Stupid Borg/Fed Research Ideas

posted on October 20th, 2011, 5:47 am

Just stupid ideas for diversity.


Fed: Exploration = Research Points

% of map explored requirements on specific research items, Research Points (sensor stations, venture and SF Nebula combined area of sight generates research points over time).

Individual research items (such as Chassi Level I, Upgrade Shield, Remore Level 1 ability, etc) require some research points and a (lower than now) di/tri cost.

It would be cool if individual nebulas gave additional research points ... but that could make things super hard for map makers to balance maps.



Borg: Scanning enemy ships = Research Points (Borg do not innovate)

All borg ships get a scan ability. Scan sets the targeting priority to 0 (or last on the list) on that ship and generates Borg research points. (assimilation avatar: Holding beam modules generate more research points per scan and generate research points when using holding beam)

Transmission Matrix cost reduced by alot (half or even quartered), but required before Borg can start scanning (accumulating research points).

posted on October 20th, 2011, 6:20 am

% of map explored requirements on specific research items, Research Points (sensor stations, venture and SF Nebula combined area of sight generates research points over time).

It would be cool if individual nebulas gave additional research points ... but that could make things super hard for map makers to balance maps.

  It would be REALLY cool to see this .  If Federation ships had to be "out doing things" as a form of third resource like CC, then there might be a reason to field some ships we don't often see as "picket" ships to draw fire away from others.  I'd make Sabers if I had some valuable science ships that needed to be kept alive until help came

posted on October 20th, 2011, 5:26 pm

These sound like great ideas For the Borg, would you get more points for an assimilated vessel or would it just be another scanned ship? I ask this since itd be a way to encourage Borg players to use assimilation abilities more often, which is supposed to be one of their key roles

posted on October 21st, 2011, 12:31 pm

The idea isn't stupid at all, but i would really love to see a dev answering here if that is even possible to implement.

Especially the Borg Assimilate Avatar might become way more unique this way.

posted on October 22nd, 2011, 1:25 am

@trekkiefan2 - not a bad idea - maybe if you assimilate a unique ship class OR a veteran ship, you would generate a decent chunk of research points (i.e. there's got to be something new or unique for the Borg to 'learn' anything). Perhaps make this an Assim avatar specific trait. I like it


@beserene - It's code; anything is possible. As far as devs commenting on idea, it's not needed. If it sticks in the back of their head, great. If not, not a big deal. 1 in a 1000 ideas is worth doing.

@boggz - (I'm thinking in addition to the research point accumulated over time based on scout/SF Nebula/sensor station area of sight) Maybe if the Ventura or the SF Nebula had to scan (i.e. click button, ship is 'busy' for 30-60 seconds) a nebula for a one time research gain, that would be ok?

Oh, and the math to calculate the are of overlapping ellipses (for the fed research idea)
http://www.geometrictools.com/Documenta ... lipses.pdf


One other research related idea (to stick on one race): Allow "research points" to be redeemed for a reduction in cost (di/tri/supply) of a research item. For example: player gathers 100 'research points' (however s/he get's them), then buys a 20% reduction in research cost, then buys a research item for 20% less, but the next research item would cost the full 100%. --OR-- skip the 'middle button click' and have the cost of research items (chassi level, abilities) go down as research points are accumulated, but when a research item is purchased, the research points and the cost reduction go away. i.e. player has gather 100 research points, the cost off all abilities displays as 20% off, player purchases a specific research item (shield upgrade, for example) at the discounted price, but then all of the other research items go back to full price.