These ideas came from this thread…
I’m a hauler, so I dont play an offensive pew-pew game. I am constantly playing defense.
Every gank is a learning experience, but some defensive tools are needed to balance things out IMO:
The EVE Map:
Question:
But why is looking at the map difficult (as you appear to know the relevant source)? You are playing a space trucker in this case, so you should plan your route properly.
Answer:
Personally I find the map overly complex and overwhelming when I open it. It reminds me of those huge highway maps that would fold out all over the place. UGH!!
Besides, maps are so 20th century. No one uses maps anymore IRL. Everything is GPS based…even for truckers. Perhaps EVE needs a mini-map like other MMOs implement on their main screen. Or better yet, have the minimap available only for Transports and Blockade runners. All the ships are different but all the cockpits look alike. Give the haulers an edge and a unique tool in the defensive game.
Question:
Warping uncloaked as a High Value Target through the game’s number one ganking choke point. What could go wrong?
Answer:
“And how would I know that? You know the fancy upgrade CCP gave the jump gates recently? It would be nice if it also displayed the traffic and recent pod kills in the area as well for a visual. That data is available via the map, but why dig through a map when you can easily display a number/color scheme on the jumpgate holograms?”
I like their legend…
Legend: 0 kills at gates in system in the past hour 2 kills or less at gates in system in the past hour 3 kills or more at gates in system in the past hour smartbomb kills at gates in system in the past hour hic/dictors used at gates in system in the past hourWhy cant we have this data displayed on the jump gate holograms?
Question:
MWD/cloak would have completely avoided this gank.
Not defenceless, Just complacent.
Answer:
MWD/cloak is an unintended and such a complex maneuver (timing is everything) that it should be standard mechanics for transports. (Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin)
But personally, I believe the concept of fun “game play” is a little off with CCP. I mean, originally I remember when skills were set up one at a time with no queue (people would set alarm clocks so as to not burn any time after a skill was complete) and you had to upgrade your clone whenever you got podded in order not to lose skill points. Then came the 24hr skill queue. That was considered “game-play.” More like monotonous busy work IMO, but as you see those things have passed.
Blockade Runners need a boost aside from tank considering they offer no offensive capabilities. At the very least have them immune to warp scramble. If a pirate gang wants your goods, let them earn it by trying to pop you before you warp off. Now THAT is game play and puts the ball in their court.
Content vs Quality game-play.
A marriage analogy:
You can have a fun and interesting marriage even if your household has very little furniture and items.
or
You can have a depressing and miserable marriage even if your household is chock-full of furniture, swimming pools, luxuries and whatnots.
Gaming is much like a marriage and what makes it a success is not so much the amount of content, like in marriage no.2 but in interesting and fun game play like in marriage no.1.
When game makers focus too much on content and ignore evolving gameplay, you end up like marriage no.2. Staying together just for the kids. Or in the case of EVE, staying together because you have invested so much time and money into it…but are not really happy and left hoping for the best.
Lastly,
Do haulers have proper representation in the CSM? It seems we are the bastard children of EVE. Never get any new skins, no pirate faction industrial ships. The courier contract screen is a joke (security setting is pointless if the route takes you through low/null). I really like hauling and industry, but I dont feel we are well loved.
-Fly Safe