With the advent of Mercs (1.XXX series), the Talison CZ, within the immediate 4 sector squares surrounding Command Alpha and the Eclipse carrier, was the "easiest" mission area I've ever seen Vice create. It became too easy. And "exploitable", per se, for those "new folk" and some of the "old hands" who took the time to "figure the angles". Earning military rank then became as easy and as simple as turning a book page. Fleet Admiral rank was easily attained by many, within a few days of purchasing the game and some diligence of effort. The question was then, "So, This is it?"
With the many iterations of the Evochron Universe that Vice has created,(Arvoch Conflict/Alliance, Renegades, Legends, and Mercenaries - in my experience) he has continually striven for fair and balanced game-play for all who purchase and fly the game(s). Fair for all - balanced for all, regardless of skills or the lack thereof. Now, with the launch of the Mercs 2.XXX series, the fairness and balance has been given a few, really basic tweaks. Better, more germaine/applicable "Newtonian Physics", that's more in line with accepted/current "science". All AI/NPC's shoot back with beam and particle cannon, as well as missiles. And the Talison CZ was "brought up to speed", reflecting some, if not all, of those changes. I've only listed a few of the many. By the same token, Vice has given "us" the means and the equipment to be moderately successful pilots, without regard to a particular spawn-in to start one's "career". Although, I must admit, spawning-in as a Combat Pilot has more advantages today than ever before. The cannon heatsink alone, is not available anywhere near Talison CZ and environs. And the StarGuard particle cannon is one of two with the highest cyclic rates available off-the-shelf (without creating your own in the weapns lab). Heck, even spawning-in as a Racer has certain advantages, if one keeps one's wits about them.
Getting "over the hump" of combat missions/scenarios really does take some practise/dedicated effort. The learning curve can be eased somewhat by joining in MP-space on any available game server offering. There is a veritable cornucopia of "veteran" pilots who are very generous of offering their assistance. It's taken me three years of some conscious/conscientous/concerted effort, bordering on the addictive/AROC side, to get where I am today. And, I am still learning and honeing my "skills". I get killed frequently by the Rebs, Guilders, and Von-doggies; a bit more "frequently" than I'd like. But now, its more like "OOPS! What did I do differently this time that got me flamed?" (Usually it's being neglectful of my "6" more than anything else). I really hate to see anyone "just give up", especially since they've spent their hard-earned ducats, and invested a bit of their time and themselves into the game. If you just keep at it, never mind the war zone combats for now, you can "get there from here, and back again". Read The Furnished Materials (SeeJays' Web-site(s)/DaveK's dual magnum opus - the Mercs Tech Manual and the Hints/Tips Guide). Peruse the U-tubes that have been posted for "educational purposes". Learn skills and techniques from those who're more than just willing to give instruction. The [LL] Clan and others, have established a PvP arena in the North of Saphire system. Don't recall off-hand which of the server platforms they frequent the most, but find them and go there. Collectively, they will teach you and thereby give you the skills you do need to accomplish the military mission.
What ever you decide to do, I wish you the very best of luck!
[Edited on 1-24-2013 by Busch]
) teaches you how to fly your ship with fine control. You are get rewards at various points that boost your credit rating and make buying your next ship and fitting it out for a combat role (lots of extras to boost shields and weapons) possible sooner.
