Friday, August 29, 2014

Entropia Universe (Part Four)

Game Interface and Moving Around

Change is the only constant.

Over the course of playing several years, changes to the game has always been observed...bit by bit...little by little. Some of the changes were big, some of the changes were small. Some of them good, some of them bad. Some of them were officially announced while others were made silently and unannounced. Some of them were needed and desperately wanted by the players while others not so much (but were still implemented nonetheless).

From game mechanics to creature locations, from monster stats to item alterations...almost anything goes so long as it was deemed necessary. This same truth also applies to the game interface.
Entropia Universe - Game Interface 2008Entropia Universe - Game Interface 2010
From 2008 to 2010...
Entropia Universe - Game Interface 2014
And then till now, 2014.

Slowly but surely, the interface changed. And I expect that it will continue to do so towards the future as well. But enough about that for now and let's just look at the present one for some basic, explanatory purposes.

Towards the top of the hud, you ought to see a row of icons that have lasted throughout the ages (changes). These are the ones that gives you quick access to the important functions within the game. Stuff like picking up objects, performing private chat with others, adding people as friends to performing player vs player trades. These can all be found right here in this row of icons (and you will fare that much better if you can get familiar with them as quickly as possible).
Entropia Universe - Message Center and Friend List
The two bluish "dog ears" right beneath the row of icons are your "Message Center" and "Friend List".

The "Message Center" keeps track of all the important and useless messages such as your auction bid/placement results, private offline messages from others, your "sticky notes", "system messages" and "globals" (basically a post that informs you about so and so getting XXX PEDs worth of loot from doing some ped-spending activity).

The "Friend List", on the other hand, just helps to inform you of who's online and who's not (monitors only people that you've added as friends of course). It pretty much functions like your ICQ, MSN, Skype or whatever...and so I shouldn't need to explain any further.
Entropia Universe - Edit Panel and Keyboard MapEntropia Universe - Action Library
Pressing "L" and "G" brings out your "Edit Panel" and "Keyboard Map". With these two out, you can click and drag items from your inventory (press "I") out onto your hud (or into the keyboard map) for quick access. You can also drag them to the "Trash Can" to delete unwanted icons.

And together with "Y", the "Action Library", you can then sought to customize your keyboard map and hud with the icons for actions/functions that you would want or use regularly.

The Action Library contains a list of all the important/unimportant game functions. Stuff from controls to emotes, from system options to avatar interactions. It is very much necessary for you to go through this list to see what is being provided.

Entropia Universe - List of Functions
If you right click on any empty space within your hud, you will bring out a window list of functions.

While most of the functions are redundant and the exact same ones can be found via the other means I've just mentioned, there are some particular ones, that are more important, that you will need to know about.

These include access to your "PED Flow Center" (governs the peds you receive from the system due to shop sales, revenue from deeds and sometimes refunds due to bugs), "Support Center" (manages the support tickets that you've sent before or are about to send) as well as "Team" and "Mentor" settings (found under the "System" tab).

The "Team" settings allows you to create your own team (and start inviting others into the team) for hunting, while the "Mentor" settings allows you to find yourself a worthy mentor (someone who would show you the ropes) or kick your existing useless one.

Entropia Universe - Chat Interface
And then towards the bottom, we have our chat interface and radar display.

For the chat interface, it pretty much functions just like an "IRC chat room". Certain channels are fixed by default while others can be created, joined and left freely. However, you will have to "know" the specific "slash commands" though...with the very first one being the "/help" command.

From there, you ought to be able to quickly pickup and learn about the others. (Left and right clicking on various areas/items around the chat interface also brings out certain functions...so do play around with that as well.)

As for the radar display, I don't suppose I will need to say much. Just note that the greyish circles within the radar represents "fixed" distances outwards.

At max zoom-out, each circle is roughly 50m of distance away...so starting from the center (your avatar's position), objects on the first circle is ~50m away from you, objects on the second circle is ~100m away, while stuff on the third circle is ~150m away.

Application of this radar display knowledge is mostly just useful on stuff like gauging the "aggro distance" of the various mobs that you might encounter within the game. For instance, highly aggressive mobs might start to chase after you in between the second and third circles while docile ones might only chase you when within the first.

Entropia Universe - Mouse ModeEntropia Universe - FPS Mode
Movement and controls within the game work quite like STO (Star Trek Online). Its a mixture of rpg controls (where you use your mouse to point and click) and fps controls (where you use WASD and mouse to shoot).

