Forums » General

Sufficient Trade level, valent standing

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Dec 26, 2004 Lin link
There is a hint below the loading screen ... explore ... :)

The reason why someone wants to know everything that can be get at which level in the game makes no sence imo. Don't you like surprises? If not, you can ask someone, maybe with some luck s/he knows some more details. But if not, where is the problem ... explore and you will find out.

Linda (-:
Dec 26, 2004 paedric link
They're trying to win the game Lin. He/She who dies with the most toys wins. (o.0)
Dec 26, 2004 RelayeR link
Because I don't disclose information I'm aware of does not mean I couldn't find out.

Wylfing: I advocated listing all weapons/ships and their requirements to everyone no matter what their levels and standings were. I've since changed my mind and prefer it being a mystery to anyone that can't find out. This promotes more interaction between players and if not asked properly, a snotty person may not find the answers thus promoting more civil interactions.

ananzi: This is not the proper place to promote the idea that there is imbalance in ships. There are plenty of other threads discussing that.
Dec 26, 2004 Phaserlight link
I agree with RelayeR and Lin, it's better to keep the license levels hidden until you are close... and here's another reason why: there are so many items in this game it would be a little overwhelming for a newb to be presented with them all.
Dec 27, 2004 wylfing link
As I've already stated, witholding of information does not create surprise, it creates frustration. Having some secrets in the game is fine. The problem is that /everything/ is a secret.

It does not promote interaction among players. Almost no one knows what the requirements are, so you have to find out for yourself anyway. And finding out for yourself means doing things like using a plasma devestator even though you don't want to because -maybe- there is a heavy weapons requirement. Forcing players to do things they don't feel like doing is not exploring a fun mystery, it's just irritating.

It also does not shield newbies from being overwhelmed. The proper way to do that is to limit what's available in the starter systems. What actually happens to newbies is they quickly "learn" that all the stations sell an EC-88 and a plasma cannon Mk I, and that's it! When I had only a few license levels, I went exploring far and wide, and no matter how remote the location all I could find was the same buses and newbie guns. Very frustrating and contrary to expectations. And disappointing, too, because it seemed like the universe was going to be quite boring.
Dec 27, 2004 Phaserlight link
Hmm, that is a good point... you may have just hit the nail on the head. Perhaps each station should offer fewer items but have them visible at all levels, just greyed out. That would indeed encourage exploration...

I still think items you don't have the faction for should remain invisible, though. Why would Orion tell you about their top secret assault hornet if they didn't trust you?

On a related but slightly tangential note:
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/8321
Dec 27, 2004 wylfing link
Yes, grayed out is the way to go. (That's one of the fundamental lessons from Apple's Human Interface Guidelines from years back.) The variety isn't that bad once you see it.

I do agree that having insufficient faction standing should hide things from you. That's a "good" kind of secret.