UNTIL Field Report (11/01/11) [Archive]

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:31 PM

Heroes!
Time for another UNTIL Field Report.

Since the last report the team has been working very hard to get as many updates to you as possible. It has beena blast!
There has been some solid movement in this list. As you can see there are several items that have made it up to the top and in to the LIVE game. This is really the type of movement we expect to see in the Until Field Report.

This report has some new items in the discussion section that are sure to drive some questions. I wanted to get these topics out to you so we can start talking about them. Remember, topics and updates that are in design discussion are in the preliminary stages of development with plenty of room for change before the final design is locked down.

As always we look forward to your feedback and we will be keeping a close eye on this thread.
...Enjoy!

Completed and LIVE
Items in this list have moved out of development and test into the LIVE game.

Character Conversion
KotH updates
Crafting stations in MON/LEM
Jet destination update: Mon/Des/VIB
Player is unable to convert between silver and gold even though they are keeping the same archetype.
Character Conversion
Duel whitelists
Archery: Strafe: While using the power, the model in the characters hand turns into a sword.
BoP bags in loot tables.
PVP Acclaim and XP rewards
Tailor: Costume selection does not indicate which costume is being edited after a player completes editing.
Vibora Mini Arc (level 22): A new mini arc that starts in Canada and takes you to a pre-Crisis Vibora Bay. A place that is just seeing the arrival of the darker elements found later on.
LVL 40 PVP Gear Review: An adjustment to the Hero Games acclaim. This review looks to reduce the prices, increase the usability and remove previous bind restrictions.
Unarmed review: A review that will see, when complete, 2 new AT's (one Tank and one MDPS), new animations and several new powers.
MOAR tights: In addition to our regular costume updates we will offer more tights with options for non normal maps and skin.
Bloodmoon Updates: Several updates to the Bloodmoon Event including a fight with Takofanes

In Test
Items "In test" are being looked at and testing internally and on PTS. These are issues, features and fixes that are the closest to release as you can get. Occasionally there will be some items that are in test that are part of a larger release.

PvE Queues: Each Lair added to the PvE queue list
Tab targeting fails to target closest enemy.
Camera Zoom when zoning
Comic Series 2
Alerts
Wind Framework
New Mail notification issues
KotH: Victory perk is being credited to the losing team

A closer look (On Deck)
These are hot topic issues in the Player Community, QA and CS. This list does not represent all the issues we are taking a closer look at, but are issues at the top of our list.

Zone balancing
Zoning or changing instance causes the slow fall for teleport to fail.
Female Average Walk: Arm swing and lower body leg steps are out of sync.
Remote Access: After interacting with the robot, it does not begin moving, preventing completion of the mission.
Escort mission improvements
Malevolent Manifestation: Hold resistance not applied to target every time the hold duration refreshes.
From Bad to Worse perk
Event items are appearing randomly when events are not running
Sea Slug becomes stuck after the first wave of critters.
Cave: Venue: Tropical Venue is no longer available unless Primal Cave hideout is purchased
Players become friendly to both teams after disconnecting or logging out in a PvP match
Trade issues: improving the trade system to better protect from scams

Up Next!
In Development
These are features we are working on right now. They have made it through the design phase and are being implemented. Items in this section will move to "In Test" once complete.

Comic Series 2: Whiteout
Alerts: Repeatable instanced missions that offer a variety of encounter and reward types set in various locations
Team Duels: Team leaders will be able to challenge a member of another team to a duel.
Events Calendar: A system that will allow you to see what there is to do in champs at any time and get right to the action.
Xp Gifting: Gift some of your experience to your alts or friends.
C-Store Coupons: Items that give you a discount in the c-store.
Winter Event
Cat animations and emotes (for players as well)
New Super Speed run anim
Wind Framework: Very windy! This is an Energy framework.
Infernal review: A review of the Infernal framework that will include new powers and additional AT's
New RenCen Powerhouse: Costume stage w/tailor, dueling area, revamped powers testing area.
Hideout additions: Training and Crafting rooms

On the schedule
These are updates that are next on the list to implement. Some features have a longer development time than others but these are what the team will be looking to move on to soon.

Neighborhood Events: Small open missions focused on Heroic encounters
New Zone Events: Large scale, multistage, zone events that offer new encounter opportunities and large group gameplay.
90's Iron Age Costume Set
Wizards/Fantasy Costume Set
Earth Framework: Very earthy stuff! This is a Brick framework.
Swinging improvements and skins
Auto Teaming, temp teams: Auto teams for open missions (if solo) and optional for groups. These are temp teams that overlay your existing team.
Costume set preview for the C-Store
Further improvements to streamline the early game
Hueshifting improvements to allow further hue shifts for FX attached to costume pieces (Jetpack flames)

In Design Discussion!
These items in design discussion are for features that are being considered for an upcoming update. The next step for these topics is to have them added to the schedule. Some of these are smaller, quicker tasks while others are a lot larger and require more to design and implement.

Itemization: Improvements and updates to the gear/items you get in the game and how you use them
Nemesis Updates: Any and everything we can do to get you more time with your Nemesis. This includes more frequent encounters and opportunities to fight your nemesis with your fellow heroes. Additionally we are looking to add more minion types and options.
Crafting improvements
Mini Arc level 32: This may fall in the area of Wells Pass and offer a break from Viper and Manamals
KotH Perks
Comic Series 3
A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras
Item Smash: A new way to create items that improve your character and enhance customization
Epic Lairs: Updates and changes to the existing lairs to add high level gameplay
Lair Boss reviews: Improvements to the Lair Bosses.

The Future
These are features that we are working towards. Items listed in this section need the most discussion and are subject to the largest change. This list does not represent all the things we want or are planning to do but they are some of the larger things we are planning and working towards.

New Zone (3-4 Neighborhoods)
Level cap to 45
More Comic Series
More Events both small and large
Super group Bases
Guild Improvements (Leveling, Duels)
New Zone (Moon is being discussed)
Level Cap to 50
End Game (Currently looking at Star Guards)
And so much more!!

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:36 PM

Woo!

Nemesis updates and new 'event' style things are definately making me a bit happier to see on the schedule at least. I'm looking forward to it. Everything else looks great. ob

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:38 PM

Epic Lairs: Updates and changes to the existing lairs to add high level gameplay
So is this level 40 variants of lairs? (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=120000)

If so, I might be forced to change my sig. Drat you ;)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:45 PM

Wahooo!! thanks Robo!

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:54 PM

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:55 PM

In Test: Wind Framework

Um, isn't this supposed to be the EARTH Framework?
(if not, i know a pile of Rox that's goign to be mighty dissapointed...)

A closer look (On Deck)
Suggestion? Move this catagory down between "In Design" and "The Future"?

New Super Speed run animation
New RenCen Powerhouse: Costume stage w/tailor, dueling area, revamped powers testing area.
Hideout additions: Training and Crafting rooms.
Hueshifting improvements to allow further hue shifts for FX attached to costume pieces (Jetpack flames)
A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras
Item Smash: A new way to create items that improve your character and enhance customization
New Zone (Moon is being discussed)

Anything's better than "Naruto"!
YES!
About damn time!
Oh this is gonna be interesting, is it a precurser to more advanced tech?
(See above)
Um, wut?
Waits for Loganius to see this and /faint

Also, on a competley different note.
How likely is it that costume sets released might get revisions/modifications?

Because who ever designed the "open toe" shoe from the Formal Set should be put into a corner for 5 minutes.
CO has a bazillion "hose" options, we finally get a open toe shoe to use them with...
...And it's not an option? :confused:

(is this a tech limitation, or an oversight?)

Oh, and make the Golden Age Jacket usable without the corset.

That is all :cool:

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:55 PM

Thanks Rob! A couple of points of confusion:

Comic series 2 is listed in both "In Test" and "Up Next". Wind Powers are also listed in both "In Test" and "Up Next".

Can we assume they're both "In Test", at least internally?

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:56 PM

In Test stuff looks really promising! I really hope you guys get targeting down! Alerts, Wind framework, and Comic Series too, very awesome.

You guys have Alerts in Development and In Test...

Training and crafting in hideouts... very nice! New Super Speed animation... more awesome!

I'm curious about this:
Itemization: Improvements and updates to the gear/items you get in the game and how you use them

Does this perhaps hint at power replacers becoming useful?

And:
A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras

Will this possibly have anything to do with removing auras from things like Fire Form?

Item Smash: A new way to create items that improve your character and enhance customization

What the heck IS this?! I already like it because it says SMASH!

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the update, Robobo!
Everything sounds great.

Wind (or Earth) framework on PTS?
Uhh ohhh!
When will it hit PTS?
This week?
Pleeeeeeeease! :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:01 PM

Interesting times ahead :)

Looking forward to the future.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:01 PM

New Super Speed run anim

Please consider implementing this as a drop-down menu in the powers menu (the way you can use pets), or as a per-costume choice (the way you can change weapon geo).

Neighborhood Events: Small open missions focused on Heroic encounters

New Zone Events: Large scale, multistage, zone events that offer new encounter opportunities and large group gameplay.

Please focus on more objective-based things or make the open mission's enemy power dynamically scale with the number of characters in the vicinity (with a minimum power level equivalent to something like 5 or 10 people). I think that the most recent OM event (the new Tako fight) was made without much foresight. Everyone was clearly doing way more DPS than the Devs counted on.

