I know the gene lab is intended for debug purposes only, but it would be cool to have an official way to do genetic testing. I learned a lot about what happens with traits by looking at its data.
Lacking a normal way to do it, in my current game, I waited until 150 reputation before peeking, thinking it topped out at 200 (wrong!), at which point I would allow myself the luxury of correcting one gene defect per litter when they're newborns.
In terms of official access, I would implement it like so:
Order a test. Result comes back in a month. Balance cost for early/mid-game testing of parents.
Gene testing kit. 1 result per kit per week. Balance cost of purchase and maintenance for more aggressive breeder testing mid-game.
Gene testing lab. Automatically processes newborns' genes, and has them ready once they turn either foal/youth. Intended for when you're weeding out defect genes.
Full gene lab. Limit: 1 safe edit in 1 newborn/week. Intended for impatient or inexperienced players who can't manage to breed out bad genes (won't work on inbreeding genes).
In all cases, it is free to view a fluffy's report once you have it. Gene report also increases Fluffy's value -- especially as you finish breeding out the bad genes.
On the topic of genes, it might be good to assign certain bad traits as only showing up as foals grow up. "This talky looks good, but does he have any underlying issues like his parents?" For example: a limp might only show up as a youth.
I know the gene lab is intended for debug purposes only, but it would be cool to have an official way to do genetic testing. I learned a lot about what happens with traits by looking at its data.
Lacking a normal way to do it, in my current game, I waited until 150 reputation before peeking, thinking it topped out at 200 (wrong!), at which point I would allow myself the luxury of correcting one gene defect per litter when they're newborns.
In terms of official access, I would implement it like so:
In all cases, it is free to view a fluffy's report once you have it. Gene report also increases Fluffy's value -- especially as you finish breeding out the bad genes.
On the topic of genes, it might be good to assign certain bad traits as only showing up as foals grow up. "This talky looks good, but does he have any underlying issues like his parents?" For example: a limp might only show up as a youth.