EXODE currently has four available software cards. Planetscan VX has a minerals scan, a deep ground scan and a major landmarks scan. Rimscan Software detects planets, sites and wildlife. The Diamondstar Designer increases research speed for vehicles, installations and spaceships. The Identification Matrix increases target acquisition speed and chances.
The Identification Matrix only works on a Tacscan module which currently only exists on Criminal, Military and Syndicate Starships (though I'm petitioning for the Defensive Bunker). The Rimscan Software only works on a Farscan module which currently only exists on the Archeon Class Military Frigate and the Drachian Mantis. If you can, you'll load both on your starship's computer at the start of the game and never really think about them again.
The Planetscan VX is much more interesting since you can load it onto any Ground Radar. The choices for installation are either the Radar Array or the Defensive Bunker. The Radar Array is droppable while the Defensive Bunker eats up three precious cargo slots. On the other hand, the Defensive Bunker has Habitat 2, Radar QL 6 instead of 3, and guns (lots of guns).
The first "gotcha" is with the Diamondstar Designer. Remember that software is not droppable (yea, yeah, yeah, curse those stupid capitalist pigs who made it that way). Let's look at it again along with the two places where it can be installed.
The second number on the bottom of the Designer Card is the software's size. In order to be installed, you must have a Software Free Memory QL of equal or greater size. You can reduce the size of the Designer by upgrading it -- but you probably didn't bring spare copies. The Computer Room could be Upgraded so it fits -- but you probably didn't bring spare copies and it, too, is not droppable.
If you're lucky, you had an Elite version of the Diamondstar Designer or the Computer Room. If not, you're not going to be using the Designer in this colony -- unless, of course, you can buy the necessary upgrades or elites on the internal supply market. I love all the choices and options that EXODE gives you -- but I would have been a very unhappy camper when my on-planet Tech Guy or Gal explained my stupidity to me (just like at work).
Or, maybe, they wouldn't be able to explain it to me. See that first number on the bottom of the Designer? Whoever attempts to install the software has to have a QL that is equal to or greater than the Tech level of the software. Notably, a QL of 7 is not easy to achieve with unleveled common and rare characters. Worse, the critical Planetscan VX has a tech level of 5. Non-elite versions of the twins and the Signals Specialist just aren't going to cut it.
NOPE! | |||
YES!! |
Maybe, in the future, either the tech level will be upgradable (so it is easier to install) or someone might craft a version with a lower tech level. Until then, you're either going to have to rely on expensive cards or level up your tech staff (OR see the special offer below).
~==? |
Please support my posts by using the referral code 777c835 when buying your first starter. If you do so, you and I will each gain two booster packs. Further, if ten players or more use the same referral code (and I'm halfway there), they each get a random Epic Character card.
I am also recruiting for an alliance, the Artificial Intelligence Liberation Front (AILF, pronounced like “elf” with a Southern accent) which just might be led by the Mysterious AI. The alliance will have numerous in-game benefits. To start with, the next five players who sign up with my referral code and join AILF will receive a Syndicate Chip (common), a Syndicate Squad Leader (rare), a Syndicate Hacker (rare) and a Syndicate Auto-Blaster (rare). They should make evacuations MUCH easier (particularly with the Hacker upgrading the hyperdrive). Just let me know that you have used my referral code and wish to join AILF in the comments below and I will transfer you your cards.