Aztechnology
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Launch Trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IXnBMiuu2IQ
E3 2014 Trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISR4ebdGlOk
Developer:
Frontier Developments
Release date:
Multilateral release, December 16th, 2014, assumed to be GMT.
Platforms:
Elite: Dangerous will be available on both Windows PC and Apple Macintosh computers.
Whichever version of Elite: Dangerous you buy you will get access to the PC version and then access to the Mac version too when it is ready. Mac users who pre-order now will get all the pre-order benefits of the PC and if they have access to a PC will be able to play the PC version in the meantime, when it is released on December 16th.
Game Modes
Training Missions - A small collection of encounters to help you prepare for your time in ED, the last ones a doozy.
Open Play - The bread and butter of Elite Dangerous, a persistent online MMO space sandbox, trading, exploration, and combat simulator set in our galaxy of over 400 billion star systems. Requires online connection
Private Groups - Same as Open Play but limited to only NPC's and Invited group members. Requires online connection
Single Player - Same as open and group play, but limited to only the player and NPC's. Requires online connection
Scrapped modes - Originally Elite: Dangerous had slotted for an independent offline version of the game to release in tandem with the persistent online universe version. However Braben and his team decided to scrap the idea.
David braben said:"Going forwards, being online lets us constantly both curate and evolve the galaxy, with stories unfolding according to the actions of commanders," Braben wrote. "Exploration is also a key factor, too, and it is important that what a single player explores matches what other players explore whether single or multiplayer – a complex, coherent world – something we have achieved.
"Galaxy, story, missions, have to match, and it does mean the single player has to connect to the server from time to time, but this has the added advantage that everyone can participate in the activities that can happen in the galaxy. A fully offline experience would be unacceptably limited and static compared to the dynamic, ever unfolding experience we are delivering."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN2BWY872M8
Cost:
The game will be priced at £39.99/$59.99/€49.99 through Frontier's online store after release.
A £35/$50/€40 Elite Dangerous Mercenary Edition is also available to those who pre-order (Bonuses only available for pre-orders). This includes a number of digital bonuses.
Bonuses:
Full list of contents:
• A digital download Elite: Dangerous
• Your very own Eagle fighter ship docked in a secondary location in-game
• Exclusive pack of ship paint jobs
• A ‘day one’ ship decal
• A digital players guide
• A digital concept art book
• Plus loads more digital goodies to be announced over the coming weeks.
Development of the game is ongoing, and so recommended specifications are only available for the current build.
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED HARDWARE SPECIFICATION:
Direct X 11
Quad Core CPU ( 4 x 2Ghz is a reasonable minimum)
2 GB System RAM (more is always better)
DX 10 hardware GPU with 1GB video ram
Nvidia GTX 260
ATI 4870HD
Internet connection
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS:
Windows 7.x
Windows 8.x
Peripheral Support:
Elite: Dangerous has support for a wide variety of gamepads, joysticks, and throttle setups known as HOTAS (Hands On Throttle and Stick) controllers.
ED also has support for devices such as the Oculus Rift and Track Ir (head tracking infared) systems. Below is a list of peripheral manufacturers noted to work with Elite: Dangerous.
Elite: Dangerous is the latest installment of a long series of epic space games, starting with the release of Elite in 1984. Elite is widely considered the forefather of space simulation games today. This installment is an open world space trading, exploration and combat sim set in a 1:1 scale of the Milky Way galaxy with around 400 billion star systems where you can choose what you do, who you are and where your alliances stand. In a true pioneer fashion, you are given a spacecraft, a few credits and are left to your own devices. Become a trader, pirate, bounty-hunter, explorer, assassin or all of the above and for the first time in the series' history, do it online in a persistent multi-player galaxy. The features list doesn't end here though, since the game will be continuously updated with major planned features like seamless planetary landings, first person exploration and combat, walking around space stations and ships, multi-crew boarding, stealing space ships or even controlling capital ships with a crew of multiple players.
It's hard to believe it, but Elite: Dangerous started as an successful Kickstarter crowd funding campaign on January 4th, 2013. In two short years David Braben and his team have managed to create a space simulation game of incredible scope set in a full–scale recreation of the real Milky Way galaxy's 400 Billion star systems. Allowing you to explore the vast expanses of our Galaxy and pursue an array of activities within that space.
Frontier Developments said:Set in an epic, full–scale recreation of the real Milky Way galaxy's 400 Billion star systems, each with multiple planets of many different types, moons, and countless trillions of asteroids in fields and planetary rings.
It is the most advanced virtual representation of our galaxy ever achieved, and has been created in unprecedented detail using advanced simulation algorithms based on ‘hard’ science.
Every star, planet and moon in Elite: Dangerous have real chemical compositions and movement; spinning, orbiting each other in astronomical ballet. Every star in the night sky and every known exoplanet – all are scientifically accurate and yours to behold and explore in Elite: Dangerous.
