Hello all,
As many are aware, a new "ship tuning" system that we have previously noted as in development has been patched to the test server. We welcome everyone interested in this new system to test it out for themselves before passing judgment as it should add a fresh new layer of game play aspect to the game.
This new system at its most basic form will consist of a number of new "time-limited" items which provide specific alterations to the respective ship they are applied to. The following details are also important to make note of:
1) Items of the same type will not stack.
2) Each item will offer 3 days of functionality. The items do not have to be set or used at any specific moment; the 3 day timer will begin once an item becomes "equipped".
3) Once an item is removed or replaced it will be discarded.
4) An (1) item will only provide a "tune" to the (1) ship selected to equip the item. The item's effect will not carry over to all ships.
5) At most, these items may increase a specific ship's performance by 5-10%. This should provide players a new unique ship experience, but it certainly will not damage in-game balance. Please be assured that we are taking all steps necessary in order to maintain proper balance. This is our highest priority.
6) These items are not being developed as essential items. They are intended to be utilized as a supportive item and to enhance game play by opening up new strategic opportunities.
7) The available item slots currently being considered (may be altered through testing if for example, results are not favorable for items applied for ships in blitz):
BB - 3 slots
CV - 4 slots
SS - 2 slots
CA - 3 slots
CL - 3 slots
DD - 3 slots
FF - none
8) Once introduced, there will be a daily ongoing (no end date) "Free Item Drop" for these ship tuning items. This will allow all players a chance to have fun trying some different items out every once in a while.
9) All players will be provided a free "speed-up" item at launch to get accustomed to their use and application.
10) There will be payable items as well as items exclusive to the "Free Item Drop".
Example of exclusive payable items (names tentative): R mount shell space increase, aircraft space increase, fighter attack power up
Example of items exclusive to "Free Item Drop" (names tentative): R mount reload time decrease, Accuracy increase, aircraft speed increase
Example of items both paid and free (names tentative): ship speed increase, air tank increase, aircraft fuel increase
As should be noted, items available exclusively through the "Free Item Drop" should be of greater demand in order to promote increased game play.
We strongly believe that this new system will help provide some added variety and new types of game play experiences for all players to enjoy. New strategies may be developed around ships that previously may have lacked in certain respects and with a little bit of luck, all players will have multiple chances to try something new thanks to the ongoing "Free Item Drop" and exclusive items only available through it.
We welcome your feedback and assistance through the test server so we can work on providing an enjoyable update.
-Randy
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Update - 2nd April:
- BB6 and CV6 will not be included in ship tuning system.
- A ship with a ship tuning enhancement added will be identifiable in-game.
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Update 23rd April:
- For number 10) above - all items will now be included in the free drop system, which will run permanently at the end of battles. So there will be chances to receive any and all of the items for free.
