Gathering resource units

from StarControl Forums

There was a discussion on Discord about planet exploration, which spiraled into what methods players used to gather Resource Units (RU). Which got me thinking that it would be more interesting if there were multiple viable methods of collecting RU.

Let's look at the methods in SC2:

1. Planet exploration

A rather low risk method, at least compared to number 3. Rewards varied based on planets.

2. Selling information to the Melnorme

More uncommon than the first method, reward was great for location of Rainbow worlds.

3. Spoils of war

Attacking enemy ships. Rather high risk, low reward. You could actually lose RU if you lost plenty of ships.

4. Scamming the Druuge

High reward, required some knowledge in advance of game mechanics and unlike the others not very repeatable. Extremly amusing.

What I propose for SCO

1. Planet exploration

One thing I did not enjoy in SC2 was the tediousness of returning to the starbase to sell resources. I would prefer that instead of harvesting materials when we discover them we mark the location for future expansion of humanity and are rewarded an amount of ingame currency.

Also I recommend an option to randomize resource amounts on planets to make multiple play throughs more interesting.

2. Selling items

Rather than have only one civilization that buys stuff, perhaps we could have multiple interested in different things. The Menk-mack might be interested in practical things, like resources, while the Dan'nath would be interested in secrets. Another option would be to take the item and sell it at the Earth starbase. And each could offer different amounts for the same item.

For example say we discover a precursor artifact we could take to Star Control HQ and get 1000 RU, or sell it to the Mu'kay for 3000. There would be the dilemma or getting more resources or advancing the interests of Earth.

3. Spoils of war

What could be done is that there are freighters that carry lots of resources, of course they would be protected by multiple battle ships. But who doesn't like space piracy? 

Also attacking ships of civilizations you are trying to befriend would not be good for relations.

4. Can't really think of anything, but I'd like there to be some not so obvious method of getting a lot of RU fast.

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Reply #1 from StarControl Forums Top


What I propose for SCO

1. Plater exploration

One thing I did not enjoy in SC2 was the tediousness of returning to the starbase to sell resources. I would prefer that instead of harvesting materials when we discover them we mark the location for future expansion of humanity and are rewarded an amount of ingame currency.

Also I recommend an option to randomize resource amounts on planets to make multiple play throughs more interesting.

2. Selling items

Rather than have only one civilization that buys stuff, perhaps we could have multiple interested in different things. The Menk-mack might be interested in practical things, like resources, while the Dan'nath would be interested in secrets. Another option would be to take the item and sell it at the Earth starbase. And each could offer different amounts for the same item.

For example say we discover a precursor artifact we could take to Star Control HQ and get 1000 RU, or sell it to the Mu'kay for 3000. There would be the dilemma or getting more resources or advancing the interests of Earth.

3. Spoils of war

What could be done is that there are freighters that carry lots of resources, of course they would be protected by multiple battle ships. But who doesn't like space piracy? 

Also attacking ships of civilizations you are trying to befriend would not be good for relations.

4. Can't really think of anything, but I'd like there to be some not so obvious method of getting a lot of RU fast.
End of quote

1. Planet Exploration

Is it really feasible to mark a planet that contains 75 RU that's on the other side of the galaxy, then have the humans send a fleet of ships out to the location to pick up some gray resource dots? When you're already there and could scoop them yourself? The expenditure in fuel just to get there would be far more than it's even worth... and then the return trip?? Logistically, that'd be a nightmare, and dwarfs your reason for the journey into second-hand resource-marking. I don't know. 

2. What items are we selling here, though? SCII didn't HAVE any items that you didn't need AND created a story around every single item you picked up (save for one or two you can give to the Druuge), and I really really hope Stardock doesn't create a ton of superficial, unnecessary loot drops all over the place. I don't want to see a million loot drops that are pointless (or worse, incremental upgrades!) Also, trying to keep track of who's buying what at which prices seems to me like it'd be a nightmare. I always feel screwed-over in trade-games when I can't find the best prices, and have to avoid picking things up in favor of other things I might be able to sell at a higher price later (F-U-NMS). The only way I can see this mechanic work within SC games is rolling it in with #3......

3. Maybe certain races have a bounty on Scryve ships? Or others? So you can either take the pilot's head back to your own base, OR you can turn it into the Tywom for double the reward.

4. I'd like to offer a fourth - the rainbow worlds were always so amazing to find... what if a la Civilization... you got HUGE bonuses for finding incredible wonders/wondrous worlds along the journey? A planet made out of one giant, solid diamond. A living planet. Ruins of some long lost race. Ancient technology to send the Mechanicum out to collect. A system with 3 suns. A water-world for the Mu'kay?!? Oh, that gives me a good idea!!! A REALLY GOOD ONE!!

5. Outside the main storyline, maybe each alien race is looking for another homeworld, a second beginning! And they ask you to tell them if you find one - for example, the Water-World mentioned in 4.!! Or a living computer-world for the nerdy Tywom?! OR whatever the devs come up with? How bout that????