I had some pretty big words in support of this game when it came out (and on this thread), but it did feel like the game was missing that something... I was wondering if we as gamers are just so jaded and demanding these days that even this nigh perfect rendition of the old Elite wouldn't be enough to truly win me over.
Well, I think the recent additions - community goals and Power Play - have provided what was needed.
I don't think community goals are new anymore, but I hadn't been doing any of them (haven't really been playing Elite since way back then). The background sim stuff seemed well designed (though I am sure it is a big buggy here and there, plus quite difficult and tedious for players to test) and it was great that our actions had an impact - no matter how small - on the greater world. Also, the emergent stories you could envision based on this stuff... just fantastic stuff for RPers. However, it still felt difficult (and perhaps not rewarding enough) to actually reach out and touch. The community goals gave it focus, highlighted a particular story and rewarded you. Well, pretty much exactly what was needed.
And now Power Play seems to add a third layer to the game (space trucking + background sim + Power Play), which is not only interconnected, but enhances every preceding layer. It gives groups a reason to organize on the large and small scale and truly gives you a way of anchoring yourself into galactic politics. That and it provides factional identity, whether you are a roleplayer or not. I am sure the mechanics will need some work, but the outline is great... and I am actually somewhat amazed at so many naysayers (or maybe I just shouldn't look at the official forums). I say they just don't see the art of it, even if I sound elitist.
I just love the possible depth of these levels interacting. Ok, so our faction needs this system... but the local government isn't amenable to us, so hell, let's work to undermine the local government and place a minor faction in control that would be more beneficial to our Power play patron. And so the tens or hundreds of space truckers get to work. And that's just one faction working... before we start seeing different groups at cross purposes. So yeah, possibly riveting stuff in the pipe.
I actually restarted my character as Power Play was introduced. Kinda stupid yeah, but it's the curse of the player who views things from a roleplaying bent.. only lost 3 million or so in total funds, so not that bad. Now my new commander is out in the Pegasi sector, working one of those cool Kumo Crew themed community goals to quickly and decently equip myself.
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Topic: Elite: Dangerous (Or: Why has this thread not been made yet!?) (Read 44263 times)