Some observations

clark · #1 September 24th, 2003, 06:34 PM

Alright, another mystery....

Can anyone explain the power requirments?

Right now, I can see different power plants that produce different amounts of energy. I think we start with a 25k plant, but I upped it to a 50k plant. I see some that are better coming in at 100k.

What do the different numbers mean, and what is ideal, and what is simply 'sufficient'? How is power used?

Phoenix-D · #2 September 24th, 2003, 07:04 PM

Power plants have two numbers: generation, and storage. The generation is the amount of power they make per time (not sure how much time) Storage is how much they hold maximum.

Each of your weapons uses power to recharge- ussually 10 units. If you run out of power, I'm not sure what happens; probably your weapons won't recharge, and you might slow down.

clark · #3 September 24th, 2003, 07:14 PM

Thanks again! Okay, next question:

I noted the issue with the weapons and there not being much difference in ability between levels. It seems there is a slight difference in some of the weapons (my experience so far).

What about other components though? I do notice the difference between engines (propulsion speeds) armor rating, shield Ratings, etc.

But for the life of me, I can't figure out whether a 7th level Bridge or Crew Quarters is better than a level 2 one. They seem to be exactly the same. If so, why denote different levels? Should we just ignore level differences for certain devices?

Phoenix-D · #4 September 24th, 2003, 07:31 PM

On those, I don't know. Everything except bridge, CQ and LS seems to improve. I think the crew quarters and life support might as well, by preventing crew death better. On a destroyer that doesn't matter, but the rate of death can be adjusted- I bet some of the bigger ships need more than one Life Support..with a more advanced type, they might not.

macjimmy · #5 September 24th, 2003, 07:46 PM

Sometimes, seems like usually after I've sped up time to cross a system, my ships speed will drop to almost stopped and will not match where I have my speed set. After a little bit of waiting, it starts working again. I don't have damaged engines, or anything like that, and I am carrying no cargo. Aside from that, I am really enjoying the demo

Its not often that a demo can get more than just a few minutes or so of playing time out of me.

[ September 24, 2003, 18:47: Message edited by: macjimmy ]

clark · #6 September 24th, 2003, 07:48 PM

Once more, thank you!

How about this...

Every once in a while, I manage to destroy another ship and they leave behind some "illegal" cargo. What is the value fo this stuff? Is it worth more to some people? I haven't really tried to shop it around becuase I sold all my cargo holds and armor just to afford the weight of an extra gun on the SS rinky-dink, and any extra cargo effects my speeds rather noticeably.

Is it just stuff to be sold where ever and whenever, or is there a bigger prize waiting for those who make the effort? (i'm talking about the illegal cargo)

How long does cargo float around anyway? will the PC ships pick them up? Do they disappear?

And if anyone could shed some light on the mystery of skill levels, that would be appreciated. What does investing the offensive and defensive skills give you? Negoitation? I can tell that armor, hull, and shield improve your regeneration repair rate (in space), but what do these other numbers mean?

clark · #7 September 24th, 2003, 07:56 PM

Is it worthwhile joining the pirates mercenary guild? What kind of missions do I get for 50,000 bucks?

You DO know where the pirates mercenary guild is, don't you....