For those who want to play Iron-Man

[deMangler]

Been reading more and more posts by people who want to play Iron-Man mode in E:⁠D.
I have been pushing for this mode from the beginning and am really glad to see others interested now that is going to be implemented, but the galaxy is a big place and I feel there will not be huge numbers of us playing in this group, so lets connect here.
There are already a lot of threads debating the pros and cons but I thought I would start a thread for those already converted, so we can discuss in the context of already having decided to play this mode.
I have tried making threads about this mode before [example] and it always devolves into a debate for or against the mode itself. I hope that doesn't happen here but anyway...

What are we looking forward to in Iron-man mode? Speak up you Pirates, Explorers, Traders and Bounty Hunters who do not fear death but face it and feel the rush!

 

[Jezzah]

I have to say I don't know an awful lot about the mode but im willing to give it a go.

Am I right in saying though that if you select IM mode you only play in a universe populated by other IM players?

 

[Seonid]

Yes (from the DDA in regards to the "All Players" group):

Players playing on ‘Iron Man’ mode will only be matched with other ‘Iron Man’ mode players

 

[Patrick_68000]

In all epochs, there have been of kamikazes

 

[SAB380]

Why would you not have a go ?

If you die, you continue in the normal game world anyway, right ?

 

[Mr_Jim]

Well im also afraid it will be a lonely place thinking specifically about other human players. But the main drive for me:

1. The uncertainty (the human condition, fight, flee or talk)
2. The will to stay alive and fight another day, the decisions, the consequences. Risk reward etc.

Its going to be lovely

 

[Perseus]

I agree, Mr Jim.
I hope that actions have consequences which will make other players think before they act. Of course, this is blunted a little by the fact that death in IM mode still allows a player to continue in normal mode.
Earlier this year I (during the dark days of the PvP vs. PvE war) I read a post that pointed out that inter-player combat in IM might very well be less frequent than in normal mode. The idea of this stuck with me because it suggested how tense playing IM would be; especially after any length of time. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but it is mine. FD seem to be doing their best to accommodate all play styles. I just wish death in IM always meant starting again in any mode.

 

[deMangler]

I was thinking that one of the characteristics of this mode would be that after a few careless deaths you really start to pay attention to what is happening, where you are going and why. I hope the bulletin boards etc provide enough info to enable the player to reasonably gauge risk/reward and are thus more than just fluff.
I suppose some sources of information will be more reliable than others so when your life depends upon the info there will be strong motivation to find the best and learn to identify the duff stuff.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

Bear in mind that biggest difference between "normal" account and iron man is manual ejection of escape capsule. If someone playing IM does it too late, it's over. For normal account it is done automatically.

 

[-o-]

I didn't read the other IM thread you linked in your OP, but was wondering about the implications of IM packs developing where a group of IM players join forces to hunt and destroy other IMs. These packs can only be defended by the formation of opposing IM packs.

Would you classify such IM packs as 'illegal', and if not, do you think this adds or detracts from the IM flag as it will lead to a more dangerous life for a lone IM player.

 

[deMangler]

Bear in mind that biggest difference between "normal" account and iron man is manual ejection of escape capsule. If someone playing IM does it too late, it's over. For normal account it is done automatically.

Heheh.. That is going to make playing chicken a whole lot more of a risk/reward calculation, especially if players and NPC's have reputation information available.

 

[deMangler]

I didn't read the other IM thread you linked in your OP, but was wondering about the implications of IM packs developing where a group of IM players join forces to hunt and destroy other IMs. These packs can only be defended by the formation of opposing IM packs.

Would you classify such IM packs as 'illegal', and if not, do you think this adds or detracts from the IM flag as it will lead to a more dangerous life for a lone IM player.

I wouldn't say illegal in game terms - maybe in some systems... But yeah, I hope it is balanced well, I feel that over time, because death is permanent a stealthy and careful solo will be able to take down members of a gang who is after him. One... By... One... It certainly would provide a challenge anyway. The universe is big enough that if that were not desirable or do-able the player would be able to find a living somewhere else though.

 

[Rex_Black]

Simple answer: Yes, i will be playing in IM Mode.

 

[Jon Jaymes]

My original thought was that IM is not for me, but some interesting stuff in this thread.

Will you be able to switch between IM and normal mode at will? Obviously not in game per se, but on a restart from the saved position?

Cheers,
Jon Jaymes

 

[Aewarin Jameson]

I have been pushing for this mode from the beginning

Join the club brother

( LINK ) - In Nov 2012 The Space Pirate first proposed the idea (that I knew of - maybe some prior had the very same good idea), I thought it was awesome (HC Diablo sprung to mind) and have championed it ever since.

I have tried making threads about this mode before [example] and it always devolves into a debate for or against the mode itself.

