[Suggestion] Add Something Unique to the Hexagon in Each Sector, Like 2D Symbol of Planetary Body or Similar

[tomchk]

Would it be very difficult to add "simple" (maybe 2D) representations of planetary bodies on the map? I am thinking something that would impact performance as little as possible while making space feel more real/alive rather than like hexagons. Thoughts?

This would go very well with the space elevator idea discussed with developers during the Reddit AMA. Thanks!

Edit made to the subject to broaden this suggestion.

[Berserk Knight]

Take a guess just how far off they are from standard sector space.

[Tomonor]

This yields multiple problems that the current engine and map system is simply not prepared for.

For starters, planets, moons, and suns are only background objects placed there for aesthetic purposes. They do not alter the economy, the sector layout, nor the flight path. It's also important to note that (judging by the X3 planets) some of them are "cheated" in there, they aren't actual spherical objects, but rather square parasols with inflated edges facing the player, resulting in that perfect close orbit feeling. The planets that are far away (eg Argon Prime) have lower res textures that are smudgy if you get close.

You get the idea. Now if they were somehow represented on the map, they would be nothing more than a straight line (for their sheer size). It just doesn't work out, not in X4 at least.

[tomchk]

I was just thinking something not to scale (I figured that wouldn't be possible) that indicates there is a body in this direction/area, for atmosphere. Perhaps it could just be an arrow? I just think it would be good to add something so the sectors feel more like real places within solar systems.

[Tomonor]

Ah, I see. But wouldn't that just confuse players, though? They would start flying in that direction hoping to find a landing spot or something.

Egosoft MIGHT consider adding orbital planetary stations according to the previous AMA. But that might be far off in the future.

[tomchk]

Possibly... I wonder if there's a better way to make the map less bland. Perhaps the Homeworld games had some good ideas. I'll have to look at those again.

[Tomonor]

Possibly... I wonder if there's a better way to make the map less bland. Perhaps the Homeworld games had some good ideas. I'll have to look at those again.

This one is hard to answer. I think the most fundimental flaw of the X4 map is that everything is alligned to the grid - there's no depth, even the nebulae are placed on it, flat. But I can also see why it was decided to be this way - the current map system doesn't really support depth (for sector compatibility and for simplicity's sake).

Guess you either go bland (X3-X4), or go overcomplicated (X-Rebirth).

[MegaJohnny]

I agree with giving the map a bit more flavour, and more recognisability of different sectors.

Maybe when you zoom in past a certain threshold, each hex would have the sector skybox as its background, instead of the usual black?

[Nort The Fragrent]

It's interesting how some people just put a dampener on any suggestion that is fundamentally a good idea. Yes a true representation would not work, but a small depiction would. I have made my own Map, coloured in where the planets are, and it make’s a whole lot more sense than the game map.
I was thinking of taking a screen shot of each sector and pasting that onto my map, so I can see immediately what sector has what in it regarding planets moons etc.

If the Planets were ghosted in the map it would be better, and they need not be absolutely accurate. Just a clue, A bit like the London Underground map, It is not to scale, is is not accurate, but it is very understandable, even to non English speaking visitors.

I do get the impression some people are very blinkered in there ability to see a new idea. And struggle to cope with something that is not absolute accurate.

[tomchk]

Thanks! I have edited the subject to broaden my suggestion to be more in line with the ideas discussed. Good stuff!