See, this post is fine and I agree with most of it. I've never really disagreed with your criticisms because they're all pretty valid, just how you go about it sometimes.
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Elite Dangerous: Horizons |OT| Just scratching the surface
- Thread starter Anton Sugar
- Start date
See, this post is fine and I agree with most of it. I've never really disagreed with your criticisms because they're all pretty valid, just how you go about it sometimes.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
No, 2.4 is only bringing Thargoid stuff to the game, and probably some other quality of life stuff like usual, but not much else of importance. The content patch that solves or even addresses the "mile wide but inch deep" aspect of Elite won't happen until 3.0, when Frontier hopefully starts to finally work on the core of the game. Which by the sounds of it won't be until early 2018.
I won't be playing much Elite at all until 3.0 lands, and even then only if they actually do some development work on exploration, so not much Elite for me until next spring time.
I'll give you that I tend to vent off somewhat blatantly when I get pissed at the way Elite's game design gambles the game's potential from where I stand.
I've been thinking about giving this another go once the wireless version of the ed tracker is out but reading the last few posts I'm thinking I should wait a bit longer. Haven't even bough Horizons yet.
Speaking of expansions: If I skip Horizons and buy the next expansion, will the stuff from the previous season be included in the next, or will I just miss whatever was in Horizons and have to buy that separately?
Speaking of expansions: If I skip Horizons and buy the next expansion, will the stuff from the previous season be included in the next, or will I just miss whatever was in Horizons and have to buy that separately?
It's hard not to when you sound it out, it's like a catchy jingle.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
I haven't played now in three weeks, at all. I imagine I'll play at bit here and there until those core improvements actually happen, IF they happen, or at least until the beige planet problem gets fixed (again, IF), but for now exploration is just too boring and empty for me to continue doing this over and over again.
I might do some tourist sightseeing missions in the fall, who knows, but yeah for the most part my wings are put away until they start building the actual damn game mechanics.
Forerunner
Member
I havent played in a bit, so I decided to hop on. I started out with CQC, they somehow broke the fucking CQC menu. I dont understand how they break CQC when they never add anything to it, but whatever. After a few games of that I get bored. Im so close to prestiging, but the grind for these last levels are ridiculous. Its like two hours of straight CQC just to move one level. I cant do that; I can play maybe a few games before I lose interest. However, CQC has always been the red headed step child.
Anyways, after that I just did some data delivery missions and one long haul mission. Then I just logged out. After that I was like, Why did I even log in?
Anyways, after that I just did some data delivery missions and one long haul mission. Then I just logged out. After that I was like, Why did I even log in?
In more uplifting news, HCS voice packs have released a teaser for their new venture into narrative missions called "Storybook Galaxy". HCS is the company making AI voice acting replacements via voice attack. Seems like it could be cool.
I'm thinking of picking this up in the Steam sale, but just wondering what's the main reason for the overall mixed reviews on Steam? Is it from a time when the game was broken, or some choice the devs made that the community didn't like, or is the game just not especially good overall?
Zepp Twofist
Member
It's because development of new features are all over the place, and there haven't been added a lot of overall depth to the game. If you are a new player you probably won't run into issues like that until you have played for a good while.
Ok thanks. I love all things space so think I might just get it anyway. Maybe if I'm not going to run into the issues for a long time they might have fixed some by the time I get there.
I assume I should buy Horizons too? Any point in starting off without it?
If you get it, I'd say go for Horizons as well. It doesn't fix the issue of lack of depth or the horribly grindy and far too often RNG heavy base mechanics, but you get a bunch of additional nice things to toy with or look at. Planet surfaces, engineer bases (nice for the looks, not the mind-numbing grind), ship launched fighters, which are a blast to zip around in, now multicrew for whatever scenario where you'd not just play in a wing instead.
Eventually, 2.4 "Thargoid" content too, which seems to include planetary bases, which will be inaccessible with only the base game.
Depending on whether the game clicks for you or not, there's anything from a couple of a dozen, to hundreds of hours of entertainmen in there, before you reach the point, where you just can't stand the repretitive grindy mechanics anymore and would wish for this to be more of an actual game, instead of a partially interactive milkyway 3D viewer.
