Old Newcomer

condor49 · Post by **condor49** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 5:48 pm

Hi everyone, I have been playing space sims since getting my hands on a C64 back in the eighties, on which I played Elite, which of course hooked me into this genre of game. Since then its been WC, Privateer, Frontier, Jumpgate, Eve, X2/3, Battlecruiser, Freelancer, Darkstar, and likely a few others in between.

Evochron has been on my drive for a few days now, there is a lot to like about this game, which as fellow players you are already well aware, rather than trying to reinvent the genre it brings together a lot of what is good about many of the above listed products, and it does so well.

Having read the forums here a fair bit I can see the game developer is still very involved in .... well developing the project kind of thing. I really like the idea that the game is still evolving. In regard to this, and the real purpose of this post is to enquire if any information is available about what direction the game is being taken in over time.
Are there any aspects of the game which will receive extra attention or expansion? This is in no way whatever implies critisism, I have not played enought to even contemplate that. But it is clear from the constant flow of updates that a lot of thought is still going into this game, is there any kind of road map as to where its going, or any particular areas for which changes are planned next year?

There is an underlying reason for the post, namely this - I am getting too old for fast combat and tend to look for games which have other ways of doing things, and other things to do. I see a lot about Evochron which addresses this issue, which I feel sure must affect older gamers in general. As your reflexes slow down its good to find that a game can still offer you ways of achieving objectives that do not involve twitch combat. So.... although combat is always going to play a big role, true greatness is when other courses of action are viable and (this is often the problem) enjoyable!

Evochron has a significant advantage over many other "space" games because planets actually play a part in the game world rather than being a mere backdrop which looks nice. This makes the universe which it attempts to create in your computer and in your head, a much more solid 3D experience. The seamless nature of space also plays an important part in making it all work together.

So, we have a true mini cosmos, or sandbox to play in and the opportunities for multi-layer (not player) play are vast. The role of a miner can be every bit as enjoyable and rewarding as a combat pilot, providing the risk/reward ratio is viable. Yes is should be difficult to get to and mine those rare stones, you need the right ship, the right equipment, the right information and a bit of luck too. But if its just possible its still worth a go. These kind of activities and roles are often harder to flesh out properly than the - go there and kill that kind of missions.

Hopefully Evochron will continue to evolve along this path, where the developer really does grow each different facet of gameplay choice equally, be it combat pilot - trader - miner - smuggler - pirate - explorer or whatever.

That all being said 10/10 for the game.

Post by **Marvin** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:11 pm

I've found that, as grandpa's reflexes faulter, grandpa needs to work even harder to keep them from vanishing altogether. Same goes for the mind ... keep it active. "Use it or lose it," a buddy used to say. To that end, you can get creative with modding ... by adding new ships and/or by building a whole new galaxy. In fact, EL is almost a Zen experience ... melding mind and body (or, at least, combining imagination with hand-eye coordination).

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:21 pm

Hello condor49,welcome to the forum and the Sim. A few of us have a few years on you but we try to keep up with the younger crowd (lol) so have fun out there. See you out there sometime.

[Edited on 12-27-2009 by thetiebers]

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:59 pm

Yep, same here...about Elite that is...
Hi condor49, welcome to the game and forum. Hope to see you out there....

[Edited on 12-27-2009 by Maarschalk]

condor49 · Post by **condor49** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:49 pm

He He thx for welcome guys, Yeah I still have the Gametek Elite - Frontier First Encounters boxed edition, and dearly wish I had kept my original Elite box as well, didnt realise at the time what a classic it was going to be.

But hey - its great that we have moved so far, and the PC is still the place to find the best space trading games after all these years. Some people seem to knock the graphics a bit on Evochron, But I run at max resolution and all graphics maxed and it looks wonderous to behold. And no slowdown!

BraveHart · Post by **BraveHart** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:48 am

Originally posted by condor49
There is an underlying reason for the post, namely this - I am getting too old for fast combat and tend to look for games which have other ways of doing things, and other things to do. I see a lot about Evochron which addresses this issue, which I feel sure must affect older gamers in general. As your reflexes slow down its good to find that a game can still offer you ways of achieving objectives that do not involve twitch combat.

