another day, another newbie

[Ramireus]

****May contain spoilers****

Hello everyone,
I like this game, perfect for relaxation and exploring, than you Vice for it. I grow up on Elite played on old Atari ST, so this reminds me my younger years:)

There are few things I don`t completely understand in this game.
First of them are hidden planets-I spent few hours circling around cerulean to find it-square by square because I thought that it is uncharted-so I will need visual contact to find it. As I said after few hours I lost temper and looked on the coordinates in strategy guide. What was my surprise, that when I arrived Hidden planet was charted:o
So my question is: uncharted sectors and other things are only far away from jump points? They are all visible on map (F1)? If so, search for them is much easier than I thought

I read something about riftspace and about its wormholes, I want to train for them, wormhole in saphire seems perfect training spot:) So far I just explored systems, mined, searched for containers. I am starting search for riftspace: got clues about icy rings in shadow of a planet and accidentaly found beacon in fauston-supposedly conected with Onyx. Problem is, that I can`t find any planet withn icy rings in onyx. It is hidden too or something? or am I just looking wrong way?:) (I found two planets in onyx).

That leads me to another question: what things on radar gives purple blip? jump points and crates only?

Than an idea about missions. They are bit underpayed, or to say better-other ways to get money are overpaied. At least in the begining. I can get 200k from multipoint patrol mission after heavy fighting using lot of missiles (finding excals rduced my expenses a lot), but I can get much more in the same time by mining in saphire and selling to rivorch station. No need to mention robbing containers and selling high yield weapons.
My suggestions to balance this things:
mining in saphire should give you only metal, maybe some silver. mining platinum/diamonds should be possible just in asteroids in distant or hostile sectors (preferably both:)).
about crates. There are two way how to deal with it. First is interesting in simgleplayer-make containers have limited cargo. one particle weapon, up to ten missiles, up to fifty other cargo, or something like that. Other way is more suitable for multiplayer. Let them randomly spawn throught whole universe every few hours (again with limited cargo in them)(maybe only on galactic eclipse where most things are).
This two things would make game slower, harder to get cutting edge equipment.

Finally: is it possible to make particle weapons range longer? now I need to close directly on the tail to be in range. I know I suck in dogfight, but right now my fights mains looks like tactical retreat. Flying backwards firing excals to reduce enemy numbers. Then quick strikes using afterburner and strafing. And after that, when there is about 2-3 enemies without rockets some close dogfight. There is a lot of power in missiles, and a lot of missiles in enemy crafts. leviathan with maxed shields (lvl 10, boosters 5) gets three hits through diferent shield sectors and goes to the hell. It would be interesting to make shields and hull more resistant/weapons and missiles less powerfull so fight would be longer. Also subsystems could be more fragile (especially on enemy crafts-I haven`t seen any subsystem damage on enemy fighters so far.)

I am sorry for my english (not my native language), I am sorry for my syntax (I wrote as I thought), I am sorry if I offended someone (especially Vice).
It is just suggestions what I would like in this game-others could feel different.
Any ansvers, ideas and comments would be very appreciated.
Thank everyone who reads this final line:D

[warsign]

Welcome aboard.

[Maarschalk]

Hi Ramireus, Welcome to the game and Forum.
I like the current balance in difficulty of the game. Vice has put a lot of effort balancing this game according to players input through out the development of the Starwraith game series and all brought together in Evochron Legends.

[warsign]

Yes, so balanced and deepest game I've ever seen.
Don't hurry, enjoy every minute and discover and learn.
You will be okay...

[Nigel_Strange]

Welcome, Ramireus.

There is a lot to the game that is not immediately clear, but becomes more clear as you gain experience.

For one thing, missions really don't pay that well. You can make much more money by mining and by trading. This is intentional. Mining is easy and profitable, but time-consuming. There is a time-cost to sitting on a mine, slowly sucking resources. It's boring, but it pays. Most players get bored mining a lot, so in a way, it's a psychological cost.

Trading can be even more profitable than mining, but it requires a lot more ingenuity. You have to know how to exploit the different markets and economies. People can make 20 million or more on a trade run if they know where to go and what to trade. Once you learn the ropes, money comes fairly easily and you can focus on other elements of the game, like exploring the deepest, most dangerous areas.

