Suggestion - Satelites & Stationary Observation Posts

We need to monitor the neutral zone, Jim!

from GalCiv2 Forums
Hi All -

I'd like to see perhaps three new elements:

1a.) A stationary observation post. It would not affect influence, and might only have defensive systems. Once set to monitor, it would not pop up as a ship needing to be moved.

1b.) OR instead of a stationary post - Return of the satelite with a predefined movement pattern.

2.) Mine Field. have the ability to add mines to a sector, that remain in place until destroyed or upgraded.

3.) stargate - build a system to system stargate through which ships can travel.... technically we already have the technology - so why not build it?
3,374 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I like the idea of an observation post/satellite. You could use them, in the case of the observation post, like sentries on your boarder with other races or you could have them patrol your boundries.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
We've already got observation posts. Research the sensor branch, and then build a starbase with the sensor modules. Once you've put a few levels into them (the later tiers of starbase sensors are really powerful) the starbase will see anything in a huge radius. If you want to defend it, research some starbase fortification and you're set!

Mines are completely unfeasible in space. It's too large, too open, and mines would be very ineffective. Each square represents an (adjusted) parsec, after all... that is many, MANY light years across!

Stargates in the galciv universe aren't instant transportation, but more like non-portable hyperdrives. Traversing one still took months or years. What hyperdrive did was condense and alter the mechanics of it so that the same or better results could be gained on a ship mounted piece of hardware! So stargates would be a bit of a step backwards. ;)

Okay, yeah, I see where you're going with that, and it would be crazy awesome... but that's a HUGE feature! Traversable wormholes or their artificial equivalents would require a huge overhaul of AI and pathfinding, so I doubt it'll make an appearance until something like GalCiv 3... if we're lucky. :(
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I was thinking that outpost would not affect influence - as starbases do. At the same time, starbases serve specific purposes and are very expensive when something smaller with the sensor array would do.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
A cargo hull loaded with sensors is nice and cheap, and you aren't obligated to load it up with engines. Those things are cheap without engines on them! Plus, even the most humble sensor ships can move around when their current position is bad!

With the current game mechanics, dedicated, stationary structures would only make sense if they were completely free... the other options are already pretty cheap and flexible.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well, if the surveyor can suddenly pop-out sectors away by means of a natural worm-hole anomaly it's obvious that the unilateral "code-routines' are already there. It would just be a matter of tying the function for a type of stargate doing it both ways while maintaining some coordinate(s) reference between two parsecs. Automatic feature, and a huge step towards easing macman of fleets.

Secondly, TA has a new immense map - that factor alone certainly means much more complex traveling plans will be enforced upon our minds to tackle with efficiency.

Don't we get to use customizable rally-points to some degree anyway?!

- Zyxpsilon.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I believe 1 & 2 have been covered by now in this thread.

As for #3, the Dregin have this technology in their backstory. That was how they invaded in the pre-hyperdrive days.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Well, if the surveyor can suddenly pop-out sectors away by means of a natural worm-hole anomaly it's obvious that the unilateral "code-routines' are already there. It would just be a matter of tying the function for a type of stargate doing it both ways while maintaining some coordinate(s) reference between two parsecs. Automatic feature, and a huge step towards easing macman of fleets.

Secondly, TA has a new immense map - that factor alone certainly means much more complex traveling plans will be enforced upon our minds to tackle with efficiency.

Don't we get to use customizable rally-points to some degree anyway?!

- Zyxpsilon.
End of quote


It's trivial to change the x and y coordinates of a ship. The implementation of the mechanic is not the issue. The issue is getting the AI and pathfinding to use it as well as the human players. That is NOT trivial.

I'd like them, they just aren't likely to happen before GC3.

Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Currently, AIs do send their constructors straight at Starbases for upgrading steps - there must be a reason to this logic or even, to some fairly good uses by any.
Mind you, the "tactic" of StarGates needs to be represented by a VALUE comprehensible and widely exploitable... Then, i would entirely agree with your argument.

All i meant is that workaround *solutions* are there to mimic for a different hypothesis and its inherent goals.

- Zyxpsilon.