ANNOUNCEMENT April Update - Coming 23 April 2019

M00ka

M00ka
I have noticed a lot of Commanders prophesizing that there will be mass interdictions when using the SCA and the forum will melt with angry posts and mass 'I quit' posts. Funny thing, the exact same thing happened when 3.3 was first released. Everyone was going to get interdicted and destroyed when using the FSS, the game will die ..

Strangely I haven't seen a lot of posts from players complaining they were interdicted and destroyed whilst using the FSS, got to love the panic merchants on this forum.
 

Noobilite

Noobilite
I've only been inderdicted in solo by a few npcs. And they usually leave me alone because I have no cargo. Usually funny how depressed they are I have nothing.
 

peppi

peppi
come on guys who needs this crap
i would love to see a navigation comp instead of a docking and supercruise crap thing
we live in the 1800 here without a navigation computer

i mean every car has navi on it
but my ship does not have navigation on it ???

lets hope the game does not break when they implement this crappy thing

Will Flanagan said:
Free module slots for everyone!

With the introduction of these new modules, small ships will be outfitted with two additional size one Optional Internal slots, while medium and large ships will also receive one additional Optional Internal slot. This will automatically and retroactively apply to all relevant ships.
Click to expand...

and ofcourse 2 slots for the small ships good for the gankers and griefers
 
Last edited:

withnail

withnail
Will Flanagan said:

Greetings Commanders,

We’re very pleased to announce that the next update for Elite Dangerous, the April Update, will release on... Tuesday 23 April 2019!

As mentioned in the beginning of March, this year's initial updates will focus on introducing quality of life improvements and improving the welcoming experience for beginners. This update brings with it two new modules to help get you out there, engaging in and exploring all that there is to discover - as well as ensure that you're able to access in-game information and training from the seat of your cockpit!

Read below for all of the details:


Beginners' Zone

A new collection of systems has been added for newly-created Commanders, and can only be accessed by pilots until they earn their first Combat, Trade or Exploration rank. In addition, the authorities here will provide simpler missions that even the smallest of Sidewinders can complete.

Across the galaxy, new Commanders will also have a reduced rebuy until they gain their first Combat, Trade or Exploration rank, a step in the path towards greatness!


New Modules

Advanced Docking Computer​
​
We're adding an upgraded version of the original Docking Computer, a module designed to allow Commanders to relax, let go of their flight sticks and automatically dock in stations to the serene strings of Johann Strauss II.​
​
The Advanced Docking Computer will not only allow you to dock, but also allow you to automatically undock from a station without anxiously worrying about getting stuck inside the mail slot. Let's face it, it will also help with those embarrassing Type-10 spoiler moments!​
​
This module will also come as standard in all newly-purchased small ships. If you're starting up a new account, you will find the Advanced Docking Computer in your ship from the get-go - making it easier for you to embark and disembark from your favourite stations without colliding with the walls, landing pads or your fellow Commanders.​

Supercruise Assist​
​
Available at your nearest starship department store (i.e. Outfitting) comes the new Supercruise Assist module. While in Supercruise, you'll be able to target a destination and activate Supercruise Assist, putting your safety in the reassuring hands of a machine. In this mode, your ship will automatically maintain the correct speed and approach to your target destination, and break out of Supercruise at the optimum time. You'll still have to align with the correct location, but you will no longer have to worry about doing a loop of shame!​
​
With the the Supercruise Assist, you will also be able to enter into orbit around a body - allowing you to launch discovery probes and take screenshots without the fear of face-planting the dusty, rocky ground.​
​
This module will also come as standard in all newly-purchased ships.​


Free module slots for everyone!

With the introduction of these new modules, small ships will be outfitted with two additional size one Optional Internal slots, while medium and large ships will also receive one additional Optional Internal slot. This will automatically and retroactively apply to all relevant ships.


Navigation Tab

In Beyond - Chapter Four, the cockpit was completely revamped, and with the April Update, come even more improvements! The latest area to feel the love is the Navigation Panel where, in places, we have added icons for a tighter, more visually appealing layout.

A new column has been added to this panel, denoting activities in an area, mission targets, plotted routes, Wanted status and if the threat level of some areas is too high. The Navigation popup expands on this information, providing more details about the location, such as faction details, star class, information of resources and more!

