In the video, Daniel Raymond presents a redesign of the Genesis Starliner to align with the current Crusader style guide while preserving its core identity, drawing inspiration from various Crusader ships. He discusses the challenges of NPC behavior affecting passenger transport missions and proposes a new system with passenger pods to enhance gameplay flexibility and efficiency.
In the video, Daniel Raymond, the voice behind Rays Guide, reveals a redesign of the Genesis Starliner, confirming that it is indeed an updated version of the ship. He explains that his inspiration came from another content creator’s 2D layouts of the Starliner, which he found unsatisfactory. He notes the changes in Crusader’s design style since the introduction of the Hercules ship, suggesting that the in-game version of the Starliner will differ significantly from its outdated concept art. His goal was to envision a Starliner that aligns with the current Crusader style guide while retaining its original identity.
Raymond discusses the design cues he drew from various Crusader ships, particularly the Orison Skyway shuttle for its passenger-carrying capabilities and the Hercules for its size. He also incorporated elements from the Spirit series to create a low-to-the-ground profile. Despite these influences, he maintained the Starliner’s core design features, such as its canard wings and rear wing configuration, ensuring it remains recognizable. He deliberately avoided changes that would alter the ship’s fundamental purpose or pricing, focusing instead on enhancing its social spaces for roleplaying among players.
The video delves into the broader issue of why the Starliner and the E1 Spirit have not yet been released in the game. Raymond identifies NPC behavior as a significant blocker, as the success of passenger transport missions relies heavily on detailed interactions with NPC passengers. He points out that if NPCs are not functioning correctly, it can lead to mission failures. Therefore, he suggests that the development of these ships is contingent upon improvements in NPC AI stability within the game.
To address the challenges posed by NPC interactions, Raymond proposes a shift in the passenger transport system, where NPCs serve more as decorative elements rather than integral to mission success. He envisions a system where players can still complete missions successfully, even if NPCs are not fully realized due to server issues. This approach would allow for a more flexible gameplay experience while reducing the burden on server resources.
Lastly, Raymond introduces the concept of passenger pods, which would allow for efficient handling of large numbers of passengers without overwhelming the server. These pods would feature independent life support systems and could serve as spawn closets, enabling players to manage passenger load effectively. He outlines different configurations for the Starliner, accommodating various classes of service, thereby increasing its versatility and appeal. The video concludes with a sneak peek of the new design, emphasizing that it’s still a work in progress, and encourages viewers to stay tuned for more detailed tours of the ship in future videos.