Things to do in the spacelanes when you're masslocked

[Cody]

I rarely lack for things to do when I'm mass-locked along the 'lanes. There's usually either bandits, cops, or bounty-hunters to deal with - sometimes all three!

[CommRLock78]

I rarely lack for things to do when I'm mass-locked along the 'lanes. There's usually either bandits, cops, or bounty-hunters to deal with - sometimes all three!

Sounds like Cody-brand justice . When do you not have a bounty on your head?

[Diziet Sma]

Some interesting ideas in this discussion.. I like 'em!

[Thermonuklear]

I liked the idea Disembodied had about minigames, especially if it could be done so it affects the main game in some way. Like minor repairs, jury-rigging shield generators and thrusters for faster recharge and higher top speed(until next docking, to keep things in balance).

My favourite non-OXP solution is reading books while travelling. Also, reading the Discworld series while flying endlessly through space... x)

[Disembodied]

I liked the idea Disembodied had about minigames, especially if it could be done so it affects the main game in some way. Like minor repairs, jury-rigging shield generators and thrusters for faster recharge and higher top speed(until next docking, to keep things in balance).

You're right, I think it's important that any benefits to the player be short-lived (or at least minor enough to do without: I don't think any such mini-game should be something players are compelled to do). Being able to restore life to a piece of damaged equipment in flight would be great, and very immersive, but even then it should only be a temporary fix which could fail again, and in any case the item definitely breaks on docking. When not repairing actual damage, though, a bit of tinkering could do something as basic as increase the time until your next service by a small amount (or reduce it quite sharply, if the player screws up).