I've been watching the streams for quite awhile. Though I keep missing their actual times due to work etc. While I love like 95% of everything I'm seeing. There is 1 big factor I don't see being talked about much, and which isn't being looked at, that I feel is a huge thing. I don't have access to the Alpha so naturally I can only see what the devs show on the streams.
At first it may seem like something small, but when you put it in the scope of game-play, tactics, strategies, etc. it can be a huge decision maker.
Quite simply... The distances between stars.
Such a miniscule detail, yet massive in game-play changing situations.
In GC II it did a pretty good job of creating different valued spaces between sections of the map, and solar systems. Sometimes huge gaps, sometimes medium, sometimes small, sometimes none, and it was just a big clump of planets..
Sometimes it would have a medium space in the upper area of the map, with some clutter to the left, and another even bigger space in the center. For half attempted explanation.
Watching the latest dev stream, I couldn't help but notice how all the planets seemed to be nearly equally spaced. I also noticed this problem in past streams as well, and even with different galaxy setups in the dev streams.
For instance, the setup where the galaxy is split up into arms, with a central blob of systems.. The systems in the arms were evenly spaced, and the maps themselves, even on large seem.... smaller than GC II. Yet the developers say it is larger (why is this?).
Anyway, let me get to my main point.
The reason this is a huge deal, is because randomly generated "empty zones" in the map splitting clumps of systems, etc. can make a huge impact strategy, as well as naturally distancing yourself from allies/enemies.
Having a gap between your clump of systems, and a friends, and enemies throws many fun factors into the game. Are they too far to be allies? Are they strong enough to hold their own I don't have to worry about it? Is it good for trade?
If they are enemies will I have to start re adjusting my ships for that distance? Do I want to do that? Or do I want to re adjust and play defensively? What kind of starbase should I put there if any?
Just a few of many questions that a simple bare spot on the map can create in terms of strategy and tactic.
I guess over all I'm hoping the developers will keep this mind as they are creating the alpha.