The reason for the mixed Steam reviews is that the game does a couple of things outstandingly: The spaceship controls and how all the crafts feel, the sound and the visuals. By game standards however, it's a really pretty shitty game, as all the meta mechanics build around the former three things are shallow, repetitive, under-featured and outside of actual PvP encounters and after the initial learning/grinding curve they don't require much skill.
It's hard to learn, but easy to master and the content and progression at their core are pure grind.
To be honest, even as a new player it can be a massively uninvolving experience.
I booted up, found the entire trading mechanics baffling (I mean I pretty much need to head off to youtube to get to grips with that). And so far game sessions usually are one of the following:
1) Going from one place to another place, saving as that has taken up my play time.
2) Doing a take a-to-b mission, which is basically point 1).
3) Going to a place on a map and tentatively having a scrap because I don't want to get blown up. Also I'm finding fighting much like it was back in the day - fire fire fire fire -> ships pass -> turn around -> fire fire fire fire -> ....
4) Community goal, which is 2) & 3)
5) I went to a planet once and had frig all clue what to do down there.
6) Sifting through loads of ship fitting options, not being quite sure that anything is going to give me the benefit I want
There is no sense of being a part of things. In fact, the most involving aspects of Elite are often experienced through articles or videos. That's how I experienced Eve - as something to read about, not something to play.
What I will concede is that this is more that what Elite on the Acorn Electron gave me - although I don't think that should be a high watermark.
My mind is drifting towards similar games where I can get more of an experience from. Something more immediate. Certainly something where I don't need a computer companion to get the most out of as I flit between game and web browser.
The visual and tactile experience of the game is delicious and I crave to play it in VR. But as it stands, I could easily see myself moving across to No Man's Sky instead. Read into that what you want.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
Yep, this is the main problem with Elite Dangerous in a nutshell: it's just not very engaging. The art and sound is incredible, and the ships and flight model are well done, but the game's mechanics are greatly lacking. Too many unconnected features, not enough feedback or information, anemic gameplay mechanics. This is why so many people describe the game as a mile wide but an inch deep, it's a well deserved description, and it's why I've shelved the game for the time being.
The 2.4 update seems to just be Thargoid war stuff, another combat update, so it won't be addressing any of this most likely and for that reason I'm not very excited for 2.4 at all. I really hope that 3.0 or whatever comes after 2.4 begins to seriously address the problem with the game, which is lacking game mechanics. No amount of alien wars or new bolt on features can mask the fact that the game's core is just not adequate. Frontier has said they will be focusing on the core mechanics of the game after 2.4 so I still have some hope for the future of Elite. Until they do something about it though, I'll be mostly done with the game, only playing very sporadically maybe a few times per month just to fly a spaceship around.
So I haven't played this for ages but want to get back into it really. I have the Horizons pack and the last thing I did was get an SRV.
The ship I'm currently flying is a kitted up Asp Explorer and I've got about 25mil credits, but I'm not really sure where to go from here. The things I most enjoy are combat and exploration, really don't like mining or trading. Which of the larger ships would be best for Combat/Exploration focus? Anaconda? FDL? One of the new ships that's come along since my last playtime?
What's the best way of earning credits quickly these days?
The ship I'm currently flying is a kitted up Asp Explorer and I've got about 25mil credits, but I'm not really sure where to go from here. The things I most enjoy are combat and exploration, really don't like mining or trading. Which of the larger ships would be best for Combat/Exploration focus? Anaconda? FDL? One of the new ships that's come along since my last playtime?
What's the best way of earning credits quickly these days?
Camp Freddie
Member
The Clipper is a good all-rounder but you need a high-ish imperial rank.
FdL is combat only and good but expensive.
Python is similar to the clipper, a bit better for most things, but more expensive.
If you don't have a Vulture, they're a good option for pure combat at a similar cost to the Asp.
Not too sure about money now. Tourism in an Asp can make a lot of money but you need to build minor faction reputation and have a good explorer rank to get the high payouts.
