Items and Crafting

[TSRC]

A few comments after playing for ~50 hrs.

I know the recent roadmap indicated that there would be some significant changes to the crafting system, so this may be premature.. however, I have a hanger absolutely full of random items, which apparently have no particular use, outside of a few delivery missions. It would be really nice to be able to combine various resources together to make *something else.* Maybe a jump core and a power cell and Aetheum could combine to create some new consumable powerup, which can't otherwise be obtained. Or various components could be combined to create quantum processors and starcharged conduits, without dismantling items. And it would be great to be able to use iron plate and Clygon ore to expand the base in some way, or to construct a new base in a different system. As it is, these items contribute to the flavor of the world, but don't have any inherent value beyond their credit value.

Also, I found leveling of salvaged items to be much too fine.. for example, if I loot a level 15 weapon, and shortly thereafter loot a level 16, it is obvious that the one should replace the other. I think that it would be far more immersive to omit the level identification from items entirely, and to have a bit more variation with the power/damage levels. In that way, there could be some more deliberation about the relative values of the random items that Adam picks up after blowing up some ships.

Otherwise, I've enjoyed the game, and am looking forward to the full launch.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by csha:

if I loot a level 15 weapon, and shortly thereafter loot a level 16, it is obvious that the one should replace the other. I think that it would be far more immersive to omit the level identification from items entirely, and to have a bit more variation with the power/damage levels

Even weapons of the same type, level and rarity can have different randomly generated attributes and every attribute's value is randomly generated within a range of values so it's completely possible that a lvl 15 weapon is better than a level 16 weapon. Then you have different types, manufacturers and rarities of weapons which allows for plenty of variety. Assuming that a weapon is better based solely on level is not really looking at the granular data when you compare the 2 items side by side. When you do that, you'll see some attributes will be better while others are worse so it's up to the player to decide which attributes are prioritized. All the level identification does is make it easier for a player to quickly decide which weapon is better without looking at all the granular data for those people that aren't really interested in all the little details. Removing the level identification from the item doesn't make the choice any different for those that are interested in the details it only makes it harder for those that aren't interested. Why remove something that makes life easier for those who prefer to use that as a guide when those that don't are just going to ignore it anyway? Removing the level identification doesn't change the loot table all it does is force players into doing side by side comparisons for everything rather than making assumptions based on the level if they prefer to do that. That's not more immersive, it's just more tedious.

[Johny_Drifter]

Starforged FTMFW! J/K. There is a lot to learn about components like Pappy said. You can easily have a level 15 weapon, shield, plating or whatever that is better than a level 15. Don't be fooled by the stats. Weapons have names like Starforged, Bloodstar, Powerful, Rapid, Swift, Intuitive, Efficient, Marksman, etc..Components such as Shields, Plating, Cargo Holds, etc...have special attributes such as Firepower, Expertise, Utility, Structure, Resistance as well as increasing your tractor been range, ship speed or boost speed. So if you have a level 16 component that gives you bonuses to Precision and Utility but you have a level 15 component that gives you a bonus to Firepower, Expertise and tractor beam range, that level 15 item may be better than your level 16 item.