Curse

We've been following the world of DUST 514 since the game was announced back in 2009 over on Curse.com and right here on FPS General since our launch last year, so this is a game that we've really invested our hearts into. Chances are you already know a little something about DUST 514, but with developer CCP gearing things up lately, we figured this is as good a time as any to dive into our favorite aspect of DUST 514; the cross-platform connectivity with EVE Online.

You see, DUST 514 takes place in the very same game world that CCP built for their other game, EVE Online. This isn't a meager spin-off, though, this is full featured interconnectivity between the two games, plus a wealth of features including in-depth customization that make DUST 514 more than a worthy standalone title. Customization options excel in DUST and we've particularly enjoyed using the Character Creator that lets you design your mercenaries from the moment you create an account on the site. Set your character up and choose your race, class, gender, portrait, and name, and you'll be set to go when you log into DUST 514 on your PlayStation 3.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves here! Today we're focusing on cross-platform integration and why we think this is what is going to set DUST 514 apart. Players on PC will directly interact with players on the PlayStation 3-exclusive DUST 514. Both games live on the same servers, with DUST players taking the role of the mercenary troops on the ground of the very same planets that EVE players have been navigating around for the last decade.

While it's awesome to be able to chat with EVE Online players on PC while we're in-game on DUST 514, the real beauty of the interaction is in corporations, the contracts system and Orbital Bombardments. We'll have more on that last one in a little bit, but first let's look at how EVE and DUST players can interact with user-created corporations and, eventually, user-created contracts.

DUST players can join EVE-created corporations, if their application is accepted, and will be able to fight for that group on the ground in DUST 514 against other players, from other corporations.

Right now, the contract system is available from NPC Faction Warfare militias. DUST mercenaries can sign up to fight for these factions, helping them gain domination over other warring factions.

Ultimately, however, EVE players themselves will be able to issue contracts directly to their DUST 514 mercenaries and can challenge other rival corporations for power.

You don't have to align yourself with anyone, if you don't want to. There is nothing stopping you from simply taking contracts from the highest suitor, getting the job done with lethal efficiency and moving on to the next job, regardless of faction politics.

Players in DUST 514 will be able to form clans with other mercenaries, making a reputation for themselves as a group that accepts contracts, gets the job done and gets out clean.

If you really want to get the job done, though, you're going to need some back up and that is where Orbital Bombardments come in. This system is ultimately going to be huge, but the first step in full implementation is Tactical Strikes. What does this mean to you, the player? It means that, if you play DUST 514, you are able to request support from the corporation you are working for in the form of air strikes on the planet that you are fighting on. To the EVE player, it means you should buy a Destroyer in the near future.

The beauty of all of these contracts is the freedom that CCP is offering players.

Hypothetically speaking, let's say an EVE corporation puts a contract on the table for your clan. It's your very first user-submitted contract, but you and your DUST clan just aren't thrilled with it. So, what do you do? Well, in DUST 514 you can literally negotiate terms with them. There is no finite 'Press X to accept, Press O to reject' situation here. If you're not happy with the deal, you can just tell them, 'Hey we like this contract, but to do this job, we're really going to need some more commitments from the corporation.' Perhaps a few vehicles or a tactical strike would make the job more realistic?

Once you agree on the contract terms, it's up to you and your DUST mercenary clan to make sure it gets done.

But, wait!

Now imagine that you've just agreed to the aforementioned contract when a rival corporation approaches you and offers an even sweeter deal if you sabotage the original agreement. All you have to do it throw the mission and the rival corporation will make it worth your while in ISK (CCP's in-game currency) and bonuses; turn traitor on the organization that just gave you your first contract and you stand to make a fortune. Things just got a bit more interesting, didn't they?

Right now, these contracts are only available from NPCs but in the future, imagine the possibilities! The choice is ultimately yours to make and that is what makes this interactivity between DUST 514 and EVE Online so beautiful.