Mars Challenger V1.0 > MCO Early Discussions
Is it real? or is it a gross representation?
Kraniel:
Hi guys,
One of the discussions that Hyper and I have had ongoing is concerning how "real" can we get. Specifically, I am referring to the implementation of "real" landing sites on Mars, and always it spins into how real the experience can be while still being a fun and entertaining game.
This may also be something that the testers can help with...
Finding reference maps and materials of the surface, at the level of detail we need to render a meter/meter surface and features, is nearly impossible. Top down satellite views, radar and thermal maps of the surface do not provide enough level of detail. So as a result, Hyper is forced to emulate the surface and features, rather than providing actuals. An analog is Google Maps, and the ability to zoom into your house and view it.
The natural answer is creating a relationship with Nasa to have access to highly detailed "sites" to create the colony spaces. However, getting to the right folk, and getting their attention is very difficult. It really comes down to the player's needs here. Where does the simulation aspect need to be highly accurate? Would you prefer to walk virtually in the path of Spirit or Opportunity with very accurate detail? Or focus more on the survival and engineering systems and the balance of these items?
To other posts I have seen here: The ability to accurately experience Mars is very compelling... enough pure science and astronomy mixed with good "play" experiences seems to be the sweet spot!
BTW - anyone that can create awareness with Nasa, Mar's Society and other space oriented communities, we need your help! Please talk to your friends and contacts and let them know about this great project! If they are interested - get them in touch with Hyper!
thedubman:
Here is a nice site, with topgraphical data of Mars surface
http://marsoweb.nas.nasa.gov/landingsites/index.html
In My opinion, being able to see, or colonisie 'well known' areas such as Mons olympus, or the great canyons, or even the face of mars! Would be nice, but it would seem pointless to have the actual 1mx1m2 topography becouse we wouldnt be able to recognise the features (we havent seen with own eyes!).... but, simulating different 'known' surface features (example: deep sand, to steep to walk hills, un-passable jagged rocky areas, a deep crevass, sudden deadly drops) in different areas of the map- could give a good indication of what it is like to walk/drive on mars.
Gathering info of the mars suface features, to a human scale and trying to emulate the problems of getting to these areas (ie need to get to the bottom of crater, its too steep to walk or drive straight over, to rocky to walk a certain way, have to plan a route),..
Be interesting to have the option of 'death by wrong route taken' or rescue missions related to pepole getting lost or stuck in the inhospitable terrian.
As the demo stands now, I feel the topagraphical features (the hills and valleys) feel nice and 'realistic' add a few nasty crevasses and impassable rocky sections and the danger of exploration would be enhanced..
Maybe try contacting the russian mars team (example:http://ruspace.blogspot.com/2007/11/russian-mars-plans.html) or http://www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html (european space agency doing some interesting stuff these days)...
I bet ESA would show some interest- they are allways trying to incorperate the public into there missions...
;D
thedubman:
Cant say I blame him, hope he has a nice break ;D. We all need a holiday I reckon- this year was a first for me also after about 8 years of working lol
pad69:
Check this out everyone I think you will like a lot Mars and Moon. http://earth.google.com/mars/
pad69:
how do we hook up to it?
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