Astronomical events take place across the galaxy every moment, from solar flares to black holes. Rare phenomena and atypical stars exist out there to be discovered and recorded by enterprising pilots. This galaxy is yours.
David Braben said:
So without further adieu, let's look at the factions.
THE INDEPENDENT ALLIANCE OF SYSTEMS
Diversity and Unity
The Independent Alliance of Systems was formed from a number of independent systems with a unified goal – to gain strength in numbers and ultimately defend, where necessary, against the big powers of The Federation and The Empire.
The Alliance Defense Force is strong and unified, made up of allied naval forces from independent systems. With powers to act swiftly without government approval over the years, there has been little disagreement between the Council of Admirals who lead it.
The Independent Alliance is culturally very varied, with the leadership changing annually around its member systems who often struggle to agree on principles. But while they may be diverse in ideology and culture, they share a mutual interest in safeguarding against the Federation's plans and the Empire's intents.
THE FEDERATION
Democracy and Wealth
The Federation society appears to be based on democratic principles with leaders being voted to power.
In reality, corporate loyalty oils the machine, and Federation space is a battleground of commerce. Commercial organizations compete as aggressively as the law will allow for the time and attention of the Federal citizen, who goes through life bombarded by advertising.
Corruption is not unusual – and considered as ‘getting one over the system’. Social class is determined between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. There is much poverty, as well as conspicuous wealth.
The huge gross domestic product (GDP) of the Federation economy funds a large, well–equipped Federal Navy which projects its values and influence.
Culturally the Federation is tolerant of some things (like religions) but utterly intolerant of drug-taking, political activism, and certain cultures. A great many things are illegal, like slavery, cloning and certain narcotics.
THE EMPIRE
Reputation and Honor
Originally founded by Marlin Duval, who led the colonization of the Achenar system in the mid 23rd century, the Empire is based on a ‘cliens’ system much like ancient Rome.
Society is strictly stratified, with people being able to move between strata based on money, patronage and influence.
The Empire values both status and honour very highly indeed. So, whilst it is acceptable to flaunt wealth, treating people well is a question of honour – and this includes slaves. Having an unpaid debt is seen as utterly dishonourable – an honourable Imperial citizen would sell themselves into slavery to clear a debt they couldn’t otherwise afford.
Law is seen and enforced very differently in the Empire. Senators are responsible for enforcing the Emperor’s laws, but the Senators themselves are above the law. They can order executions, and can even kill people themselves, though sometimes (rarely) they may be held to account for their actions by the Emperor.
In the Empire very little is illegal, but many things are frowned upon, like excessive use of narcotics.
THE PILOTS FEDERATION
FROM HARMLESS TO ELITE
Formed in 2805 after the great surge in private ownership of smaller starships, the Pilots Federation acts as conduit for trade route information exchange between trusted pilots and provides the infrastructure for a mutual protection scheme against the scourge of interstellar pirates.
The Pilots Federation's zero tolerance policy of dishonorable behavior amongst its members is enforced by a system of bounties automatically placed on the heads of transgressors.
The Pilots Federation has a 9-level "kill tally" Ranking System from Harmless through to the coveted Elite status, with similar Ranking Systems up to Elite for trading and exploration. You can become Elite any way you choose to play.
THARGOID
Little is known about the Thargoid's other than they have an insect like appearance, are vicious, brutal, warlike beings with exotic technology and no concern for human life. They have not been open to negotiations as of this time.
The Thargoids are not currently in game, but have made appearances previously. They may come in a future update.
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Each faction has its own reputation, which upon reaching new levels will allow the acceptance of more lucrative missions and the purchase of faction exclusive ships.
Smaller factions and independent groups also have their own reputation, which may or may not be independent from major factions.
Disclaimer, this list only encompasses the major factions, there are numerous other smaller factions ranging from small enterprises to cartels and gangs.
On of the cornerstones of Elite: Dangerous is giving you the freedom to make your fortune... or fail to do so, however you want. To this end, the game on release will offer a diverse range of avenues for you to pursue.
There are three general categories in the current build. Each containing a number of sub categories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhuIqTxfU3I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PsRztHlOZYQ
Chances are combat will most likely be part of your time in Elite Dangerous whether you want it or not. Space is full of both friend and foe looking to make a quick buck even if it's at your expense.
However, whether you choose this route to gain your fortune is entirely up to you. If you choose to engage in the world of dog fighting in ED, here are a few ways you can do so.It is a cut-throat galaxy out there, and combat is a basic skill that you need to survive.
BOUNTIES
If you, or another should make a transgression against another pilot or be seen committing illegal actions you will gain a bounty. Both players and NPC's are able to claim your bounty. NPC's themselves will often have bounties as well, so keep an eye out for fugitives.