Two of these may sound new to you - so allow us to explain!
  • Activities - Every location in the Elite galaxy, offers different activities, be it collecting Combat Bonds in a Combat Zone, or mining asteroids at a Resource Extraction Site. Icons and links to the Pilots' Handbook (see below) have been added to help you easily identify what activities are available at a given location.
  • Threat Level - Threat Level is something that already exists in the game (previously only seen at Unidentified Signal Sources), but this new marker will now appear in all systems. If a location has a threat level too high for your current combat rank, a 'danger' icon will be displayed, warning you that the location might be too dangerous.
Pilot's Handbook

Like the Codex, the Pilot's Handbook is a treasure trove of information, providing details on the many activities available to you in Elite Dangerous. Whether you're a veteran, or you've only just graduated from flight school, these articles will help you discover what opportunities are out there - and what is required to get involved in them. With links from the cockpit straight to the Pilot's Handbook, sourcing information is easier than ever before!


Trading Screen Improvements

When you're an interstellar trader, every minute is a potential sale... so to help you avoid being badgered by a strange man trying to sell you the 'deal of a lifetime' (500 tonnes of bio-waste is not always a good deal, by the way!), a number of improvements have been made to the user interface of the Commodities Market.

You will find two panels in the Commodities Market, Buy and Sell. Each new panel will provide you with important information:
  • Commodities relevant to any active missions you're currently undertaking
  • Icons that provide feedback of profits and supplies.
  • Trade data on nearby local systems per commodity
  • Buy and sell commodities pop-up with much more info than before - helpful even to the seasoned trader!
  • Select markets or goods and view their trade data in the Galaxy Map.
All these improvements have been introduced to make the Commodities Market easier to understand at a glance, ensuring every Commander can become a wolf of the interstellar Wall Street.


Interstellar Initiatives

Our name for the previously announced 'Community Events'. These are series of in-game events that play out over the course of around a month. Each one features several phases that will alter as the narrative progresses, and may end with lasting effects on the galaxy. We'll be delving deeper into these in just a couple of weeks.


...and there's more!
  • Revamped main menu layout, including featuring GalNet news and other important information.
  • Training Missions and Challenge Scenarios will now be accessible via the cockpit, allowing you to brush up your skills right from the seat of your ship.
  • Loading screen tips.
  • Bug fixes.
So there you have it, a brief take on some of the features coming in the next update.

Join us on Thursday 18 April (at 18:00 UTC) for a content reveal livestream, where Executive Producer Adam Woods will be showcasing how all of this looks in-game!

Until then, please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback with us below.

See you in the black, Commander!
Click to expand...
The bots will love this.

Who needs a docking computer anyway? Super cruise assist is also ridiculous.
 

constvoid

constvoid
Six6VI said:
No I ain't, and no it didn't but you're right about the "C" key to use it.

Edit: Hmm, it's possible that was a later, emulated version but I don't think so and even on the early PCs the same issue with the tinny little speaker persisted. It was quicker, safer and easier to fly over the station door, aim at the planet then stop, pitch turn and roll in at full throttle before you lost the alignment.
Click to expand...
TBH I was also confused by your reference to a tinny version of the Blue Danube during docking. The original BBC version of Elite had no music during docking. In fact I was quite surprised, and amused, to hear this for the first time when I watched a friend playing the PC version, which I agree had poor sound. Maybe you're remembering this version rather than the cassette Beeb version.
 

Six6VI

Six6VI
constvoid said:
TBH I was also confused by your reference to a tinny version of the Blue Danube during docking. The original BBC version of Elite had no music during docking. In fact I was quite surprised, and amused, to hear this for the first time when I watched a friend playing the PC version, which I agree had poor sound. Maybe you're remembering this version rather than the cassette Beeb version.
Click to expand...
Well, I had a bit of a dig around the webz to see if I could find evidence...

Alas, no. Imagine if Lord Braben himself were to post a definitive answer?
 

[DAX]

[DAX]
M00ka said:
I have noticed a lot of Commanders prophesizing that there will be mass interdictions when using the SCA and the forum will melt with angry posts and mass 'I quit' posts. Funny thing, the exact same thing happened when 3.3 was first released. Everyone was going to get interdicted and destroyed when using the FSS, the game will die ..

