the Normandy's ability to store fuel at the price of higher expenses (it's realistic already!), that way players can feel like they can explore without having to worry about making a return trip, but at the same time take a moment to plan on what solar sytems they should explore next. Will I have enough credits to go to system x? Should I be attempting to explore system x when the reapers are attacking planet x? However, if the price for fuel is too high, players may not be able to explore very far. A possible fix for this is the fact that Shepard has the resources of the SB now - it's entirely possible that Shepard has the option to purchase a contract that passively restores a portion of his fuel.

A system like this gives the players an opportunity to strategically explore, while at the same time encouraging them to advance the story to receive the funds necessary to continue their voyages. Remember, the reapers are invading afterall. How much free time can Shepard have before being forced to deal with the threat the reapers present to organics?

Anyways, this was just a few complaints I had with the galaxy map and a few possible solutions to go along with my complaints. I agree that we, as a forum and a whole, do a lot of whining without the positive criticism to back up our raging. This thread was designed specifically to avoid such preconceptions.

Thoughts?

Modifié par -Skorpious-, 19 décembre 2010 - 06:22 .

[Preston Watamaniuk]

Some interesting feedback in this thread. Thanks for the discussion.