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.

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.