Hello All

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 4:56 pm

Hi, everyone. I just registered and wanted some opinions from the communitiy. I currently play another space-sim mod and looking for a change of pace. On the mod I play there are at least 2-19 players online at all times. I've seen near to 50 and 0 quite a few times.

I find myself getting bored very quickly if I cannot share my experiences with others and vice versa. How is the multiplayer on this game? Any clans? Server events? etc.

Please be brutally honest. I have played this game before when it was very new. It was great but BORING when alone in space. Just being able to chat makes a big difference.

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 5:46 pm

Hello Rooster. Welcome (back) to the barnyar...err... I mean... Evoverse.

I haven't been able to fly in MP for a few weeks now, but before then I was 98% a multiplayer flyer.

Ceti Alpha V server handles the American continent traffic, while Galactica 1 and Oly Prime FR handle the Euro traffic. There's no restriction on which one you choose of course. There are other servers (I think) on the list, but some have little to no information about them.

Most players are very friendly and I'm sure you'll find a few people to chat with as you play.

The server activity can range from about 20 players on to almost none at any given time. There doesn't seem to be any pattern for this, but prime time hours (around 8-10pm) of the region the server is in seems to dictate when your best chance of finding players will be.

Server events do happen, but they are a bit sparse. Capt_Caveman, the operator of Ceti Alpha V has created an add-on program for the server that allows kill tallies to be kept for mass free-for-all and tournament events.

As far as clans go there are a few semi-active clans that fly when real life allows, and at least one clan that almost never flies it's tag openly, but seems to be present nonetheless. New clans can expect to have at least one of this clans members infiltrate their roster and try to subvert them before they (the new clan) can get a foothold. IMO this is one of the major reasons why the clan activity in MP has dropped. Too much 'black-ops' type things going on.

I have been known to fly with aliases ad-infinitum, so it's odd that I would say this, but I FULLY support a hard-coded pilot tag / clan tag registry due to the situation stated above. I've taken to only flying with my R.C. call sign or variants that are obviously me from now on. (And I do plan on returning to MP as soon as I can.)

Pilot Cindy has taken over the welcoming committee (ALT+F9) is the Quicksave.

*** Moderator ***
Please note that I did not name names in reference to which clan was responsible for said 'black-ops'.

*** 'black-ops' clan ***

As far as I'm aware all evidence of your in-game plan has been conveniently taken off of your thread by the thread owner, and I've been sufficiently "Please-and-Thank you-ed" off of said thread. I didn't name names or point fingers just stated the situation for clan activity as I see it. You can relax. No knee-jerk reaction is necessary.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 6:36 pm

Thanks for the Info. I think I will cough up the 25$ USD and pick it up. My first experience with this game was in the Philippines. So as you can imagine it was not a legit copy. This game has taken a huge turn, for the better, since I last played and I am glad to see that there is a community.
My other game has....well....lets just say I am not that lvl of Role Player. My role play starts at the naming of my pilot and ship and ends at my thrusters. I am not some space cadet flying a real fighter on real mission.
My play style is more like, "Ooo look a rock, Ooo look a player, Ooo lets be friends, Ooo lets kill it, Ooo look a rock.......a horrid and fun cycle.

Post by **Marvin** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 8:02 pm

Sounds like you'd be a good candidate for co-op missions in a war zone.

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 9:27 pm

^ Those are always fun.

Plus there are a few areas (some easily accessible) where hostile AI are on an endless march towards your guns. Those are fun if you get a few players with you to co-op and beat back the alien horde.

Usually only one mission contract is all it takes to get the Vonari at Cerulean B (about 30 sectors East of the main Cerulean warzone sector) to become like the Persians marching against the Spartans (you + friends) in high 300-in-space fashion.

Just hope they don't find out about the secret goat path....

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 10:25 pm

my god......everything said ^^ is exactly what I want to do.

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 10:59 pm

I think most servers already have a station built at Cer-B but if you do navigate in that direction, you might want to bring a Build Constructor just in case. You'll need a safe haven there.

Also recommended is getting a fair amount of credits in the ol' bank (50 - 100 mil.), a more combat oriented ship (well equipped), and a good amount of skill at taking down the AI. The Vonari might be alien scum, but they have some of the finest pilots and combat ships in the Evoverse.

So... Back to Marvin's point: Co-op missions in Talison warzone (main sector) are a good way to get introduced to the Vonari fighter craft. Any other wz sector adds Von capital ships to the mission waypoints. Once you complete 150 waypoints while on-mission in the war zones, you'll unlock ALL available military combat ships that can be found at the nearby carrier.

