Before I get too far in my criticism, I want to make a few things clear. CCP's newly launched character creator is very good. The controls work in a way that the player feels as if they are molding putty with their hands. A huge range of characters can be created, some beautiful, others hideous. CCP's artists also did a very good job of presenting the players with very good looking assets. A lot of games run the gamut with only 1 or 2 good looking assets, followed with a lot of crap that nobody wants to use. A few quibbles aside, namely the portrait selection mix-up, they did a good job. Many games provide players with a character creator. I can only name a few that I enjoy using, and I now list EVE's as one of them.
Alas, the new character creator doesn't let me tell my story. I believe EVE Online's greatest asset is that it gives players the tools with which to tell incredible stories that rival those created by celebrated fiction writers. Unlike those stories, the space operas that unfold in EVE are real, at least as real as our digital universe allows. We almost don't have a choice in the matter -- we have to tell our own stories. EVE's "carebear" content pales in comparison to its industry peers; if I seek out "player vs. environment," I'm going to play World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings Online, or just go straight for a purely offline-single player experience like Mass Effect or Fallout 3.
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| Allya Modrane, CEO of Genetisystems |
But, if I desire dynamic wars, unrivaled treachery, brilliant economic strategies, and awe-inspiring dogfights, I play EVE Online and I plot a course for low security and null security space as quickly as my drives warm up.
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| Stetin, voted "most like Smeagol" in pod yearbook |
What do I mean by story? EVE's open character progression system lets you be anybody. However, unless you take drastic steps with the character itself, all of the assets provided to us solely serve the purpose of making our characters look like hip, stylish citizens of New Eden. Unfortunately, being stylish isn't something that earns you ISK. Perhaps it will with Incarna? This is all well and good if I'm attending a galactic banquet, but I want CCP to take a bigger step forward with future assets, mico-transaction driven or otherwise, to let us tell our stories and further define who our characters are.
How would I dress my corp mates?
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| Kass Modrane, Planetary industrialist |
Ranger McFriendly is a devious trader. He plays the market like a devilish day trader. He would fit best in a sharp suit complete with electronic equipment that lets him stay connected to the market always. Ear piece, wrist computer, that sort of stuff.
Cheif Astartes is a former outlaw. He's done bad things, but he's a good soul at heart. To me, he's Mal from Firefly. He should look a little rugged and worn, perhaps in his old uniform from his previous employers.
Stetin and Dirk Morbho are both Han Solo's. They are good industrialists with a flare for combat and action when need be. Their clothes would be functional, comfortable, but non-military.
Allya Modrane reminds me of Sarah Kerrigan (pre-Zerg infestation); quiet, precise, and deadly. She could also be paired with the skills of the re-envisioned Battlestar Galactica's Starbuck. She would be dressed in a military outfit, perhaps a flight suit.
Ty Langstrom would wear greasy overalls, perfect for the industrialist that he is. He reminds me a bit of Starcraft's SCV pilots. He'll get what you need done and quickly.
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| Buster Krevas |
XivOps is a mercenary; precise, always looking for his next kill. But, he's honorable. I see him in a very simple flight suit, without insignia. Decorations and medals just get in his way.
Jax Hammer is the intrepid explorer from the wormhole. He's just a hint goofy, but incredibly smart. I see him wearing something that's a mix between science officer and mechanic.
As for me, Sturm Wellington? I've always dreamed of being Maverick or Wedge Antilles. I see my character's role as a fighter pilot in the private navy of Genetisystems. I'd love to have a dress uniform. If I were to use the US Navy's ranking, I'd put myself at about the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade, or perhaps even a Lt. Commander. I feel like my fellow pilot Train Tracks would also dress in a similar fashion.
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| Sturm Wellington, popped collar jerk |
I have high hopes for the future of EVE Online and to be frank, I cannot wait for the Sansha's to invade Black Rise. My capsuleer's fingers are crossed. CCP deserves credit for a very good initial effort. But in order for the next chapter to succeed, they need to let me tell my story.
Screenshots of some of our new characters are scattered throughout.
