roverracer

The robotic explorers of Mars face a number of challenges. Beyond the obstacles in the terrain, communication is slow and limited, and the orbit of Mars provides little energy for solar panels. A rover simulator could allow players to take on these challenges and challenge each other for the fastest time through a given course.

Players would be given a set of waypoints to reach on a virtual rover mission. Before each mission, there could even be a design phase allowing the players to pick a landing site and design basic elements of the rover within certain real-world constraints. There would be a set of standard rover commands and maybe even the ability to customize the virtual rover's software.

Gameplay would consist of a number of communications passes. Each pass would take a set amount of time and the players would prepare their rover commands before every pass. There would be a simulated communications delay anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes forcing players to anticipate disaster.

Each rover would have to spot the virtual boulders, sand traps, and cliffs with a still camera, and there would be satellite maps to help out. For extra realism, hazards like dust storms, cosmic rays, and rover malfunctions could be added.

Optimally, the simulation would run on a web server to open the game to the widest possible audience, but making the server render all the graphics might be too difficult to scale.

Just a regular old rover simulator might be fun too, but adding competitive elements would attract more interest in the game. You could make it full-contact with rovers jostling for position within a narrow pass, or just include a top scores list.