Posts tagged “PVP”

AFK Cloaking – The Modern Eve Soap Opera

Cloaking, in Eve Online, is the ability to remove yourself from other people’s visual and scanning systems, i.e. makes you invisible.  The ability to cloak is used exclusively in PVP related formats, either for intel gathering, or for first strike capacity, and also for surprise attack.  It also is used to escape such PVP dilemmas.

The Modules in Question

Currently, Eve Online has three Cloaking Modules that are in common use:

  • Prototype Cloaking Device I – A Tech 1 module that uses 30 CPU, and 1 MW power.  Upon activation, your ship speed is reduced by 90%.  Upon disactivation, you have to wait 30 seconds before you can target anything.
  • Improved Cloaking Device II – A Tech 2 module that is an improvement over the Prototype.  This unit uses 60 CPU, but only reduces your speed by 75% when active.  When the Improved Cloaking Device deactivates, you only have to wait 20 seconds before you can target another ship.
  • Covert Ops Cloaking Device II – This Tech 2 module can only be used by certain ships, such as Covert Ops frigates, Stealth Bombers, a some Recons.  It has no reduction in speed and has only a 10 second wait before you can start targeting.

All of these have some additional weakness.  For example, if you come within 2000 meters of another ship, it will decloak you.  Another is that if you are actively targeted, you cannot cloak at all.

The Issue that Divides Them

However, all three have one very nice advantage.  They can stay on indefinately.  They drain no power or fuel of any type whatsoever.  Thus, it has become a common practice for some enemy pilots to park their ship in system, cloak up, and go afk for hours at a time (or so one would think – there isn’t anything saying they can’t).  This usually disrupts operations going on in systems and definately slows down isk profitability.. and thus.. the drama is caused.

If you have ever dealt with this issue, you know that there are two sides.. and only two sides to this issue.  For some clarity on that, here are some very recent threads on the subject: https://forums.eveonline.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=110852 and https://forums.eveonline.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=102191&find=unread just to name a very, very, very few threads that crop up out of anger and frustration.  Just for clarity, here are the two groups:

  1. The “Its Not Broken, Don’t Fix It” Group is usually made up of pirates or pirate like characters who essentially don’t want to have to try and find a new way to gank others.  Mixed in there are the ones who actually use it for strategic purposes and those generally have a pretty articulate argument that revolves around how easily it is to decloak a bomber, or how weak a bomber is in the first place.
  2. The second group, or the “Whaaaa!  You are disrupting my Bot Mining Operations” Group tend to be industrialists, mission runners, and ratters.. the majority of which just simply want to do their own thing and not be bothered anywhere (including in WHs, null-sec, and while avoiding wardecs) by this silly thing called PVP.  Imagine the audacity!  Mixed in with that group are some who see the AFK cloaking as too powerful of a mechanic because there is no way to counter it.

Myself, I have been on both sides of this issue.  Ursha’Khan, back during the days of Provi 1.0, used this almost exclusively to disrupt isk making operations.  While I didn’t care for it, the reasons behind it are legitimate.. it was to disrupt our ability to make isk for replacing our losses.  I used this tactic myself to gather intel in far off null-sec systems when we were wardeced by various alliances, so it was a useful tactic for me.

All in all though, I do find that I tend to side with the second group.  Mainly this is because I don’t think a module as powerful as a cloaking device should operate without limitations.  And once it is active, unless you are a complete imbecile or unlucky, there is no way someone is going find you.  No other module in the game acts that way.  Even the small Damage Control units have to use some cap every few seconds to keep active.  All active sensor modules, all active shield modules, all active armor modules, all E-War modules, all weapon modules require either power, or fuel, or ammunition, or a combination of them to remain active and working.  Cloaking Devices don’t have any limitations in their use, and in that respect, I think they are overpowered.

So, what have been more common ideas that have been put forth to deal with this?

Fixes and Wishes

The first, and probably most popular, is having a “Fuel Requirement”.  Basically said, the pilot would have to have some sort of fuel (predictably ice products) that would burn off while in use.  I like the fuel idea, but I can see where it really hampers long range recon when you got to fly through system after system of enemy territory.  It also would degrade their combat effectiveness when used in conjuction with Black Ops fleets.  Though, to what extent would depend highly on the how much fuel is consumed during use.

The second most common is actually one that seems to have some traction with CCP, and that is to have special Cloaky Hunter ships.  To me, this was what the Electronic Attack Frigates should have been used for.  They are currently useless and often the E-war they are paired with make them just quick and easy kills.  I like this idea, but it doesn’t really “fix” the overpoweredness of Cloaking Modules, and I’m not even sure how effective they would really be in actual use.

Personally, I’m in favor of just having the cloaking device use capacitor.  I think that on a full capacitor, using base skills, with no mods, that a Stealth Bomber or Covert Ops should be able to stay cloaked for about an hour.  This would cut down on lazy AFK cloaking, while those actively trying to get intel could make a distance safespot, warp to it when their time is almost up.  uncloak for a few minutes, then go back again.  Long distance ops can still work because you are operating with the same payload and you don’t need a “fuel” to keep you going.