The base game quest is also a good way to earn credits, learn combat, and find a planet (or 2) that have high-tech equipment or rare to find items. Once again, If some of it gets to be a bit rough (here's looking at you, final IMG mission...) there might be a pilot or two online that are willing to help. Sometimes you can send a shout-out on the forum and coordinate a time to meet with pilots if you don't find anyone available on the server.
Keep in mind there are places in the game that take 5+ hours to travel to on autopilot via the scenic route, so players that would help might not be able to get there in a reasonable amount of time. Most players do keep a duplicate profile that's a bit more 'local' but not all.

It looks like I've been able to get free of the coop for a bit, and do some flying soon.

:) If I see you out there in MP I'll be sure to give a shout.

[Edited on 4-9-2014 by Rubber Chicken]

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 12:30 am

On my other "space sim" server I love PvP. I even feel, I excel somewhat at it. The npc's are not much of a challenge. Are there any zones or sectors dedicated to PvP type styles or are there any "impossible" npc's? AND I do not see myself being good at pvp straight away. From what I have seen in the vids....there is a lot to this game.

Iron man · Post by **Iron man** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 1:17 am

Well if you love pvp i will be glad organize a new chaos war event!
Just like chicken irl life circumstance made i can't play as well at the moment online.
I invite you go have a look of different clan and invit you choose one when you will get ready!

I need add a precision : all clan are not that friendly i remind everyone 3 active nasty clan : ba, v and x

Hope see you everyone shortly,
Have a good game.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 1:47 am

Downloading now. Great response from the community, informative and showed patience with a noob.

Side Note: One huge mistake I made in the past was joining a clan to early. I believe I will hold off on this for 1-2 months.

Just because I could fight....doesn't mean I really knew what I was doing.

Thanks again to everyone who posted there opinions and information. Much appreciated. You inspired a Pilot.

Post by **Marvin** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 3:43 am

The only near-impossible individual NPCs are the capital ships ... especially the Vonari cruisers. They are a special breed.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:29 am

I play on a laptop without a num pad......I'm changing my key bindings right now. Is there any keys that I can just kick? Like I will literally never use it.

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:54 am

From post: 168739, Topic: tid=11328, author=Rooster wrote:On my other "space sim" server I love PvP. I even feel, I excel somewhat at it. The npc's are not much of a challenge. Are there any zones or sectors dedicated to PvP type styles or are there any "impossible" npc's? AND I do not see myself being good at pvp straight away. From what I have seen in the vids....there is a lot to this game.

You remind me of me a few years ago when I joined the Evoverse.

Sector 0.0.7 on the Ceti Alpha V server is set up as a PvP arena where you can find (generally) 1v1 no interference matches. Of course sometimes FFAs, 2 vs. 1, and team matches do happen there - if players are on. For the most part Fulcrum torpedoes and Proximity mines are frowned upon there.

Then you have players like me who don't mind (and sort of prefer) the anytime, anywhere, all tactics (including running away

), and weapons allowed type of PvP.

The tough part is that since there are players in the MP sandbox that don't want any pvp, or players that prefer to be asked first, it can be tough to figure out who's a free target and who's not.

We do try to respect the strictly non-pvp pilots, but I'm sure you'll be able to get familiar with many of the regular pilots as you go and learn who prefers what.

Just for general info though... The 'welcoming ceremony' in which noobs are warned to save game, and are shot down once, told "Welcome to EM", then are free to go about their way, is non-negotiable whether a pilot likes pvp or not. Clan Bad Aliens [BA] started the tradition, and Cindy has taken over as emcee until they (hopefully, one day) return. It's kind of a rite of passage around here.

Iron man · Post by **Iron man** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:56 am

Well all key are important.... Just depend about your game play.
But some key are quite similar as for example when you target a ship there are 4 or 5 touch for it. Go have a look on that one if you need replaced i reckon.

Iron man · Post by **Iron man** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 5:03 am

From post: 168745, Topic: tid=11328, author=Rubber Chicken wrote:
You remind me of me a few years ago when I joined the Evoverse.

Sector 0.0.7 on the Ceti Alpha V server is set up as a PvP arena where you can find (generally) 1v1 no interference matches. Of course sometimes FFAs, 2 vs. 1, and team matches do happen there - if players are on. For the most part Fulcrum torpedoes and Proximity mines are frowned upon there.

Then you have players like me who don't mind (and sort of prefer) the anytime, anywhere, all tactics (including running away ), and weapons allowed type of PvP.

The tough part is that since there are players in the MP sandbox that don't want any pvp, or players that prefer to be asked first, it can be tough to figure out who's a free target and who's not.

We do try to respect the strictly non-pvp pilots, but I'm sure you'll be able to get familiar with many of the regular pilots as you go and learn who prefers what.

Just for general info though... The 'welcoming ceremony' in which noobs are warned to save game, and are shot down once, told "Welcome to EM", then are free to go about their way, is non-negotiable whether a pilot likes pvp or not. Clan Bad Aliens [BA] started the tradition, and Cindy has taken over as emcee until they (hopefully, one day) return. It's kind of a rite of passage around here.

