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EVE Evolved: Upgrading to a PvP cruiser: Minmatar and Caldari

Brendan Drain — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, PvP, Hands-on, EVE Evolved, Guides

Over the years, I've introduced several friends to EVE Online and tried to give them the best start possible. Offering a financial safety net for ship losses definitely helped a little, as did providing funding to back market experiments and manufacturing or research ventures. What I found helped most of all was to bring new players on quick PvP fleets and discourage them from gravitating toward mining or mission-running as their primary form of gameplay. The adrenaline rush of EVE PvP is something I've yet to find in another MMO, and it's the reason so many of us are hooked to the game. It only makes sense then to introduce new players to it as soon as possible.

Last month, I encouraged new players who might be starting out on their own to grab a few friends and similarly charge into PvP from day one. To follow up, the last two weeks' columns have been dedicated to getting new players into their first PvP frigate and upgrading to a cruiser, with emphasis on staying financially ahead of the inevitable ship losses. Last week we tackled Gallente and Amarr ships, with some cheap battle-tested setups for the Thorax, Vexor, Arbitrator and Omen that new players will be able to fly with only a few weeks of skill training.

In this week's EVE Evolved, we look at Minmatar and Caldari cruisers, with setups for the Stabber, Rupture, Blackbird and Moa and tips on saving your escape pod to minimise the cost of death.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Upgrading to a PvP cruiser: Minmatar and Caldari

EVE Evolved: Upgrading to a PvP cruiser: Minmatar and Caldari originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE player wins silver medal at the Winter Olympics

Brendan Drain — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Culture, Guilds, Lore, PvP

It's not every day you run across an Olympic Medalist in your favourite MMO, much less gank them and take their stuff. For some EVE Online players, that opportunity may be closer than they think. With the conclusion of the recent Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, it came to light that one of the medal winners is not just an EVE player but also an avid PvP junkie. Casting off the stereotype of MMO gamers as unfit and demotivated, Kjetil Jansrud is a professional alpine skier at the peak of physical fitness. Competing in this year's Winter Olympics, the Norwegian EVE player took the silver medal in the Men's Giant Slalom event.

Kjetil Jansrud is better known to his friends in "hirr" corporation as "NThraller", the Caldari ECM specialist. As part of Morsus Mihi alliance, he takes part in roaming PvP gangs and full-scale territorial warfare. In conjunction with the news of NThraller's Olympic win, JumpOnContact has taken an interesting look at the demographics of EVE players and MMO gamers in general. According to CCP, the average age of EVE players is around 27 and most players have some kind of degree-level certificate. The EVE community is made up of everything from high-paid professionals to students but did you ever expect to see "Olympic Medalist" added to that list? I know I didn't.

EVE player wins silver medal at the Winter Olympics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online's Scorpion to receive graphical overhaul in Tyrannis

Brendan Drain — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, Expansions

When high-quality ship models were introduced with EVE Online's Trinity expansion, not every ship reacted to the graphical upgrade in the same way. Some ships, like the Megathron and Crusader, saw dramatic visual improvements with panel details and sharp lines. For the Scorpion, however, the upgraded detail exposed design flaws in the original model that spoiled its look for some players. The Scorpion has long been held as one of the ugliest ships in EVE, sporting the signature Caldari asymmetric design and odd metallic pylons. For a battleship, it's always looked small, light and flimsy; a look that perhaps suited its original role as a long-range electronic warfare ship. With it being rebalanced for a close-range "brawler" role last year, the old model really started to look out of place on the field of battle.

In a new devblog, the CCP art department have released screenshots of a new Scorpion model they're planning to roll out with the Tyrannis expansion this summer. Using design themes from their work on Tech 3 strategic cruisers, the team have turned one of EVE's all-time ugliest ships into a masterpiece. Not only does the ship now look more like its namesake, it has a much more solid and aggressive look to it that better suits its role in PvP. This may mark the start of a change for other Caldari ships, many of which sport elements of the same bizarre asymmetric design that spoiled the Scorpion's appearance. As an added bonus, CCP's graphics programmers have created a new texture packing system that vastly improves the visual quality of small details on ships. If you're interested in the new Scorpion model or the finer details of how CCP texture the ships in EVE Online, the latest devblog is definitely worth a look.

