More Interesting Science?

[Mart!an]

I think we can all agree that the science at this stage in development is very unbalanced and repetitive. For example, science collected from the surface of kerban allows the purchase of the same tech as science obtained from one of Jool's moons.

I think it would make for much more interesting science gain to have planet specific branches of the tech tree.

By this I mean having some branches of the tech tree only unlockable using science form say Moho or Eve.

A few examples of this could be: science from Laythe or Eve could allow the purchase of high tech aerodynamic parts?

science from the mun could unlock rovers?

This may require a rework of the tech tree its self but I think it would make players want to extend their space program to further reaches of the solar system in order to acquire high-tech rocket and plane parts.

Anyway, just a thought i wanted to share with you guys. Let me know what you guys think

[Stratzenblitz75]

I definitely agree that adding "branches of science" would add a lot more depth to the currently, IMO, very boring tech tree. I like the idea of getting science in specific areas depending on how you gathered it and the environment you gathered it from. Perhaps we could take this one step further and give contracts to test an experimental part that would reward science in a branch or even open up a new branch of science. For example, testing an experimental rover wheel to unlock a branch of science in rover wheels, or testing a wing on Eve to get science in aerodynamics, etc.

[Mart!an]

Great suggestion, contracts being directly linked to the tech tree is really interesting and would definitely allow you to shape your space program more than in stock KSP.

Perhaps even a non linear tech tree design? Like more of a web than a tree.

Edited September 17, 2014 by Mart!an

[mattinoz]

Great idea, would add to the challenge and fun in real but not overbearing kind of way.

They could even go further and hide Science Prizes in the tree, randomised in the tree so no two play throughs are the same.

So there is a different pay off means both in terms of Cash and Rep than just completing contracts.

[RW-1]

I'd like to see added science experiments/equipment, perhaps something to "analyze" soil samples that you take, Atmospheric analysis, etc.

[chaos_forge]

If we're going to be talking about possible improvements to science, I suggest looking at some of the solutions that have been proposed in the past:

Career Mode

• Improvements to science/Integration with discovery mechanic ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}
  

[tater]

Yeah, I proposed something similar. I'd like to see contracts to test equipment (which already let you use it ahead of being able to generally) be required to then get that equipment, but make the tests a little else absurd in that case. New command pods, habitation modules, for example, might require that they be in orbit, occupied, for 20 days, or maybe a month or more (hitchhiker). A probe core might require that you visit a world outside Kerbin's SOI, and send back science to get them. Instruments might be required to be landed on the Mun to be able to later buy them. Or some might require a sample return to first develop them, then you have to place them on the Mun. There are many possibilities.

[weeble]

I've been wishing for the same exact thing. Hate the fact that a bunch of EVA's and crew reports can unlock basically any part! I mean what does an EVA have to do with 3m parts?

Have resource collection missions to collect enough soil to develop new metals to create bigger cooler parts.