EVE: Dust 514 (2013)

by Christopher May 14, 2013

written by Christopher May 14, 2013 4 minutes read

Summary

Dust 514 stands as a bold experiment in merging the MMO and FPS genres, remembered for its attempt to unify the complex universe of EVE Online with the immediacy of ground combat.

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Shooter
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Developers: CCP Shanghai
Publishers: CCP Games, Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

EVE: Dust 514 attempted to bridge the gap between MMO strategy and FPS action, offering an innovative gameplay experience tied directly to the EVE Online universe.

Synopsis

“Dust 514” takes place in the same fictional universe as “Eve Online”, a science fiction massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set 21,000 years in the future. The Eve Online backstory explains that humanity, after using up the Earth’s resources, began to colonize the rest of the Milky Way. The development of faster-than-light travel allowed mankind to expand at an extremely fast pace, leading to violent competition between space-faring corporations.

“Dust 514” players take the role of immortal ground-based soldiers which were created by the military shortly after the implant was discovered. There was direct interaction between the two games; player actions in one game affected the political, economic, legal, environmental, and social status of the other. The two games were officially connected on January 10, 2013.

The game features users fighting ground battles in wars on planets in the Eve Online universe. The events that happen in this game have an effect on EVE Online. Battles in this game can also determine who controls various planets in the EVE universe, and users in DUST 514 can interact with users from the EVE Online such as providing mercenary assistance during planet battles.

While previews of the game were highly positive, the full game received a mixed reception upon its initial release. It received constant updates and hotfixes deployed after release. The game was shut down by CCP on May 30, 2016, due to low player counts.

Characters

Players created their mercenary characters, customizing their appearance, weapons, and gear to suit various combat roles and strategies.

Gameplay

Dust 514 combined FPS combat with strategic elements like territory control and resource management, all within massive online battles of up to 48 players.

Conclusion

Though EVE: Dust 514 was discontinued, its legacy as an ambitious cross-platform experiment remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of video gaming.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.