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Earthrise News - Interview with Masthead's Atanasov
Posted by Michael Bitton on Sep 23, 2009 | 8 comments in our forums
Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov recently sat down with the folks at GameSNAFU for an interview, with topics ranging from the role of mechas in Earthrise, to crafting, and even to the role of the environment in PvP.
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The interview reveals a number of interesting things about the use of mechas in Earthrise, with Atanasov explaining that mechas will play an important role in combat, providing their pilots with extreme firepower, sometimes enough to shift the tide of battle. The drawback, however, is the fact that mechas are quite large targets and would be easy to focus fire on, and there is also the fact that mechas can also be stolen by players. Vehicles can be "pocketed" but can also be left out in the world, and it is during this state that they can be hijacked by players, or if left out in the world for too long, will self destruct. Given this news, I'm not sure why anyone would leave their vehicle out in the world.
Mr. Atanasov also discusses the game's complex environment and its PvP role in Earthrise:
2. How well do tactics and strategy come into play, especially when considering the surrounding landscape? How frequent are safe areas?
Areas that provide a variable degree of protection - from no protection in a Wild West sense to a controlled state close to the major cities - will be prominent enough for players to always take that factor into consideration. This makes tactical planning of player killing very important. Player killers should not only consider how to approach the enemy, but also the fastest route of avoiding the involvement of the AI-controlled security squad. Environments in Earthrise are complex and often require a lot of logistical planning when it comes to ambushes, escapes and such.
We also get some solid answers on soloing in Earthrise, with Mr. Atanasov revealing that Earthrise will be, "very solo-friendly and allow characters to approach almost all challenges on their own without requiring a party or raid-sized group." The role of grouping in the game wasn't understated however, as Mr. Atanasov says that belonging to a group can help protect yourself from enemies. But given the open nature of Earthrise, the element of a groups trust in one another is key, with Mr. Atanasov explaining, "One of the advantages of solo play is that you can always trust yourself."
Via GameSNAFU.
Seriously, what other developer has their first name as part of their last name?
Atanas Atanasov. That's cool.
Anyway, nice interview... Masthead just loves taking their time with this, telling us a lot but not showing us that much yet. It's irritating because, on paper, this sounds like a great game. Though of course I'm sure the little "Solo-friendly" comment will make those group lovers angry, even though the approach to PvE they've chosen is the best.
"Solo-friendly" means grouping is pointless, so - pass.
"Solo-friendly" PvE (in a PvP environment) makes grouping pointless? Care to elaborate?
"Solo-friendly" PvE (in a PvP environment) makes grouping pointless? Care to elaborate?
Grouping is inherently less convenient and flexible than soloing. If people aren't given good reasons to go to the trouble, they will solo.
The more players who choose to solo, the more people will have to solo.
Grouping is inherently less convenient and flexible than soloing. If people aren't given good reasons to go to the trouble, they will solo.
The more players who choose to solo, the more people will have to solo.
That's definitely true in a PvE environment. But look at what I said. In a PvP environment. Earthrise will be like that, where the threat of attack from other players is almost always present. If you're going to walk around solo, PvEing, that's certainly your choice. However, the incentive will be to group (with friends, because as Atanas said, you can't always trust everyone you meet on the street...) in order to avoid conflict from other players. If you have 5 friends and some ganker has 3, unless he's very brave or stupid, he's going to avoid attacking you. If he tries and fails, you get his (uninsured) stuff. Win-win.
Besides all that, there will be some "raid" things in Earthrise which will require that standard X-man group, so don't worry. The difference is that Earthrise is a sandbox, but he mentions it as being towards the end of the game. Not end-game, but when your character is more powerful. Not through levels, but through stats and, to some extent, gear (I'd imagine).
I knew the solo comment would bring out at least one troll.
Remember that Earthrise is a crafting intense game. All items are crafted by players from gathered materials. Mobs do drop some special ingredients, and small quantities of the basic resources, but the best way to get the basic resources is to participate in mine defense. This sounds sort of like War's PQ's. You show up and help people defend from waves of enemies. Those who participate will get vouchers for that mine's resource, and the market price of that resource goes down.
Further, advanced resources are only available from territory mines. Territory mines must be taken over by, and built up by a guild. So that certainly isn't solo friendly.
And last, the most advanced resource will only be harvestable by mechs inside of a biohazard zone. Mechs are so expensive, that only guilds will be able to construct, repair, and fuel them.
So ya, you may technically able to level solo, but that's only part of the equation. In order to survive the PvP, and to actually participate in the economy, you'll have to group up. The option to solo does not take away from the game. It's a sandbox after all, taking options away doesn't make sense.
Who gives a shit if I have the ability to solo. Last time I checked all sandbox games had at least one aspect of the game that was solo friendly.
Anyway, Thanks for the info I'm dying to try this game.
Solo-friendly PvE in a PvP centric environment? Sure, if you want to run around alone when all the player hunters are most likely in small assault parties, go ahead and run around alone. I'm sure the gank squads will be more than grateful for your sacrifice to their economic gain.
I'm interested in where this game is headed, but its far too early to start screaming foul on anything announced.