The Space Race?

[Da Swede]

Simple question; How do you guys think that the space race should be modeled in HOI:EvW? Normal techs to be researched? Events that are triggered or an in-depth game feature?

Discuss.

[Scruce]

I think it should work like a tech tree with missions. You can research technologies, then do things like:

- Launch satellite

or

- Launch joint spacecraft with EVA + Long Duration

Some good spacecraft mission ideas can be seen in the game: Race into Space.

I think the space race should get its own tab, like the Technology tab in Victoria II but with a box for setting missions and seeing the ones you have currently.

Also, intelligence reports for how the "other side" are doing in the space race.

[monsterfurby]

The space race ultimately was very much about long-term versus short-term projects. Without intermediate successes, the political drive behind the project could falter, but being outmaneuvred for a major achievement (Lunar landing, for example) would be even worse. Basically, the player should have to keep the right balance between short-term scores and long-term victory in the space race.

[marat271]

I wouldn't mind a possibility for a spacecraft launch to fail if you try to rush it.

[Mendeth]

Space tech should be fairly expensive and slow to research to simulate its high-risk nature. However I think it should really offer incremental improvements to other aspects of the game, such as reconnaissance, communications and the like (i.e. a force multiplier), rather than an in-depth game feature. Additionally, being the first to reach certain technologies should provide a prestige/leadership bonus for the successful party, as that is really what much of the 'space race' was about.

[Cuthuthulu]

As long as it's possible for Poland to pull it off (with some skill of course.) I don't care how they do it.

[Tankist/45]

Space race should have solid representation in game thats for sure.

[Raph]

The primary effects of space research and achievements should probably be political: internally, it should placate the masses; externally, it should benefit the sphere of influence of the superpower.

[Garuda]

As long as it's possible for Poland to pull it off (with some skill of course.) I don't care how they do it.

It'll be cheaper to research fake photography.

[Fire and Ash]

Will this tech tree be avalible to any nation? I would love to play an minor and reach the moon.

[videonfan]

I think it should represent like one said:internally.But if you are the superpowers you could choose people from your subjects(e.g. Poland like it happened)to go into space with you so they get a small bonus internally(you will get a small bonus as well)

[Davin2014]

Like very much its implementation in Buzz Aldrin's Race into space. Almost perfect and very catchy. Fan of this game.
Only need some connections to technological and economic\industrial spheres of the new game. Would make the game just epic.

[soviet78]

Space race would be great if it was multidimensional. What I mean is that you're not necessarily moving from one technology to the next and hence from one 'mission' (object, dog, man, moon, space walk, etc.) to the next. The USSR never sent men to the moon, but they continued to make major 'first' breakthrough achievements after that anyway (with probes to Venus and space station technology, for instance).

[Davin2014]

You are totally right.

[2Coats]

Personally I would hope it is just a game mechanic that:
a) affects population contentment/dissent OR some aspect of World Statemenship/propaganda
b) technologies unlock other techs w/ real world applications - i.e. military, commercial/eco, industrial
c) game msg events trigger when momentus points are reached - first rocket to break orbit, first orbit, first manned, first lunar 2-way trip, first landing...etc
d) form part of the spy-war to steal tech/blueprints to oneupmanship the other bloc

For me its shouldnt be a major aspect of the game, but definitely feed into others important aspects. So players will want to dedicate budgets and assets to it. Aspects that will need managing throughout the game.

Whats more to make this relevant to players of minor nations Id hope to see certain countries be "the leader" of certain prinicples/tech to get to the space race. So that their commitment to a bloc can help accelerate Space Race fruition, for one side or another. I.e. Japan microprocessors for NASA - computing power. So US can save budget on Silicon Valley attempts. OR Japan doesnt become part of the US bloc and USA has to pump funds into Silicon valley.

Also in terms of espionage, having a tech research outsourced means it is more likely to be stolen or bribed by the competing bloc.

Just some passing ideas.

[Don_Quigleone]

You shouldn't be able to launch into space from any location, Latitudinal limits should be in place, EG forcing the USSR to use Baikonur, and countries that do not possess equatorial territories to lease land from equatorials.

[Mendeth]

Personally, I think that might be pushing the micromanagement a bit too far, especially as you can launch from many places, however it is not financially viable to do so (though, correct me if I'm wrong, a high-ish latitude is necessary for polar-orbiting missions).

[ikki]

yes, and as a battle for prestige. Third nations will be choosing which major power to cosy up to, and those major powers will gain ever more prestige.... and the economic bonus of having access to the pupet states resources. Whether thats thru petrodollars or joining the 5 year planning system, the resources do flow into the center.

[Don_Quigleone]

Personally, I think that might be pushing the micromanagement a bit too far, especially as you can launch from many places, however it is not financially viable to do so (though, correct me if I'm wrong, a high-ish latitude is necessary for polar-orbiting missions).

Not really, you need to just draw a line at a particular lattitude, and everything further north then that can't launch rockets.

[Alojzy]

Space race would be great if it was multidimensional. What I mean is that you're not necessarily moving from one technology to the next and hence from one 'mission' (object, dog, man, moon, space walk, etc.) to the next. The USSR never sent men to the moon, but they continued to make major 'first' breakthrough achievements after that anyway (with probes to Venus and space station technology, for instance).

I would say technological part should be one thing (like boosters, fuels, computer system, quality control methods, life support systems and such) - to the large extend, those are things that can be re-used in civil economy. So having classic technology development in terms of game mechanics here makes sense - you can mae them prerequisites for various technological leaps in your normal society.

On the other hand, actual missions should be handled separately, with dedicated mechanics (in worst case - with event mechanics), as being first here or there ment a lot in terms of prestige.