Swinging improvements and skins

Will skins count as new powers the same way different flight types work?

A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras

Will we maybe get an option to unlock auras the same way we unlock costume pieces, and then activate them in the costume creator without the costume piece they are bound to? This obviously means the smaller auras like only on hands or the head. Will there be a limit to how many auras we'll be able to stack per body part?

Item Smash: A new way to create items that improve your character and enhance customization

Very interested in this.

Epic Lairs: Updates and changes to the existing lairs to add high level gameplay

I am assuming these updates will be open to feedback on the PTS, but just in case, please look to the fight with Baron and Therakiel for inspiration about fights that require involvement. Avoid the "spam attacks until it breaks" scenario many lair fights in this game suffer from.

Yay for: new zone, itemization, SG bases and Guild improvements (plus most of the other things listed.

Boo for: no mention of a Cosmic revamp, no mention of Bear and Wolf bubble helms or beast head costume options.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:05 PM

A lot of interesting stuff on this list. I am curious, does this mean a new power set as well as a power set review will occur each month, since Earth is slated for December, unless that changed?

Also, as part of re-itemization, will set pieces actually make it into the fold? It doesn't have to be 9 pieces but I certainly would like to see things to actually go after.

The Item Smash things sounds intriguing, will this replace the current crafting system? Will those who are skilled int eh current system lose their points they have or will they be converted over?

And hideout improvements also are intriguing hehe.

Lots to take in and I am liking what I am seeing.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:13 PM

Um, isn't this supposed to be the EARTH Framework?
(if not, i know a pile of Rox that's goign to be mighty dissapointed...)

I iz not scrrd. ;)

Seriously though, it is on the schedule and technically the Wind framework has already been done in the become devices so one would only assume it to be first. Though you are right too, I wantz my earth set! :)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:20 PM

"Swinging improvements and skins"

OMGOMGOMG!!! <faints>

:)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:25 PM

PvE Queues: Each Lair added to the PvE queue list

Will there be options for lobbies so that the team can plan team roles and the like?

Swinging improvements and skins

Will the skins for swinging be selected the same way as pet skins are selected?

Further improvements to streamline the early game

What exactly does this mean?

A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras

Special costume Aura item slot as in an actual item slot or on the tailor as a tab? Please clear my confusion.

Epic Lairs: Updates and changes to the existing lairs to add high level gameplay

Does this include higher level versions of gear from Lairs?

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:42 PM

This all sounds pretty darn wonderful. Best get that Wind framework up on PTS ASAP.:D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:43 PM

I iz not scrrd. ;)

Seriously though, it is on the schedule and technically the Wind framework has already been done in the become devices so one would only assume it to be first. Though you are right too, I wantz my earth set! :)

Right there with you, Rox. Mmmm. Earth powers. :d

But, I didn't consider that there were already some Wind powers in the game - even though they're mostly reskins of some other powers, that's a good point. Less annoyed by that shift now. And looking forward to see what they come up with for the rest of the set, as well.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:52 PM

Heroes!

New Super Speed run anim

:O Marry me

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:53 PM

A slight clarification as to why some items are in test and up next.
Alerts is a big update and several parts are in test while other are next up. (I guess I can just keep them in one section)
Wind is in test and up next in the same way. The FX are done, the Powers are done and the initial internal testing is underway. Earth is about to start so it is more up next than wind.. Both frameworks are scheduled for December.

Item smash is the internal name for an item combine system. It is closer to an imbue than smashing but as was pointed out.. Smashing is cool =) I like to think of it as a way to make your items and gear better.

The Aura slot will most likely be for slotted items
Epic Lairs would include higher tier rewards

Hope this helps some.
Don't be surprised if I revise the list a bit to clear the categories of things that are partially in dev and in test.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:55 PM

Item smash is the internal name for an item combine system. It is closer to an imbue than smashing but as was pointed out.. Smashing is cool =)

test.

Lol... now thats more cryptic than before... item combine??... I am intrigued.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:58 PM

Item smash is the internal name for an item combine system. It is closer to an imbue than smashing but as was pointed out.. Smashing is cool =)

I get the mental image of Grond literally smashing a pair of items together to create... something. I think I have a decent idea of how this system works. If you don't mind me asking, can we name the resulting name?

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 01:59 PM

Wind is in test and up next in the same way. The FX are done, the Powers are done and the initial internal testing is underway. Earth is about to start do it is more up next than wind.. Both frameworks are scheduled for December.

Yay! This may be the best Christmas ever! Not that I expect them out by then, considering they're two new frameworks and I'd rather them take the time they need, but still.

Thanks, Robobobobobobobobobobobobo.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:04 PM

I get the mental image of Grond literally smashing a pair of items together to create... something. I think I have a decent idea of how this system works. If you don't mind me asking, can we name the resulting name?

Not too sure if you mean name the resulting item, but if so, It will be too early to say if that is something we can support. However.. I like the idea of taking Grond things to smash together. He can have a workbench in DES that he stops by once in a while (and stops jumping about) to take orders. "You want BIG SMASH or Little Smash" -thanks for the image =)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:10 PM

Not too sure if you mean name the resulting item, but if so, It will be too early to say if that is something we can support. However.. I like the idea of taking Grond things to smash together. He can have a workbench in DES that he stops by once in a while (and stops jumping about) to take orders. "You want BIG SMASH or Little Smash" -thanks for the image =)

How in the world did I write name the resulting name instead of resulting item? I need some sleep. Anyhow. I guess I can understand if item naming can't be supported. (Would otherwise have been a cool way to personalize our characters further). Thanks for the answer though!

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:11 PM

It would be a nice feature to name things, but isn't necesarry. However, I would like to have a maker's mark on crafted items. Do you think that would be possible, say for instance UNTIL Field Report and below it maybe <created by Robobobobobob> or something like that? >_>

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:27 PM

Happy with this. Looking forward to it all filtering through to us.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:36 PM

Full of stuff that makes me go SHWEEEEEET!!

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:37 PM

Guild leveling sounds good.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:38 PM

i glitched out im my basement today and saw the new rooms >.> i have screens but sadly im on my crappy lowest gfx 2fps laptop but i think i got some nice pics :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:38 PM

Item Smash sounds more like Item Mash-Up. Either sounds cool.

But if Grond gets a workshop, I request an observation deck so we can watch (safely.)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:38 PM

Item SMASH!!!

BatHulk (http://www.champions-online.com/character_profiles/8253448/view) might have to become more than just a joke character... :)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:39 PM

While it's great to see you guys go forward, Robobo (and you have some cool stuff on board), is there any chance you can go back and look over some previously released content (C-Store as well) and fix some things?

http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=139889
for example, for the recently released Halloween Creatures Pack.

There's a lot of costumes that are in need of some what I'd assume minor fixing overall. Check your Bug forums - we're trying to help you guys out here, but it seems like nobody ever looks at them.

I'd also like to echo this.

There have been a bunch of things released which have had several suggestions /fixes /improvements which could have been made to them, but nothing has happened and they remain somewhat lacking.

The new Halloween costumes - have some odd discrepancies and you can't use the fur on bestial legs (very odd).
Tornado Flight - The moment it came out, people were asking for the 3rd speed to keep our heroes upright rather than appearing to 'plank' on top of the twister. It looks SO weird!
Unarmed - Myself and a lot of my friends in game felt the new animations were severely lacklustre (with the exception of Hundred Hands which is ace! :D )
Golden Age Costume - The jacket is fixed to the bustier. A lot of folks have requested that a separate jacket be made available as well.
+ many more.

All the new stuff does sound great though :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 02:50 PM

I've noticed no mention to confirmed costume sets, such as Pulp, Avian Warriors, and this mysterious "Steel Hawks".

Were they not quite important enough to mention, or have they been scrappy doo'd?

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:02 PM

Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon! Moon!

There was something mentioned that got me super excited amongst all of the awesome stuff but I can't quite remember what it was.

It'll come back to me.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:12 PM

Earth and Wind, cant wait.
So many cool things...I hate waiting :(

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:33 PM

I think I'm going to like this Item Smash thing. Please keep the name!

So is it like, you get a piece of gear you really like, but you want to add a few stat points to it, so you smash another piece into it to give it that stat boost?

Sounds like it'll be really cool.

It would be a nice feature to name things, but isn't necesarry. However, I would like to have a maker's mark on crafted items. Do you think that would be possible, say for instance UNTIL Field Report and below it maybe <created by Robobobobobob> or something like that? >_>

Ha, I'm so down for that. I had a weaponsmith in WoW that I named "Dwarves" just so I could show people the gear and say "Look, this item is the best of its kind. Just look here, it was made by Dwarves!"

Time to make a new alt called "Little Slave Kids" :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:38 PM

"Cave: Venue: Tropical Venue is no longer available unless Primal Cave hideout is purchased"

This told me more about the problem I've been experiencing with my Cave hideout than a number of responded-to-by-GMs help tickets. Thank you, Robobo, for speaking plain English. :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:41 PM

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:45 PM

wow, almost forgot about that, lol "Tab targeting fails to target closest enemy."
cryptic bug (cryptic the word, not the name)

guess its good to fix the "target nearest enemy button" too, then the target bugs/issues/annoyances/etc will be done for
i hated it not to be able to get the nearest enemy, as that button could be nice when you wanna act fast, and so it wont matter how many times you use that bound key, so doubleclick by accident still gets the nearest enemy, unlike tab, which will target next enemies (i hope) when using

just trying to help..... no offense or anything (in case someone thinks i complain)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:45 PM

Ha, I'm so down for that. I had a weaponsmith in WoW that I named "Dwarves" just so I could show people the gear and say "Look, this item is the best of its kind. Just look here, it was made by Dwarves!"