EVE Online's Scorpion to receive graphical overhaul in Tyrannis originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apocrypha 1.1 patch brings a host of changes to EVE Online

James Egan — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, Patches

EVE Online's next iteration of the Apocrypha expansion, version 1.1, is slated to deploy on April 16th, bringing with it some major changes and a host of smaller fixes and adjustments. The patch notes are exhaustive, but this isn't a complaint. It's good that CCP Games has been thorough and not stealth-introduced these changes, many of which have been discussed on the forums already such as the ECM and stealth bomber changes. That said, some of the patch notes we've seen for EVE could be released in volumes, or at least as condensed books. The Apocrypha 1.1 patch notes are rather detailed as well; if you have a look you'll see what we mean.

Apocrypha 1.1 represents some significant changes that EVE Online's players will no doubt have some strong opinions about. With that in mind, let's have a moment of silence for the mighty Falcon; even in death your strength provokes e-rage. Its ECM effectiveness at long range has sparked no small amount of outcry from its victims while endearing itself to many Caldari recon ship pilots. From the comments connected with Apocrypha 1.1, it looks like the Falcon's death is as hotly debated as its life. Some will miss it while others are happy that CCP is changing the ship's bonuses.

More changes might be listed or adjustments made before tomorrow's downtime, and as always with the EVE Online patch notes, updated info will appear in green text.

Apocrypha 1.1 patch brings a host of changes to EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Major nerf of ECM ships coming to EVE Online

James Egan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, PvP, News items

While this can hardly be considered flavor of the month (as it would've been a *really* long month), ECM (jamming) ships in EVE Online are considered to be overpowered by many players. Ships with bonuses to ECM modules are able to prevent target lock by other ships, drastically reducing the combat effectiveness of their opposition. After all, you generally can't shoot what you can't get a target lock on, and some of these ships can jam from extremely long ranges.

With this in mind, CCP Games is taking a look at ECM ships and considering redefining their roles in the EVE Online. Game designer CCP Chronotis has written in the official site's Game Development Forum about what the devs would like to do to fix ships with bonuses to ECM. In a nutshell, CCP is considering altering the ships (and ECM use in general) in terms of range. Some ships might become 'short range brawlers' while others become 'long range snipers.' Chronotis proposes specific changes to ECM ships, detailing their reworked stats as they will appear on the Singularity test server in the coming days, and invites input from the playerbase on the matter.

Despite the widespread perceived need for ECM changes to be made, some of the player response to the proposed changes is critical so far. Regardless, one thing is clear -- the days of Falcon alts are numbered. Have a look at what CCP is considering doing, and let us know if you agree or disagree with these changes.

[Via A Misguided Adventurer]

Major nerf of ECM ships coming to EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Unusual tanks

Brendan Drain — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, Guides, PvP, Tips and tricks, PvE, Hands-on, EVE Evolved

Although in EVE Online we tend to think of a tank as our ship's ability to absorb damage and self-repair, it makes sense to describe any strategy used to keep yourself alive as a form of tank. In the previous parts of this guide on the art of tanking in EVE , I gave some tips on choosing what type of tank to use on your ship and gave an overview of both armour and shield tanking. In this final part of the guide, I take a look at alternative strategies for keeping your ship alive. Strategies such as the spider tank, defensive use of electronic warfare and the much lauded speed-tank are put under the microscope as I look at some of EVE's more unusual tanks.

Spider tank:
When I first coined the term "spider tank" back in early 2006 (before that calling it a "squadron tank"), I was convinced we would see them on the battlefield increasingly frequently. Sure enough, spider tanks have become a staple of gang and small fleet warfare. A spider tank is a strategy in which each member of a fleet fits a remote armour repairer or shield transfer in one of their high slots and they repair anyone in the fleet who starts to take damage. When the enemy concentrate their fire on one member of the gang, the gang concentrates their remote repairers on that member to keep him alive.

Read on to find out how a logistics ship can generate capacitor out of thin air and how ECM, long range weaponry and speed can be effectively used as tanks.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Unusual tanks

EVE Evolved: The art of tanking - Unusual tanks originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Electronic Warfare, part 3

Brendan Drain — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Classes, Game mechanics, Guides, PvP, Tips and tricks, Grouping, EVE Evolved

In the first two parts of this three part guide, I explained the basics of electronic warfare in EVE Online and examined the skills and equipment you'll need as an electronic warfare specialist. In this final section, I tackle the tricky issues of battlefield operations and survival.

