Yeah, using solely 'realism' as an argument is pretty weak, but on the other hand saying it should be implemented "just because" isn't really any better.
Yes. Most of times "realism" and "it's just a game" arguments are misused (= conveniently used) to beat up another argument you don't agree with. In fact, the "I want it because it's
my idea" is the argument that is actually being used after all.
That's why I prefer to use "expectation" over "realism". I'd expect to see things that the game proposes according to its logic.
Galacticraft proposes letting you travel to other planets in the solar system with the Minecraft logic (building blocks, mobs spawning in the dark, crafting etc), so I expect to see Jupiter and be able to access it. But what do I expect to see in Jupiter?
Sometimes it seems Jupiter can be anything and have anything as long as it is labeled "Jupiter" in the Planet Select, and people will be happy.... yaaaaaay! How about a planet made of pork-chop blocks with a brownish cloudy sky made of barbecue smoke ... after all, Jupiter looks like a giant ball of smoked ham in real life, why not? ......... guys?
So.... I'm for having an accessible Jupiter. If I want to see Jupiter, at least I would expect to see the features that give it the Jupiter character, then you pick conveniently elements of reality that could work in favor of the game and forget the rest, and complete the holes with fantasy filling of Minecraft.
My idea for Jupiter would be:
- Jupiter is accessible if you have a spacecraft equipped with retrorockets that slow down your descend, pretty much like Moon lander, and allow you to hover mid-air.
- You'll be prompted to use the retrorockets to slow down or you'll plunge into inner Jupiter atmosphere for your death. This offers a different challenge or experience rather than just landing-and-liftoff every planet.
- Once you managed to stop, the spacecraft will deploy a 5x5 platform beneath, the retrorockets turn off, you can then exit the spacecraft and expand your floating base. Your base won't fall because solid blocks don't fall in Minecraft.
- Balloons would be used to explore Jupiter atmosphere.
- Hostile mobs: Mobs hanging on balloons? Jovian Ghasts? Explosive bats?