Strangely I haven't seen a lot of posts from players complaining they were interdicted and destroyed whilst using the FSS, got to love the panic merchants on this forum.
Click to expand...
Maybe it's because there is no sense in such complains - the damage done. I've found such NPC interdictions pretty annoying. I am able to escape them every time or submit if I have no cargo or mission, but... Waste of time.
And I really hate the sound effect of the interdiction. It fray my nerves :)
 

Brrokk

Brrokk
constvoid said:
TBH I was also confused by your reference to a tinny version of the Blue Danube during docking. The original BBC version of Elite had no music during docking. In fact I was quite surprised, and amused, to hear this for the first time when I watched a friend playing the PC version, which I agree had poor sound. Maybe you're remembering this version rather than the cassette Beeb version.
Click to expand...

I'm sure I recall the BBC disk version playing the Blue Danube. I've not played any of the other Elites until the present one, but I remember the music and it's why I nearly fell off the chair laughing the first time I heard it while docking in ED.

And yes, it was witty in the BBC days because of the 2001 reference.
 

Liftliker

L
constvoid said:
TBH I was also confused by your reference to a tinny version of the Blue Danube during docking. The original BBC version of Elite had no music during docking. In fact I was quite surprised, and amused, to hear this for the first time when I watched a friend playing the PC version, which I agree had poor sound. Maybe you're remembering this version rather than the cassette Beeb version.
Click to expand...
The Commodore 64 version had the Blue Danube tune playing when you activated the docking computer. I don’t recall the Spectrum version having it, but I didn’t play that one long enough to buy the docking computer.
 

starman

starman
A better idea is a system that pairs up with experienced cmdrs in a wing. It should be compulsory that the tutorials be completed. They are then required to undertake a written test and flight examination. It will still be a big shock to encounter significantly more advanced comds. Something that early adopter s never faced. The reality is boredom is the bigest challenge. So know traveling to Hutton orbital wont be such a big deal with auto supercruice. What are we expected to do with that time? Build a theme park? Maybe they can include some mini games to play.
 

Spaceman Si

Spaceman Si
Brrokk said:
I'm sure I recall the BBC disk version playing the Blue Danube. I've not played any of the other Elites until the present one, but I remember the music and it's why I nearly fell off the chair laughing the first time I heard it while docking in ED.

And yes, it was witty in the BBC days because of the 2001 reference.
Click to expand...

It did :) The disk version had the swappable storage capable of doing both the in-flight docking process, and having the data space for the music. It was great the first few times I saw it, after that I was glad to go back to my tape version and have the instant swirly dock screen, saved loads of time :D
 

starman

starman
[/QUOTE]
The Commodore 64 version had the Blue Danube tune playing when you activated the docking computer. I don’t recall the Spectrum version having it, but I didn’t play that one long enough to buy the docking computer.
[/QUOTE]


Elite on Commodore 64. The Graphics subsystem was rewritten from scratch to allow for vector graphics. - Will the source code ever go open source for educational purposes?
 

Brrokk

Brrokk
Spaceman Si said:
It did :) The disk version had the swappable storage capable of doing both the in-flight docking process, and having the data space for the music. It was great the first few times I saw it, after that I was glad to go back to my tape version and have the instant swirly dock screen, saved loads of time :D
Click to expand...
BTW the disk version also had interesting copy-protection which required parts of the disc to be unformatted for the game to run. Most copy programs would give themselves away by formatting all the disc first. When running such a copy, you'd hear a terrible rattling as the disc reader head slammed repeatedly between its end stops. Could you hit the Break key fast enough to save your drive?
 

Spaceman Si

Spaceman Si
Brrokk said:
BTW the disk version also had interesting copy-protection which required parts of the disc to be unformatted for the game to run. Most copy programs would give themselves away by formatting all the disc first. When running such a copy, you'd hear a terrible rattling as the disc reader head slammed repeatedly between its end stops. Could you hit the Break key fast enough to save your drive?
Click to expand...

Never knew that! Very ingenious... :)

This is dredging the depths of my memory now, but I think the tape was protected with some wacky custom crc check. I know that each block would come up with a “Data?” error if it was loaded with the usual *LOAD command, but not if it was done via the pre-loader.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom