I did kind of enjoy the Lander aspect of the game, where you go down and harvest resources/bio data. There was a sense of danger to that since you could lose your Lander and you'd have to buy more to replace them.
I think it's important to be able to have resources to harvest and resell/reuse for stuff.
I think it'd be neat to add in "Crafting" elements to the game as well. So not just resources but loot/parts/materials to craft stuff. And or research to produce higher level equipment/upgrade.
The whole concept of Crafting in games emerged way after Star Control 2 was made. And I think it's a great element to add to a "sandbox" game.
By adding a "Crafting" concept to the game, this will make the game more interesting as far as Sandbox gaming goes.
Just imagine, having to explore the galaxy in search of blue prints. Finding parts and materials and even buying/trading with alien races and merchants to acquire components to create/build the equipment or ship(fleet ship).
Maybe some race you mean gives you a quest to find the blueprints to that alien's ship. Or he actually gives you the blue print after you do something for him. And now you have a personal quest to go collect stuff to be able to build that ship type to add to your fleet. Rather than just simply, buying that ship from your credits. Maybe some parts of that is used to build the ship requires negotiating for it or purchasing them from the merchant/trader that you have to find. This would certainly make the game more fun giving yourself optional side quests.
StarControl Forums