Seems i messed somethings....

Never got a welcome To em, that sound someone will have to shoot me wasn't??

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 8:35 am

From post: 168743, Topic: tid=11328, author=Rooster wrote:I play on a laptop without a num pad......I'm changing my key bindings right now. Is there any keys that I can just kick? Like I will literally never use it.

I'm on a laptop too and i think you are going to find you need to get a USB numeric keypad - even with an xbox 360 gamepad I still need the num keypad.

You could free up the keys the joystick is using and maybe (big maybe) get by.
if you don't plan to use a jotstick/gamepad there is no way you will get by without a num keypad - IMO - unless - pehaps if you gave up the 1 - 9 keys used for engine speed steps and just used the - + for changing your speed and then remap - maybe.

Paul

[Edited on 4-10-2014 by PaulB]

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 12:31 pm

Right of Passage: Sounds fun. As long as I get a heads up and not just KoS'd....I can be cool with this.

0.0.7 Just from the explanation of this area I think it is safe to assume that PvP is not a big thing. I'm ok with this also. Co-op and exploration can be just as exciting sometimes.

Keys: Holy cow! PaulB, you are nuts man. Just from your post you sound highly skilled. I have never played anything that utilized the entire keyboard. Even when I play on my other game....you have reverse thrust, engine kill (inertia), thrust, cruise disrupters, missles, torps, counter measuers, strafe: up/down/left/right. <---these are the keys that are used in PvP. They are pressed in seconds and fights lasting 30-45 seconds are long fights. On top of that you have weapons groups that allow you to fire anything used with ammo on it's own key AND you have rapid fire which is activated by pressing the fire weapon yadda yadda and then hit your mouse fire. SO, 16 buttons was my sertup and is not possible on a game pad. I look forward to the challenge of the Evo Verse.

Side note: I don't use macros and frown on the idea of pushing one button and having perfect anything. Half the fun for me is being one with my ship. AND I loath cheaters. IF you are a known cheater or macro user and want to fight me....forget it. Move along. The game is to big for me to waste time on that kind of fight or player.

Busch · Post by **Busch** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 2:21 pm

Hello Rooster, and welcome aboard!

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 2:25 pm

^ One of the big rules of the R.o.P. is 'fair warning', so don't worry there.

0.0.7 can have varying levels of activity, there used to be a largish group that hung around there (including me). But, the separation between the 'I like PvP sometimes, but there's other places, environments to fight in, and honestly OTHER things to do' camp, and the 'PvP is the only thing to do, so why go outside of this one sector?' camp, grew pretty large. Eventually peeps went their separate ways. I suppose having some of the top PvP pilots (including myself) be in the first camp didn't help much.

As you learn about PvP in the game, you might want to consider (and customize) your key bindings for extra stuff you might need. Shield array management and shield/weapons energy management - the bar that drains when you fire your guns - are pretty obligatory. As far as PvP goes in EM, some of us veteran players have been in PvPs that have lasted 30 - 45 minutes.

Yes, it is possible with 2 great pilots in top form, straight (no stealth, no nukes, only guns and standard missiles rules) combat, and a heavy class military frame - which at the time carried a 2400 unit fuel tank. Not to worry though, most PvP I would say even amongst the highly skilled averages to about 5 minutes or less.

Re; side note: I never really knew much about macros and don't consider them a factor in EM. If you can set macros in the game, you'll probably have pulled out half your hair in frustration by the time you succeed. The only thing I can really think of them being useful for is Combat Jumping in which a player attempts to escape or flank an opponent by setting their location or a close-by point, and jumping. Programming a macro to move the mouse to specific areas and press buttons on the Nav map console that have no hotkey might not be worth it, and to boot, would only work for one variation of the tactic.

As far as cheaters go, Vice works very hard prevent it before it even gets in the door.

I feel the same way you do, as do a lot of players here. PvP here is definitely a skill game.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 2:36 pm

Heck ya, Rubber Chicken, and ty, Busch. RL is hampering my ability to "no-life" this game atm but trust me....in time lol.

Side Note: American eagle themed Rooster, followed by a Busch post, followed by a Rubber Chicken post....does nobody else think it's hilarious? I busted out laughing.

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 3:19 pm

Now all we need is *ahem* world famous comedian Carrot Top to pop in and say hello, and my Doomsday Plan will be complete!:P:P:P

Capt_Caveman · Post by **Capt_Caveman** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:54 pm

just a note on the purpose and location of pvp station at 0,0,7 on CAV server
pvp is in no way restricted to 0,0,7 and encouraged anywhere.
sector 0,0,7 was chosen for the following reasons;

- saphire is a safe system, no hostiles to interfere with matches

- sector 0,0,7 is empty space wich gives the highest framerate
no planets, moons, secondary stations, etc. and minimal AI traffic that bog down lower end pc's

- combat in saphire can result in friendly AI's turning hostile (red) by stray weapons fire
and thus hostile to new players.