Time to make a new alt called "Little Slave Kids" :D
As long as your alt isn't called The Factory (http://www.scp-wiki.net/system:page-tags/tag/factory#pages)...

Edit: Or, worse, Dr. Wondertainment (http://www.scp-wiki.net/system:page-tags/tag/dr-wondertainment#pages)...

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 03:49 PM

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 04:25 PM

AWESOME EVERYTHING

Gentlemen (and ladies, if there are any of those on the internet):

The 90's hero set got me so pumped up, I slapped an old man in the mouth with a pile of Wetworks comic books and set my leg on fire.

Looking forward to seeing this, the raised level cap, and all of your other amazing features.

You probably hear this more often than not, but I would like to thank you for an amazing product and all your great effort. Never before have I seen a crew so willing to make players happy.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 04:52 PM

Ha, I'm so down for that. I had a weaponsmith in WoW that I named "Dwarves" just so I could show people the gear and say "Look, this item is the best of its kind. Just look here, it was made by Dwarves!"

Time to make a new alt called "Little Slave Kids" :D

Can we make jetpacks yet? When we can I'll make a crafting alt called "ACME".

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 04:58 PM

Cat animations and emotes (for players as well)

I for one welcome our new catpeople overlords.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 05:17 PM

Lots of cool stuff there. The one thing I want to touch on is the aura slots, does that mean that Dark Aura will move from our device slots and become a different type of item to go in to the aura slot? That would be nice. :)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 05:29 PM

Can we make jetpacks yet? When we can I'll make a crafting alt called "ACME".

And I'll make a Coyote... A WILY Coyote...

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 06:19 PM

Cat animations and emotes (for players as well)

This is the one I'm very curious about.

I have a handsomely buff purple cat man, who would love to be able to act like a proper feline. I can't wait to see this one go live. @_@

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 06:47 PM

Cryptic, I'm gonna start holding you to these grand and spectacular promises you make us. I can't stand getting so excited to only be let down. Don't go breaking hearts.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 06:55 PM

Hrmm Phoney Calls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjwjl8ARLqA)

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 07:24 PM

I for one welcome our new catpeople overlords.

I'd like a couple new cat heads like they did with the wolf. I can do without the saberteeth.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 07:37 PM

AH-HA! This sounds like my idea!

A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 09:05 PM

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 09:22 PM

will any of the Infernal review either

1) Return (or let us choose) the old Devour Essence animation

2) take the Vampire Device Lifedrain animation (the one with the torrents of blood) and add it as a dropdown for Devour Essence (so you drain torrents of blood from your foes and channel it into your mouth lol)

3) have any new Vampirey powers lol

aside from those everythings looking awesome as per usual, good show chaps n chapettes

1) What old devour essence animation? That's been the animation since mid beta.

2) Unlikely since you are devouring essence :p

3) Not likely since it is infernal.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 09:34 PM

I nearly cried from joy when I saw the thing about auras. I SERIOUSLY hope it comes to pass. AS for everything else... so full of hope. I'm loving it :) Wind and Earth power sets have me really excited... keep up the good works Cryptic :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 10:07 PM

Once again totally awesome stuff!

Any chance of any new social locations soon?

[cause I know if I call them rp locations you guys just blink and stare at me]

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 10:15 PM

Once again totally awesome stuff!

Any chance of any new social locations soon?

[cause I know if I call them rp locations you guys just blink and stare at me]

Umm dude, they just added a major one. The Minefield.

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 11:04 PM

Hmm so far so good. Lots of fantastic stuff on the table, but oddly enough the thing that caught my attention is getting crafting tables in the hideout. Now I can have a new reason to go to my hideout instead of trapsing back to the beginning of the zone to break down/sell my stuff.

I do hope they add a drop down to power skins especially with all the flight ones I have yet to purchase.

I think they are listening to us, which makes me happy. :D

Archived Post

11-01-2011, 11:33 PM

will any of the Infernal review either

1) Return (or let us choose) the old Devour Essence animation

2) take the Vampire Device Lifedrain animation (the one with the torrents of blood) and add it as a dropdown for Devour Essence (so you drain torrents of blood from your foes and channel it into your mouth lol)

3) have any new Vampirey powers lol

aside from those everythings looking awesome as per usual, good show chaps n chapettes

I wonder if they could make an animation where you sort of lean into the enemy and make a sort of biting animation. Devour essence is more of a, well, essence/life force consumption than a 'feeding' power.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 12:29 AM

I wonder if they could make an animation where you sort of lean into the enemy and make a sort of biting animation. Devour essence is more of a, well, essence/life force consumption than a 'feeding' power.

Way back in beta, devour essences animation was a neck biting thing, but, it got changed. It was a rahter tacky animation.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 12:55 AM

Umm dude, they just added a major one. The Minefield.

>.>

What really?

Just kidding, I knew that.

Doesn't mean i don't want more.

Oh oh, and while I love the new club. It's not one anyone asked for, and nor is it where anyone asked for more social locations, in fact it's behind a level and event barrier [this has plusses and drawbacks] Still it's very cool.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 01:38 AM

Level cap up to 50? I can dig it.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 02:11 AM

So has the Ninja costume set that was shown off as concept art been put on the back burner? This was shown way before the 90s or the Fantasy Art set. And while I like all 3, I was definitely looking forward to that set specifically.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 02:12 AM

...

In Test

...
Comic Series 2
Alerts
Wind Framework
New Mail notification issues
...

Up Next!
In Development

Comic Series 2: Whiteout
Alerts: Repeatable instanced missions that offer a variety of encounter and reward types set in various locations
Events Calendar: A system that will allow you to see what there is to do in champs at any time and get right to the action.
Xp Gifting: Gift some of your experience to your alts or friends.
Winter Event
Cat animations and emotes (for players as well)
New Super Speed run anim
Wind Framework: Very windy! This is an Energy framework.
Infernal review: A review of the Infernal framework that will include new powers and additional AT's
New RenCen Powerhouse: Costume stage w/tailor, dueling area, revamped powers testing area.
Hideout additions: Training and Crafting rooms

-SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
I think I'm in love...
Now you'd better make this true, you know what they say about women scorned, hell and all that... XD

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 02:47 AM

Power-wise, is the tentative schedule like this?
1. Infernal Review
2. Wind
3. Earth
4. Power Armor review
...

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 03:01 AM

Power-wise, is the tentative schedule like this?
1. Infernal Review
2. Wind
3. Earth
4. Power Armor review
...

they way they talk, who knows they might do the earth and wind sets at the same time, if they do have enough talent for it now

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 03:14 AM

they way they talk, who knows they might do the earth and wind sets at the same time, if they do have enough talent for it now

If they released both sets in the same month, that would be glorious.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 03:47 AM

Looks really good. Since you asked for feedback let me bring a couple:

-Mini-Arc at around level 32:

Level 32 has always been a bit of a ticklish level. For some reason I'm usually done with everything level appropriate in MI, but I'm not quite at Lemuria, then when I'm done with that arc at Lemuria I'm still a level away from VB and the other MI arcs about level 35. I manage, but there is a big gap.

The VB chain was awesome and brilliant. It had an appropriate length too, yet still felt pretty short. Maybe because it was fun! But Level 32 needs a bit more than "A Mini-Chain." It needs a a full "level-spanning" mission hub making it easier to bridge that transition from 32-33 or 33-34.

-Guild Improvements (Leveling . . . ):

This might be an object of contention and I think there should be an open dialogue with the community (not just us forum buzzards) as to whether this would be desirable. I will include myself among a group of people who think SG leveling would be more harmful than good to the gaming experience - based on experiences on other games. That has usually resorted in clustering around bigger SG's for all the benefits granted on leveled SGs. It takes the aspect of playing with like minded friends to playing with "an organization". Development of newer and smaller SGs might be stifled. It's not welcoming to the casual player - or at least it hasn't been.

You guys are the pros, and might have a perfect solution for "guild leveling", which is why more dialogue is in order.

- More Talent:

Woo-Hoo! now here's the thing. Can't wait for work to start in real "world" content and not just instanced comic packs (which are great, btw, don't get me wrong). But now that there are more people around. Perhaps an intern or two . . . .

You remember that Foundry thing? The one that's not gonna happen? What about if we have them "professionally" made in-house. Meaning. Creating bi-weekly Vignettes. If layman players can create missions by themselves with a Foundry, would it not be reasonable to think a guy who has it in his regular business hours (like an intern), plays around with some of the tools available and instead of picking up mochaccinos creates the equivalent of Foundry missions for CO? Of course they would not be plentiful. But new little things to do and include in the calendar as "content", light as it might be. It also makes for great C.V. fluff material!

Note: If this or anything else would take away from manpower or time necessary to create "real" content then ignore the suggestion. Real content should always take precedence.

New Superspeed Animation:

Please, if technically possible, make the pose choice an option for the player to pick. There ARE players who like the present animation. There WILL BE some players who won't like the new one.