Welcome Aboard condor49.... I can relate to being an old timer, being 900 years old myself

This game has it all and the best part is MP where you can be an independent or join up with a Clan that has your type of Game play in mind....there are a lot of players who prefer mining or exploration with a bit of combat now and again. I would highly recommend going online and meeting the pilots of Evochron Legend....the server Babylon 5 is the most popular server and is also a no rules server....which simply means your a target in space and there are a few Races of pilots to watch out for. the main [SW]Server has a safe zone in Sapphire. Looking Forward to seeing you online

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:11 am

Yes, and if you see Romulan on line shoot to destroy and kill first and ask questions later...if you survive the encounter that is. You can always run and hide or keep jumping away or hide in the High energy nebulae in saphire where Romi can not use missiles there is only one such nebulae so make sure your in the right one..LOL....

:P:P

Oh yes Romulan likes to attack newbies, he does not chat he just attacks without warning and there are some other players to that see it as a welcome ritual to destroy newbies, not me thou, I'm one of the good guys....LOL...

:P:P:P:P

Ravenfeeder · Post by **Ravenfeeder** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:26 am

Ach, I don't know what you call old - I'm only 66 with more med problems than you can shake a stick at, yet, I'll have a good go at anyone who fancies taking me on, keeps the mind agile. Yoda (Braveheart) had even more med problems than me, but, you take him on at your peril, he'll cream you even faster than Eclipse - and, that's saying something.

Get stuck into MP mate, you'll find it helps to keep you feeling young - I don't feel a day under 65!

Wasp89 · Post by **Wasp89** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:06 am

Originally posted by condor49

In regard to this, and the real purpose of this post is to enquire if any information is available about what direction the game is being taken in over time.
Are there any aspects of the game which will receive extra attention or expansion ... is there any kind of road map as to where its going, or any particular areas for which changes are planned next year.

Hopefully, there will be some news from Vice regarding your question soon.

This link was posted elsewhere in the forum, but let this be a teaser for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StAT0q4NqdE

Post by **Vice** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:59 am

Hi condor and welcome. Also, thanks for your post and inquiry, I'll offer some responses below.

Are there any aspects of the game which will receive extra attention or expansion?

Yes, Evochron is a frequently updated series. Depending on the scope, practicality, and legacy impacts of certain gameplay/technology expansions, some are applied to an existing title while others are reserved for a sequel. One of the best ways to analyze what kinds of changes or additions you will likely see is to read through the debates and discussions on this forum. Some ideas (such as weapon installation from the cargo bay while in space) are shot down by the community, others (such as hangars to store cargo and ships) are implemented or even expaded on.

To answer your question more specifically, one of the key areas I have been working on expanding is exploration, including entirely new gameplay paths in that category.

This is in no way whatever implies critisism, I have not played enought to even contemplate that.

Actually, I don't mind criticism at all, so long as it's fairly objective, relevant, and constructive. If someone just wants to subjectively insult or rant about something they don't like (which may actually add to the game for many/most others or conflicts with the way I want something because of my subjective opinion), then it receives little attention from me. Subjective complaints can actually sometimes even reinforce certain decisions made about gameplay and design when something is disliked for the 'right' reason(s). So it just depends, but the feedback itself can certainly be useful and productive.

If the criticism points out a flaw in the game and/or a legitimate/relevant improvement, then it's both helpful and welcome. Criticisms (along with requests/suggestions) and the debates that go along with them are actually one of the key ways future game directions are established.

Some people seem to knock the graphics a bit on Evochron, But I run at max resolution and all graphics maxed and it looks wonderous to behold. And no slowdown!

Graphics are certainly one of those subjective elements. I've actually received comments like 'the ambient light should be cranked up to match 'space game A'' and 'space should be less realistic and more colorful like 'space game B''. Some still think the game is what it was 3 years ago and base their comments on that. Some are loyal to another game and just want to badmouth something they view as competition. Some try the demo for a few minutes and think that's all there is to the graphics. Some have legitimate points about weak areas in the graphics. That's just the nature of such a subjective topic.

But overall, and from an objective standpoint, I think you'll find the game does indeed compare pretty well and provides some unique graphical qualities just not found elsewhere (for example, the planet you can see in the distance is something you can fly to and land on seamlessly, it isn't just background wallpaper you can only look at from a distance).

And graphics is another major area I am continually working on improving.

[Edited on 12-28-2009 by Vice]

condor49 · Post by **condor49** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:17 am

Thanks for all your replies people, Vice in particular for taking time to respond - awesome. Im looking forward to doing some mp, might bump into (lol) some of you guys there.

The PTS trailer was great, and I so agree that planets being "real" places in the game universe, not just eye candy, gives the experience so much more depth, and gives an added dimension to exploration itself.

I spent ages last night first configuring my favorite gamepad, then playing about with the IDS and Inertial flight physics, just whizzing around Saphire space, checking out the sights, twas pure good fun. I know a lot of other sims dumped the idea of fuel requirements, but I think its great.