So, the missions don't pay? Doing missions accomplishes other things besides giving you money. If you do enough missions for the right factions without leaving the area, you can change the overall amiability of the system towards you. For instance, if you get the Navy, the Energy, and the Miners to like you, the system will be overall friendly, which means you will face fewer hostiles and station fees. If you work for guilds and rebels, the other groups will dislike you, and your reputation in the system will reflect that.

Also, doing missions for the military increases your rank, which allows access to more advanced military ships.

[Ramireus]

Thank you all for all ansvers:)
But I have one more question for you.
I usually play good boy, so I work for navy/energy. That means global atitude is improved. What happens when you work for guild/rebels? I expect that It will decrease your reputation in system. That means there will be more enemy ships from all factions-even rebels/guild you helped so much. This gives me an idea, that in hostile space, you should encounter more friendly rebels/guild, but more enemy navy/energy. On contrary, you will encounter more enemy guild/rebels in good space. To extend this idea-some stations could be rebels/guild-maybe hidden or further from core.
Again, only idea from newbie:) I`d like to hear comments from you.

Nigel_Strange:
What about looting crates? as long as they are replenishable you can take for example 5 trebuchets (or six, to use your particle canon slot) and sell them for profit more than 5M. One turn will take you 5 minutes top. I know it is my own choice to use crates this way. But still-one czech proverb says (as I can translate it best): opportunity makes thieves. I know, that this game offers much more than just good equipment, but I usually have enough money to buy whatever I want. I had no need to save for any piece of equipment.

On the other hand, not to only suggest ideas.
This game is realy breathtaking. Something I experienced last time in freelancer. The first time I landed on planet, first time I saw wormhole, Nebulas, finding construct in saphire, using fuel converter on sun. This all thing is well worth buying and playing this game:) There is a lot of deep things in the game. For that I thank you Vice:)

[warsign]

Originally posted by Ramireus
There is a lot of deep things in the game. For that I thank you Vice:)

Yes, thank you Vice for hiding "ship wrecks" very well out there in space too

[Marsu]

Hello!

I got myself this game as a christmas-present and I am LOVING it!

As I have some newbie-questions, I thought I'd rather add to this thread instead of making a new one.

One thing that puzzles me somewhat though is the fact that depending on my standing some people are openly hostile, some are not. I would understand this with other freelancers, which maybe just see me as prey. But the navy? Why would a random number of navy-personnel start attacking me. While I am running a mission for the navy no less! I just got killed on a patrol for the navy. By a flightgroup of rebels, navy and guild! Of course, in the beginning there where only rebels. But I still take to long to kill these buggers, so after a while other ships popped in and joined in the fun... that was kinda frustrating.

On another note: Where can I get better beam-guns? I already have a lvl8 particle cannon, but have not found anything better than lvl3 for the beamcannon.

And the particle cannon has a really hard time hitting consistently. Is there a trick to that? Maybe a special way to drift? Right now I am just keeping my speed at 800-1200 and circle/pass the enemies so they don't hit me.


As I said before, aside from those minor things, I love the game! Gotta try MP soon, I think.

cheers
Marsu

[Edited on 29-12-2009 by Marsu]

[Ravenfeeder]

Welcome to the forum and the game, Marsu. Usually the reason the Navy turns red and attacks you is because you have attacked them. There's also the matter of your reputation within a sector; if the system is hostile to you, then every darn thing and its dog will have a pop at you. Then there are different factor navies - you have to note which one you are working for.

There are systems where you can get better weapons, equipment, ships etc - you just got to search for them.

If you go into MP, mosts pilots will help you out, with the exception of The Romulan, he kills newbies, even with the Rom, if he attacks you other pilots may try and defend you. MP is the place to go to learn the game, and to meet the other pilots, maybe join a Clan. You're SP specs follow you into MP, and the same goes back into SP.

[Vice]

One thing that puzzles me somewhat though is the fact that depending on my standing some people are openly hostile, some are not. I would understand this with other freelancers, which maybe just see me as prey. But the navy?

This post provides an explanation (third section):

http://www.starwraith.com/forum/viewtop ... 1#pid60713

In short, every system has its own Navy. Some will be friendly to you while others are not. It can depend on several factors, including whether they are affiliated with the Alliance or against it and what kind of reputation you may have individually earned. You start out on good terms with Sapphire/Alliance, which automatically applies a negative reputation with Federation territories.

