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| Author |
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Wannabehero
Caldari
Absolutely No Retreat
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Posted - 2008.08.04 21:24:00 -
[1]
While I am a supporter of a ship speed alteration to the game of EVE, I find myself concerned on the method of implementation in the current proposed patch, namely the multitude of changes being implemented, all at once
- MWD / AB speed normalization/adjustment
- Overdrive/Aux. thruster bonus reduction
- MWD reactivation delay
- Warp scrambler change
- Nanofiber/polycarbon stats change
- Snake set bonus reduction
- X-instinct boosters change
- Skirmish warfare stat readjustment
- Ship max velocity adjustments
- Ship mass adjustments
- Webifier strength reduction
This is a very large number of variables to consider at once and would lead to a very difficult to balance design of experiments. We can, however, simplify our treatment of these variables by lumping them into three generalized categories and then consider balancing within each category followed by balancing of the categories to one-another, addressing any particularly aberrant outliers as necessary.
I envision these categories as:
Base Ship Statistics
The statistics of each ship is the foundation upon which all the other modifications are levied, and are by nature the easiest to tweak for a case-by-case alteration of in-game ship speed.
- Ship max velocity
- Ship mass
- Ship agility (affects velocity while changing vector)
- Ship bonuses
- Ship slot layout
Static velocity modifiers
These are modules/bonuses that directly relate to the base velocity value of the ship by a fixed % amount and multiply throughout the entire speed enhancing process. These are
- Navigation skill
- Overdrive Injectors / Aux. Thrusters
- Snake implants
- Skirmish gang bonuses
- X-instinct booster
- Stasis Webifiers
Variable velocity modifiers
The two active modules for increasing velocity, the afterburner (AB) and microwarp drive (MWD), have a variable strength dependant upon ship mass. Because of this the performance of ABÆs and MWDÆs is tied directly to both the Base Ship Statistics as well as any bonuses/modules which affect the ship mass and AB / MWD bonus speed factor. In addition, ship mass and inertia modifier determine the maintained velocity vs. vector change of a ship, allowing some ships to change direction or orbit at very high speeds, while others must slow down considerably to do so.
- ABÆs / MWDÆs
- Nanofibers / Polycarbons
- I-stabs / Low friction nozzles (affects velocity while changing vector)
- Spaceship Command skills (affects velocity while changing vector)
- Evasive Maneuvering skill (affects velocity while changing vector)
- Acceleration Control skill
- AB/MWD speed factor implants
Treatment of the variables pertaining to each category to achieve balance within the categories themselves is the first step to achieving an optimally balanced system as a whole. Each category must be considered using both the 1) maximum conditions and the 2) mean conditions (i.e. likely and/or common place) from the other two categories.
(continued in post #2)
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Don't harsh my mellow |
Wannabehero
Caldari
Absolutely No Retreat
|
Posted - 2008.08.04 21:24:00 -
[2]
The most logical starting point would be an alteration of the base ship stats to reach a conceivably near optimal relation between the various ship classes and members of each class. This creates a starting point to go into the greater depth and complexity of the other speed altering categories. Upon treatment of the other categories, the base ship stats can always be revisited to address particular points of concern.
Speed alteration from bonuses and modules in the two velocity modifier categories can now be considered. The relationship of each speed modifier should be considered in relation to the other modifiers within the same category, with the strength of the category as a whole considered against ship statistics. Each category must be considered in the nominal case (where expected but not extreme bonuses are applied) as well as the maximal case (every conceivable bonus is applied).
Using an iterative approach a progressive tuning of ship speed and maneuverability is achievable through internal balancing of each category and consideration of each category to one-another. I say iterative in that case studies must be performed for specific in-game ship classes to insure proper functioning. When speed is found to be in error only in specific cases in it most likely can be readily fixed through alteration of the base ship stats. If speed is erroneous throughout a large portion of ship classes, then the velocity modifier categories may require additional modification.
As a point of interest, removal of ability for modules to reduce ship mass was an intelligent idea and is very simple and effective step to balancing speed, as it removes a particularly cumbersome mechanism to attempt to maintain balanced with all other modifiers.
In summary, I am attempting to outline, rather verbosely, an empirical approach to adjusting ship velocity and maneuverability, rather than a somewhat haphazard assortment of considerably extreme changes (at least, outwardly appearing to be so). While I am sure a good deal of forethought and consideration has been put into the proposed speed adjustment patch, some rather glaring faults are observable, such as inappropriate ship mass changes and possibly over drastic reductions in certain bonuses. I sincerely hope experimentation is ongoing from the dev team.
--
Don't harsh my mellow |
Wannabehero
Caldari
Absolutely No Retreat
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Posted - 2008.08.04 21:42:00 -
[3]
I write too much.
Let me sum up
Observe the system, think of ideas to test, modify one factor at a time, observe the results, rinse, repeat until optimum.
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Don't harsh my mellow |
FlameGlow
Caldari
State Protectorate
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Posted - 2008.08.04 21:45:00 -
[4]
 Originally by: Wannabehero
I write too much.
Let me sum up
Observe the system, think of ideas to test, modify one factor at a time, observe the results, rinse, repeat until optimum.
But indiscriminate (nerf)bombing is a good thing, ask US govt 
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I don't care what is nerfed, as long as it's not my "undock" button. |
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