In the latest updates surrounding Star Citizen Alpha 4.0, significant changes have been made to various aspects of the game, particularly focusing on the economy, quality of life, and missile mechanics, including torpedoes. The introduction of the Polaris ship, equipped with powerful size 10 torpedoes capable of inflicting 750,000 damage each, has stirred discussions about balance within the game. This drastic increase in destructive capability has raised concerns about how to ensure fair gameplay, especially when considering the counterplay options available to players.
The Polaris’s size 10 torpedoes have created a balancing challenge reminiscent of issues seen in other games with powerful weapons, such as shotguns or snipers. The game developers face the dilemma of making these weapons effective without rendering them overpowered or useless. With the introduction of Point Defense Cannons (PDCs) on capital ships, which can intercept missiles and torpedoes, the effectiveness of the Polaris’s torpedoes has come under scrutiny. Players have reported difficulty in successfully landing torpedoes on targets like the Idris, leading to frustration and concerns about the weapon’s viability in combat scenarios.
Additionally, the recent patch has introduced a significant increase in the cost of torpedoes, with size 9 torpedoes priced between 300,000 to 400,000 aec and Polaris torpedoes costing around 500,000 each. This pricing structure means that restocking a fully armed Polaris could cost around 14 million aec, raising questions about the economic sustainability of using such capital ships. The current missions and rewards available in the game do not seem to align with these high operational costs, leading to concerns that players may struggle to justify the expense of using their Polaris effectively.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Star Citizen is still in Alpha, with persistent bugs and issues that can lead to the loss of torpedoes. Players have expressed worry that they might lose their expensive torpedoes due to game bugs, such as falling through the ship or unexpected explosions. This has led to a temporary reversion of the insurance policy, which initially would not cover torpedoes upon ship reclamation. While this change has alleviated some immediate concerns, it raises questions about the long-term viability of the current economic model.
Overall, while the changes to torpedoes and insurance in Star Citizen aim to enhance gameplay, many players feel the game is not yet ready for such high costs and the associated risks. The community is divided on whether the changes were necessary or beneficial, with ongoing discussions about the balance between encouraging capital ship gameplay and maintaining a fair and enjoyable gaming experience. The video concludes with a call for community feedback on these changes, emphasizing the importance of player input in shaping the future of the game.
