Any reviews of Astrosynthesis?
- Thread starter evildmguy
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evildmguy
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evildmguy
Explorer
Finally got the demo
Okay, I found a demo on their site and have since downloaded and tried it.
I am undecided, probably because I want ProFantasy to do one that will be better.
The program takes a little while getting used to its interface and a perusal of the help file is needed. Soon, however, I was creating either random sectors or inputing in data.
I did find some quirky things about it. First, the names are sometimes too silly. They don't fit. A number designation would be better than some of the names. Second, in filling out population, which does give a lot of ideas for gaming, it it too strange when a small sector has only a space station. Where did it come from? Who made it? It almost creates more questions than it answers. Third, the graphics, while fine, don't always present the information in the most easy to figure out manor. Perhaps I haven't played with it enough but it is tough to tell what is a quasar, a red giant, or a yellow main star. It might be tough but more visual clues would be nice. Fourth, printing was okay but could easily contain too much information. I felt like I needed a plotter!
Having said those, it does create some nice HTML output. It can create routes between selected starts or certain stars based on inputed criteria. It allows for creating certain types of routes (military, cilivian, commerical, etc.) of a specific color. The program also allows for political alliances and notes for each object (start, planet, moon) created. It also links to their Fractal World Explorer to make surfaces of planets.
There are some good things here but I can't help feel that I am using a rushed beta version of the program. Why can't I input my own naming conventions? Why can't I have it create a few random things after I input my own ideas? What about linking across the sectors, so that I can view things in small chunks, which are more managable for the graphics as well?
I am waiting to see what ProFantasy does because I like their products and think they will produce something that is much better. However, this product works to fill the void until something else comes along.
Comments? Opinions?
Have a good one! Take care!
edg
Okay, I found a demo on their site and have since downloaded and tried it.
I am undecided, probably because I want ProFantasy to do one that will be better.
The program takes a little while getting used to its interface and a perusal of the help file is needed. Soon, however, I was creating either random sectors or inputing in data.
I did find some quirky things about it. First, the names are sometimes too silly. They don't fit. A number designation would be better than some of the names. Second, in filling out population, which does give a lot of ideas for gaming, it it too strange when a small sector has only a space station. Where did it come from? Who made it? It almost creates more questions than it answers. Third, the graphics, while fine, don't always present the information in the most easy to figure out manor. Perhaps I haven't played with it enough but it is tough to tell what is a quasar, a red giant, or a yellow main star. It might be tough but more visual clues would be nice. Fourth, printing was okay but could easily contain too much information. I felt like I needed a plotter!
Having said those, it does create some nice HTML output. It can create routes between selected starts or certain stars based on inputed criteria. It allows for creating certain types of routes (military, cilivian, commerical, etc.) of a specific color. The program also allows for political alliances and notes for each object (start, planet, moon) created. It also links to their Fractal World Explorer to make surfaces of planets.
There are some good things here but I can't help feel that I am using a rushed beta version of the program. Why can't I input my own naming conventions? Why can't I have it create a few random things after I input my own ideas? What about linking across the sectors, so that I can view things in small chunks, which are more managable for the graphics as well?
I am waiting to see what ProFantasy does because I like their products and think they will produce something that is much better. However, this product works to fill the void until something else comes along.
Comments? Opinions?
Have a good one! Take care!
edg
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