revised "Wheel of Planets" for better graphics
Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:25 am
Perhaps this belongs in the brain-storming forum, but since my motivations are primarily visual, i'll start it out here. This idea will have implication for later design features once aliens are implemented. I know this has been discussed ad nausium, but i doubt ever from a visual/recognition perspective
Background:
I accept the KISS concept of the "wheel" rather than a multi-axial representation of planets, as the right kind of thing for FO. But the rather cavalier way various types of planets are strung together on that wheel bothered me a little. It also bothered me that all the planets not on the terran end looked and sounded dead. But more importantly (from my visual standpoint) is that looking at the planets in the sidebar, it would almost be impossible for a player to guess which planets were 1 terraform step from others. Most of the planets visual appearances don't provide any clues as to where they belong on the "wheel." And i couldn't think of a way with the current planet definitions to do that.
So i played around with various ideas untill it all came together, like this:
note new planet graphics were quickly assembled to make a general point.
note current EP wheel for comparison.
Explanation:
This 12 planet wheel is divided into 4 groups of 3 planet types: 3 atmosphere types punctuated by 3 kinds of atmosphere-less planets. The idea is that all organic life in the FO universe is based on 3 basic types of organic chemistry (indicated by the big colored ovals) Each of thse 3 groups of planets would have clouds and oceans of a distict color. The planets in the middle of each group would be the most colorful, they are the ones supporting the most life. (just like terran life can live all over this planet but is in the greatest variety/volume at the tropics)
Methane and Chlorine as the 2 exotic atmospheres are picked nearly at random. People with greater understanding of theoretical-chemistry can think of something better. Just pick one that would work at higher temperatures than earth, and one at lower. Many of the names could be better.
Yes, this has 3 more planet types for the player to remember, but it also has more obvious structure, so it should be easier for the player to grasp.
I don't have time to explain all the reasons. Suffice it to say that this kind of wheel allows artists to creates some really cool exotic (extra-solar) planet types, and provide visual cues pointing out where each planet belongs on the wheel.
Edit: added atmospheres and better names.
Background:
I accept the KISS concept of the "wheel" rather than a multi-axial representation of planets, as the right kind of thing for FO. But the rather cavalier way various types of planets are strung together on that wheel bothered me a little. It also bothered me that all the planets not on the terran end looked and sounded dead. But more importantly (from my visual standpoint) is that looking at the planets in the sidebar, it would almost be impossible for a player to guess which planets were 1 terraform step from others. Most of the planets visual appearances don't provide any clues as to where they belong on the "wheel." And i couldn't think of a way with the current planet definitions to do that.
So i played around with various ideas untill it all came together, like this:
note new planet graphics were quickly assembled to make a general point.
note current EP wheel for comparison.
Explanation:
This 12 planet wheel is divided into 4 groups of 3 planet types: 3 atmosphere types punctuated by 3 kinds of atmosphere-less planets. The idea is that all organic life in the FO universe is based on 3 basic types of organic chemistry (indicated by the big colored ovals) Each of thse 3 groups of planets would have clouds and oceans of a distict color. The planets in the middle of each group would be the most colorful, they are the ones supporting the most life. (just like terran life can live all over this planet but is in the greatest variety/volume at the tropics)
Methane and Chlorine as the 2 exotic atmospheres are picked nearly at random. People with greater understanding of theoretical-chemistry can think of something better. Just pick one that would work at higher temperatures than earth, and one at lower. Many of the names could be better.
Yes, this has 3 more planet types for the player to remember, but it also has more obvious structure, so it should be easier for the player to grasp.
I don't have time to explain all the reasons. Suffice it to say that this kind of wheel allows artists to creates some really cool exotic (extra-solar) planet types, and provide visual cues pointing out where each planet belongs on the wheel.
Edit: added atmospheres and better names.