It is a dynamic quality though, so you can change your reputation with a local hostile Navy by helping them out, it will just take time and results to earn their loyalty.

On another note: Where can I get better beam-guns? I already have a lvl8 particle cannon, but have not found anything better than lvl3 for the beamcannon.

Focus on systems with high technology economies (the (T) marker next to planet descriptions on the Nav Map).

And the particle cannon has a really hard time hitting consistently. Is there a trick to that? Maybe a special way to drift? Right now I am just keeping my speed at 800-1200 and circle/pass the enemies so they don't hit me.

Closer range = better chance of hitting. Flying by each other at high speed (which frequently results in longer ranges) can often result in fewer impacts. You'll need to tighten your ranges and get in closer for better results. Also avoid wasting gunfire while a hostile target is spiraling or performing another maneuver that is difficult for the MDTS to track, stick to near parallel approaches and use drifting to evade incoming gunfire while returning fire.

[Edited on 12-29-2009 by Vice]

[Maarschalk]

Hi Marsu, Welcome to the game and forum.

Yes, in hostile to fair systems you will find hostiles of all factions only in good reputation systems
you will not find hostiles except for the Warzones. Navy in these hostile to fair system consider you as part of a clan or other group and you have to earn your reputation by doing contracts for them and it may take a while for them to start trusting you before they turn green.

Better Particle cannons and Beam Weapons you can find on hidden planets and hidden stations.

Beam Weaopons go up to class 5 and Particle Cannons up to class 15.

Remember also to have your MDTS(Multi Directional Targeting System) on. Use the L key to toggle it on and off. This helps your targetting weapons also get a Weapons ops and Cannon Relay system and energy booster and lots of practice and your drifting at 800-1200 is a good tactic for not getting hit and killed.

[BraveHart]

Welcome Aboard Marsu.... I look forward to seeing you in MP

"Don't Forget to use Kentucky Windage when shooting at Hostiles"

[49rTbird]

Hello Marsu, welcome to the forum and the Sim. See you out there sometime.

[Marsu]

Ok, thanks for all the help and the warm welcome!

One more question about the navys:

Originally posted by Vice

This post provides an explanation (third section):

http://www.starwraith.com/forum/viewtop ... 1#pid60713

In short, every system has its own Navy. Some will be friendly to you while others are not. It can depend on several factors, including whether they are affiliated with the Alliance or against it and what kind of reputation you may have individually earned. You start out on good terms with Sapphire/Alliance, which automatically applies a negative reputation with Federation territories.

I understand that every system has its own navy. But while I am flying in Onyx (is that still Alliance?), is every "navy" ship on the scanners the Onyx navy? If not, I would understand that some navy ships are hostile. (But then I think it would make sense to identify them clearly, from which navy they are).

But if they are all Onyx navy it makes no sense that some of them would attack my while I run a patrol for them.
I mean, what organized military force would hire mercs for a job and not give them some way to identify as friendlys to their own troops? Unless plausible deniability is a factor... which I don't think applies to simple patrol duty.

If I just needed to avoid their shots while taking down the rebels I could live with that. But the last time they started flying in formation with the rebels (and the guild). All in a nice, tight bunch. Its kinda hard to avoid killing them that way

[Vice]

I understand that every system has its own navy. But while I am flying in Onyx (is that still Alliance?), is every "navy" ship on the scanners the Onyx navy?

If I understand the question, certain factions can have a stronger presence than others. In some systems, especially near stations and planets, you'll often find the local Navy to have a very strong presence.

But then I think it would make sense to identify them clearly, from which navy they are

There is only one Navy faction per system. So if you're in Onyx, the Navy = Onyx Navy.

But if they are all Onyx navy it makes no sense that some of them would attack my while I run a patrol for them.
I mean, what organized military force would hire mercs for a job and not give them some way to identify as friendlys to their own troops? Unless plausible deniability is a factor... which I don't think applies to simple patrol duty.

You should not encounter too many/any Navy ships if you accept a contract for them (unless they fly into the patrol area later on). However, there are patrol contracts for competing forces in that system and if you accept such a contract, the enemies you encounter will generally be Navy/Energy exclusively. It depends on the terms of the contract and who it is you're accepting jobs for.

