After many complaints about the Freelancer's cockpit having support beams directly in front of the front seats, Chris Roberts has asked the devs to move the beams behind the seats, giving Freelancer pilots 180 degree vision (at least that's what it looks like) here's the article. Picture's at the bottom. What do you guys think? Personally, I think it looks kind of crappy now, and even though you will be relying on radar, I would like to look at the pretty planets I'm flying past rather than some beam so this is a good change IMO.
Addressing how players see is a huge concern, as we can see by the two changes made already. The problem is, making a ship that is aesthetically pleasing, while truly being functional, is rather hard. For RP or simulation, I would prefer cockpit view, but for playing casually/for fun, I would prefer third-person. I'm sure some of the small ships, or small decks, will feel claustrophobic. Also, not being able to see behind me, only using sensors, while using pan-and-scan, from the cockpit, doesn't sound like fun.
There were 3 bars in between the two in my link (one in the middle, and 1 on each side of it). I'll post a screenshot of how cramped it looks currently when I get home. edit Or not, I've got a 3GB patch apparently. edit 2 I just discovered google. Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Now see, if you bought a DECENT ship in the first place, like the connie. that wouldn't have been a problem.
Im thinking what to do with my LTI Retaliator and M50, maybe sell to grab a LTI Connie from someone... damm dunno what to do