Elite Dangerous: Horizons Expansions Start Next Week
More mini-expansions to follow
I always feel I'm making a mistake writing about Elite Dangerous: Horizons [official site]. I get that the expansion is actually a series of mini-expansions, and that the first will add planets to roam around on. It's when I reach the point in the post to explain that Horizons is being sold not as an expansion or season pass but only as a new base edition of the game with plain old E:D included that I think "Wait, that doesn't sound right." It is though. I think. I have checked. It just seems wrong. Anyway, point is: it'll all start next Tuesday, December 15th.
That's when Planetary Landings will arrive. The planetbits are well-known, as makers Frontier Developers have shown them off plenty and spacefolks who pre-ordered Horizons have been pootling around a beta for a few days, so what else will follow in the future? Frontier explain:
"Following Planetary Landings, additional updates will come online in 2016, including: Loot and Crafting, unlocking a world of customization options and adding new value and meaning to every action.
Multicrew, allowing teams of players to assume roles aboard the same ship.
Commander Creation, giving a unique appearance to players’ in-game avatars.
Ship-Launched Fighters, allowing larger spacecraft to carry their own short-range fighter ships for attack and defense.
New Missions and Ships, expanding the already massive amount of playable content.
New Close Quarter Combat (CQC) Arenas, providing additional challenges to prove multiplayer superiority"
Elite Dangerous: Horizons will cost £39.99, though folks who own the original game are offered a £10 discount "for a limited time". I suppose this is one way to ensure that all new players have the full Elite experience, but it's still a bit weird - the Street Fighter model in an MMO. Anyway! Have a trailer:
I've checked around the RPS treehouse that I don't have the wrong end of the stick with pricing. Twice.