We’ll have to see, I guess.  From what I understand, even the CSM isn’t very cohesive on this issue and we’re probably not likely going to see anything simple come out of CCP.. not when they could show off their art skills with new ships and modules.  So, in the meantime, go read the drama that fills the forums on this issue..  Or better yet, do some trolling of your own.  Just tell’em, Orakkus sent ya.

May 22, 2012 | Categories: Game Dynamics, PVP Module Review | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

I iz a pirate, says I.

So, I finally get to have some PVP time last night.. and look what I got in on:

http://tfhc.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=13249479

- and -

http://tfhc.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=13249879

My official induction into Hulkageddon has begun.. at the loss of only 0.6 of status.  Both strikes were pretty quick and probably the whole thing lasted less than a minute, which meant that even a little training on SiSi went a long way.  Still, it does surprise me that both of these hulks were a.) out during Hulkageddon and b.) not fully tanked.

I guess some people never learn or listen.

The only problem I see now is that CCP Greyscale likes to listen to these people..

May 2, 2012 | Categories: Eve Politics, Game Dynamics, Getting your feet | Tags: , , | Leave A Comment »

Life, Mining, and Fancy Hats

Life, as it seems, is currently kicking me squarely in the jimmy…  or at least seems to be enjoying positioning itself to do just that.  Work has gone from being slightly behind to being far, far behind based on a single meeting.  I went from being the joyfully expectant owner of a new house to being near postal because the loan I was supposed to get has a little bitty caveat that essentially discounts a sizable portion of my income while at the same time, increases what I have to consider as debt.

Yeah, not happy.  Especially since I put the bid on a good friend’s house. 

In the Eve world, my alt is slowly progressing to be an industrial powerhouse the LIKES OF WHICH HAVE ONLY BEEN SEEN SINCE THE DAYS OF.. well.. pretty much every day.  The “alt” can now fly a Retriever and is undertaking the second to last long, slow haul toward getting a Hulk.  Sadly (or maybe not so sadly), he will still be in a Covetor until after Hulkaggedon is done.

Fancy Hats Corp is working towards refining and giving itself some distinctiveness by focusing on… PVP logistics.  It was figured that, in most alliances, it is difficult to find people willing to do logistics.  However, the Fancy Hats CEO and leadership are formulating a plan where our pilots feel both comfortable and capable of stepping up to that plate and doing so whenever needed.  I think this will give us an edge in joining alliances if we can bring not just pilots who can fly logistics, but full trained and prepared pilots who have a well-working and solid operations plan.  This will be our major focus, though not our only skillset as we want our pilots to be PVP proficient too.  So, I’ll be excited to see how it plays out.

 

April 18, 2012 | Categories: Getting your feet | Tags: , , , | Leave A Comment »

Stand, THEN deliver..

I am a purpose-driven pilot.

Give me goals, give me targets, give me plans.

As such, I was excited when a few weeks ago we got the go ahead to join a new alliance out in some space that I haven’t played in for a very… very long time (pre-m3 Corp days).  Our new alliance is SILENT., and we joined up with them just as they moved into a new area of low-sec Metropolis space.  Apparently, their previous home was just too dull.  That being said, we are learning to deal with several new obstacles that have made their presence known.  Ranging from your typical low-sec pirates, to spying Faction Warfare, to Eve University training grounds, and even a Moon that Pandemic Legion kiped from the locals before we got there.  And the three to four systems we’ve opted to hang out in.. are a bit small for the size of our increasing alliance.

It feels a lot like I’m on the ground floor.  My CEO, Corelin, and our Director, Shootin’ Star, are starting to discuss our options for making Fancy Hats better focused.  I’m hoping to get some of the more successful lessons learned from m3 Corp to be incorporated.  Both Corelin and myself see quite a few things that could be used to improve, not only Fancy Hats, but also SILENT.  But, at this point, I think the main focus is just understanding our situation.

Still, despite the feeling that the entire alliance is in the beginning stages of construction, I am seeing progress develop reasonably quickly.  This is a pretty good sign to me because that tells me most of the folks are serious about making SILENT. a success.  Corelin and I have both been using our blogs to sort of.. oh, hint, to the alliance about possible things for consideration.  Some messages tend to get better recieved if they aren’t directed at any particular person or organization.

Personally, I am trying to get a few things like Skill Standards and more active forum use established, just basic things right now before I start pushing more elaborate, but beneficial, regulations.  I’ll be real excited when the alliance begins to decide on focusing everyone on specific ship types and fleet makeups.  Though, I gotta be honest, we’re going to have to deal with the “Catch-22″ of PVP participation before we go there.

However, I don’t think it’ll be too long before we might be able to stand stronger, and perhaps, “convince” PL to let us have that moon that is in our own backyard.

March 15, 2012 | Categories: Getting your feet | Tags: , , , | Leave A Comment »

5.0 to 4.5 – Finally got some prey in my sights

Five ships down and I got on three of them, and my training from Noir. didn’t go to waste.