- new players starting out in EM usually start out in saphire sector 0,0,0
combat in sect 0,0,0 can be scary to newbies who may feel threatened by it

- combat often crosses sector boundries which cause "contract failed" for new players doing contracts in 0,0,0

a genaral courtesy

[Edited on 4-10-2014 by Capt_Caveman]

Post by **Marvin** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 5:09 pm

(1) PvP players usually require more keys ... the AI doesn't react nearly as fast and have far fewer "moves" than real players.

(2) Vice does, indeed, do his best to limit cheating ... even to the point of affecting persons playing in 3rd person equally to those who are flying inside their cockpit: you'll see bursts of blinding light when being fired upon and shaking of the screen when being hit by kinetic weapons.

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:21 pm

From post: 168752, Topic: tid=11328, author=Rooster wrote:Right of Passage: Sounds fun. As long as I get a heads up and not just KoS'd....I can be cool with this.

0.0.7 Just from the explanation of this area I think it is safe to assume that PvP is not a big thing. I'm ok with this also. Co-op and exploration can be just as exciting sometimes.

Keys: Holy cow! PaulB, you are nuts man. Just from your post you sound highly skilled. I have never played anything that utilized the entire keyboard. Even when I play on my other game....you have reverse thrust, engine kill (inertia), thrust, cruise disrupters, missles, torps, counter measuers, strafe: up/down/left/right. <---these are the keys that are used in PvP. They are pressed in seconds and fights lasting 30-45 seconds are long fights. On top of that you have weapons groups that allow you to fire anything used with ammo on it's own key AND you have rapid fire which is activated by pressing the fire weapon yadda yadda and then hit your mouse fire. SO, 16 buttons was my sertup and is not possible on a game pad. I look forward to the challenge of the Evo Verse.

Side note: I don't use macros and frown on the idea of pushing one button and having perfect anything. Half the fun for me is being one with my ship. AND I loath cheaters. IF you are a known cheater or macro user and want to fight me....forget it. Move along. The game is to big for me to waste time on that kind of fight or player.

I'm not really highly skilled (I am rather highly technically inclined) but I've been playing with Privateer GG and Vegastrike (quite a few similar keys since they are both based on the vegastrike engine), and EM and the all have a LOT of Key assignments - and that worried me some with EM (being my newest) and I've changed "some" of the mapping ot try to be consistent - only successful to a small degree.

Example: I change the Cargo Eject from "J" to "X" to be consistent with PPG and Vegastrike.
That was a bad idea because I have "Z" as my Mining Beam (no such thing in the other games) and "B" as Target Subsystems which IS an equivalent in PPG and Vega strike.
Well I would miskey the "Z" and hit "B" and jetison my cargo by mistake so I mapped Eject Cargo back to the default "J" (which is Jump in PPG). But I have AutoPilot and Jump both mapped to gamepad buttons so it's not an issue which keys I use for Auto and Jump.

Something I wish EM had is for the 1 - 9 Key to be used to send "messages" to AI ships - like in PPG and vegastrike where 1 - 9 are progressively Friendly to Hostile messages.
A lot of it is just "feelgood to give the impression you are communicating wit someone but it's all used to (with friendly messages) try to convert a Hostle to a Friendly and viceversa - if you sent Hostile messages to a Friendly you could convert them to Hostile. I always thought that was a neat feature in PPG and it was cool to send "How's it going" and receive back "Business is good, how about you?"
Just MO - feels like there is some human interaction with the AI's - and it's up to you whether you use it (send the messages) or not.

Anyway, my point of all that "off subject stuff" is that I've got a LOUSY memory and I've had to do printout to hang by my PC of these Games' Key assignments so i can quickly look and see what key I need to press for what function.
Some I will get to memorize - but not all - I'm just not capable.
As I said there are not many keys at all that are not mapped.

Paul

[Edited on 4-10-2014 by PaulB]

Post by **Marvin** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 10:21 pm

From post: 168783, Topic: tid=11328, author=PaulB wrote:Something I wish EM had is for the 1 - 9 Key to be used to send "messages" to AI ships - like in PPG and vegastrike where 1 - 9 are progressively Friendly to Hostile messages.

I don't use those keys so, to me, that's a great idea. Btw, whenever you find yourself in a PvP, keep in mind that most of the PvP pilots in EM probably don't play any other space games. Ergo, they're less likely to get confused when hunting for the correct button ... and a fraction of a second can mean the difference between winning and ending up in the Entirely Safe Corridor.