E3 2011 Eyes-On: Dust 514 - Preview
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 08 June 2011 / 3,469 Views
Coming exclusively to the PlayStation Network next year from CCP games is Dust 514, a massively multiplayer online first person shooter that ties directly into the EVE Online universe, servers, and even players.
I had the chance to sit down and see CCP's presentation on the upcoming Dust 514 and get some burning questions answered about this unprecedented feat of tying a console-exclusive FPS game into cross-platform play with a sci-fi MMO on PC and Mac.
Dust 514 is a science fiction first person shooter in a dynamically changing universe. Players will be able to communicate and directly interact with players in EVE Online. The name of the game is planet ownership. Both mercenaries down on the planets (Dust 514 players) and EVE Online can try to use various resources to gain control of planets. You can ally with other Dust 514 player or get hired by EVE Online power players to go after specific objectives. Controlling a planet grants you access to all its resources and orbital defenses, adding a new strategic element to EVE Online.
Not much was shown of the gameplay outside a little video segment, but it appears to be a capable shooter. What was talked about more was how Dust 514 would interact with and change EVE Online as well as the technology behind it all. Dust 514 will run on the same advanced server cluster that powers EVE Online, but with geographically located battle servers to reduce latency since FPS gameplay is much more hampered by latency compared to EVE Online's chess-like gameplay.
Dust 514 will be free-to-play, but with a "cover charge." In other words, you'll pay for the game the first time you get download it and it will come with some ISK, the currency in EVE Online. Everything you do and everything you equip yourself with costs ISK. You can then spend more real money to get more ISK, or if you're good, EVE Online players will pay you ISK to perform specific missions. EVE Online power players are already starting to recruit potential Dust 514 players on their websites. EVE Online benefactors don't just come with ISK, but can bring the rain in the form of aerial or orbial strikes if you request one.
Overall, Dust 514 and its cross-platform play with EVE Online is unprecedented. An FPS and a sci-fi MMORPG, playing together in real time is unlike anything we've ever seen. What's particularly amazing is how event playing out in Dust 514 can have a lasting affect all over not only that planet but the entire EVE Online universe. We'll be keeping a close eye on this one and a private trial will begin at the end of the year for both EVE Online players and PS3 FPS players.