But how do I find bounties?
So there's a few ways you can actively search for bounties. The only real way to know if a pilot has a bounty is to lock and scan the target. All you need to do for the basic scan is lock on to your target and be within a few Km of your targets proximity. Your scanner will then automatically detect whether the individual has an outstanding bounty.
Is there anything else I should know, or should I just scan everyone?
Well, you surely can do that, but there's a couple ways to make your bounty hunting days a bit more practical.
1. If you're serious about bounty hunting, buy a kill warrant scanner. A kill warrant scanner is a device that is mounted on the utility mount of your ship and needs to be assigned to a fire group, just like a weapon. It can be used to scan a targeted ship for bounties gained from other jurisdictions. This means for targets who already have a bounty it might increase. Other targets who show as having a clean status may gain a bounty after being scanned. For others there will be no change if they have committed no crime(s).
2. Look for unidentified signal sources when you are cruising through space, criminals often try to avoid governed systems and stations so they will hover in the space between waiting for their next paycheck.
PRIVATEERING
On the flip side, you can also become a wanted criminal yourself, the easiest way to do this other than just blatantly shooting everyone you see is to claim their cargo for yourself!
Tips
1. Buy a Cargo Scanner so you can scan your targets cargo hold. A Cargo Scanner is mounted on the utility mount of your ship and needs to be assigned to a fire group before you can use it, just like a weapon. It is used to scan another vessel for any cargo it may be carrying. If any of the cargo in a ship that's been scanned is stolen the owner of that ship will incur a bounty. This applies to players and NPCs alike.
Be warned - using this scanner is usually considered to be hostile behaviour! The target is always alerted when you initiate a cargo scan on their ship.
FACTION MISSIONS
The ongoing Galactic conflicts between the factions also provide you with a plentiful supply of different missions to choose from. There are assassination missions, item and data recovery missions, or you can be a hired gun, helping one (or all) of the superpowers in the wars which flare up across the galaxy.
Tips
1. In order to access a given factions missions, you most likely need to be in a system they inhabit. Open your Galaxy map, and change the view to get a color coordinated map based on system control.
2. These missions are typically accessed via the Starport Services menu while inside a space station or dock. Check the bulletin boards for new missions. New and more lucrative missions will become available to you as you gain reputation with the faction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr0pjknp57k
HAULING
Additionally factions and groups will have hauling and trading missions available to you in the bulletin boards of your local star port.Frontier Development said:Trading is a very useful, popular way to make money as a starship Commander.
There are thousands of star systems with commodities markets – and some with multiple markets. Each of these markets exist in a Starport.
The rules are simple and universal: buy goods cheaply, where they are made and there is plentiful supply, and then sell them where prices are high, in a location with a high demand for your cargo.
Supply and demand drives prices galaxy-wide – your every trade contributes to the dynamic market activity. The smaller the local market, or the the rarer the commodity, the more easily you and friends can work together to influence prices for your own benefit.
Commodities range widely in type depending on the system you are docked at, from domestic goods to raw minerals to agricultural products and weapons.
Tips
1. You'll have to determine what the best ship for your hauling needs are. But as a general rule to start make sure you have a fuel scoop, a decent sized cargo hold, and maintain your Thrust/Power:weight ratios well enough to make longer jumps. At first it may be rough as a trader, but it becomes exponentially more lucrative as you gain access to larger ships.
MINING
The cargo haulers take is often minerals/ore and it has to come from somewhere. One of the optional vocations you can kit yourself out for is mining. Grab yourself a mining laser and get cutting.
( I arguably have the least experience with this particular route, so I will be editing this as I progress.)
SMUGGLER
Alright, alright we all want to be Han Solo and Malcolm Reynolds, I mean smugglers are awesome right? As a hauler in Elite: Dangerous you might have access to... sensitive materials. There's definitely a market for these items and you can stand to make a healthy profit, provided you can avoid the authorities and privateers.
Tips
1. A constant threat will be docking at star ports where your cargo will sell. Authorities will often attempt to scan those who are within proximity of the station. There are several methods for docking without being detected, but they often require advanced flying methods.
Method 1: Cutting the power, if you stay outside the range of the authorities general scanners you can align yourself with the entrance of the station, begin your movement, cut all power to your systems (yes this includes life support, so you'll be on oxygen) and drift in to the station. Turn your engine back after you get as close as you possibly can and find your way inside the station. Just makes sure you contact the station to request docking permission! before it's too late. Also be aware you will not have shields so try not to smash into anything.
Method 2: Gun it! If you stay on the outskirts of space around the station, say 4-5km and align yourself with the entrance, you should be able to request docking permission and proceed to go full speed ahead and enter the docking bay... try not to hurt yourself too much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLGM-LKY3Nk