To improve science system: Remove Kerbin's Biomes

[Szkeptik]

This is what makes the early science game too fast and easy. You can just collect a bunch of science from Kerbin.

I think the surface biomes should be dropped, since realistically by the time a civilization starts space travel, they should be past the time when a surface sample or temperature measurement at the surface of their own planet could yield any useful info. I think only the lower/upper atmosphere, near/high space areas should stay.

[JiWint]

I'd like it vice versa... low/up areas should be gone,biomes remain

[Eric S]

What makes science too easy right now is that it's the only part of career mode that's implemented, so people can focus on it singlemindedly and without any limitations that the rest of career mode might bring.

That said, I wouldn't object to a reduction in the below-Kerbin-orbit science multipliers, since they never play a significant role in the amount of science I get.

[Atoning Unifex]

I personally hardly ever bother with Kerbin as a research source, as it's small change only. I will grab a few points off the launch pad and atomosphere to get me into the next research node, and will use up any unused science devices when I return but I never actively go after more than that.

Most of my research points come initially off the biomes on Minmus (it's farther but lower dV to land so I find it easier) and then the Mun. So basically I'm perfectly happy with the biomes the way they are at the moment.

I agree with JiWint that the low/high altitude bands would be better off going. Maybe simply have an 'in atmosphere' and 'in vaccuum' selection instead.

I think once career mode has developed further it will hopefully be more balanced.

[Superfluous J]

I personally like all the Kerbin biomes. It gives me targets when coming in for landings from my early missions.

[Queeg]

Like everything else, opinions vary.

I personally would like to see the low orbit stuff gone. Though I can see the sense of high orbit being there.

Where I'd like a sweeping change is for biomes to become landmasses, not "types" of terrain. Without referring to a wiki page, it's not always clear where biomes are.

Biomes on the Mun and Minmus are (mostly) about geographical locations, I think biomes would be much improved if that applied to Kerbin in a much more obvious and easily understandable way too.

[Eric S]

I personally would like to see the low orbit stuff gone. Though I can see the sense of high orbit being there.

Curious as to what your reasoning on this is. It seems to me that you'd be punishing the people that can get to orbit but can't get to the Mun/Minmus on the very early parts this way, with no upside. What benefit do you see?