Space Hockey

I've mentioned how I think there are a few basic scenarios that SC should have in multiplayer.  Base Defense and Capture the Flag are obvious and don't really need an explanation.  Space Hockey is different, because it is so perfect for Star Control and because it's never actually been done well.  It is my personal favorite scenario of the genre, and one of the most popular scenarios of the genre.

SFB's original Space Hockey scenario was primative and simple.  A goal on each side of the map.  A puck.  Shoot at puck to make it move.  Shoot at players if you want.

Subspace's Powerball was essentially the same thing with a much bigger map, more players, and the ship "carried" the ball and could pass and shoot it.  The concept worked much better in Subspace because the ships were far less durable than the ones in SFB.  But it was still very primitive.  A ball, 2 goals, big court.

The hockey concept could be done well for the first time in SC, and can be integrated into SC as the favorite "sport" of the Star Control universe.  There could even be a quest in the adventure game related to the sport.  But the really big thing is that this really has only been done before in a primitive form and even in that primitive form is among the most fun scenarios.

Imagine if the court (or rink, or field, whatever....) were like a pinball machine table.  "Bumpers" that fling you sideways to the other sideline, targets that activate speed boost pads that only work if you hit them just right, turrets that pop up and start shooting at you...  and of course all of this wrapped up in "star controly" comedic animations and sounds.

You really could make the best hockey scenario ever that really fits right in with the spirit of Star Control.  While awesomely fun, it's only ever been done before in a primitive way.