Usually, you would want to be in "Mouse Mode" (RPG) when your just moving around interacting with objects and items within the universe/game world. But once your preparing to fight monsters or stuff like that, it would typically become better if you switch to "FPS Mode".

To do so, just press "Spacebar" to switch between the two modes. However, it is recommended that you use your mouse wheel to "zoom in or out" to match your camera view to your current mode.

Entropia Universe - TeleporterEntropia Universe - Planet Surface Map With Teleporter Points
As for travelling purposes, within a planet anyway, movement about the continents are mostly done by teleporters (such as that shown above).

Once operated, it will call out a "Navigator" window with a map of the planet's surface and all the teleporter points that you've collected thus far. Just choose which point you wish to go and hit the "Teleport" button to initiate the transfer.

Note that you'll need to have visited the teleporter AT LEAST ONCE before it will be activated. So if you have not, then I'm afraid that you'll either have to run there on foot, drive/fly/tp there using a vehicle or mindforce chip.

If your on a planet with more than one "special area", such as "Rocktropia" (has Rocktropia, Hunt The Thing and Hell) or "Arkadia" (has Arkadia and Arkadia Underground), you can also use the drop-down list to select the teleporter points in those areas to transfer yourself there.

Space, although it is also included in the list, is of a totally different story though and will be dealt with under the "Planets and Space" section.


Important Terminals To Know About
The following are important terminals that you should get yourself acquainted with. These terminals can be found in anywhere from major cities to minor outposts. Well...basically wherever there's a teleporter, you can bet on it that these won't be far away.

And although different planets may sport different looks for these terminals, they pretty much function just the same.
Entropia Universe - Important Terminals
  • Trade Terminal
    Entropia Universe - Trade Terminal
    This terminal is one that you'll regularly visit to stock up on ammunition for hunting and probes for mining. Though it does also sell some basic starter weapons, armors and tools, usage of these would have to depend upon which planet your on...as some of them can be very decent to use ("economic") while others might not be so much.

    And if your curious, the terminal also has a nickname called the "No Complaints Rubbish Bin" (yea...yea...its only a name I've just coined). It will accept whatever you throw at it and spits out what it feels its worth (which is of course just the "TT Value" of the item). And whenever we talk about "TTing" something (typically worthless stuff), we're usually talking about selling the item in question to this terminal.
  • Repair Terminal
    Entropia Universe - Repair Terminal
    This terminal is one you'll visit when the items you use becomes broken (and can no longer be used). However, you will need to spend PEDs to repair the broken items. Furthermore, only items that are "Unlimited" can be repaired. Items that are "Limited" can NEVER be repaired.
    Limited items can be easily identified by the "L" found at the corner of the item or "(L)" within their names in "Item Info".
  • Revival Point
    Entropia Universe - Revival Zone Example
    Well...what I can say is that, for any given area of a planet's surface, its map is actually subdivided into smaller invisible "zones" such as that shown above.

    Each of these zones are then governed by one "Revival Point"...so much so that when you die within the zone (or press "T"), you will automatically be spawned at this assigned revival point.

    And as a result of this, there can be instances whereby new players get stuck in desolated "outposts" surrounded by high level mobs that can one hit KO them...thereby trapping them within the zone indefinitely (until some veteran rescues them). However, with the introduction of vehicles, such cases have now become all but rare as players can simply "outrun" the mobs using their vehicles (if they have one that is).
  • Society Terminal
    Entropia Universe - Society Terminal
    Not much to say about this terminal I guess. Its the one you'll have to visit if your planning to create your own society (soc) or looking to join an established one.
    A society, within this game, is actually just your typical "clan", "guild" or whatever...in regular MMO terms.
  • Storage Facility
    Entropia Universe - Storage Facility
    Needless to say, the Storage Facility is just that...your storage. It has an item limit of 500 but no weight limit. You'll usually want to store as much as you can in here instead of carrying it with you all over the place (in your inventory).

    This is because your inventory actually has a specific item as well as weight limit. Exceeding either of them will result in your inability to run. Your pace will be slowed down to regular walking speed.
    Although your inventory item limit of 200 can be grossly exceeded, it is with my recommendation that you try not to go beyond the limit by TOO MUCH...especially if your computer is aged and the items all fall within one specific "item tab".