I think it's a bit sad that, with Heroic Flight, such an awesome light effect. I barely ever see it. People still prefer Flight or Fire Flight over Heroic. And I'm quite sure it's not because of the light effect trail: it's because of the pose. If we had an option to use the classic flight pose with the new Heroic Flight trail light effect you'd see far more of those flying around town (keep the wind-behind-the-cape-idle-effect!)

Keep that in mind with new animations. I think the people would much prefer "adding" than "replacing."

Dilution of Subscription Value over time:

Now, I bring this up because I don't think it has never been officially acknowledged. You may have your reasons to believe why that is not the case (400 CP/month, bare bones hideouts), but ignoring it will not make it go away. Every so often it flares up like a cold sore: each new month more C-Store material for everyone is added, and new free stuff for everyone is added. This continually adds value to non-subscribers, but slowly dilutes that of the subscribers. I bring this up so you guys don't say you didn't see it coming.

Some suggestions that have been thrown around is adding, every so often a costume set that's gold- only, or simply giving subscribers a 10% discount on all C-Store purchases. Perhaps special sales only available to gold accounts. I mean, These are just a layman's suggestions, I'm sure you folks can come up for better ways to handle this. But the issue is there. Better to premedicate for the cold season than deal with a full blown red, oozing, ulcerated cold sore. Just sayin'

Overall, thanks for the update and keep up the good work.

DY

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 03:59 AM

*raises a hand*

Foundry? I mean...THE Foundry?!

*runs*

Neat additions are on their way though, which will cause more addiction to CO for sure. But ... with the phenomenon called Foundry you guys could make this game longer for me by...YEARS. And I'm not alone with this.

On the positive side: Wooot, run animation and 90's set,comic series, lot of neat stuff and the training room in the Penthouse! \o/
The last one I saw already for a second when I was just staring out of my head on the other day. I hope black suited guys wont come after me because of it.

Keep up the good work Devs! (Gimme Foundry)

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 04:32 AM

I've noticed no mention to confirmed costume sets, such as Pulp, Avian Warriors, and this mysterious "Steel Hawks".

Were they not quite important enough to mention, or have they been scrappy doo'd?

Yeah, this. I've been on pins and needles for the Pulp set for months. They even did that update a few weeks ago with what looked like in-game art...and now it's not even on the schedule?

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 04:38 AM

Yeah, this. I've been on pins and needles for the Pulp set for months. They even did that update a few weeks ago with what looked like in-game art...and now it's not even on the schedule?

I don't believe that they mention costume sets in the Field Reports.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 06:07 AM

Oh hey, I just noticed Character Conversion is listed two times on the "Completed and LIVE" part.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 07:50 AM

Booo naughty silverspar ruining my dreams.....you dreamstomper lol

I would however like there to be some kind of blood drain attack somewhere in there in the future.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 07:55 AM

[b]Completed and LIVE
Items in this list have moved out of development and test into the LIVE game.

Duel whitelists Where is it ? Not in live. ....
PVP Acclaim and XP rewards ??? Which modifications in XP rewards was made in live ? There must be an error.

But globally, great stuff to come.
See future new real content coming is cool.

I wish to see new real incentives to suscribe to counter the fact than all must be pay in c-store for subscribers or be free for anyone like comic series, too.
Why don't up the stipend or add some c-store fluff to actual veteran rewards ?
(ex: 100 days, one token for a free costume set, 200 days one token for a free travel power, 300 days one token for a hideout, etc...)
Because C-Store coupons are for silvers as much as golds I suspect.
Can you explain more about these coupons ?

Epic Lairs: Updates and changes to the existing lairs to add high level gameplay

Same thing. Can you speak us more of theses changes ?
1) Is it a review of the end game epic lairs to become more challenging ? (Elite difficulty for nemcon? New capacities for mobs ? New gameplay mechanisms?)
2) Is it a new version of the low level existing lairs to become (slightly different than the lower version) new end game epic lairs ?
3) The two solutions ? Others ?

Thanks to you.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 08:11 AM

I don't believe that they mention costume sets in the Field Reports.

90's Iron Age Costume Set and Wizards/Fantasy Costume Set were both mentioned. If they weren't, then I would have assumed that costume sets weren't a subject for Field Reports.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 08:14 AM

90's Iron Age Costume Set and Wizards/Fantasy Costume Set were both mentioned. If they weren't, then I would have assumed that costume sets weren't a subject for Field Reports.

Or the Pulp, archery, ninja, avian, costume sets are already finished at this time.
And they wait to give us one of them every month, to give them time to developp the new ones (90's and wizard's) to not have few months without selling any costume set. It seems logic.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 08:21 AM

* Xp Gifting: Gift some of your experience to your alts or friends.
Can you give some details as to how this will work? Will it be possible to get XP on a max-level toon in order to gift it to someone?

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 08:42 AM

Booo naughty silverspar ruining my dreams.....you dreamstomper lol

I would however like there to be some kind of blood drain attack somewhere in there in the future.

Doubt that'll happen. Ever notice a huge lack of blood in this game? Not even bleed effects make you bleed.

I wish that if I killed someone with a Haymaker, it would leave a misty cloud of blood where the hapless foe once stood, but I'll have to concede that it will never happen. :D

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 08:45 AM

I just wanted to say, this is awesome.

I would point out stuff that really makes me happy, but really, like, everything on this list is something that is vitally important to the playerbase, from bumpmapping, to targeting, to nemesis, to end game, to itemization, to greater customization, to alerts, to wind and earth.... just... everything.

It makes me very happy.

1 request tho? If "more customization through items (Item Smash)" means more stuff like Dark Aura (which is awesome, don't get me wrong) then please consider increasing our item holding capacity, or maybe adding some cosmetic only device tabs for stuff like that.

I love you guys. I'm going to go buy stuff in the C-store now just to show my support.

.......

I just bought 3000 C-store points. This is me bribing you. I want to be clear about that. Loving you with money. I am giving you money to continue doing things I like, not for the C-store stuff I just bought (although I wanted that too, but I can wait.)

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 08:52 AM

or maybe adding some cosmetic only device tabs for stuff like that.

Still wondering why they haven't made a slot for power replacers. I know the aura slot is cool and all, but I think many people would agree that power replacers should be a priority.

I hope the next Field Report has something about power replacers. Seriously, whenever I see a power replacer, I think "Yay, crafting mats."

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 09:00 AM

I agree with you Smackwell. It's always the same for me:

"Item Replacer Collected!"
Me: "Awesome, Can I use it?"
Me: "Yes I can use it!"
Me: "Wait, it's way worse than what I am currently using"
Me: "Crafting Materials/Resources Here We Go!"

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 09:07 AM

Seriously, taking an 80 point hit on your stats to occasionally gain a bit of extra damage is an overall loss.

Well, I haven't done the math because NUMBERS IS HARD but that's how I see it.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 10:27 AM

Seriously, taking an 80 point hit on your stats to occasionally gain a bit of extra damage is an overall loss.

Well, I haven't done the math because NUMBERS IS HARD but that's how I see it.

No, it's absurd, you don't need math to do it. With the 80 points you do 1000 points of damage every hit. Without it you do 500 points of damage every hit. The power replacers gives you a 6.5% chance to do 1000 points per hit Maybe. It's stupid.

I could either
a) do 1000 points of damage per hit
or
b) Maybe do as much as 1000 points of damage every so often.

And that's me being kind, because usually the PRs let you do about 60% - 75% the amount of damage you do normally. And that's assuming all your other gear is top notch and can make up for the 80 point loss and it's not the shiny special piece you love like a sweet warm of life giving milk.

So more realistically its
a) do 1500 points of damage per hit
or
b) maybe do 1000 points of damage once every 20 hits.

God forbid you rely on criticals because Dex and PRs are both primary offense, which means your defense and damage are suffering and your crit chance is taking a rather major hit. Your chance to crit is lower, which hurts all the more because your base damage to crit off of is also lower which means the severity bonus is lower, in order to do as high as 75% as much as you would without the crit, maybe 1 out of 20 times.

So, even more realistically, but more complicatedly, its
a) do 1500 damage plus 33% chance to crit for 2700 each hit
or
b) 1 in 20 chance to do 1000, and if you do, a 27% chance to crit for 1800 if you get doubly lucky (and I don't think you can crit on a PR proc anyway but let's say you can)

It's a good thing most of the PRs are blades, because we all know blade characters hardly rely on Dex or Crit.

Oh, wait...

Anyway, I'm blindly assuming that PRs are part of the whole "Itemization" and "Item Smash" and "Customization" and "Crafting" because they should be.

Also, just saw the "aura slot being added" after re-reading (dunno how I missed that whole paragraph) so yay! But I'd like to propose that
1) Auras be a part of both the Costume [B]and Devices to provide players with more choices (like the ability to turn the aura off at will instead of having to go to a tailor)
2) That they not be mutually exclusive, so I could have permanently flaming eyes, but I can turn on/off my fiery body at will
3) Regardless of where the slots are (preferably both) that they not be a single slot, because what if I want fire eyes and fire hands but not fire everything else or maybe I want fire left hand and fire right hand or maybe I want Ice hand left, Fire hand right, and turn on Dark Aura and Lightning eyes at will.
4) If both are provided, I would like devices to override costume auras so that if I have Fire Eyes costume aura, but turn on Lightning eyes device aura I see Lightning eyes.
5) An intensity slider (and color choice for the devices)
6) More glow on everything.

