Space asteroids mining - how it shall be done properly and fun?
Hello!
I am solo developer trying to implement space asteroid mining in top-down space game.
So i got a big solar system with 500k asteroids floating in it, iron,copper,ice,uran,silicon,crystal,titan.
I have ships in classes - drones,fighters (not controllable by player)
and controllable by player
frigates
destroyers
battleships
capitals
Super capitals
I am thnking how to implement properly minig to be "fun" and engaging for player.
i got my own hex-based physics engine, where all the ships and asteroids can be cutted/destroyed part by part split by half, to pieces etc.
i am thinking about some mechanics in fleet mining and solo mining
my ideas in solo ship mining :
- via lasers/drones that cut asteroid part by part and get them back to your ship - like in elite dangerous
- ship must be small - asteroid belt will be spinning so you enter the belt, adjust speed with the belt start to mine - you move bad asteroids crash you
- firing special rockets to split asteroid - "catching" parts of destroyed asteroid by weapons - hooks - that are placed in ship hardpoints. so you destroy - target pieces - shoot harpoons - catch em -roll to you - thats the second option i see
- some tractor beams but they are boring IMO
fleet mining
smaller ships go into the belt, adjust speed harpoon the asteroids, go out of the belt to bigger ships (carrying full big asteroid) give this asteroid to bigger ship for cutting/refining and go back to asteroid belt for more.
Big ships machinery is taking care of asteroid.
Or shall they carry them to planetry industrial ring for further refinement? nah no they shall be refined instant. in plantery ring you sell finished product right?
Of course pirates can be engaged and look for you, your fleet or yourself must defend. Maybe even other miners see you got some fancy asteroid and group attack you?
What are your thougs? i am on good road?
sorry for my english/not my native lagunage.
Suggestions really appreciated!