#1

I think this is the latest one on the series by the looks of it. I saw a review here which states (amongst other things): 

If you’re willing to put in lots of time, and are happy to find your own fun, Evochron Mercenary will reward it with a galaxy-sized sandbox...
If you need something more structured though, or demand a game that gets to the good stuff in a hurry, don’t expect Evochron Mercenary to show any mercy as it silently points you to the nearest asteroid mine.

#2

It is 20.0 squid on Steam, if this is indeed the one we are after. 35 player multiplayer + coop.

Last edited 17 Sep 2013 at 10:45.

#3

I had one of the earlier ones, I think I played it before I started Brantham so it was a while ago.

The graphics are a bit dated but I think it all the basic traits of freelancer i.e. mining, trading, combat. The primary reason for suggesting it is that it would be new to all of us and interesting to go through the learning curve at the same time.

The space was really good and features Newtonian physics. It takes a bit of mastering to move the thing around but you have much more control over the movement of the ship (which for me was lacking a bit in freelancer).Also it has joystick support which is a huge plus in my eyes.

I don’t know which one is the best to go for, I think ‘Alliance’ has the best coop features but I can’t really do any decant searches from work. I will have a look tonight and perhaps get a demo to see if is up to spec.

#4

Alliance is a 2007 game, Mercenary is a 2012 one. Think it's a no-brainer which one we go for, surely?

#5

With regard to game time, Jens new job has her working Saturday and Sunday so should have more time to plug away such games.

#6

You are right Greg, the limited searches I have all pointed me to alliance for some reason.

#7

So are you happy to try out Mercenary? As it is available on Steam, it means we can buy it and have it ready for Friday with no problems.

If this is indeed the one to go for, I will pur------chase it tonight and give it a bash.

#8

In addition, check out this.

#9

Up to you Greg, it might be worth having a crack at a demo or summing to try before we buy (I think I will do so tonight). It might be a steaming old pile of Sherman.

#10

OK, sounds like a plan. I will leave it to you to try out the demo and give us the run-down.

#11

Predictably, blocked. Quack.

#12

I will be interested to hear what you think of it.

Apparently it has dedicated servers too If that's the case and we like it, I will sling out Freelancer on my server in favour of this.

Last edited 17 Sep 2013 at 11:19.

#13

So would that mean that it would be by invite only? I assume there is AI controlled ships pissing about as well, otherwise it might be a bit boring.

#14

So would that mean that it would be by invite only?

It could be either invite only or public - all depends what we want. I am guessing public would be a better option, but who knows.

I assume there is AI controlled ships pissing about as well, otherwise it might be a bit boring.

Yes, there is.

#15

Cool, sounds promising.
Did you end up getting the thrustmaster as I do recall a joystick being very useful (assuming we bother with it that is)

The controls are sort of like X3, but completely different bur? The big difference comes when you turn off the engine. Unlike X3 or freelancer when you stop the engine you stop, with this you keep going. This means you have to spin the ship round and apply reverse burn to come to a stop. Also to turn at full speed means you have to point the ship in the direction you want to go and wait for the engine to change your momentum to the desired vector.

This feature means you have to use the body directional thrusters to fine tune your movement, these are best mapped to the hat switch on the joystick. It makes combat a lot more skilful with the full range of movement afforded to you.

#16

I have not got it yet, but it will be on my Xmas list.

I can "wing-it" with my current joystick (it's this

one), as it does have a throttle (not seperate), hat switch, rudder control and all that gubbins - just a busted fire button.

Think I will also try out the demo if I get a chance. I will try with mouse and keyboard first and see how it goes.

Last edited 17 Sep 2013 at 12:15.

#17

This does look promising let me know you get on Gregory

#18

That is exactly the one I used to have, and in fact the one I played the first game with.

Perhaps we can see if the demo permits multiplayer.

#19

Spooky! Although they do say that warped minds think alike.

If it has multiplayer in the demo that would be rather awesome.

#20

From what i can see on my phone (as a cant see anything at work) it looks like there might be some multiplyer on the demo.