I will give you more money for these things. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 10:34 AM

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 11:30 AM

Ooh seperate storage for components would be ace!
Dueling Whitelists is in the game it's in the Team Window under Privacy Options (Someone mentioned not seeing it in the game.)
My thought on Item Smashing:
Awesome gear I'm currently using + Power Replacer item that has horrible stats = Smashed Awesome Gear of Power Replacing Epic Fun!

Buzz words are neato! :rolleyes:

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 12:18 PM

Things are looking good for the future. I was really happy to discover the the crafting tables on Monster Island; I found in the past I would fill my bags to capacity, then have to return to MC to empty them, break down components and all that stuff that stops the fun of pummeling villains dead in its tracks.

I have a question: what does this mean?

Jet destination update: Mon/Des/VIB

I recognize the acronyms, but what does Jet Destination mean? Are they just direct links so you don't need to change trains in MC?

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 12:29 PM

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 12:49 PM

I think it means that they're adding more destinations for all the Super Jets. I don't think each one links to each other. For example, getting to Vibora Bay from Desert (I don't know if that's possible or not).

I thought that was added in the last major patch. Before, yes, you couldn't directly go to Monster Island from...the Desert I think. Which made no sense whatsoever.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 12:50 PM

Maybe it's just an accidental leftover from last UNTIL Report.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 01:18 PM

I thought that was added in the last major patch. Before, yes, you couldn't directly go to Monster Island from...the Desert I think. Which made no sense whatsoever.

Yup, it's in the "completed and LIVE" part of the Field Report.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 01:20 PM

Can you give some details as to how this will work? Will it be possible to get XP on a max-level toon in order to gift it to someone?

My guess that will be sacrificing a bubble's worth of XP to an alt character. (Unless they add some sort of caching of earned XP). And that alt character would gain that a bubble worth of XP for it's level. That's the only way I can see it working. It handles scaling of XP between the two character. And I imaging that it will only be allowed from a higher level character to a lower level character. And probably no more then 1 level's worth of XP.

Why a bubble? A bubble of XP is such a nice unit for handling and talking about the transfers. Tt hides all of the math that would otherwise be required.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 01:21 PM

Random question/suggestion, for the crafting stuff in the Hideout, can we have sep storage for the components? Either maybe bins of Arms, Sci and Myst? Or maybe one storage locker for all of them, and increase the stack size to like 500? But include enough room for the CTP stuff.

To piggy back on this excellent suggestion, it would be nice if we could select the window we're right clicking stacks into instead of having it go directly to the next available spot. This way we could separate Arms, Mysticism, and Science and keep a clean inventory much easier. Maybe double click for "Open Tab" and right click for "Next Available" or something.

But yeah, definitely increase component stacks or have separate infinite or much more storage for mats. Needing 20000 pieces to craft the recipe for something and not having enough material space without giving up any other space you might have is ridiculous, especially for silvers and the like that already have limited storage.

Especially when it's not a real limitation anyway since anybody can either just mail stuff to themselves or create their own SG which get's more and more tempting every day, and I would have done if my main wasn't already in an SG.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 01:22 PM

Doubt that'll happen. Ever notice a huge lack of blood in this game? Not even bleed effects make you bleed.

I wish that if I killed someone with a Haymaker, it would leave a misty cloud of blood where the hapless foe once stood, but I'll have to concede that it will never happen. :D

Bleed effects do make blood drops, just most the time people ahve a half dozen effects going on a critter it's hard to notice.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 01:35 PM

Still wondering why they haven't made a slot for power replacers. I know the aura slot is cool and all, but I think many people would agree that power replacers should be a priority.

I hope the next Field Report has something about power replacers. Seriously, whenever I see a power replacer, I think "Yay, crafting mats."

The Item Smash "tech" may very well be the fix for Power Replaces. Imagine imbuing a Level 15 Gatling Pistols with levels. At least I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope, ... (To Infinity and Beyond) that is in part what they are taking about.

Adding levels would solve some of the Crafting issues. That are a lot of items the player would like to use at higher levels, but using them are big self-nerfs. Like Power Replacers and some Upgrades like the Run Sword.

If they can pull off the imbuing of levels, the tech show be general enough to adding/replacing attributes. For instance changing Legatus' Chill (Gladius w/ Cold damage proc) into Legatu's Immolation (Gladius w/ Fire Damage proc).

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 02:48 PM

[/COLOR]

-Guild Improvements (Leveling . . . ):

This might be an object of contention and I think there should be an open dialogue with the community (not just us forum buzzards) as to whether this would be desirable. I will include myself among a group of people who think SG leveling would be more harmful than good to the gaming experience - based on experiences on other games. That has usually resorted in clustering around bigger SG's for all the benefits granted on leveled SGs. It takes the aspect of playing with like minded friends to playing with "an organization". Development of newer and smaller SGs might be stifled. It's not welcoming to the casual player - or at least it hasn't been.

You guys are the pros, and might have a perfect solution for "guild leveling", which is why more dialogue is in order.

I don't in any way feel this is wrong. Large groups of people that work together should be rewarded. I don't have a large guild and as such I don't expect to be able to have the nice things as easily as the large guilds get. The people that expect fair treatment as people that work for these things baffles me. It wasn't handled poorly in other games, just people that think their one person guild should be equal to a guild with dozens or even hundreds of people was just plain ludicrous, and the fact these guilds deserve some recognition for sticking together is not a bad thing.

MMOs are about groups and teams and such. In short, there is nothing to solve. If you want the benefits of a large guild, well you will need to sign up to one. Otherwise you will probably be working for a while. I never felt my guild was less than any other guild because it wasn't large in WoW. My enjoyment was never hampered because we didn't have the large guild specials. I don't understand why people should feel they have to have rewards equal to what the groups that worked for them have earned.

And the point of calling like minded friends versus organization, well that is the one in the same. If you got a bunch of like minded friends, you are an organization. I am certainly not going to lose any sleep over if one of the large guilds is max leveled over my guild because in the end, it has no effect on my enjoyment.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 02:52 PM

The Item Smash "tech" may very well be the fix for Power Replaces. Imagine imbuing a Level 15 Gatling Pistols with levels. At least I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope, ... (To Infinity and Beyond) that is in part what they are taking about.

Adding levels would solve some of the Crafting issues. That are a lot of items the player would like to use at higher levels, but using them are big self-nerfs. Like Power Replacers and some Upgrades like the Run Sword.

If they can pull off the imbuing of levels, the tech show be general enough to adding/replacing attributes. For instance changing Legatus' Chill (Gladius w/ Cold damage proc) into Legatu's Immolation (Gladius w/ Fire Damage proc).

I hope that's it, or something like it.

I get the impression that you wouldn't add levels to the power replacer, but rather you add the power replacer effect to another item.

Time for a Gatling Monstrous Colossal Tongue!!

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 03:20 PM

How exactly will this exp gifting work? have you all somehow been tracking all the extra exp we have gained on our 40s? and is there a limit to how much you can give? I'm assuming that the older 40's extra exp will be taken into account.

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 03:43 PM

On the schedule
These are updates that are next on the list to implement. Some features have a longer development time than others but these are what the team will be looking to move on to soon.

Neighborhood Events: Small open missions focused on Heroic encounters
New Zone Events: Large scale, multistage, zone events that offer new encounter opportunities and large group gameplay.
90's Iron Age Costume Set
Wizards/Fantasy Costume Set
Earth Framework: Very earthy stuff! This is a Brick framework.
Swinging improvements and skins
Auto Teaming, temp teams: Auto teams for open missions (if solo) and optional for groups. These are temp teams that overlay your existing team.
Costume set preview for the C-Store
Further improvements to streamline the early game
Hueshifting improvements to allow further hue shifts for FX attached to costume pieces (Jetpack flames)

Oh man I can't wait for this stuff! Especially the Iron Age and Wizard set.

Also I completely love the idea of Auto/Temp teams. It's a great way to include everyone in an event, without the need to team up before hand. It's amazing how well complete strangers can work together when under the 'team' banner. It also gives people an option as well....you don't have to stick with that group after the event is over.

I know it's weird for me to say because I mostly support the option for solo play, .but really auto team is a very nice thing for solo folks as well, you'd be amazed how much fun a spontaneous team can be. ^_^

I can't wait to see this in action!

Archived Post

11-02-2011, 04:52 PM

*sigh* still nothing on the Avian Warriors...once again a sad player. :( :( :(

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 07:16 AM

I don't in any way feel this is wrong. Large groups of people that work together should be rewarded. I don't have a large guild and as such I don't expect to be able to have the nice things as easily as the large guilds get. The people that expect fair treatment as people that work for these things baffles me. It wasn't handled poorly in other games, just people that think their one person guild should be equal to a guild with dozens or even hundreds of people was just plain ludicrous, and the fact these guilds deserve some recognition for sticking together is not a bad thing.

MMOs are about groups and teams and such. In short, there is nothing to solve. If you want the benefits of a large guild, well you will need to sign up to one. Otherwise you will probably be working for a while. I never felt my guild was less than any other guild because it wasn't large in WoW. My enjoyment was never hampered because we didn't have the large guild specials. I don't understand why people should feel they have to have rewards equal to what the groups that worked for them have earned.

And the point of calling like minded friends versus organization, well that is the one in the same. If you got a bunch of like minded friends, you are an organization. I am certainly not going to lose any sleep over if one of the large guilds is max leveled over my guild because in the end, it has no effect on my enjoyment.