Some CGs can make you a lot of cash too.
If you haven't already, get an engineer to upgrade your FSD. It makes a huge difference to exploration.
FdL is combat only and good but expensive.
Python is similar to the clipper, a bit better for most things, but more expensive.
If you don't have a Vulture, they're a good option for pure combat at a similar cost to the Asp.
Not too sure about money now. Tourism in an Asp can make a lot of money but you need to build minor faction reputation and have a good explorer rank to get the high payouts.
Some CGs can make you a lot of cash too.
If you haven't already, get an engineer to upgrade your FSD. It makes a huge difference to exploration.
KaidoRacer7
Member
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale 
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
It still is probably the best (modern) space sim game you can play. You just need to understand that most of the posters here have 500-1000+ hours played.
MrFrankFontaine
Banned
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
I wouldn't let the negativity get you down. There's a lot to do and take in for new comers. It's still is the best space sim out there. It's just that after putting some serious time into it, you start to recognize that some of core gameplay is lacking. I'll have to check how many hours I've put in (maybe 100-150 hours). I still haven't checked out tourist missions, community goals or have explored really far from the bubble (mostly combat and engineering). I can understand why folks who have been in it from the beginning could feel disengaged, but I'm still loving the game and looking forward to the upcoming updates.
GroundCombo
Member
Exactly this. I've been on a long break, but before that I played for some 200+ hours, most of it in VR. Now I'm feeling like doing some sightseeing again so I'll probably buy a Dolphin for a change, pimp it out, take some passengers and maybe go on a longer exploration trip. The feeling of flying your own ship in a big galaxy is such pure space porn (especially in VR) that it compensates for a lot of the shortcomings. The game is in desperate need of more meaty mechanics and less youtube-alien-wreckage-of-the-week, but it still has that special something.
I need to look up more about the Engineer stuff.
If they upgrade my FSD (Which I assume will cost in some way) do I then need to go through the upgrade process again if I change my ship or upgrade to a higher class GAS?
I think my Imperial rank was pretty good as I recall, will have to check it though. How much does a kitted out Clipper cost roughly?
Or is the Python the 'ideal' choice for my Combat/Exploration preference?
Zepp Twofist
Member
Yeah, it's probably just best to avoid the community of this game for the first 100 hours.Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
I had amazing moments in Elite. Just letting my ship drift away in silence in a gas giant rings... Looking at the sunrise on a far away moon... Hide from a pirate in a crater... Making a low pass at boost speed near a base...
The game has it's moments.
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
Some of the issues people have problems with you won't really encounter until you've putt 100+ hours into the game or end up playing everyday all the time. You'll still very likely have a great time and enjoy the hell out of the game. Ignore any community negative post at the moment and just enjoy yourself and learn the game. Like any game though feel free to take a break from the game. Something I think many people don't do enough when they become frustrated, etc. I have no problem stepping away from games for several weeks or even a few months at a time then coming back to to it. I think that's kinda needed in general with gaming.
KaidoRacer7
Member
Thx for he replies. Pomerlaw, thats is something that I'm looking for
Forerunner
Member
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
It is the best space sim atm. However, this thread is full of people that have put hundreds if not thousands of hours into this game. So we tend to criticize the game heavily.
Mengy
wishes it were bannable to say mean things about Marvel
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
Don't let our negativity thwart you as a new player. Take me for example, yeah I'm fairly negative about the lack of core mechanic development Elite has seen since launch, and yes I'm not playing much at all right now, but realize that I have literally hundreds of hours played with this game. It's probably well over 500 hours by now. I may not be too keen on the game but it still is the best space sim game on the market today, bar none. There just isn't any competition that can top it right now.
So play it and see how you feel about the game after a couple hundred hours of it. LOL!!!!!
Christ. There's nothing to say.
10/10
Retro Edge
Member
Does this game has an account system? So can I start on PS4 and move to the X in November?
JackAubrey
Member
Alas you can't transfer your commander to another platform.
Dubbedinenglish
Banned
They have something for PC--> PS4 but I think that is it.
