The video suggests that Star Citizen could enhance its gameplay by borrowing features from Elite Dangerous, such as personal shields for ground combat, NPC taxi services, rich ATC radio communications, instant ship session joining (agent smithing), and more varied planetary gravity effects. These additions would diversify combat, improve player mobility and immersion, and add depth to the overall experience while Star Citizen continues its development.
The video discusses the recent resurgence of Elite Dangerous, highlighting Frontier Development’s commitment to adding meaningful content and new ships, which has revitalized player interest. Simultaneously, the creator has been playing Star Citizen, noting that its current development phase, marked by the release of Alpha 4.3, focuses heavily on narrative and mission content rather than introducing new gameplay mechanics. While this is expected to change with future technological advancements like dynamic server meshing, the video explores the idea of Star Citizen borrowing some features from Elite Dangerous to enhance its gameplay experience in the meantime.
The first feature recommended for Star Citizen is the implementation of personal shields in ground combat. Elite Dangerous introduced personal shields that add an extra layer of protection beyond armor and health, making firefights more engaging and tactical. This system encourages players to switch between energy weapons, which are effective against shields, and ballistic weapons, which perform better once shields are depleted. Incorporating such a mechanic in Star Citizen could diversify combat strategies and make battles more dynamic.
Next, the video suggests adding an NPC taxi service similar to Elite Dangerous’ Apex Interstellar Transport. This feature allows players to travel across the galaxy without piloting their own ships, offering convenience especially for new players or those who prefer to avoid long-distance travel. It also provides a realistic touch by allowing players downtime during travel. Although Star Citizen plans to introduce NPC shuttles in the distant future, a smaller-scale version could be implemented sooner to improve player mobility and comfort.
Another feature highlighted is the return of rich air traffic control (ATC) radio communications. Elite Dangerous uses ATC chatter to make arrivals and landings feel immersive, with controllers providing clearances and reacting to player actions. Star Citizen previously had similar ATC voices but has since removed them, leaving only a few exceptions. Reintroducing diverse ATC communications with varied accents and personalities would greatly enhance the atmosphere of major hubs and spaceports in Star Citizen.
Finally, the video covers two more features: agent smithing and more pronounced gravity variations. Agent smithing in Elite Dangerous allows players to instantly join a friend’s ship session, bypassing long travel times—a concept that fits well within Star Citizen’s lore of regeneration and advanced technology. More dramatic gravity variations on planets would also enrich gameplay by affecting movement and ship handling, making each celestial body feel unique and challenging. Together, these features could significantly improve Star Citizen’s gameplay depth and immersion, complementing its ongoing development.