One of the reasons I play this game is that it lacks the rewards for being in guilds that WoW and some other games have. I had enough of forced grouping in EQ and enough of the stratification (raider versus "casual") in WoW. Enough guild politics and drama to last multiple virtual lifetimes.

MMO does not necessarily equate to the need - or even a focus - on grouping. I'm willing to "work" to get rewards in games (I've got 16 level 40 characters in CO, have done all 3 rank 3 travel powers, have several pieces of Unity 2 gear, etc.), but I resent the idea that grouping or raiding should in some way be the preferred method of play. That vision of what MMO's "should" be has really been left by the wayside.

I do agree that grouping should not be "punished" - but playing with other people should be its own reward. There is a fair amount of group content in this game - lairs, cosmics, nemcon, etc. I've done them all on a few characters, but am happy to know that if I decide to forego those things on a character, I'm missing out ONLY on the fun of doing it, not on some uber rewards.

You make multiple normative claims - what MMO's "should" do and what MMO "means," but they are assumptions without evidence. Saying that MMORPG's are "about grouping" is about as accurate is saying that they are "about role playing." You can do either in those games - the tools and opportunities are there - but there's no reason for designers to focus on either in every MMO.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:09 AM

....There is a fair amount of group content in this game - lairs, cosmics, nemcon, etc..

TOTALLY different experience from what I've had. What you are mentioning is TEAM content.. maybe..

There is literally NO Super Group Content to this game as it stands unless you consider things like the few Open Missions in the zones (and even there you can't keep the mission exclusive to your group.) or maybe some long term grinding goal like the craftable travel powers. In either case, that content is meager at best.

Super Groups need things to do together. Things that they CAN do together. I struggle each week to find things that might provide an enjoyable afternoon of play for my group. If your SG is larger than five people... it's tough

I'm not saying SG ranks are or are not the way to go. I don't know enough about it all yet. I'm sure there will be positives and negatives to whatever systems are put into place. But certainly... SOMETHING for SGs to do is very much needed and I look forward to discussions on this and the Super Group bases features.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:18 AM

I just wanna say this.

I would be alright with Super Group/Raid content on the conditions that...

*It isn't mandatory.
*Tthe reward doesn't make the rewards from the non-SG lairs worthless in comparison (Just make it unique/good enough to give the SGs an incentive to do the SG content)
*It doesn't take hours to complete.
*Measures are taken to make sure it doesn't become the focus of the game.
*Silvers are allowed access to it.

Just my 2 cent.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:56 AM

TOTALLY different experience from what I've had. What you are mentioning is TEAM content.. maybe..

There is literally NO Super Group Content to this game as it stands unless you consider things like the few Open Missions in the zones (and even there you can't keep the mission exclusive to your group.) or maybe some long term grinding goal like the craftable travel powers. In either case, that content is meager at best.

Super Groups need things to do together. Things that they CAN do together. I struggle each week to find things that might provide an enjoyable afternoon of play for my group. If your SG is larger than five people... it's tough

I'm not saying SG ranks are or are not the way to go. I don't know enough about it all yet. I'm sure there will be positives and negatives to whatever systems are put into place. But certainly... SOMETHING for SGs to do is very much needed and I look forward to discussions on this and the Super Group bases features.

I was speaking specifically about group content, not super-group content - that is, content that requires a group of people.

I have issues with access to content being gated by your willingness to join an organization of players (short term groups or teams are a different matter). Sure, having instances/lairs/whatever scale to the size of the group (or supergroup) doing them, but having content that is accessible only to supergroups rubs me the wrong way. Obviously that's not a logical argument against doing so - this is just one customer that would not be happy about resources being spent to provide content for only a subset of players rather than something everyone could access.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:58 AM

Neighborhood Events: Small open missions focused on Heroic encounters
New Zone Events: Large scale, multistage, zone events that offer new encounter opportunities and large group gameplay.

I personally can't wait to see this in action. I think that if Cryptic does make large scale group content they will do it in their own unique way. These guys pay attention to the pulse of the game, they don't have the arrogance, and exclusionary attitudes that other game developers have.

Personally I have every reason to believe that our mighty Devs, will make content that's good for all players, and all kinds of play.

CO is a unique gem in the MMO world...and with one glance at the UNTIL reports...it looks like they fully intend to keep it that way.

Rock on Cryptic!

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 09:57 AM

I have issues with access to content being gated by your willingness to join an organization of players (short term groups or teams are a different matter).

I can understand that. I for one have no interest in PvP and there are certainly rewards and features that I am blocked from because of that. Anything that requires acclaim to get.. I don't have. But I really can't begrudge the folks that DO like PvP from getting reward feedback. I just have to remember to be content with MY game.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 10:30 AM

[B]
End Game (Currently looking at Star Guards)

This is interesting, but what is or are Star Guards?

Please anyone know?

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 10:30 AM

I can understand that. I for one have no interest in PvP and there are certainly rewards and features that I am blocked from because of that. Anything that requires acclaim to get.. I don't have. But I really can't begrudge the folks that DO like PvP from getting reward feedback. I just have to remember to be content with MY game.

Personally, I think the Unity rewards and Acclaim rewards should be on par (they need to boost the unity secondaries at least since they boosted the Acclaim secondaries), then there'd be no issues. Add in similar purples that you can get from group (super) group content and the rewards are then balanced:

-Want to mostly solo? Unity gear.
-Want to PVP? Acclaim gear.
-Want to group? Lair gear.

None of those should be any higher quality than the others - basically just gives different paths to a similar destination.

Generally, I'm more concerned about real "content" rather than rewards. There's no where in Champions Online that I've been "barred" from seeing - the same cannot be said for "raid oriented" MMO's. There were many zones in WoW, for example, that I never got to see despite playing for hundreds and hundreds of hours - not because I couldn't play well enough, but because I could not commit to being on for several hours in a row and had no desire to join a large guild.

I'm all for supporting multiple playstyles - but if certain playstyles need extra great rewards to get people to participate, then maybe that playstyle is not worth supporting (given limited resources to support all other playstyles).

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 10:33 AM

I was wondering if there were any plans to fix the 'Form of the Tempest' animation so that characters with swords don't have to use a sword power just to have their swords out to do the proper animation.
Maybe a drop box in the powers window or having it based on the character's energy builder or something.
Don't get me wrong, I like that the same power can be used for different power types, but I would like to be able to do my sword form before I get into a fight, without having to use some non targeting power(like eye of the storm) first.

Otherwise love the game and am really looking forward to the new content.

Keep up the good work guys.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 10:35 AM

This is interesting, but what is or are Star Guards?

Please anyone know?

PnP related stuff, but then again all of it is, really.

An organization founded a million years ago on the planet Odrugar whose members are dedicated to protecting the peoples of the Galaxy from all sorts of dangers, threats, and menaces. Its warriors all wield a powerful weapon called a Star Staff.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 10:48 AM

This is interesting, but what is or are Star Guards?

Please anyone know?

Think the intergalactic version of UNTIL.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 11:46 AM

Thanks for the info on Star Guards...I wonder how they will make an end-game of it!?

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 12:02 PM

Thanks for the info on Star Guards...I wonder how they will make an end-game of it!?

Presumably as a level 50 equivalent of UNITY. They notice your grand efforts and invites you into the Star Guards. That said, the devs might have different plans for them.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 12:38 PM

Heroes!
In Test
Items "In test" are being looked at and testing internally and on PTS. These are issues, features and fixes that are the closest to release as you can get. Occasionally there will be some items that are in test that are part of a larger release.

PvE Queues: Each Lair added to the PvE queue list
Tab targeting fails to target closest enemy.
Camera Zoom when zoning
Comic Series 2
Alerts
Wind Framework
New Mail notification issues
KotH: Victory perk is being credited to the losing team

Thank you. I really hope you can all add auto-looting for discussion. It's the one thing that slows me down in a fight and is especially troublesome when doing escort missions.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 12:53 PM

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 12:57 PM

A new Super Speed run animation? Its about freaking time!! I hope that we can toggle it on and off..instead of it being a new power...because having to retrain my characters just to pick a new version of an existing tp is a pain in the butt. A lot of the stuff on here is making me excited..can't wait. I'm really excited for the Nemesis updates, the alerts, and the new Comic series. And of course AURAS!! YAY!!

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 01:03 PM

I was speaking specifically about group content, not super-group content - that is, content that requires a group of people.

I have issues with access to content being gated by your willingness to join an organization of players (short term groups or teams are a different matter). Sure, having instances/lairs/whatever scale to the size of the group (or supergroup) doing them, but having content that is accessible only to supergroups rubs me the wrong way. Obviously that's not a logical argument against doing so - this is just one customer that would not be happy about resources being spent to provide content for only a subset of players rather than something everyone could access.

Again there is no group content. And rewarding super groups is not bad. It doesn't force people to group together, it's just the people who think they deserve everything the big groups who work for it believe that.

The content in this game, barring a few purposely bad builds can pretty much solo everything from beginning to end with little to no issue. You can count on one hand the amount of content that actually requires a team to accomplish, and that is a very bad thing.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 01:37 PM

Earth powers.

NAU.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 01:50 PM

In Design Discussion!
These items in design discussion are for features that are being considered for an upcoming update. The next step for these topics is to have them added to the schedule. Some of these are smaller, quicker tasks while others are a lot larger and require more to design and implement.

