I'm looking at creating an abstract movement system for a space based game I'm working on. The basic idea is that you work with a bunch of other players to control a starship from inside the ship. I haven't decided on whether I'm planning for a full fledged pseudo-3d system, but the same principles would apply either way.

Basically everything in space would be assigned coordinates on a grid. Ships would have a velocity and would be able to scan for planets and whatnot. After getting the bearings and the distance of a destination, a ship's navigator could lay in a course and fly to a planet.

Anyway, I just wanted to put the idea out there. Anyone have any thoughts?