I signed up for beta but never got in – EVE Echoes released one week ago and I have played fairly steadily ever since then. It works exactly like EVE Online – except the universe is completely fresh, nothing is joined to the PC version – and oh yeah, it’s a mobile game.
Somehow, through a combination of streamlining the base game, and user interface optimization, the game that I’ve played a desktop version of for a number of years off and on has risen to the top of my ‘lets play’ list for the near future.
It’s an MMO, there’s still PvP and PvE, there’s still industry, there’s even still Planetary Interaction. Jumping gates takes less time, you don’t slow down if you’re on autopilot, and if you close the mobile game app while you warp the game continues to warp you.
Neat.
I’ve started off much the same way I did in the desktop version of the game. Doing the tutorials, getting my free ships, and mining to earn some quick and easy income. I’ve got a few million ISK to my name now, and I’ve just reached Tech V (and part way through). As you level up, skills take more time. Accounts are still alpha (free account) but they’ve also added an ‘omega base’ for $6.99 CAD, on top of the ‘omega standard’ ($17.99 CAD) and then a combination deal. Each one unlocks some ships and skills you can’t use otherwise, along with a boost in training points. Not really ESSENTIAL to game play, but certainly nice to have. I figure even if I’m not playing, I’ll probably still show my support by supporting the $6.99 subscription – it’s a really comfortable price point for me.
I want to get into industry, just like I did in the desktop version of the game, but it requires some learning. There’s no R&D agents, and PI doesn’t actually require you to refine anything (that I can tell at least). Instead it seems to be a combination of harvesting from PI, loot from encounters, and mining / processing minerals.
So far I’ve been spending most of my time in lowsec, I mine in a .3 area that’s busy enough but they tend to leave me alone. I have my temporary base set up in a .9 that is 5 jumps away, but I may move later on.
Oh yes, and to use contracts you need to be an omega account, just like the desktop version of the game requires. Jita has been so incredibly congested that I have only made it to the area once before a message popped up saying that I should go around (wish I knew that before I bought something in Jita, I had intended on picking it up). There have been a few glitches here and there, but so far the launch has been incredibly smooth – and I’m having an absolute blast. I have a hard time believing that this is a mobile game – it plays incredibly well (I’m using my phone, but you can also use an ipad etc).
Happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself!