EVE Vanguard, Fenris Creations' ground-based combat experience set within the EVE Online universe, has undergone significant gameplay revisions and is preparing for a deeper integration with the main game. The latest iteration, launching today as Operation Avalon, reframes the gameplay as an extraction shooter, a significant shift from its earlier concepts. Developers had previously hesitated to apply this genre label, but the current mode centers on players deploying in clone bodies to a planet's surface, aiming to gather resources while evading both NPC threats and other players. The core loop does not involve a shrinking play zone or a victory condition akin to a battle royale, but rather a high-risk, high-reward approach to resource acquisition.
A palpable tension permeates each match, aligning with the ruthless nature of the EVE universe. Players face a brief vulnerability period when opening containers, as loot is revealed sequentially. This mechanic, coupled with distant gunfire, creates moments of urgency and anxiety. Navigating the environment also demands strategic consideration of sight lines and routes between structures, especially with potential player snipers present.
Operation Avalon introduces a new, handcrafted map that incorporates randomized elements to guide players. Points of interest are clearly marked with indicators of NPC difficulty and the potential quality of loot, allowing players to gauge risk versus reward. Lower-tier areas are less likely to attract griefers due to the limited value of their drops, offering a relatively safe space for players to familiarize themselves with scavenging mechanics and acquire basic gear before extracting.
More hazardous zones, potentially requiring keycards found elsewhere on the map, house tougher NPCs and present greater competition for valuable items. The "Command Block" area, for instance, is described as a high-level raid zone populated by elite enemies that proved too challenging for a small group of players in testing.
Vanguard's progression system mirrors aspects of EVE Online. Upon death, players lose all carried equipment, a standard consequence for a Vanguard operative. However, successful missions yield valuable resources and, crucially, blueprints. While a weapon might be lost, possessing its blueprint allows for its recreation using common materials in orbit. The game also incorporates an industry system where players can craft Chipsets, which function as equippable perks. These can modify weapon optics, improve reload speeds, or alter weapon functionality, enabling players to create specialized loadouts.
Developers focused on refining the shooter mechanics for Operation Avalon. The game features a limited selection of weapons, which were found to be satisfying to use. Player feedback from previous tests indicated a feeling of controlling a disembodied gun; the current build aims to address this by giving the warclone a greater sense of weight while maintaining agility. This offers a more grounded, yet still capable, player experience.
Operation Avalon will be accessible to the public in a limited open beta from July 7 to July 20.