    Apparently, the game will attempt to load everything within the tab...into your "RAM" and will hold it there until you close your inventory. And as a result of this, if your comp has insufficient RAM to process it, you will encounter and crash to desktop with an "Out of Memory" bug every time you try to access it, thereby limiting your ability to enjoy the game.
    Apart from that, I guess the only thing you'll need to note is that the storage facilities on the various planets are SEPARATE. Stuff you have on one cannot be accessed while your on another. The same goes for the different "special areas" on the same planet (like Arkadia and Arkadia Underground). Despite being on a common planet, their storages are also not linked.
    Items that you have are categorized into the various "item tabs" found at the side of your storage and inventory window. Do not be alarmed if something goes missing...its probably in one of those tabs. However, the same can't be said for your hunting and mining stackables (found in your inventory)...if you've just visited a PVP-lootable zone (requires a special anti-toxic shot to enter) and got killed there.
  • Auctioneer
    Entropia Universe - Auctioneer
    The Auctioneer is also another one of the terminals that you'll regularly visit...in order to sell your stuff to other players (even when your offline). It does so via an auction-styled system whereby you pay a certain amount of PEDs to have your item listed on it for several days. Other players can then bid on them freely and the highest bidder wins. Or the one who pays for the "Buyout" price, if any is set.
    Because of its vast importance to the player, this topic will be dealt with in further depth under "Auction and Markup". So please stay tuned...
  • Construction Machine
    Entropia Universe - Construction Machine
    This terminal is reserved solely for the crafting of items. And because it will involve talking about the entire "Crafting Profession", you will just have to settle for knowing that its meant for crafting...for now.
  • Technician
    Entropia Universe - Technician
    If your planning on becoming a crafter, this is probably one terminal that you ought to look at...AT LEAST ONCE (and for every planet that you plan on visiting).

    The terminal sells an assortment of starter blueprints for crafting as well as the blueprint books to hold those prints.

    Some of these blueprints might be unique to the planet (and can only be found selling from the Technicians on that planet) while some of them are common throughout. However, each planet is guaranteed to have its own list of starting ones available (especially for the weapons, armors and tools category).

    Any other blueprints will have to be looted via crafting on the planet itself (if your planning on getting blueprints from that planet) or bought off other players with some markup.
    The reason for asking you to look through what the technician is selling, at least once, is so that you won't get caught off guard and end up buying some starter blueprint that's available in the technician for 0.01 PED at some ridiculous markup. (Depending on the situation though, sometimes the markup may be valid/legitimate.)

Previous: Entropia Universe (Part Three)Next: Entropia Universe (Part Five)

Friday, August 22, 2014

Entropia Universe (Part Three)

Character Creation and Customization (Continued)
Makeups
Apart from (merely) modifying only your hairstyle, facial and body features, there lives another breed of players that specializes in the customization department. And these...really do rely upon their natural talents to thrive.

Yup, they're your makeup artists.
Entropia Universe - Makeups
From your natural-looking, non-intrusive kinds...to your over-the-top, dazzling types. These are all hand-crafted using the same set of interface and options, and yet brings out a flair that goes way beyond that provided by the system.

They are truly, works of art.

And just like an artist procuring canvas and paints, to start producing these...one must first obtain the following.
  • Makeup Masks (Your Canvas)
    Entropia Universe - Makeup Masks and Blueprints
    There are three versions of these makeup masks that you can acquire and use within the game, "Small", "Medium" and "Large".

    As far as this goes, each of the three versions are no different from the other except that they have different maximum TT values. And as a result of this difference, the "Medium" makeup mask is able to last longer than the "Small" makeup mask while the "Large" one is able to last the longest.

    Why?

    This is because every time you equip the makeup mask, its TT value will decay by 0.10 PEDs. And once it reaches its "Condition Limit" (as specified within its "Item Info"), it will break and can no longer be used or equipped...which means that you will lose the makeup mask and its design, forever.

    So long as you don't keep changing your makeup masks, using any of the three (makeup masks) will do just fine. However, if you plan on changing your styles ever so often, then it might be in your best interest to use the "Large" version so as to ensure that your design will last longer.

    As for the making of these makeup masks? Well...one will just need to get the appropriate blueprints, its ingredients and craft them yourself of course. Or...you can just buy the masks off other players via the in-game auction. And I believe that it might just be easier and more cost-effective than making them yourself. But as this falls under the "Crafting" jurisdiction, I shall leave the subject as is (for now) and will deal with it when the time is right.
  • Cosmetics (Your Paints)
    Entropia Universe - Cosmetics
    There are tons of different cosmetics (and its associated variety of colors) that you can use to draw upon the makeup masks.

