Yes, I know other games are much more simplified than Star Citizen, but when it comes to exploration, it certainly possesses the fundamentals that SC should adopt for its own approach:
- First of all, exploration needs to feel unique… that is, you should be able to discover "something" on a planet yourself, and have that "something" bear your name. A new plant species? A strange animal with altered genetic code? Star Citizen doesn't feature procedural planets... however, it could feature fauna, flora, and minerals that (based on atmospheric( temperature, and procedural conditions, result in rare types worthy of investigation.
- On the other hand exploration needs to feel like a genuine mechanic… there should be a range of tools (similar to those for mining), including gadgets for detecting surface anomalies, water temperature gauges, and analyzers for flora and fauna genomes. There should be specialized ships equipped with research radars and, depending on the vessel, even onboard research centers. If I collect a sample of a mutated Kopion, I want to be able to determine its benefits and even register it so I can sell it for a fortune. Perhaps that Kopion sample could be used to develop a MedPen that provides better healing without increasing your toxicity level. That’s just an example.
- The most important thing for me is an online registry of discoveries, including their quality and mutation status. Found a rare ore vein with 1000 quality? Perfect, upload it to the online registry, and another player might buy it or, who knows... ask you where you found it... for a tidy sum. "Where'd you find that, buddy?" (10M UEC check) "I found it at these coordinates on Nyx I, in a small cave within a swamp." Yes, that ore possesses the essential characteristics to be considered rare.
- Finally, the link to the crafting system. THIS IS ESSENTIAL! For me, this is the key point CIG needs to consider. Crafting must be tied to exploration; what will the player who bought the coordinates for that mutated, 1000 rarity ore do? Craft gear with unique attributes. Let your imagination, and the market…run wild.
Yes, CIG, community have good ideas too. But usually we are nothing in a development.