Realism

Oolite is modelled on Classic Elite - a very simplistic but very playable game published in 1984. Realism is often seen as conflicting with playability.

Issues with Physics/Science/Economics in Oolite

Classic Elite was written for early computers. David Braben's Frontier series (written a decade later for more powerful computers) tried to import more real-world physics and astronomy into gaming. But Oolite, being a copy of Classic Elite, suffered from the simplicity inherent in the early game. Thus the astronomy, the physics and the economics are all unreal simplifications which, however, combine to make a much more playable game.

As the years have gone by, there have been those pushing for a more realistic approach (originally, some who came to Oolite through Frontier), and other pushing for a more game-focused approach (perhaps those who preferred Classic Elite - Frontier had playability problems). The arguments on each side are good, and the open nature of Oolite means that there are a plethora of OXPs which modify the game in one's desired direction.

Realistic Solutions

• Strangers World attempts to sort out a number of these: to whit, some of the issues of scale/distance, astronomy, fuel-less travel etc.
• Ship Configuration OXP implements the impact of equipment volume, weight, heat production and breakability.
• The Rescaling experiment attempts to sort out some of the distance/size issues.
• Guide to Ambience OXPs details a number of OXPs addressing issues of astronomy.
• See Economics for a number of attempts to sort out issues with trade and markets.

Discussions

• Oolite essay: game lore, features and mechanics Stranger's Essay for Roolite (the Russian Oolite web-site)
• GAME CHANGER - A little overlooked law of aerospace science. (2011) The dynamics of travel in space. Friction, cosmic ray secondary muons, Bermuda Triangle, absolute zero, achilles heels in ship designs, Uberships,
• Artificial Gravity and Space Stations (2012)