    These include stuff like rouge, foundation, powder, highlighter, lipgloss, lipstick, lipliner, eyeshadow, glitter spray, cosmetic pen and face paints. There's even makeup removers to help you clean things up for the more detailed makeup designs.

    However, as I'm not a makeup artist...have neither the talent nor the patience (they really do take up a lot of time to make, I think)...I shall leave it to the more professional ones to show you the ropes (and the subtle differences between each and every one of the various cosmetic tools).

    For more details, please visit and read the following tutorial:
    Entropia Universe - Skam's Guide to Make-Up

    (* Due to the datedness of the tutorial, I do believe that certain parts might be changed and no longer apply. For instance, designs are no longer symmetrical and thus you can do different things to both sides of your face.

    However, as this is the best and most detailed tutorial that I could find on the internet...plus it deals with the inherent features of all the different makeup tools, it is one that you can't afford to miss reading if your planning on doing makeup masks.)
Once you've obtained the proper makeup masks and cosmetic tools, all you need to do is to draw upon a face using the tools and then save its design onto a makeup mask. You can then sell the design (the makeup mask) to other players and they can just equip the mask to put the design on their face.

But from what I've heard, different faces may have slightly different facial features. Therefore, it is possible that the designs you've made using one face...may not "fit" exactly onto the face of another.

Hence, if your planning on doing very intricate artwork on the makeup mask, it might be better to do it on the very person's face...so that its tailor-made for them and won't look awkward when equipped.

Clothing, Coloring and Texturizing
Noticed that at no point during character creation, were you given the options to choose/modify your attire? Well...that's because you won't be given much...when you've first started...other than a pair of orange jumpers (typically known as your OJs). You will need to acquire your own fashion attire entirely on your own as you start playing the game.

Anyway, moving on...
Entropia Universe - Clothings
Clothings are perhaps THE most found-in-abundance kind of item within the game. There's clothing meant for male avatars and there's clothing meant only for female avatars. There's expensive, rare, limited edition fashion-wear and there's also cheap, common ones that are found in almost unlimited supply. Some clothing are customizable, some are not. Some can be worn over one another while others cannot.
Entropia Universe - Fashion
From boots, coats, dresses to gloves, hats and jackets, there's plenty out there for you to mix and match yourself with...to form your own identity/style. Not to mention that different planets (found within Entropia Universe) have their own unique line of clothings and apparels.

Well...so long as you search long and hard enough, you will surely find your own taste as well as stuff to match the seasons. That, I'm 100% sure.

But enough about that...as I'm pretty sure you are more interested in something else that I've just mentioned. Ah yes...customizable clothing.

If you refer back to my previous screenshot, the one with all the fashion items and their names, you will undoubtedly have noticed something like this..."(M,C)" or "(F,C)". These are the clothings that I was talking about.

Leaving the "M" and "F" tags aside (which represents "Male" and "Female"), the "C" tag actually tells you that the item is customizable. And by being customizable, it actually means that the item can be colored as well as texturized.

So what do I mean by "Can be Colored and Texturized"?

Entropia Universe - Paint Cans and Textures
Well for your information, there's also stuff such as these found lying about within this world we call EU. Stuff that we call "Paint Cans" and "Textures".

Needless to say, the paint cans are used to color the customizable item while the textures are used to give the item...well...texture. Apply blue paint cans to the item, it will come out bluish. Apply denim textures to it and it will look like its made from denim. Simple as that.

However, to apply these paint cans and textures to the customizable item will require...certain tools.
Entropia Universe - Coloring and Texturing Tools
To color, you will need something called a "Colorator". To texturize, one will require a tool called the "Texturizer". The appropriate attachments for each individual tool will only be necessary if you wish to remove (wash away) the color or texture from an already customized item.

And just like the beautician and hairstylist that I've talked about earlier, one will also need to have the proper skills to apply the colors and/or textures...namely, be of the appropriate profession levels (Colorer, Material Designer).

Without the proper levels, the color and/or texture that you may be trying to apply might not come out the way you want it to be. For instance, if you want something to be applied at 100% saturation, it might only come out at around 95% or even lower.

Usually, people will want them to be at 100% saturation so that the color and/or texture will be more pronounced.

But once again...since I'm not a professional colorer or texturer, its probably best for you to pick up the rest from the pros.

For more details, please visit and read the following tutorial:
Entropia Universe - Texturizing and Coloring Guide

(* And if you were wondering where to obtain these paint cans and textures? As far as I know, paint cans are mostly found as loot off monsters that you kill while textures are mostly crafted from the various monsters' skins/hides as well as ores found whilst mining.

