Dangerous Unknown Signals

https://steamcommunity.com/app/244850/discussions/0/3817418065215249701/

This is a thought that stemmed from this discussion in the steam forums.

Suggestion: Just add a turret to an unknown signal. Easy!

Why: it gives the same familiarity of the unknown signal game play in SE, while adding in an interesting encounter for players that are looking for a challenge. It's emergent enough to avoid any friction of player choice or decision paralysis. It, hopefully, is also easier to implement in development since Unknown Signals already exist in game.

The reason why I opted for this is because the moderator, Dan2D3D, brought up a good point: we have access to the Escort Contract. I, with over 1K hours in SE, have never even tried it. Why? Because there is friction to that choice. In the very transactional approach of Contracts, the rewards are transparent, like space credits in this example. The cost is faction reputation (I'm not 100% sure on this), and of course the challenge of the contract, while taking time away from me doing something more interesting.

It's like I'm ordering, "One fight for me please!" at a McDonalds - it's impersonal, manufactured, and unwanted.

But if an Escort was to spawn naturally I might feel differently..."What's out there? Who needs help? What's the unknown threat and reward?"

Writing this, I think I understood that it's an emotional problem that this game faces.

Details:

Adding tiers or scaleability to this mechanic would be interesting. Like starting out with interior turrets, then scaleing up to artillery turrets in a "Very Dangerous U.S." I could design a couple of designs myself. A nice drop pod with cargo, a button, a parachute (for atmospheres), and a gun.