Elite Dangerous is currently in the throes of alpha testing its new Odyssey expansion, with pre-order players now able to put a limited version of the experience through its paces. Some of Odyssey’s new features have proven more contentious than others at this early juncture, and Frontier has now moved to address some of its biggest pain points – including Odyssey’s tortuous AI-piloted Apex Interstellar taxi service.
Apex Interstellar is chiefly intended to provide players who’re enthusiastic about Odyssey’s on-foot combat but less so about space flight with a means of getting round the galaxy without needing to pilot a ship of their own. It’s an entirely reasonable idea in principle, but the reality is an excruciating bore, leaving players stuck in the passenger seat with nothing to do for many – often many, many, many – minutes at a time.
It’s doubtful anyone would actively choose to use Odyssey’s space taxis in their current guise (least of all those seeking instant gratification thrills), but their rubbishness is exacerbated by the fact taxis are the only way to get around in the current alpha phase, leading to considerable criticism over the last few days.