Itemization: Improvements and updates to the gear/items you get in the game and how you use them
Nemesis Updates: Any and everything we can do to get you more time with your Nemesis. This includes more frequent encounters and opportunities to fight your nemesis with your fellow heroes. Additionally we are looking to add more minion types and options.
Crafting improvements
Mini Arc level 32: This may fall in the area of Wells Pass and offer a break from Viper and Manamals
KotH Perks
Comic Series 3
A new slot for Aura's: Special costume Aura items could be slotted to add an aura to you character. The aura items would range from costume slots like gloves or head to full body auras
Item Smash: A new way to create items that improve your character and enhance customization
Epic Lairs: Updates and changes to the existing lairs to add high level gameplay
Lair Boss reviews: Improvements to the Lair Bosses.

Auras? Sweeeet! Also aura costume slots as well. ^_^

Also it'll be interesting to see what the 'crafting improvements' will be. I'm excited to find out.

Also yes...earth and wind powers! Yay!

There is so much awesome in these reports. :D

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 06:34 PM

PnP related stuff, but then again all of it is, really.

An organization founded a million years ago on the planet Odrugar whose members are dedicated to protecting the peoples of the Galaxy from all sorts of dangers, threats, and menaces. Its warriors all wield a powerful weapon called a Star Staff.

Good grief! That sounds absolutely NOTHING like Green Lanterns AT ALL.
Did they ever mention if the staff has a particular color or shape? Is it big . . . ?

Edit: I just thought ... what if it was like a Darth Maul dual bladed light-staff ...? Small, hand-sized, turn into beams of light of death. Whole powerset around it .... I think I won't mind it at all.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:02 PM

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:06 PM

So....

..What happened to the Avian Warrior?

I'm seeing on the Calender the Pulp costume in the Cstore to be soon. and Then I see in development the Wizard outfit,

Both of these were previewed after the Avian Warrior.

Cryptic....what's the deal here?

It isn't coming out this month? What's so hard about that? They usually post up art corners of stuff that is a few months down the line.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:10 PM

It isn't coming out this month? What's so hard about that? They usually post up art corners of stuff that is a few months down the line.

I'd at least expect releases to follow order with their previews, instead of going in reverse.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:13 PM

I can't wait to make my might based chicken hero! *cluck cluck kapow* ^_^

Ohh I just noticed something....

In Test
Items "In test" are being looked at and testing internally and on PTS. These are issues, features and fixes that are the closest to release as you can get. Occasionally there will be some items that are in test that are part of a larger release.

PvE Queues: Each Lair added to the PvE queue list
Tab targeting fails to target closest enemy.
Camera Zoom when zoning
Comic Series 2
Alerts
Wind Framework
New Mail notification issues
KotH: Victory perk is being credited to the losing team

Wind power is in testing! Awesome!

:D:D

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:15 PM

I'd at least expect releases to follow order with their previews, instead of going in reverse.

Dunno why. The avian set, if I recall didn't go up before the Pulp set. The UNTIL report isn't about art for the most part it's about game changing things planned. Avian set, by comparison to what is being shown here, isn't even a drop of water in the ocean.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:27 PM

Dunno why. The avian set, if I recall didn't go up before the Pulp set. The UNTIL report isn't about art for the most part it's about game changing things planned. Avian set, by comparison to what is being shown here, isn't even a drop of water in the ocean.

I checked the Compilation thread.

However, upon doing so it occurred to me that they really don't go in order at all...

Such teases.

Archived Post

11-03-2011, 08:32 PM

I checked the Compilation thread.

However, upon doing so it occurred to me that they really don't go in order at all...

Such teases.

That's the point of the Art Corner. To tease about things to come. There is no promise, anywhere, of when they will come, just they are being worked on :p

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 12:08 AM

These changes...make me so glad I went lifer. I laugh at all those that said this game wouldnt reach one year.

You devs rock, keep up the awesome work!

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 03:11 AM

I was speaking specifically about group content, not super-group content - that is, content that requires a group of people.

I have issues with access to content being gated by your willingness to join an organization of players (short term groups or teams are a different matter). Sure, having instances/lairs/whatever scale to the size of the group (or supergroup) doing them, but having content that is accessible only to supergroups rubs me the wrong way. Obviously that's not a logical argument against doing so - this is just one customer that would not be happy about resources being spent to provide content for only a subset of players rather than something everyone could access.

What about people who dont want to be gated from content because no one groups for it ?

The reality is that not all content will be appealing to all players. The devs would be foolish to even try pleasing all of the people all of the time.

Instead they might want to try finding a nice balance between team and solo oriented content.

I

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 04:34 AM

Personally, I think the Unity rewards and Acclaim rewards should be on par (they need to boost the unity secondaries at least since they boosted the Acclaim secondaries), then there'd be no issues. Add in similar purples that you can get from group (super) group content and the rewards are then balanced:

-Want to mostly solo? Unity gear.
-Want to PVP? Acclaim gear.
-Want to group? Lair gear.

None of those should be any higher quality than the others - basically just gives different paths to a similar destination.

Generally, I'm more concerned about real "content" rather than rewards. There's no where in Champions Online that I've been "barred" from seeing - the same cannot be said for "raid oriented" MMO's. There were many zones in WoW, for example, that I never got to see despite playing for hundreds and hundreds of hours - not because I couldn't play well enough, but because I could not commit to being on for several hours in a row and had no desire to join a large guild.

I'm all for supporting multiple playstyles - but if certain playstyles need extra great rewards to get people to participate, then maybe that playstyle is not worth supporting (given limited resources to support all other playstyles).

It's understandable that anyone would want to be able to experience everything the game they pay for has to offer, and in the manner they find most enjoyable.

But.. that can't preclude features being added to the game that might serve specific niches of it. The balance isn't that everything is made to appeal to all. The balance is rather that there are many ways to enjoy the game and hopefully enough content will appeal to most of the players.

Currently resources ARE spent on the PvP aspects of the game, and real content is out there dedicated to it as well. There's no PVE version of the zombie apocalypse for me to play through for instance, and yeah, I wish that time and effort and programming had been spent on something I'd like to do. Same goes for costume sets I don't like or power frameworks that I don't use.

I guess my point is, is that social/group play is (I think) a large and very important aspect/segment to this game and the groups NEED to have some game related purposes. Something to achieve. Something to do.

Should those things be exclusive to groups? Some of them should be, yes. Hopefully the very nature of the system would make it naturally exclusive to group play. A mission where there are multiple objectives in multiple zones that would be impossible to complete within a given time limit by one player for instance.. A task is at hand and it requires a group of heroes to complete it. Tasks designed to enhance a Supergroup base, such as.. gather the resources and build a supercomputer for the base. I don't know...

For many players, the social aspects of a game like this are what keep them here. Super Groups are vitally important. Currently there is ONE game system that actually supports the Super Group in a meaningful way.. A shared bank. There needs to be more.

I'd love to see meaningful activities designed around Super Group play.

Oh.. and THE FOUNDRY!!!

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 04:43 AM

Generally, I'm more concerned about real "content" rather than rewards. There's no where in Champions Online that I've been "barred" from seeing - the same cannot be said for "raid oriented" MMO's. There were many zones in WoW, for example, that I never got to see despite playing for hundreds and hundreds of hours - not because I couldn't play well enough, but because I could not commit to being on for several hours in a row and had no desire to join a large guild.

The emphasized points stood out to me because essentially they state that your personal life choices and requirements translate as the game gating you.

"I dont desire, or am unwilling to do what it takes, to participate in this," is not the game gating me from it.

I do not choose to play female characters. That doesnt mean that Cryptic has gated certain costume pieces away from me. I am choosing to not partake of them.

Ultimately if the content is there for anyone who chooses to participate, by doing what is necessary to participate, then it is not exclusive.

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 05:05 AM

Again there is no group content. And rewarding super groups is not bad. It doesn't force people to group together, it's just the people who think they deserve everything the big groups who work for it believe that.

This is a matter of perspective - you (and many people who have a "raider" mentality) have an underlying assumption that these games should be a "team sport" where the best rewards are reserved for those who participate as a team. That is not true by necessity - it's only true in games which choose to make it true. Champions does not, as of yet, choose to make it so. One of the refreshing elements of this game, to at least some of us, is that it broke away from that mindset.

Every time this topic comes up the words "work" and "effort" start appearing. It's very telling - that design philosophy comes down to "effort" and "reward" - get people to do things they'd rather not do because it's the only way to get the reward.

The content in this game, barring a few purposely bad builds can pretty much solo everything from beginning to end with little to no issue. You can count on one hand the amount of content that actually requires a team to accomplish, and that is a very bad thing.

Unless you've got some actual statistics to back that up, we'll have to disagree. I don't know of many builds who can solo lairs unless they've greatly outleveled them. Judging from the number of people asking for help to finish what I would consider to be soloable content, many people have "purposely bad builds." If you are free form, min max (which I admit I tend to do), yes, you can solo MOST things in the game. Even then, few builds can solo Teleios Tower, Destroyer's Factory, Moreau's Lab, Viper's Nest, Therakiel's Temple and, of course, NemCon. If you're not calling those "group" or "team" content, then we are really speaking a different language.

I'd love to see more of those instances added - as long as it sticks to the current framework that those who do the instances aren't in a different class of gear than those who do not. Same for adding Supergroup content. I'd really like to see "work" kept out of Champions Online. I'd much rather the devs focus on making the actually PLAYING of the game fun rather than having it be a means to get gear.

