EVE General Discussion

Right now, when I turn off my MWD/AB my velocity quick plummets to my normal max speed, almost as if there is drag in space and I wouldn't be able to keep velocity if I don't keep my thrusters running. If you accelerate something through a vacuum, shouldn't it stay at the same speed unless some other force is applied (like a collision or reverse thrusters- something eve ships don't have).

So in Eve, there is inertia at rest (applied when accelerating, aligning) but no inertia in motion? Is there something in the lore that mentions about some special particles in the eve universe that causes ships to lose velocity, unless they apply constant force?

The U-boats of Eve create a 'marshmallow' field around them that they propel against. Otherwise they would run out of propellant too quickly. Also, a 3D version of "asteroids" would be a crappy experience.

True that Eve's physics are far from known and proven real-world physics; and it kind of has to be far from to be fair. Technical and logistical constraints both in the technology available and likely massive development cost in time and manpower to simulate more accurate depictions of space-based physics means Eve has to venture off the beaten path by a bunch in that regard. The fact that it's an MMO (key word to remember is "multiplayer") doesn't help make it any simpler to correcting Eve's many physics faults to just picking them out and fixing them. It'd be one thing if it were a singleplayer game where the engine only has to really take care of one sole perspective. Instead, Eve has to work many times as hard to make sure thousands see the same thing each time every day.

And, don't take this the wrong way or personal since I'm neither an astronaut myself nor have that level of scientific knowledge either, but Eve is a game meant to be played by and understood by everyday players, not something only a theoretical physicist with multiple scientific degrees of study can truly get or understand. To put it more bluntly, we simple folk would rather a game that is simple enough to understand and at least somewhat master. Granted, it shouldn't take much to look at how Eve does it and think half of the time, "That's actually not quite how it works in real life." However, I don't want to have to learn something that is as complicated as flying the actual Shuttle, I just want to play a game and blow **** up. Eve's already a freakin' series of exams, tests, and spreadsheet-laden project full of algebra and trig/calc shenanigans.

Edit: also, I too am secretly waiting for the day CCP decides to add multi-directional thrusters like the ones you see in Nexus: Jupiter Incident. Look it up if you've never seen how that old game does it. One day, brother, one day.

What he's probably trying to say (and without the epeen stroking reference to another really "cool' game we'd be "cool" if we knew about...derp) EVE's appeal is that we're not bogged down with micro-controlling navigation, and do have the freedom to traverse the rather large map relatively rapidly. If you can't navigate your way to a jump gate using your avalanche of retro rockets, you'll never make it to the market.

There is probably a temptation to liken the spaceship to spaceship battles to that of tanks maneuvering in a large field, however, one can't insist on accurate mechanics for outer space and that, too. Hopefully, if we want to call it "high", high tech of weaponry makes ship maneuvering on an immediate scale obsolete. If you're firing from 10 kilometers away...that little Tokyo slide won't really matter much.

All I'm saying is the inertia mechanic is not intuitive. Its probably not THAT hard to change but I don't know what effects it will have on the overall gameplay.

Yes, navigation should not be hard. But it would also be cool if you have the option of manual override to make some moves that the computer cant do. Right now, all we have is double clicking in space (or using the new camera controls). With the new camera controls, I don't double click in space anymore (because it feels stupid), but I still feel like I'm flying a plane or a submarine instead of a spaceship. Don't get me wrong, PVP really gets my blood pumping, just thought this would add a little more depth to combat.



but if you're ship is 5km across, it just might. I really don't know

But this post is not really about that, I just wanted to figure out why inertia was like this to begin with or if there is any sense to it really.

The lore explanation is to do with how warp drives work in Eve, in the real world scientists are talking about dark matter acting like a fluid, personally I reckon CCP stole the physics engine from Silent Service.

There are arrow key controls. It's not the best or easiest way to maneuver, but it's close.

Its because you are holding them back. Stop restraining yourself!

I prefer to think of it as the pod goo from all the people I've podded. Every time you pop a pod you make space a little more maneuverable.

People have been going on about the "steep learning curve" in Eve. Imagine the learning curve when you try to go somewhere, or even try to hit something while moving on an orbital trajectory at orbital speeds.