Jokes about the patented “coming soon” from game developers aside, what Star Citizen backers are receiving next is an update to Arena Commander. AC is the dogfighting module being used to test ships, combat, flight mechanics and the alike, during the SC alpha.
AC 2.0 should have a few notable additions:
- Controller balance changes – trying to improve the disparity between using a mouse vs. all else.
- Ship balance changes – address issues with overpowered ships, missiles, etc.
- Addition of multi-crew ships that have been completed – some of the original multi-crew ships that have been available in the hangar module but not available for flying will be added.
- Ability to have multiple people multi-crew ships – can invite other players to fulfill the roles on the multi-crew ships in AC.
- Redesign on some ship models - make older ships on par with newer and reflect new modular design.
- New playing map – I think. There’s been talk of a mod called Pirate Swarm being officially added and perhaps a new combat map. I preferred this reskin of Vanduul Swarm but it’s no longer working after the most recent patch.
Dogfighting isn’t something I have even a small amount of interest in. I use AC as a learning tool since I'm not a fan of the 1st iteration of the in-game tutorial. In solo modes I practice flight and combat using a HOTAS, as well as getting a feel for flying different ships. I use the NPC mode - Vanduul Swarm to practice different tactics and defensive maneuvering. Playing every other MMO with a mouse and keyboard is second nature to me. I want to develop the same muscle memory using a HOTAS.
I usually end a session by doing a few laps in the Old Vanderval Speedway to improve maneuvering accuracy. I try to increase my speed each time as well. I can now complete laps in half the time it took when I first started. I've found my own uses for AC. But as far as fighting other players in a tiny space - no interest. Dogfighting for me feels like the early battleground maps from WOW that were small or structured PVP in GW2. I'm a large map open world PVP type player.
If I don’t play AC much, do I care about AC 2.0?
Yep, I sure do! What interests me most is flying around in one of the first ships I purchased back in February of 2014! I purchased the MISC Freelancer with delusions of playing out Firefly since it was a medium sized hauling ship. Many things have changed since that decision, such as the introduction of a dedicated salvage ship and profession. More importantly, my decision to give civilian commercial transport a shot when they announced the Genesis. Regardless, I want to see my Freelancer in space – feel how it handles and understand what it can do in combat should the need arise.
I’m also hoping that the Cutlass Red is made available. While the variant itself and the associated profession are relatively new additions, the base ship is already available in AC. I’m crossing my fingers that bringing this version online was feasible for 2.0.
Lastly, we will be able to fly and participate in the various combat roles for multi-crew ships. This is a big one for many people. We won’t be able to visit each other’s hangars, that’s coming in the Social Module. However, we’re going to be able to invite or be invited to a multi-crew ship. We’re thinking it will be via the AC lobby/matching system. I'm pretty bad at dogfighting and would be more than happy to have a friend or guild mate pilot one of my ships, while I perform a secondary role. Or be in a support role on one of theirs!
People Playing with People
I think this limited cooperative play is going to breathe new life into AC. Especially for those of us usually don't give a crap about dogfighting. It will also give players a chance to get inside ships they don’t own by doing AC aboard someone else's ship. I have the only Freelancer in the loosely defined corp we’re planning. Someone else has a Connie. It will be great fun to fly around with each other, no doubt causing havoc and having laughs, even in this very limited format. I can’t wait for this part. I'm so looking forward to playing SC - probably obvious. I have my fingers crossed AC lives up to the grain of salt version of hype and is worthy of how inspired its backers are.
When is AC 2.0 coming?
In a word, soon… The community manager / creative director said we’re only weeks away from it releasing versus months. But no one is holding their breath. Weeks would be great. It would be wonderful to have AC 2.0 BEFORE GamesCom in August. I think it would generate more buzz if AC 2.0 was already released and functional, on top of whatever else they plan to show.
In the meantime we are...
and playing Reddit.
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