What we know about the new EVE Online mobile game so far
CCP Games announced at EVE Vegas this week that they're partnering with PlayRaven games to create a new mobile game set in the EVE universe. Project Aurora, the game's working title, is a condensed version of CCP's sprawling space MMORPG, though its promising all of the drama and epic battles you might be familiar with in EVE Online. We got a chance to sit down with the developers and play some Project Aurora this weekend. Here are a few things we learned about the game.
You'll be able to build your own mini-fleet
Project Aurora offers a huge range of upgrades to help you buld a strong fleet to help you and your corporation. Upgrade your mining productivity, ship defenses and damage output, research new ships to add to your growing fleet, and much more. You'll always be upgrading something. It's quite addictive, and you'll have to find a balance between preparing for war and improving your resource collecting capabilities.
Wars will stir drama in a new galaxy
CCP wanted the main pull of EVE Online to come through in Project Aurora. With that said, the main "narrative" and drama of the game will come through in player lead wars. As you progress in the game, you'll almost be required to conquer other corporations in order to steal their resources as you head down the path towards galactic conquest. Outposts are contested frequently, allowing you to start in on the action as you as you play the game for the first time.
The game is free-to-play
Yep, the game is free-to-play. The game is still in its early stages, and CCP's Sam Barton told us that the team hasn't devised a free-to-play structure for Project Aurora just yet. However, he noted that they will be working with fans to create a system that is as non-intrusive as possible. We'll have to wait and see on this one.
It's being built with core EVE fans and beginners in mind
EVE Online is well known for its high barrier to entry, often dubbed one of the most difficult games to master. Barton says that with Project Aurora, the team is trying to straddle the line between hardcore and beginner friendly. It's a game that aims to have deep systems and upgrade trees, while still being relatively easy to break into. It's a way for CCP to keep the love of EVE Online alive while reaching out to new audiences.
What are your thoughts on Project Aurora? Do you think you'll be giving it a try?