Today we had a chance to sit down with the team from CCP and talk about the next EVE Online expansion called Inferno, but we also got a chance to sit down with their console FPS DUST 514.
DUST 514 is set in the EVE universe so many of the same systems found in EVE have been applied to the console game. Also your Alliances and Corporations of EVE Online will be represented in this ground warfare game. DUST 514 is the equivalent of the Army, while EVE Online is the equivalent of the Air Force. While both are separate they are connected in a bunch of ways. While you won’t be able to get out of your ship and join the ground battle you will be able to be a part of the same Corporations and continue your EVE fight on the ground with your friends. Plus there will be some other integration such as sending money and possibly more items in the future to and from space and land players.
As I said many of the game systems in DUST 514 are very similar to EVE Online. The one that EVE players will notice first is the character and vehicle outfitting. Like in EVE you have limitless ways to outfit your character and vehicles as long as you stay within your power limit. Want all rail guns on your tank go right ahead, want a mix of guns and turrets you can do that to, the choice is up to you, and you can build as many different build out as you like for different battle situations. However one thing that is really neat, if you are killed in action or if your vehicle is destroyed your equipped items are lost, just like in a real battle. Don’t worry not only can you buy items in bulk, from what it seems in game currency is abundant. But you also have a slew of “militia” weapons which never get lost, so you’ll always have weapons. I must say this system is really interesting, as it give you a reason to use strategy in battle instead of reckless run and gun.
Once you drop into the battle controls are very tight and are as smooth as all the top FPS titles. The game also looks very good, with tons of explosions all around and nice particle effect when you lob grenades at your foes.
DUST 514 is going to be a blast once it goes live, and is going to be a great step into the world of EVE for many gamers.
The other thing we spoke with CCP about was their latest expansion, the 17th expansion to be exact called Inferno. Inferno is all about improving the EVE Online game system. From graphics updates, including new missile models, to the new factional warfare and mercenary marketplace systems, Inferno brings lots of nice features that further enhance the EVE experience for veterans and novices. It was great talking to the EVE team and seeing how in-tune they are with the community, so many of the changes and additions made to EVE Online can be traced back to reactions from the community. And I’m confident that this same mindset will translate to DUST 514 and users should expect to have an ever improving gaming experience and the game grows.