In fact I will let you into a dirty little secret of mine.................
I actually enjoy playing the DID style of game. Yeah X3 people will recognize this - dead is dead. It would be nice if games included a proper dead is dead career path for mad people like me, so when you exit the game you can continue from that point only - save games do not exist, so if you die thats it game over. Playing this way makes you think really hard about - your next trip, who you shoot at - well everything in fact.

Yeah I know you can force this style by just never saving, but there is something very exciting about knowing for a fact you cannot save, bit more like real life is really. The idea of an escape pod (ala EVE) appeals a bit to me as well, where you can lose your ship/cargo etc but can live to fight another day (if you get out in time). By the way whats the "Eject" F7 button for in Evochron, it seeems to be a self destruct countdown?

[Edited on 12-28-2009 by condor49]

BraveHart · Post by **BraveHart** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:56 am

You got it....the F7 key is the self destruct with a countdown. I think it was changed to this for several reasons:

1. Pilots were accidentally blowing themselves up

2. To keep a Pilot from escaping from a PvP/CvC Fight

( Clan vs Clan ) this happened when a pilot was about to be defeated in combat....LoL

There could be more reasons and I just maybe having a Yoda moment....Vice can really give you the best reason for this change

Admiral Sindari · Post by **Admiral Sindari** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:16 pm

Originally posted by Maarschalk
Yes, and if you see Romulan on line shoot to destroy and kill first and ask questions later...if you survive the encounter that is. You can always run and hide or keep jumping away or hide in the High energy nebulae in saphire where Romi can not use missiles there is only one such nebulae so make sure your in the right one..LOL....:P:P

Oh yes Romulan likes to attack newbies, he does not chat he just attacks without warning and there are some other players to that see it as a welcome ritual to destroy newbies, not me thou, I'm one of the good guys....LOL...:P:P:P:P

Arr Mr. Muchtalk, you do poor Romulan an injustice. He would love to meet dear old Gramps49 in MP and would be only too pleased to give him all the assisstance needed to get his aging old bones to the planet of his choice in next to no time.

See, Romulan is a good guy too ... lol

warsign · Post by **warsign** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:53 pm

Really he was!??? Lol

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:38 pm

Who was what?......Me, Romulan or Condor49?.....Was?.....What?......LOL?....

:P:P:P:P

Inglonias · Post by **Inglonias** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:59 pm

Hey. (Very long gaming history from me below!)

Ok, so I may not be very old, but I've been gaming all my life. Started with playing F-16 Falcon on my good ol' Mac LC III. (Don't have either anymore) Went on to enjoy an iMac and found EV Override. Forgot about the genre for a bit until finding EV Nova, and when I play that, I play for a looong time. Again forgetting the genre, I moved "up" to a G4 Mac Mini. I scraped together games that would run on a 1.25 GhZ processor and 32MB Video Card, finding Vendetta Online (Which is so scaleable that it runs perfectly on G3 iMacs, even.) I built a PC and moved to Eve. I then went a bit MMO crazy, switching back and forth and back from VO to Eve, to Beyond Protocol (an MMORTS) and finally, a few months ago, I quit MMO's and played Oolite and FreeSpace. (Oolite is a free remake of the original Elite. You also aren't limited to a Cobra MK III) I've been honing my skills in Freespace for as long as I've had my PC (Starting with the free Babylon Project) and now I bring it here. The turning isn't as quick, and atmospheric combat is hell, but this is a fun game. I've still "got" the twitch reflexes, by the way. And a joystick.)

Welcome, condor!

Dengar · Post by **Dengar** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:59 pm

Try and keep up with the program MuchTalk!!

Post by **Marvin** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:34 pm

Originally posted by BraveHart

...the F7 key is the self destruct with a countdown. There could be more reasons ....

Here's one more: you never bothered to remember which key activates the self-destruct countdown ... but, in the heat of battle, you accidently press F7 and then spend the next few seconds in pure panic, trying to disengage the countdown, 'cause you've just spent the last hour racking up a billion credits without ever doing a save-game.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:38 am

Originally posted by Dengar
Try and keep up with the program MuchTalk!!

Which Program, where, when? And I do not think you know either what Warsign was talking about nor did Warsign know what I or Romulan was talking about paper weight boy.....LOL.....

:P:P:P:P

warsign · Post by **warsign** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:18 pm

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 8:44 pm

Originally posted by warsign
:P:)

What?.......what or who are you smiling or laughing at?......LOL....

:P:P:P:P