Escape Velocity: Nova
 

Allow me to begin this thread with a link. A holy link of uh... holiness... yah... which shall deliver unto thee a beautiful 30 day free trial: http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/

I'm not sure if anyone else has played this. Probably some of the mac users have, at least, played the original Escape Velocity, as that it was a pretty popular game back in the day (ten years ago).

The current incarnation (which is still four years old), is even more beautiful than that old one. More worlds, more interesting back story (I kind of want to do an RP in the world after my current one dies/finishes), etc.

The controls are pretty fluid and easy to understand as well, once you get the the hang of it. It's kind of like playing a game of asteroids on your computer, except for all the extra options, other ships, and the ability to play any role you want from asteroid miner (it really IS asteroids!), to trader (good money), to pirate (who DOESN'T want to be a pirate?), to--in some cases--government fighter pilots/officials.

Really, the game is addictive, and if you haven't played, I suggest trying it. It's available for both Windows and Mac OS, and it's free for thirty days (except you can't capture ships until you register). You have no reason not to try.

I have the full version and have beaten two of the story arcs. The Vell-os missions are easy, especially since your ships are very powerful. The Auroran story arc is much tougher, since your ships have little shielding and are slow.

I'm intrigued. I love visual RPs, it lets me delude myself into thinking I'm almost in VR.

If you're gonna do that, hit me UP.

god do i love the Escape Velocity series. I played the original back in highschool, during science class. i didn't do very well in that class, but I had a kickin' Corvette, i tell you what.

EV:Nova is a truly fantastic game, one that puts full retail releases to shame. I had hoped that Earth and Beyond and EVE Online would be somewhat similar to the EV gameplay, but unfortunatly both of them have fallen short.

Personaly, i enjoyed the Polaris story arc (the only one i've beaten, actualy). its hard to get friendly with them, but fuck do they have some awsome technology.

the Starbridge is probably the best ship in the game (in my experience), although i've never had enough money on me to buy the Kestrel when it comes available. i hear its very nice though. I've also had success with a Pirate Enterprise, loaded out with a ton of railguns (railguns = teh win).

Isn't that that game with the girls who are elementals or whatever?

best ship is actually the Vell-os javelin, it's got tons of shields, no inertia so you can literally dodge missles, kickass fighters, it's fast, and if you have the autumn ray weapon you can kill any ship in seconds.

The kestrel kinda sucks, I felt ripped off after buying it.

I remember watching my friend play the original on his ol' mac. He had a ship that was in the same general ship as a star destroyer. He did something to it so he'd rarely have to use his guns...he'd just fly through enemy ships without harming his own. It was pretty awesome seeing him fly through a flagship and destroying it in under two minutes.

No.

First off: Winter Tempest owns the autumn ray. True, you have to aim, so it's not as good against fighters, but you can go up against the biggest baddest ships ever and destroy them in mere seconds, as that it completely bypasses shields and goes straight to armor damage. Only problem is the energy consumption.

Secondly: I think all the Vell-Os ships have their strong points. I'll admit that the Javelin's ability to spawn three Darts does pretty much own anything, but during that fight with the polaris forces I really wanted to trade back down to the Dart for it's 500 speed and superior turning and acceleration, making it much easier to dodge around those damnedable Polaris Missiles (which you just can't shake unless you charge right past them) and get home.

Thirdly: They lack the ability to be customized. If I could outfit one of those puppies with some bad ass blasters, turrets, maybe a port and polish, and, of course, some of those damnedable Polaris take off 100 points of shield and never fucking miss from so far away that you're actually two full radar screens away torpedos, then, yah, they'd be the best.

Fourthly: You forgot the best part. 24 jumps.

I will, however, say this... they are DEFINATELY one of the best (if not the best) ships, thanks to their crazy regeneration rates on shield and energy + high energy + kick ass secondary weapons + zero inertia + massive speed + good turn rates, and they're definately good for the money (free).

Right now, though, I'm kinda partial to my Starbridge for the customization factor.

BTW, when using slow ships, grab an afterburner and a port and polish, then strafe past foes while laying into them with whatever you have. Makes you hard to hit and they get a face full of lead.

see, i personaly didn't like the no-inertia ships. they end up being entirely reliant on turreted weapons, which don't have the best range around. even with a starbridge fitted with four 100mm railguns, i can dodge and weave while keeping at max range of a cruiser and still tear away at thier shields.

also: Hellhound Missiles FTW
also also: the Polarian Jump Organ (make 10 jumps at once) beats the Vell-Os 24 jump range any day of the week. Except on holidays and weekends.

I am officially pissed off at Olaf. He could have at least given me the option of keeping my tricked out Mod Starbridge with better turning and acceleration than the viper and dart combined and speed equal to that of a viper... I could dodge anything in that puppy.