No, EA keeping track of fan works would not be smart. At the very least, with EA's lawyer-averse policy, by doing not tracking other than basic summaries, it's less possible to have someone claim their work was taken by EA (why some authors insist on not being told about fanfic, like f'rex David Weber).
When I said EA should take ideas from fanfics and fan made programs I was more or less leaning twords what WC fans insisted on that are staples of a WC game such as....
Autopilot cutscenes, and more importantly autopilot. Something that every WC game with the eception of the "freak" WC games (Academy, Armada) had this and alot of people missed this when Prlogue was unable to pull it off at first.
The tried and true WC key bindings (though the ability to EDIT them would be cool too). A definate need for a joystick matters too. Tried playing flight sims on Xbox360 with the controller and it just sucks to high heaven....after playing flight sims for close to 20 years with a joystick. WC1-WC2 it's doable with a controller in a more or less 2D environnment (it's 3D). Maybe more practice is just needed however. Couldn't stand how Freelancer was mouse controlled but I got used to that. But after 100's of hours I'm sure anyone could learn to drive their car with a mouse.
The all important storyline where interacting with other pilots and charactors gives you more story and creats a "bond" with the characters so during a mission when they're calling for help your more apt to run to the recue or smile and hope they burn.
Video is imporatant wether it's CG or live action. CGI has come a long way and the options "help him out ect/ ain't my buisness" isn't really needed (WC1, WC2 WCP) shows that. The outcome of a mission can dictacte the storyline.
Graphics...god what hey could do with graphics today. Look at the improvments made on Prophecy with fan made mods. God!!! Play the game out of the box, then try the glide/vid mods and it's almost a whole new game (thank you HCI, Popcicle Pete and many others). Imagine a simple WC repack with modern or semi modern graphics to introduce new players to the game from the begining then new WC installments to keep the story line alive (my wet dream). Not saying that WC1 and it's followers are lacking and they are true classics. But they definatly need facelifts to entice some of the newer gamers that are used to the graphics they've been coming out with today. The benchmarks that WC made in the past were extrodanary but by todays standards.
The WC feel. The all importand story from start to finish that you saw in the cockpit or on the carrier where you got to know the people you flew with. One of the major failings of FS2 was that your wingmen were prett much expendible and if they lived or died it didn't realy matter. Another guy would just replace the last. The SOC missions were very enjoyable with LT Decocus (sp). I remember nearly $hitting myself as he sreamed "Dive dive dive! Hit your burners pilots!!!" Dropping the coffee and doing like the man said. He was as close to a "real" wingman as FS2 came to WC.
Maniac has never been touted as a
good wingman but you couldnt do without him and the chance to fly on his wing (maniac missions) while Blair was stuck in a backwater system seemed very apealing to me since it well...would be cool to fly on Maniacs wing.
We all know Shotglass, Col Halcoon, Bondarsky, hell even a Tolwyn. So many important charactors in WC and so much history.
Im rambling...and the little one is into the DVD's again... Pick me apart if you must. I just want what anyone who loves Wing Commander does. A continuation of an epic storyline and game. A way to unwind after a long days work. Blair may be dead/MIA but like in life the story goes on and the fight for a better future is a never ending battle that never ends. If we stop fighting the good fight then we have truly giving up.
Sorry for the earlier typo; ment Crackhead not chackhead... Though that may be a typo too...and it was a complement.
Good day to you all...I try to say alot and I know I missed alot, but I hope you understand what I mean.