I feel your pain.

What are we looking forward to in Iron-man mode?

The thrill of the chase .. I will be a pirate

I just wish death in IM always meant starting again in any mode.

The issue with this is that some pilots will NOT try IM if death is permanent which will further reduce the numbers playing there. Naturally some would (the truly insane hardcore people) but for others investing time into developing a commander to have it whisked away due to a bug / lag / dropping out the game / some other unfortunate non-commander fault is too annoying and too risky. At least this way people new to the idea can give it a try, suffer a death, and have a choice. Maybe they will go into normal and find that the thrill of imminent death is what made the game for them so come back

Bear in mind that biggest difference between "normal" account and iron man is manual ejection of escape capsule. If someone playing IM does it too late, it's over. For normal account it is done automatically.

Add onto the fact that the escape pod can be destroying in combat (before you eject) making an ejection not possible, plus you have the fact that if your life support runs out you're also dead ... Whoa, scary

Would you classify such IM packs as 'illegal', and if not, do you think this adds or detracts from the IM flag as it will lead to a more dangerous life for a lone IM player.

Not "illegal" in the sense that it's allowed in game. It adds to the drama of course so that lone wolf who attacks your pack is either insane or one damn tough "Chuck Norris" commander

Will you be able to switch between IM and normal mode at will?

Only through death, and it's a one way process. (IM --> Normal) If you die as an IM pilot you have a choice - continue in normal OR restart over in IM. You have 3 commander slots to begin with so perhaps make 1 of each and see where you get to. You may find (like I have done with other games) that once you master normal modes the game lacks that spice - the "something special" aspect that Hardcore / Ironman brings.

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

Any news of Iron Man mode having the solo and private group switching options scrapped?

Until then its not a true ironman mode in my opinion. But I'll be the first to sign up if players can't bug out to sub-groups when the heat is on. :smilie:

 

[deMangler]

Any news of Iron Man mode having the solo and private group switching options scrapped?

Until then its not a true ironman mode in my opinion. But I'll be the first to sign up if players can't bug out to sub-groups when the heat is on. :smilie:

AS far as I am aware there will be ways to prevent bugging out to sub-groups when the heat is on in IM and Normal mode. I guess this is one thing that will need tweaking in Beta.

 

[Aewarin Jameson]

Any news of Iron Man mode having the solo and private group switching options scrapped?

Until then its not a true ironman mode in my opinion. But I'll be the first to sign up if players can't bug out to sub-groups when the heat is on. :smilie:

I think your premise is wrong Erimus. You're assuming you can switch groups mid combat but there has been no confirmation this is possible. (We don't know either way but logically the "group" aspect is chosen at logon) Aside from this why would someone wishing to play solo / with their friends be an issue to you ? You have no problem with it in Normal .. :S

Finally - being blunt - what is "true ironman" ... Hopefully not the start of some elitist nonsense

AS far as I am aware there will be ways to prevent bugging out to sub-groups when the heat is on in IM and Normal mode. I guess this is one thing that will need tweaking in Beta.

Logic would dictate you switch groups at logon ... there should be no "bugging" out nor tweaking required. As you can't combat log I don't see this as a probelm.

 

[deMangler]

Logic would dictate you switch groups at logon ... there should be no "bugging" out nor tweaking required. As you can't combat log I don't see this as a probelm.

The fact that you can't combat log is one of the ways 'bugging out' during combat is dealt with. I remember it was discussed in a thread but anyway I agree, plus I think that it will be self-policing. The E:⁠D grouping system means that people will just stop playing with players who get known for combat logging etc.

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

I think your premise is wrong Erimus. You're assuming you can switch groups mid combat but there has been no confirmation this is possible. (We don't know either way but logically the "group" aspect is chosen at logon) Aside from this why would someone wishing to play solo / with their friends be an issue to you ? You have no problem with it in Normal .. :S

I'm not assuming you can bug out in the middle of a fight. The way I understand it is you'll need to be docked to change groups?

No my issue is ironman mode should not have a safety net - or by definition it isn't an ironman mode at all. If I'm an ironman bounty hunter whose cornered a player at a station, that "ironman" can drop into solo mode, disappear out of my reality, undock and pop back up light years away and continue playing the game. That's what I meant by bugging out when the heat is on. Surely you see that isn't in the spirit of ironman gameplay? An ironman would come out all guns blazing, or take the easy option and log off.

Finally - being blunt - what is "true ironman" ... Hopefully not the start of some elitist nonsense

Not at all. Its got nothing to do with elitism. Its about keeping an aspect of the game, one that should pride itself on ethical gameplay and keeping within the spirit of the mode offered, free of the things that the other game modes will suffer from. I seem to remember a few months ago you actually agreeing with me that sub-groups in ironman mode was a terrible idea?