Survival:
An unfortunate fact about being part of a fleet's electronic warfare crew is that you'll almost certainly be a high priority target for your enemies. To make matters worse, specialist electronic warfare ships tend to have very poor defensive capabilities. Fitting any kind of tank on an electronic warfare ship can waste vital module slots and severely impact the performance of your ship. This is particularly true in the case of ECM jamming ships where the low slots should be used for signal distortion amplifiers.

What can you do to keep your ship safe on the battlefield and what should you do to help your fleet be victorious? Join me as I answer these questions in a thorough tactical overview of electronic warfare in EVE Online.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Electronic Warfare, part 3

EVE Evolved: Electronic Warfare, part 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 2

Brendan Drain — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Classes, Game mechanics, Guides, PvP, Tips and tricks, Grouping, EVE Evolved

In part 1 of this guide, I delved into the world of electronic warfare in EVE Online. In this second segment, I examine the skills and equipment you'll need to be an electronic warfare specialist with special regard to ECM jammers, remote sensor dampeners and tracking disruptors. Contrary to popular belief, new pilots with few skillpoints can still be extremely useful in this area of PvP. The entry-level skills and equipment for electronic warfare specialists can be obtained within days of starting the game.

Entry-level ships:
Although electronic warfare modules can be fitted to any ship, each race has its own set of specialised ships that get bonuses to them. Ranging from cheap expendable frigates up to expensive force recon ships, there are specialist ships for players of all skill levels and in all price ranges. The Caldari race have ships that specialise in ECM jammers, the Gallente specialise in remote sensor dampeners and the Amarr make good use of tracking disruptors and energy neutralisers.

Read on as I examine the skills and equipment you'll need to be one of the most effective electronic warfare specialists in EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 2

EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 1

Brendan Drain — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Classes, Game mechanics, Guides, PvP, Tips and tricks, Grouping, EVE Evolved

Whether you're taking part in faction warfare, pirating, fighting a dirty corporate war or defending your homeland in 0.0, chances are you'll be engaging in a lot of fleet warfare. Although a lot of newer fleet commanders prefer all fleet members to be in ships that deal a lot of damage, the optimum setup makes better use of a variety of ship types. A strong fleet in EVE Online is typically composed of three main groups. First you have the tacklers who intercept and warp-scramble enemies, then the damage dealers who kill the enemy and finally you have the electronic warfare crew.

What is electronic warfare?:
Electronic warfare involves the use of modules that debilitate the enemy indirectly rather than attacking them head-on. This includes using target jammers to cause the enemy to lose his active target locks, sensor dampeners to decrease his lock range and energy neutralisers to deplete his capacitor. A good electronic warfare ship has the potential to remove several enemy ships from the battle, cutting the effectiveness of the enemy fleet down significantly. For this reason, a good electronic warfare wing in your fleet can be seen as a force multiplier, allowing your fleet to engage much larger forces and succeed.

In the first part of this guide, I cover the basics of electronic warfare in EVE and show just how important this often underused portion of a fleet is.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 1

EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 10 Commandments of EVE

James Egan — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, EVE Online, Game mechanics, PvP, Tips and tricks, PvE

EVE Online tends to appeal to MMO players who like the depth and complexity of a sci-fi game where players have the freedom to act as they wish in a vast galaxy. But that freedom comes with a price; EVE can be a harsh setting, particularly for newer players trying to get a handle on the game.

For the newer player who's recently completed the tutorial, EVE largely remains a mystery... one which only reading, learning from other players, and just 'going for it' can solve. Still, it's always good when someone passes on advice to newer players as many of us learned our lessons the hard way. To that end, we bring you The 10 Commandments of EVE. Truth be told, there are a lot more than ten essential things to know about the game, but this is a good start. Feel free to add your own "commandments" or lessons learned in the comments below.

Behold The 10 Commandments of EVE >>

Gallery: The 10 Commandments of EVE Online

The 10 Commandments of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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