I've probably mentioned this before, but I'd like to be able to export and import a list of vehicle designs (both your own and other races') to a file in a similar format as the other SE5 data files. This way you could share designs between various .emp's and also run programs on the exported data. The format I might expect to look like this, assuming SE5 uses SF's slot model for designs and mounts are built into vehicle sizes rather than specified by the player during vehicle design:
Code:
Name := Paladin III
Owner Empire Number := 3
Owner Empire Name := Chozo
Owner Empire Type := Dominion
Vehicle Type := Ship
Vehicle Size := Battleship
Num Slots Used := 32
Slot Used 1 Name := Inner Hull 1
Slot Used 1 Comp Name := Bridge
Slot Used 1 Comp Level := 5
Slot Used 2 Name := Inner Hull 2
Slot Used 2 Comp Name := Life Support
Slot Used 2 Comp Level := 6
Slot Used 3 Name := Inner Hull 3
Slot Used 3 Comp Name := Crew Quarters
Slot Used 3 Comp Level := 5
Slot Used 4 Name := Engine 1
Slot Used 4 Comp Name := Quantum Impulse Engine
Slot Used 4 Comp Level := 10
...
Though I would like to see the ability to also use mounts at design time; perhaps there should be Mounts (specified in the vehicle size definition) and Mods (which function like SE4's Mounts, or maybe like MOO2's Mods, in which more than one could be applied but some were mutually exclusive!
) Or if you don't like the name Mods meaning two different things, you could call the built-in ones (like Battleship Scale Mount) Hard Mounts and the customizable ones (like Accuracy Enhancement) Soft Mounts or something... or maybe Hardpoint Mounts and Design Mounts???
Also, I'd like to see the copy and upgrade buttons work on alien designs so you can duplicate your opponents' designs if you have the same or higher tech.
Oh, speaking of mounts again - assuming SE5 even HAS them, I'd like to see the option to either specify for a mount a specific list of vehicle sizes that it can be used on, or vice versa, just so we don't have to worry about ships falling into the wrong size ranges - oh no, my new 350kT Courier Transport accidentally got the Picket Ship Scale Mount applied because that mount applies to ships between 200kT Frigates and 400kT Light Cruisers! But I wanted it to get a special transport mount! (Boy ain't I picky... feel free to ignore my suggestions
)