MrFrankFontaine
Banned
Ha. That's pretty funny actually.
Dreams-Visions
Member
Wow... I was happy until reading some posts here. Bought this thinking that it was one of best space sims and even got the season pass at steam summer sale
You'll have a blast.
Fatigue won't set in for several hundred hours. Understand that most of us regulars in this thread have been functionally living in the not yet complete "end-game" content for literally years and are around or above 1,000 hours in the game. That perspective is important. It takes several months of regular play to get to that point at which time you will have gotten your monies worth if nothing else. The later experience is still very much under construction, but any new player will find no shortage of things to do.
Just be aware that most direction and goals in your day to day play are very much of your own creation. There is no story you're pressing forward. You decide what your short term and long term goals are, you decide how you're going to accomplish them, and you start that hike up your mountain of choice.
Along the way, you'll be treated to some amazing visuals, industry-best soundfx (award winning), entertaining combat, cool driving around planets surfaces...and of course some slow-burn experiences (travel) and Diablo-like ginding elements.
Just take your time and know that if you're enjoying yourself now, you'll continue to do so for a long time to come. By the time you reach Mengy levels of fatigue and frustration, 3.0 will be out.
Also, Elite Dangerous is one of the best VR experiences on the planet. If you're interested in VR, you can actually just park next to a blue gas giant and just...look. For an hour.
Note: I'm around 1,800 hours in. I continue to have fun with ED. I don't play every day and feel no compulsion to do so. When ED starts feeling like a "job" that you have to "work", it's time to take a break and play something else for awhile.
Felix Lighter
Member
This community is the best! Really dodged the instant transfer bullet. Imagine the compelling moments like this that we would have missed.
KaidoRacer7
Member
Noob question: I thought that ED Horizon was just a dlc to ED. But I have to choose which one I have to start. It's better to start ED vanilla?
Dubbedinenglish
Banned
Launch Horizons, It's the full game
KaidoRacer7
Member
Thanks!
Camp Freddie
Member
Engineers must be unlocked by performing a some tasks, which vary in their challenge and grindyness.
Then you need to land at their planetary base and provide data and materials (usually obtained by combat, scanning, signal sources and surface exploration) to roll the dice on various upgrades. Getting low level upgrades unlocks the higher ones. The upgrades never cost you any actual money.
This website is great for checking requirements:
https://inara.cz/galaxy-engineer/2/
Upgrades are specific to the module, but you can upgrade as many times as you want and transfer the module between ships.
For example, the Asp, Clipper and Python all use a class 5 FSD so you could just swap the same engineered module if you really wanted.
Clipper is faster and cheaper (50-75 million to kit it out fully) but is too big to land at outposts. It also looks cool. Python has more firepower, better shields and is slightly smaller so can land at outposts (it costs 100-150 million to fully kit it out).
Both are multi-role ships and can be used for combat or exploration. However, I'd keep the Asp or a Diamondback for exploration since they have much higher range.
The Clipper has a small fuel tank so you need a good fuel scoop and/or extra fuel tank if you're going a long distance.
You know how immersion idiots/concern trolls say that you don't have to sit there and wait for the module/ship to arrive? Well they're right, but the video maker should've just kept playing W3.
Mengy, is this you?
https://twitter.com/EliteDangerous/status/878930908874760192
Where can I find an asteroid base? Is there a list of them somewhere?
https://twitter.com/EliteDangerous/status/878930908874760192
Where can I find an asteroid base? Is there a list of them somewhere?
Snakethesniper
Member
Is the game specs-heavy? I have an old i5-2500 3.30 Ghz as CPU, would that suffice?
wesleyshark
Banned
Not having instant transfers is what stopped me from playing this most recent time. I'm out at Jaques and having to wait to have stuff sent over, and at the insane cost, killed my desire to play anymore lol.
I'll be back for Thargoids and when the Xbox One flight stick is released.
Sounds like you've had plenty of fun in two and a half years worth of content and updates, and all without any "actual damn game mechanics"
If I could spend £30 on a game and enjoy it for nearly three years, I'd be more than happy.