The galaxy isn't flat

Interesting. It would change the game then... would be cool if they would make the tactical map actually appear spherical. Haha... doubt we'll ever see that.

Sort of like Conquest Frontier Wars had Round Maps and what was cool had several Maps in one connected by Wormholes/Warp Points (can not remember what they were called in the game).

As far as astrophysics go, the galaxy isn't a built that way.

Most galaxies are pretty much flat. The phenomenon know as the "Galactic Plane." Most solar systems are also flat. Most planetary satallites, to include rings, rotate around the planet in a flat plane.

Having said that, I really like the idea of a one edge popping out on the other side of the map. Sometimes I start 5-6 new games in a couple minutes because my starting placement sucks.

As far as astrophysics go, the galaxy isn't a built that way.

Actually, we don't know that for a fact. It's theoretically possible that if you go in a straight line far enough, you'll end up at the same point in space.

Anyhoot, it's not any more improbable than the Universe simply "ending" at some point in space either.

That would be the universe being bent, not the galaxy. We're pretty sure about how the galaxy works.

That would be the universe being bent, not the galaxy. We're pretty sure about how the galaxy works.

Heh, good point. I always think of the map as being a Universe, rather than a galaxy. My mistake.

the Universe simply "ending" at some point in space either.

Well, that would raise a question: how does it end? wall-like? If so, what's behind that wall?

actually id like to see the building of a gate-like starbase, that can be built in pairs at opposite sides of the map, it could be a huge undertaking, but once completed there is a stable point that you can send ships to and then have them appear at the opposite base whereever you put it, could be extremely helpful in gigantic maps. but if you think about it, physically it makes more sense to have it flat and with an end then round. because in reality it wouldnt look like a sphere, but this isnt reality is it?

It would be a lot better if we had a 3d map (and circular. When you reach the top-layer, you get to the bottom-one). The difference between zoomed-in and zoomed-out would be much the same than Homeworld's.

It's not "that" difficult to consider, after all. "Sphere of influence" would be real-spheres.

Now, that is something I have never seen: a 4X game in 3d. (2-morrow, 1 great game)

(And while we are on the topic of weird things, what about a "same-time" rule? You issue move orders at your turn, so do every computer, and all move/combat are resolved at once. You could select a ship, and tell his to "intercept" one other. If the other is too quick and has been ordered to "evade", the other fails. But if the other simply is patrolling, or going somewhere, and it's mathematicly possible that the other ship intercept, we have a battle on our hands.)

That last feature is much like BotF's same-time turn based setting. But put it in a 3d map... oooooohhh...

MOO3 had a 3d map and it was VERY realistically shaped, it was wank, pure WANK!

Nay to 3D maps here.

J

I believe a ship that is directed off of the map would be considered to be searching for new galaxies to conquer. The player wouldn't have to worry about supporting ship so far gone from its own galaxy, but would occassionally get postcards of hot aliens and luscious scenery saying, "Wish you were here! XOXO -The Crew."

Someone break out the hemlock!

1) ITS A GAME

2) I like it this way, if you cant figure out the benefit of starting in a corner, well then I can't really help you.

Well, that would raise a question: how does it end? wall-like? If so, what's behind that wall?

It ends with the "great white handkercheif"

Those flat earth nuts always say when you run out of space you hit mountains........maybe thats what happens at the end of the uni?



Freaky stuff man.


Time to bounce!

ITS A GAME

Exactly.

If you cant figure out the benefit of starting in a corner, well then I can't really help you.

Exactly. Just to show how helpful some people are.

Well, that would raise a question: how does it end? wall-like? If so, what's behind that wall?

Since it is in space, wouldn't it be easier to just go up or down far enough and see what it is on the edge there? Unless the universe uses a spherical volumn. Sorry, don't know much about space.

Sometimes I start 5-6 new games in a couple minutes because my starting placement sucks.

Ctrl-N for the win. If it takes you a couple minutes to create a new game, you aren't using it. It makes a new game with the running game's current settings, it's just a new galaxy.

the Universe simply "ending" at some point in space either. Well, that would raise a question: how does it end? wall-like? If so, what's behind that wall?

At the End of The Universe you reach the cell membrane wall, break through that and you can find other cells there.... and also give the massive multi-universe creature a passing case of diarrhoea.

Jeez, I thought everyone knew that!

Well, that would raise a question: how does it end? wall-like? If so, what's behind that wall?

I've read that supposedly astronomers have found the edge of the Universe. It IS a wall funny enough, sorta. A wall of super-intense radiation so powerful that NOTHING can pass through. So that answers that for you, the Universe has edges (and maybe corners too )

imo having ships that hit one edge come out at the other is a bad idea, but if a true 3-d galaxy could be implemented in an expansion pack (i.e., some stars are higher and lower than others) it would be VERY COOL. and the level of strategy would be increased. the milky way might be flattish, but if you look at the night sky its pretty obvious there are some stars that are higher and lower than others

Eh map wrap has always been something that I find pretty jarring. I prefer to know that if I'm in a corner two of those sides I don't have to worry about. In all cases if it is possible then I'm all for the option to turn it on or off.

As for the 3D map ... not only NO! but heck NO!. hehe ... The 3D map in MOO3 gave me a headache after a long game. All those lines crossing. Not being able to tell exactly which star systems intersected. Most of the time I simply found a 2D view that gave me the most reasonable understanding of the map. I'd hate to think what would happen in a system without their warp lanes. Chaos... pure chaos.

If the universe is expanding what is it expanding into?

I've read that supposedly astronomers have found the edge of the Universe. It IS a wall funny enough, sorta. A wall of super-intense radiation so powerful that NOTHING can pass through. So that answers that for you, the Universe has edges (and maybe corners too )

They were lieing!

Seriously though, they've got no idea any more than any of us. They've "found" it.... like it slipped down the back of the sofa? They've just postulated what will be there.... it could be a sea of vanilla ice-cream populated by sentient chocolate flakes for all they really know!

Well a galaxy isn't flat... but it's also made up of billions of stars.

But anyway, I think a 3rd map wouldn't be as fun. It would require so much more studying of the map that it would detract from the game play
I mean just consider if the map is 60x60. That's already 3600 squares where stuff could be happening. Adding a third dimensions would give you 216,000 places to deal with. That's pushing the limit to still be fun and not be a job of just keeping track of everything...
Plus there's always the problem of trying to visualize a 3d map in monitor...

- If a 2d map is 60 x 60, then by no way the 3d map would also be 60x60x60! Too much stuff! When you get to the3rd dimension, I guess the good things would be to create a sphere with about 40 sectors of diameter. You know, so that the map wouldn't be "that" big, but it would give a 3d feel. After all, it would be kinda cool/weird to be in the MIDDLE of 8 empires, from all axis!

- (I know it's off-topic, but what do you think of "same turn"?)

- To easily find planets/ships, in a big 3d map, you could have a more efficient finder than the one already in the game. I would love, for instance, to have a panel to quickly select and zoom-in some critical planets/fleet/starbases.