E3 Scoop

#1
From Filefront


Eve Online, one of the most popular MMORPG’s currently in existence, is receiving a new injection of features in its expansion pack slated for release in Q3 of 2004, codenamed Shiva.

The developers chose one key point to expand upon, content. Almost all of the new features expand upon this already diverse game. The feature that is getting the most attention however, is the addition of player owned structures, which turns the game into a game of conquest in which there is real territory to be won. This will have a major impact on game play, as you now have to deploy protection for your assets instead of just a run and gun shooter.

The structures that will be added are the following:


Control towers
Factories
Refineries
Storage & silos
Research Platforms
Hangars
Defense Systems
Supplemental Modules


The following is a list of world additions created for Shiva, these are just an addition to the already realistic, and treacherous world in the original Eve Online.


Super massive asteroid fields
Planetary rings
System-wide fields
Ice fields
Debris fields
Small bodies
Comets
Orbital asteroids
New planetary effects
Aurora borealis
Volcanic activity
Atmospheric effects
Meteor showers
Along with the content, and world additions, the game is already expanding its user interface to keep up with the new content, as well as make the interface more intuitive for use. The major changes include:


Tactical view
New solar system map
Better intra-system navigation
Vastly improved scanner functions
Fleet command
Wing hierarchies
Set objectives
Market
In-flight access
New functionality
In-Game browser
New support for HTML 3.2
EVE specific tags
Helper applications
Calculator
Notepad



Shiva also has upgraded agent functionality, which includes the ability to trade in illegal goods, trade special items, and even complete missions. The Agent system has been a part of EVE since its inception, but the developers feel with the new functionality included in Shiva, that this will “leap forward and become an important part of the game.”

New game play systems are being added too, allowing alliances to be formed which will result in massive corporations fighting against each other. Contracts, including trade agreements and assassination agreements can be bound to players now. Aggression system has also been upgraded to allow for better handling of a conflict and extended criminal flagging.

Also added are new multi level scenarios allowing players to enter dungeons through warp gates in which they have to finish a list of set tasks in order to move on. If the missions get too tough, you can team up with a friend in order to complete them. This also serves as a tutorial of sorts for new gamers. The multi-level scenario features include:


Multi-leveled with escalating difficulty
Structure game play, ideal for new players
Huge rewards at the end of the dungeon
Pirate installations
Old ruins
Empire Operations
Hive Complex


Each of the above have sub levels and the sub levels even have sub levels allowing the player to get into the mind set of the game right off the bat. It also adds to the value of the game.

Shiva is also adding over 200 new NPC types to the game, including VIP’s, support ships, convoys, roaming fleets, and rogue drones.

All in all, the game appears to be on track for its Q3 release this year, and should make quite a splash in the MMORPG market as it already has an immediate audience in its loyal bands of EVE players. For more information check out their web site at www.eve-online.com..
The Expanse. Watch it!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 71 guests

cron