If I just needed to avoid their shots while taking down the rebels I could live with that. But the last time they started flying in formation with the rebels (and the guild). All in a nice, tight bunch. Its kinda hard to avoid killing them that way

How long are you taking to complete the objective? If you stay in one location for a while, chances are good that local hostile Navy forces will eventually locate you, then call in for reinforcements from additional Navy forces, meaning you could be facing hostile ships from several factions in one location.

[Marsu]

Originally posted by Vice

I understand that every system has its own navy. But while I am flying in Onyx (is that still Alliance?), is every "navy" ship on the scanners the Onyx navy?

If I understand the question, certain factions can have a stronger presence than others. In some systems, especially near stations and planets, you'll often find the local Navy to have a very strong presence.

But then I think it would make sense to identify them clearly, from which navy they are

There is only one Navy faction per system. So if you're in Onyx, the Navy = Onyx Navy.

If I just needed to avoid their shots while taking down the rebels I could live with that. But the last time they started flying in formation with the rebels (and the guild). All in a nice, tight bunch. Its kinda hard to avoid killing them that way

How long are you taking to complete the objective? If you stay in one location for a while, chances are good that local hostile Navy forces will eventually locate you, then call in for reinforcements from additional Navy forces, meaning you could be facing hostile ships from several factions in one location.

I just tried it again. I was in Onyx, accepted a patrol mission from the Onyx Navy. I jumped in, killed the first rebel quickly. After that they startet throwing lots of missiles, so I kept my distance and shot the missiles down (bad experience with running out of CMs in the middle of a fight). I had the clock running this time to kinda see how long it took. After 1:30 minutes the first other enemy popped in somewhere offscreen and started firing missiles at me. It was a navy leviathan. After a short time, the second navy-ship popped in and attacked me... thats when it got hairy and I died shortly thereafter.

So. Where those navy-ships non-onyx-navy that was operating in Onyx? Because the scanner says only "Navy". Or was it Onyx-Navy that simply did not care that I worked for them?

[Marsu]

I assume my reputation with the navy will sink considerably if I start shooting them, even if they shot first?

[Marvin]

It doesn't take much to upset the guys you're working for ... one stray missile and you're in trouble. First off, I'd suggest going into MP while someone is working a war zone ... they can tell if you're attacking the wrong people.

'Cause it can happen ... especially when you first jump into a combat area. Your targeting computer will lock on to the first ship it sees and if you let loose with a missile or even fire your gun before checking, you might find yourself shooting at a friendly.

In MP, the vets (usually) know better. They can also deligate an attack position for you so that you come no where near a capital ship.

[BraveHart]

Originally posted by Marsu
I assume my reputation with the navy will sink considerably if I start shooting them, even if they shot first?

Just remember: "Red is Dead" unless you shoot and provoke a Yellow (independent), or Green (Friendly) pilot. They don't take kindly to Friendly fire

[Marsu]

Originally posted by BraveHart

Originally posted by Marsu
I assume my reputation with the navy will sink considerably if I start shooting them, even if they shot first?

Just remember: "Red is Dead" unless you shoot and provoke a Yellow (independent), or Green (Friendly) pilot. They don't take kindly to Friendly fire

That does not answer my question in the least, but thanks for the advice

[BraveHart]

"LOL"......No your Reputation is Safe If the Navy is Red when you get to your nav point

[Marsu]

now that I know that I have to get close and that I can shoot navy without regret, it works much better... now I need 1, maybe 2 runs to take down a leviathan

Docking is still somewhat annoying with all the hostiles around... and they definitely pop up faster at the stations than I can take them out.

[49rTbird]

Originally posted by Marsu
now that I know that I have to get close and that I can shoot navy without regret, it works much better... now I need 1, maybe 2 runs to take down a leviathan

Docking is still somewhat annoying with all the hostiles around... and they definitely pop up faster at the stations than I can take them out.

If you open your nav map and right click on the station and set your ship to level flight you will jump straight at the landing bay by hitting your jump drive key. This should get you there before the REDS can home in on you.

[Marvin]

You can also buy a station license. Afterward, the station will (usually) protect you from attack while you're docked.

[Marsu]

Originally posted by thetiebers
If you open your nav map and right click on the station and set your ship to level flight you will jump straight at the landing bay by hitting your jump drive key. This should get you there before the REDS can home in on you.

damn, never tried that because I thought I would hammer right into the station... and not in a good way.