However, I must say that because of the way the system works, it just might be more ped-efficient for you to buy them from other players instead of sourcing for them yourself.)


Previous: Entropia Universe (Part Two)Next: Entropia Universe (Part Four)

Friday, August 15, 2014

Entropia Universe (Part Two)

The Download
Entropia Universe - Client Loader
As it has been a few years since I first started, I don't quite remember the entire downloading experience anymore. But from what vague memory that still exists, I do believe that the process was pretty okayish and rather straightforward.

The main point to note here would be to ensure that you've "ticked" and downloaded "everything". Each and every one of the planets' and sub-planets' data files. This is so that you can enjoy an uninterrupted gameplay and won't get kicked out of the game to download the new areas that you've stumbled upon. (Though its only when your moving to space, changing planets or the like...then you'll have to worry about this I guess.)

Furthermore, as each of the planets makes their own set of items (weapons, armors, clothings, etc) and these have been further distributed by the players...so much so that they're found all over the place, its certainly safer for you to have the textures of these items downloaded rather than not.

Character Creation and Customization
While it certainly isn't the one I've used to create mine, this is definitely the "latest" that I could lay my hands on...thanks to the Avatar System Update that happened during Jan 2013. Therefore, I'll be using it to talk about this section, Character Creation and Customization.
Entropia Universe - Appearance Preset 1Entropia Universe - Appearance Preset 2
Anyway, upon first loading into the game, you should be met with something rather similar to the one I've shown above. These are the "preset templates" that you can use to determine the rough appearance that you would like your character to look like.

After choosing a template, you can then go into the edit mode to fine-tune the nitty-gritty details. (These details are roughly divided into the four major sections, Face, Body, Hair and Color.)
FaceBody
Entropia Universe - Character Customization FaceEntropia Universe - Character Customization Body
HairColor
Entropia Universe - Character Customization HairEntropia Universe - Character Customization Color
And as I could recall them, the variety of options that each section offers do appear to be pretty plentiful. Thus, it should be theoretically possible to find a unique look for your character if you look hard enough. And I would suggest that you do that...as each account may only create ONE character throughout its lifetime.

Yes, you live and die with that same character as long as your using the same account. And one's not allowed to create multiple accounts according to the terms and conditions listed.

Further Customizations
Beyond Character Creation, the only other way that you'll be able to make alterations to your face, body and hair is via visiting other fellow players whom are qualified "beauticians" and "hairstylists".

But mind you, they WILL BE charging you PEDs for their services. And they rightfully should, as they've went through hell and back...just to acquire these skills and the tools to make you "pretty". Not to mention performing these alterations do require various sorts of materials and ingredients that they will need to buy from other players.

Just so that you won't end up visiting some "quack" (fake) ones...I'll be explaining to you the rough concepts. To the best of my knowledge that is. (As I'm not one and never had the PEDs nor skills to dabble in these professions.)

The Tools
To become a qualified beautician and/or hairstylist, one must have the right tools.
Entropia Universe - Beautician Hairstylist Tools
To make facial alterations, one will need a "Face Sculpting Toolkit" and a "Face Sculpting Chair". To change one's hairstyle or hair color, a "Hair Stylist Toolkit" and a "Hair Stylist Chair" will be needed. To modify your body proportions, a "Body Sculpting Toolkit" and a "Body Sculpting Unit" will be necessary.

Once with these, the underlying mechanics is for the "customer" (the one with whom the change is made) to sit in the appropriate "chair" or "furniture". The "beautician" or "hairstylist" will then proceed to performing the deed with the appropriate tool equipped in his or her hands.

However, because of the need for the "customer" to "sit down" on the chair or furniture, this means that one will have to place the said item down on the ground. But that will leave the item open for others to pick it up or steal it. (And trust me...someone would.)
Entropia Universe - Beauty Parlor Apartment VersionEntropia Universe - Beauty Parlor Shop Version
Hence, the beautician or hairstylist will also need to spend some PEDs to acquire a piece of "private estate" of his/her own...either an apartment or a shop.

With such a place, anything dropped within the boundaries of the private estate can only be picked up by the owner (of the estate) and will thus be protected from being stolen.

