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Starsector 0.97a is out! (02/02/24); New blog post: Simulator Enhancements (03/13/24)

Author Topic: NPC Interaction  (Read 1153 times)

mitthrawnuruodo

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NPC Interaction
« on: December 17, 2019, 12:09:34 AM »

NPCs in this game are rather pointless. To make an immersive engaging universe, they need to have some meaningful interaction with the player that add to gameplay. Some examples:

1. Trade fleets: Offer escort mission for money. Threaten to destroy unless they drop cargo, allowing you to salvage them. Pay them for trade tips. Trade goods in space.
2. Military fleets: Offer patrol or combat support mission for credits. Get info about the state of ongoing wars. Trade weapons and ships in space.
3. Mercenary fleets: Offer combat support mission. Or pay them to employ them for a mission such as to support the player fleet or a defend a system for a month or two.
4. There can be some persistent NPCs (legendary pirates or mercenaries etc) who you can kill, or trade with, for special modified ships or equipment.
5. When you find a battle between two fleets neutral to you, offer military assistance to the highest bidder, or pick the safer choice.

Similar plausible options for smugglers, faction NPCs at bases et al.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2019, 02:07:00 AM by mitthrawnuruodo »
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Timid

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Re: NPC Interaction
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2019, 10:30:54 AM »

I do like the idea of escort mission of you finding them in bars and then they're saying they're leaving for this certain market and you have to protect them from there. Maybe it'll be a breeze. Maybe it won't.

We Sid Meier Pirates now.

mitthrawnuruodo

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Re: NPC Interaction
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2019, 09:34:39 PM »

In general we should be able to talk to the NPCs, no?
Otherwise the world feels dead, with some mute machines running around.

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shoi

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Re: NPC Interaction
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2019, 11:53:05 PM »

On the macro level there is a lot of depth to the game, but the micro level definately falls flat. NPC interaction is on the books to being expanded upon but who knows what exactly it'll entail
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Beep Boop

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Re: NPC Interaction
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2019, 12:45:37 AM »

I do like the idea of escort mission of you finding them in bars and then they're saying they're leaving for this certain market and you have to protect them from there. Maybe it'll be a breeze. Maybe it won't.
I think an escort mission would be more like "X ship is temporarily added to your fleet in a way you're not allowed to mess with, so no stripping it for parts or anything, and you have to bring that ship intact to its destination".
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Timid

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Re: NPC Interaction
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2019, 11:01:11 AM »

I do like the idea of escort mission of you finding them in bars and then they're saying they're leaving for this certain market and you have to protect them from there. Maybe it'll be a breeze. Maybe it won't.
I think an escort mission would be more like "X ship is temporarily added to your fleet in a way you're not allowed to mess with, so no stripping it for parts or anything, and you have to bring that ship intact to its destination".
That is definitely easier to do.