Drake Kill - http://silnt.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=12559902

Brutix Kill - http://silnt.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=12560007

Mach Kill - http://silnt.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=12559995

Hurricane Kill - http://silnt.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=12560286

Hurricane Kill - http://silnt.eve-kill.net/?a=kill_detail&kll_id=12560315

Been at least three months since my ammo hit living targets and it certainly was an experience getting to know a new neighborhood, and new enemies.  Our corporation, the Fancy Hats Corporation [TFHC], has just joined up with the S I L E N T. alliance over in Minmatar space.  I haven’t resided in Minmatar space since.. well, since I started this game, so it will be a true change of pace and scenery.

Other than that just listening to CSM debates and thinking about who represents my interests best…

 

February 25, 2012 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , | Leave A Comment »

Blog Banter 32 – Who are you.. really?

“This month’s Blog Banter comes from Drackarn of Sand, Cider and Spaceships. He has foolishly chosen to poke the hornet’s nest that is the non-consensual PvP debate. Whilst you read his question, I’ll be finding a safe place to hide.
 
A quick view of the Eve Online forums can always find someone complaining about being suicide ganked, whining about some scam they fell for or other such tears. With the Goons’ Ice Interdiction claiming a vast amount of mining ships, there were calls for an “opt out of PvP” option.
 
Should this happen? Should people be able to opt-out of PvP in Eve Online. Should CONCORD prevent crime rather than just handing out justice after the event? Or do the hi-sec population already have too much protection from the scum and villainy that inhabits the game?”
An updated list of other blog responses to the queston raised above, can be found over at Freebooted.
 
I’d like to preface this discussion with something I recall reading in a post that Rixx Javix wrote a while back. He talked about the difference between Eve Online and other MMOs like WoW.  One of the biggest points he made was that in most MMOs, you are the “Hero”, the ultimate man/beast, who’s very existance helps save the world/universe from destruction(Yes, apparently killing 10 rats over and over again eventually saves the world.. Who woulda thunk it?).
 
Now, contrast that with Eve Online.  In Eve, you may be a Demi-god.. but you are just one demi-god in a sea of demi-gods.. and no one needs you to save anything.  You, in your nice shiny ship, are just “Joe Blow Arrogant Capsuleer trying to make a living off of the backs of the working universe”.  It doesn’t matter if you are Amarr, Minmatar, Gallente, or Caldari.
 
You
are
NOBODY.
 
And likely, that will never change.  That is very profound and very real.  In our Real Lives, most everyone is an actual nobody.  We move through life fully aware that we are just like everyone else, we aren’t going to be famous, we aren’t going to be great heroes, and we aren’t going to make a mark in the world that will last.  And just like in the real world, when you lose it.. it is gone until you replace it, with your own hard earned cash.
 
This means that in Eve, loss is much more personal and more insulting. 
 
And people who don’t like that aspect should just get over it.  Eve is a “risk/reward” game not just a “reward/reward more” game.
 
However, that isn’t to say that new players in Eve need to be treated like an 18 year old girl wearing only a skimpy bikini that has just been dropped in the middle of an island inhabited by vicious rapists (for those thinking of playing Eve, it really isn’t that bad.  Usually..).  The simple fact is that there are quite a few Eve players who never graduate from the title of “13 year old, Teabagging prick” despite being well into their 50s (i.e. Goons), and they tend to go after the low hanging fruit and weak new pilots that they can easily overtake.  This presents a real problem of player retention, because most new players are used to being “spoiled” game-wise, and aren’t used to being in a game where fun requires work and thinking beyond just the mission.
 
Should people be able to “opt” out of PVP?  Simply put, No.  As I stated before, Eve is a “risk/reward” game and you have to take risks to play well.. everyone does.  However, things could be done that could ease new players into Eve to give them the time to understand the game, to make friends, and to get enough skills in the game to have a fair chance of survivability.  One of thoughts that came to me on this, I think was already mentioned by other bloggers, was to have a period of “invincibility” for about 30 to 50 hours of in game play time where they cannot be killed.  However, it can only be done on the first character on a new account, AND different areas effect how fast that time is used up.  So, in high-sec, the time would tick off at 1x, so you can play up to 30 to 50 hours in high-sec doing whatever you want (non-PVP).  In Low-sec and Null-sec, the time would tick off at 5x times so you only have 6 to 10 hours of Non-PVP interaction before you are free game.  PVP actions would immediately open you up for attack until you log off or you run out of time.. whichever is sooner.
 
Outside of that, I don’t see any reason to remove Non-consentual PVP from Eve.  I do think that the wardec and bounty hunting mechanics need to be improved and updated.. but things like suicide ganking, Ice Mining interdiction, etc is a critical part of the world of Eve.  Eve is dangerous, Eve is risk.  Just figure out how to deal with it.
 

January 19, 2012 | Categories: Blog Banter | Tags: , , , , | 6 Comments »

Looking to Get into PVP – Check out this guide..

From Miura Bull.  A well-written and easily followable guide for starting, or getting back into, basic Frigate PVP: http://brutorbullfighter.blogspot.com/2011/12/r1fta-school-of-hard-knocks-guide-for.html

December 15, 2011 | Categories: Getting your feet | Tags: , , , | Leave A Comment »