The Materials
Not only must one have the right tools for the job, one will also need to have the proper materials or ingredients.
Entropia Universe - Beautician Hairstylist Materials
And as far as I know, the kind of materials required depends upon the alterations that is being performed...while the quantity that is put in would determine the success rate of the operation. (The more materials, the higher the chances of success.)
  • Hair Styling Materials - Basic Hair Color Set, Hair Gel, Hair Spray
  • Face Sculpting Materials - Basic Eye Color Set
  • Body Sculpting Materials - Basic Skin Color Set, Body Fat, Metallic Bone Replacement

The Skills
Even with the right tools and materials, the path to being a popular beautician or hairstylist (that people would want to visit) is all but smooth sailing.

Just like there are good ones and bad ones in real life, the same applies in Entropia Universe.
Entropia Universe - Beautician Hairstylist Skills
I mean surely you wouldn't want someone with these sort of skills to be touching your avatar right? God knows what might happen to you. ^_^;

Anyway, from what I do know, the more times you perform these sort of operations, the more skills you will gain and the higher your level becomes (in the associated profession).
Entropia Universe - Hair Styles Unlocked
And with the accompanying accumulation of levels in that profession, you will gradually become better in performing your job as well as unlock more options for your customer to choose. But first, you'll have to find "guinea pigs" to hone your skills upon. Hahahahaha.

For more details, please visit and read the following tutorial:
Entropia Universe - A Visit To The Beauty Parlor

(* Special thanks to Dark Zunami Angel and Ido Starlit Sunrider...as I took the liberty of paying a visit to both of your shop and apartment for some screenshots.)


Previous: Entropia Universe (Part One)Next: Entropia Universe (Part Three)

Friday, August 8, 2014

Entropia Universe (Part One)

Now this next game that I'll be featuring is most probably THE "hardest", "most nerve-wrecking" and "time consuming" MMO that is ever found on the face of the Earth I believe. (And I ain't kidding you when I said that...)

It is also one where reality really meets with virtual reality. A place where there is only one YOU and all sorts of people dwell...from your average friendly gamer to your villainous virtual scumbag. (I'm serious too when I say this...)

The decisions you make and the actions that you take within the game, ultimately defines your avatar but also becomes of YOU (yes, the real you). It reflects your very essence, your upbringing, your personality and your moral values / codes.

To that very extent, I'm afraid that one can no longer classify it as merely a game, but yet HAS to treat it like one.

Not only that, I have to also warn you that playing this game has a very serious consequence. Once one comes into contact with the game, long enough and has vested interest in it, it might already be too late for the person.

If I were to say...I'ld guess that "Hotel California" (its lyrics) is the closest you can get to describing this. Don't get it?

"You can check out any time you like but you can never leave"

Why would I say that? Heck...I've been playing it (on and off) for at least five years. And from what I've heard, some have been stuck with it for at least ten...that's why. ^_^;

As such...be really really really sure that your prepared for the plunge. Red pill or Blue pill? Its your choice.








Are You Sure?






Are You Really Sure?






No Regrets?







By scrolling thus far, I take it that you agree to the risks involved? Then let us continue...
Entropia Universe
This "game" that we'll be talking about is called, Entropia Universe. (As if you couldn't have guessed it from the post's title, but let's just conveniently ignore that fact, shall we?)

It is one of the rare few RCE games, that is available out there in the present games market. And by RCE, namely Real Cash Economy, its in-game currency, the PED or "Project Entropia Dollar", is actually pegged to the "United States Dollar" at a fixed rate of 10 PEDs : 1 USD.

Note that there is an accompanying "service charge", be it by the company or by your bank, that ultimately results in you getting less than what you've deposited or withdrawn...but the "core" of being able to exchange game money into real cash remains unchanged.

Entropia Universe - NPCing To Trade TerminalEntropia Universe - Transfer Center
In this game (or should I say virtual reality), almost everything you hold has an innate PED value tagged to them, called its "TT Value" (or Trade Terminal Value). And by selling them to the "Trade Terminal", NPCing stuff in regular gaming terminology, you will get that associated PED value "refunded" into your "PED card".

Naturally of course, one should not just seek to NPC the stuff you've acquired, but rather sought to sell them to OTHER PLAYERS, for additional "markup" if possible. (Will be explained in due course...)

PEDs that you hold within your PED card can then be withdrawn from the game and changed into real cash via the "Transfer Center" (right click anywhere on screen to access it from the dropdown that appears). But you will have to meet the minimum withdrawal requirements of at least 1000 PEDs (100 USD).

And by the same virtue, one can also deposit real cash and get them converted into PEDs on your PED card.

Ok...so the game deals with real money. But what's with all the "grave" talk previously?

Well...its precisely because of this, that all that I've said earlier becomes vitally true.

