Should remote tech now be integrated into stock KSP?

[SorryDave]

If it is already a good mod, why should it be included in the game?

One of the best things about mod friendly games is that anyone can use them, but everyone doesn't have to.

[klgraham1013]

If it is already a good mod, why should it be included in the game?

One of the best things about mod friendly games is that anyone can use them, but everyone doesn't have to.

A developer would know better than me, but I've heard there are many benefits to stock integration, performance being one.

Squad thinks life support is too much of a fun barrier for players, I can't imagine they'd support having to explain satellite networks and signal delay in a way that isn't frustrating/exhausting.

They have no problem not explaining gravity turns and delta v, yet they're essential parts of the game. As far as what's "fun", Squad and I have very different opinions on that.

Edited December 24, 2014 by Specialist290
Merging sequential posts by same user.

[SickSix]

I think Remote Tech adds a critical function to Satellites. In Stock KSP satellites are pretty much one trick ponies. They complete your contract and then are forever space junk.

I think the best approach is to make remote tech optional in the career settings. Maybe default only in hard mode.

[Scotius]

Nope. Learning curve in this game already is steep, and early stages of Career seem overtly tedious and grindy to many players. Why worsen things for new players by adding more layers of difficulty? Those feeling adventurous and skilled enough will simply install the mod - isn't that the point of modding games? To tailor the experience to one's own preferences?

Having said that, personally i would prefer AntennaRange and Scansat integrated into game first, along with Orbital Science. That trio adds plenty of functionality to my sats, without raising frustration level too much

[Specialist290]

Looks like this one fits better in Suggestions and Development Discussion. Carry on

[tajampi]

RemoteTech is one of these mods that i can't play without, it adds a lot of immersion to all your probe missions, but RemoteTech alone makes "probeing" out of the Kerbin system almost impossible (How could you land on Dres with minutes of delay?). RemoteTech is perfect to be used along other mods (I real love to use it along KOs, programming stuff for the probe to do while comms are off).

Also, without any life support mod or the like, it will draw probes useless for a lot of people!

Cheers!

[Kesa]

Remote tech + life support really adds to the game, but for stock, it should be a lite version.

maybe only antenna range for stock? (something like communotron for LKO, DTS for Kerbin SOI, and the 3rd for beyond). range would be necessary not only to transmit data,, but also to command probes.

Signal delay leads to only manned mission outside SOI (at least landing ones), which is unrealistic and makes things harder, or leads to using mechjeb/KOS, which is reallistic, great, and even harder for KOS, but IMHO, it goes out of KSP range. Without Signal delay and direct sight of view, no need to rebalance manned mission, so no life support needed (even if it would be great)

[allmhuran]

I'd definitely want it and to have it scale up. Easy keeps things as they are, medium adds range limitations, and hard adds line of sight requirements.

I wouldn't have signal delay even in hard mode. Too much fiddling.

[Mecripp]

AntennaRange would be better for stock RT would be to much for alot of players.

[klgraham1013]

Learning curve in this game already is steep...

I'd argue the steep learning curve could be averted with proper instruction given to the player within career mode. The game still does a horrible job teaching new players. I shouldn't have to point people to Scott Manley videos when I hear they bought the game.

...personally i would prefer AntennaRange and Scansat...along with Orbital Science.

Thumbs up to each of these.

[SickSix]

I'd definitely want it and to have it scale up. Easy keeps things as they are, medium adds range limitations, and hard adds line of sight requirements.

I wouldn't have signal delay even in hard mode. Too much fiddling.

Thumbs up! I think that is the way to do it.

[RainDreamer]

Nah, I don't think remote tech should be stock, as much as I love it. Rather, antenna range would be the better choice. It provide some limitation, but does not frustrate the players. KSP is so successful because anyone with a slight interest in rocketry can pick it up and have fun. Before playing KSP I virtually have zero knowledge about orbital mechanics and aerodynamic, I threw myself into it, and because it is both difficult yet forgiving, I was able to learn more about those things and enjoy more advanced mods like remote tech as I play.

Stock game should be just complicate enough to exercise players mentally, not forcing them to spend hours of planning just to launch a single rocket, as that would take away the feel of a game. Thosw who enjoys the extra challenges can just pick up the mod.

[Whirligig Girl]

No. I don't like remote tech.

That said, some use of communications beyond LKO might be helped with commsats. Just remember that Russian missions to the Moon used no commsats, but still managed to work just from Earth communication sites.