Since the game deals with real money, everything that you do has an associated "real cost" (as well as risk) appended to it. The things you decide to buy / sell, the activities that you decide to spend PEDs on, the stuff that you trade others with...EVERYTHING.

Money Is The Root Of All Evil.

Money? Who doesn't need money? But the question is...how desperate are you, in your quest to obtain it? If driven far enough, will you be willing to forsake your humanity?

My point? This game shockingly brings out the nature of a person...his / her very being...one's essence.

There is "black" and "white" in this game as well as a very huge patch of "grey". There are "good" people as well as "bad" people in this game but also a majority of "grey".

Certain activities within the game allows you to actually take PEDs away from another, but as it is considered part of the gameplay, it is hence deemed "grey". Other, not so dignified actions, such as "trust scams", "auction manipulations" and / or engagements that allows one to "trick" PEDs / "Items Of Value" away from another are deemed "black".

But of course, I'm not trying to scare you or anything...just merely warning you of the potential pitfalls. To be honest, the majority of the players within the game is actually quite mature and nice (as long as PEDs aren't involved). Therefore, so long as you conduct yourself properly and hold yourself responsible for the actions that you choose to do...you ought to be quite safe with enjoying the game AS A GAME.

To make matters worse...the game company plays "GOD" in Entropia Universe.

Although they are careful not to interfere too much, but nonetheless, whatever they do HAVE their consequences and affects the "markup" value of stuff within the game.

For instance, if my memory haven't failed me, apartments and shops used to be fairly "cheap" (in terms of markup) way back in the past. During those times, they weren't quite really something that was "in demand" as they had some sort of a monthly rental fee that owners have to pay before being able to access and use them.

But after a certain Version Update (VU), that removed that monthly fee, everything changed. And their prices quickly adjusted to that change. Beyond that, as planets got introduced and the universe expanded, more and more shops / apartments came to be and prices dropped slightly, stabilizing to what it is now at the moment.

Likewise, in the past...before planets were introduced (and only Calypso exists), hangars were the only means of transportation to off the "rock" (Calypso) places such as "Club Never Die" (CND, but now known as FOMA) and "Crystal Palace" (CP, some sort of a space station with hunting and mining facilities).

During then, because they were the only means, hangars were a much sought after piece of estate. And players vie for them so that they could act as "pilots" and charge "transportation fees" to their passengers (as a means of survival within the game, a "job" as one would call it).

But then came one fine day (another VU released), that an "entity" called "Space" crept in (got implemented), things took a turn for the worse. Motherships, Privateers, Quads and Sleipnirs replaced the need for hangars and they soon got reduced to their present state...nothing but a glorified piece of private estate (that functions just like an apartment).

And although hangar owners were "compensated" with a privateer of their own and an unlimited space thruster, the markup of these just didn't quite add up to the markup that they've paid for when the hangars were still "functional".

Item-wise, I've heard that there was a period of time...way back before I've joined the game, that certain items which we now deemed as "rare", had dropped in abundance then.

And to quote some of the old-timers,

"Man I wished I hadn't TTed those stuff and kept them until now. They'll be worth thousands..."

But on the other extreme, we also have cases whereby the changes made caused an item's markup value to become null and void. For example, blueprints of products which used to sell like "hotcakes" being rendered useless because one or more of its critical ingredients (to make that product) no longer drops.

However, till this date, those blueprints can still be found, once in a while, being placed on auction. But do stay clear away from them...unless you know what your doing.

Why am I telling you all this?

Its to emphasize the following
  • The TT Value is one thing, but anything paid extra (the markup) on top of that...is risk that you bear entirely on your own.
    But do note that certain items really do command that high a markup because of its inherent value, stats and / or rarity. The important thing is to do your homework.
  • Not only is this game, one involving real cash (an RCE), it is also one of knowledge, wits and information.
    However, information does not come easy. Especially if it involves PEDs and the making of it.
  • The choices you make and the PEDs that you spend within this game, must be made with full awareness of its consequences and possible outcomes.
    At no point in time should you make rash decisions and uninformed choices.
  • If something sounds too good to be true, it just might be.
    Be wary of trades which involves something that your unfamiliar with...especially if it involves PEDs.

Now that you've cleared my fundamental criteria, we can proceed with the actual game content...


Next: Entropia Universe (Part Two)

Friday, August 1, 2014

Warframe (Part Six)

Mods (Continued)
Elemental Mods
Although most of the mods are pretty easy to understand and use (just simply install them to gain their bonus effects), I must bring to your attention a particular set of mods which I shall name as "Elemental Mods".

Elemental Mods are basically mods which bestow upon your weapon attacks with elemental damages.

Warframe - Elemental Mods Examples
From what I know, there are a total of four primary elements (or elemental damage types) that you can obtain from installing such mods, Fire (Heat), Freeze (Cold), Electricity and Poison (Toxin).
Warframe - One Elemental Mod InstalledWarframe - Two Elemental Mods Installed
By installing them individually into a weapon, they will function just like any other mod. However, once you start to install more than one of them into the same weapon, things start to become slightly complex...the reason being that these can combine to form secondary elements, Blast, Corrosive, Gas, Magnetic, Radiation and Viral.

HeatColdElectricityToxin
HeatBlastRadiationGas
ColdBlastMagneticViral
ElectricityRadiationMagneticCorrosive
ToxinGasViralCorrosive

To further complicate things, there are also certain rules to follow
  • Two A Pair
    If you haven't already guessed it from the secondary element matrix, it takes two primary elements to form any one of the secondary elements. No more, no less.
  • Position Matters
    Warframe - Elemental Mod Hierarchy
    Referring to the above picture, if we take "1" as the "anchor" and "8" as the position furthest away from the anchor, then the formation of the secondary elements can easily be derived from the positions of the primaries (primary elements).
    Warframe - Blast And CorrosiveWarframe - Radiation And Viral
    Starting from 1 to 8, the very first unique primary element will ALWAYS combine with the next unique primary element (that is found in the line) to form a secondary element.

    And if there are still unique primary elements left behind, they will combine to form the next secondary element...provided that there is more than one of them. Else, it will be left untouched since there is nothing for it to combine with.
  • Same Kind Stacks
    Warframe - Stacking Situation 1Warframe - Stacking Situation 2
    If there are more than one mod providing the same primary elemental type, then regardless of the position of the "offending mod", its effect will merely stack into the first's.

    In other words, it is not possible to produce two different secondary elements that requires the usage of a COMMON primary element.
  • Innates Are Special
    Warframe - AmprexWarframe - Penta
    Weapons with innate elemental damage, such as those shown above, are special.

    If the weapon has an innate primary element, its order of importance (in the formation of secondary elements) will be the last in line, behind "8". (Think of it as the hidden "9" if you wish.)

    If the weapon has an innate secondary element, it will be treated as a separate entity and will not be a factor in the formation of new secondary elements (when you install the elemental mods). In fact, this may be the only situation whereby you can have three secondary elements co-existing in the same weapon.

Formas, Orokin Catalysts and Orokin Reactors
Warframe - Forma, Orokin Reactor and Orokin Catalyst
Last but not least, these are indisputably THE most important items you'll ever be chasing after in Warframe. The Forma, Orokin Reactor and Orokin Catalyst.
Warframe - Unaltered GrakataWarframe - One Star Grakata
The Forma's used in changing the polarity of your item's mod slots, be it a warframe, weapon or sentinel. However, it can only be used upon items of maxed rank, can only alter them one slot at a time and upon usage, will reset the item back to Rank 0.
Warframe - Polarizing Mod Slot
To use (the forma), just click on the "Polarize" button, left-click on the slots to cycle through the polarities. Once your happy with it, accept to apply the changes. Else, you can cancel away without fear of losing any formas. It will only be consumed upon application.
Warframe - Hate Without Orokin CatalystWarframe - Hate With Orokin Catalyst
The Orokin Reactor (for warframes or sentinels) and Orokin Catalyst (for weapons), on the other hand, is used to "double" the amount of mod points that your item has (for example from 30 to 60, if maxed).

Once installed, it is permanently stuck to the item. It cannot be removed and will not be affected by any changes to the item.
Warframe - Alerts
And as far as I know, from the free-to-play perspective, these items or the blueprints to manufacturing them can only be obtained via doing void missions, as gifts from daily login lotteries and/or as rewards from random alert / invasion missions.

Otherwise, for paying customers, you can simply acquire them off the market ("item mall") using platinums. Or better yet, if your already planning to do so, just "buy" the item (warframe, weapon or sentinel) straight off the shelf.

Why? Because items bought using platinums saves you the trouble of having to source for the blueprints / resources to make them, comes with their own slots...not to mention are already pre-installed with the appropriate orokin reactor or catalyst.

Sad to say though, these three items are VERY vital to your gameplay. Without them, it will be near impossible for you to mod your warframes, weapons and sentinels well enough to survive the higher level missions on your own.




Previous: Warframe (Part Five)