What ends up bugging me is when some players have this idea that a game "should" be a certain thing because that's the kind of game they like to play. How about saying, "I'd like more supergroup content in this game" rather than "MMO's need large group content?" If you can't see the difference in those two sentiments, then I'm not sure there's much to discuss.

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 05:13 AM

The emphasized points stood out to me because essentially they state that your personal life choices and requirements translate as the game gating you.

"I dont desire, or am unwilling to do what it takes, to participate in this," is not the game gating me from it.

I do not choose to play female characters. That doesnt mean that Cryptic has gated certain costume pieces away from me. I am choosing to not partake of them.

Ultimately if the content is there for anyone who chooses to participate, by doing what is necessary to participate, then it is not exclusive.

The analogy you provide is fundamentally flawed - there's a difference between being unable to do something (e.g., spend 4 hours uninterrupted playing a game) and having a preference not to do something (don't like playing a female character). This is like the difference between being a diabetic (sure, you CAN eat sugar - you're not physically incapable - but there are serious consequences) and someone who doesn't like sweet food.

In any case, I have said multiple times that I'm stating my preference in games - I don't like it when games expect the player to have large blocks of time to play. I do NOT believe that means that games should never do that - plenty of games (WoW, for example) do. Champions currently does NOT do that and I would prefer it stay that way.

What bothers me is when someone suggests changing a game like this to be like other games they like by implying that games of this type SHOULD be that way (e.g., MMO's should always have large group content). I've stated my preferences in gaming and that I'd prefer stick to its current design philosophy. I played WoW for 2 years before deciding I shouldn't be giving my money to a business whose design philosophy runs counter to what I like (doesn't mean i won't be playing Diablo III if it's good).

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 05:44 AM

The analogy you provide is fundamentally flawed - there's a difference between being unable to do something (e.g., spend 4 hours uninterrupted playing a game) and having a preference not to do something (don't like playing a female character). This is like the difference between being a diabetic (sure, you CAN eat sugar - you're not physically incapable - but there are serious consequences) and someone who doesn't like sweet food.

In any case, I have said multiple times that I'm stating my preference in games - I don't like it when games expect the player to have large blocks of time to play. I do NOT believe that means that games should never do that - plenty of games (WoW, for example) do. Champions currently does NOT do that and I would prefer it stay that way.

What bothers me is when someone suggests changing a game like this to be like other games they like by implying that games of this type SHOULD be that way (e.g., MMO's should always have large group content). I've stated my preferences in gaming and that I'd prefer stick to its current design philosophy. I played WoW for 2 years before deciding I shouldn't be giving my money to a business whose design philosophy runs counter to what I like (doesn't mean i won't be playing Diablo III if it's good).

Arent most of the pro-team content requests for additions to the game rather than retreads of the existing game so that CO becomes team mandatory ?

In other words requests for more options ?

CO was never intended to not have teaming (as near as I can tell from the fact that there have been instances that are apparently intended for teaming since launch).

Since launch more solo content has been added than team oriented content (in my opinion any content in which teaming generates lower rewards than solo play, as is the case with all AP's-especially SL, is solo content. Of course the reverse is true as well.)

Adding more team oriented content is perfectly in tune with the fact that CO has, seemingly, always beeni intended to have team specific content.

Thats not changing CO, thats the game growing.

BTW: I agree that jsut because game "x" has something doesnt mean that CO must have it as well.

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 06:50 AM

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 06:56 AM

Heroes!

... New Super Speed run anim
...

Omg I'm so glad you are improving travel powers, starting with superspeed. But this is definitely a move in the right direction :D

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 07:44 AM

Arent most of the pro-team content requests for additions to the game rather than retreads of the existing game so that CO becomes team mandatory ?

In other words requests for more options ?

CO was never intended to not have teaming (as near as I can tell from the fact that there have been instances that are apparently intended for teaming since launch).

Since launch more solo content has been added than team oriented content (in my opinion any content in which teaming generates lower rewards than solo play, as is the case with all AP's-especially SL, is solo content. Of course the reverse is true as well.)

Adding more team oriented content is perfectly in tune with the fact that CO has, seemingly, always beeni intended to have team specific content.
Thats not changing CO, thats the game growing.
BTW: I agree that jsut because game "x" has something doesnt mean that CO must have it as well.

Ash, let me just mention one point the the argument you brought which I feel may be going overlooked. Many of these teaming changes have consequences for the entirety of the game, not just for those who would want them leaving those who don't untouched. Let's say - and these are merely examples - when making high end game group content award superior gear. Proponents have gone on record on how they expect their superior "effort" "work" and "dedication" ( to a computer game) deserves to be rewarded with items separating the from the lesser masses.
While no one would be holding a gun to the average player's head "you MUST do this" it will intrinsically change the game culture towards a gear race where the access is gated by "time dedicated" groups.
Those are changes that affect everyone.
Think of it like Guild Leveling. Some people argue for it saying there should be guild specific content. This takes away from guilding as a personal choice because you like the society of those people to guiding with whatever's "best." that type of addition to the game would touch everyone, those who want it and those who don't.
These type of things have to be seen with the future in mind.
My 2c

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 08:11 AM

Ash, let me just mention one point the the argument you brought which I feel may be going overlooked. Many of these teaming changes have consequences for the entirety of the game, not just for those who would want them leaving those who don't untouched. Let's say - and these are merely examples - when making high end game group content award superior gear. Proponents have gone on record on how they expect their superior "effort" "work" and "dedication" ( to a computer game) deserves to be rewarded with items separating the from the lesser masses.
While no one would be holding a gun to the average player's head "you MUST do this" it will intrinsically change the game culture towards a gear race where the access is gated by "time dedicated" groups.
Those are changes that affect everyone.
Think of it like Guild Leveling. Some people argue for it saying there should be guild specific content. This takes away from guilding as a personal choice because you like the society of those people to guiding with whatever's "best." that type of addition to the game would touch everyone, those who want it and those who don't.
These type of things have to be seen with the future in mind.
My 2c

And the reality of that argument is it isn't the people who do that higher end content and get those rewards that lord it over, but the "unwashed masses" as you put it feeling cheated because they don't want to put the effort or time in and believe they deserve the reward without putting the time in. Fringe cases exist, but the majority of the time it's often the soloists that complain about being the "unwashed masses" and then contradict themselves by saying loot doesn't matter then turn around and proclaim how upset they are because they can't get to the loot.

It's also these self same proponents that have actually hurt the economy in this game as well. The end result is going to be, there is always going to be someone with something better. The end result is you make the bed you sleep in. If you don't want to participate in something, then you should not be upset or surprised you do not get the benefits or rewards that come with it. It should not be a punishment to those players that do enjoy it and should not be taken away from them. Single players get a lot of rewards for no effort, it should not be surprising if things are harder that the rewards should scale to match.

Just like PvPers get their own rewards, crafters get theirs and so on and so forth. Trying to shut out rewards to people who want to team because of fringe case attitudes is not really helping anything. It's actually hurting the game in the long run.

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 08:29 AM

And the reality of that argument is it isn't the people who do that higher end content and get those rewards that lord it over, but the "unwashed masses" as you put it feeling cheated because they don't want to put the effort or time in and believe they deserve the reward without putting the time in. Fringe cases exist, but the majority of the time it's often the soloists that complain about being the "unwashed masses" and then contradict themselves by saying loot doesn't matter then turn around and proclaim how upset they are because they can't get to the loot.

It's also these self same proponents that have actually hurt the economy in this game as well. The end result is going to be, there is always going to be someone with something better. The end result is you make the bed you sleep in. If you don't want to participate in something, then you should not be upset or surprised you do not get the benefits or rewards that come with it. It should not be a punishment to those players that do enjoy it and should not be taken away from them. Single players get a lot of rewards for no effort, it should not be surprising if things are harder that the rewards should scale to match.

Just like PvPers get their own rewards, crafters get theirs and so on and so forth. Trying to shut out rewards to people who want to team because of fringe case attitudes is not really helping anything. It's actually hurting the game in the long run.

I rest my case

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 08:48 AM

No offense intended, 'Spar, you and I generally get along pretty well, but calling the other side "fringe" doesn't make them fringe, it just shows that you tend to hang out with groups of people that share your views, which of course is a common occurrence in MMOs where we all form and attract our own circles of friends.

To everyone;

I happen to agree with Dejahyeah and JonSills on this one. Especially about the creeping rewards for tougher challenges issue, as this is a game, it isn't work, and that's why I play it. Sure, I enjoy a shiny rare drop every now and then when I get it, but I'd really prefer to never have to grind for anything.

I don't mind some harder content rolling around to really give some of the over the top freeform builds a little extra challenge if some players need that, but adding new and better rewards to the game for those challenges, above and beyond the already broken special blue secondaries, would be a huge mistake, and those are only working now since they can be earned without a team.

SG leveling? same deal. I run a casual guild of fun RPers, not a raid focused group. This game has not as of yet been about 'working' and I'd hate to see it change into a game about 'working towards far away goals'.

In my guild, we have a total of five themed super groups in-game, all linked together through role-playing hooks. A main "Classic heroes team", a "Rebellious Young Heroes" team, a "Super Agents and working heroes" team, a "Young Heroes in Training" team, and a "WW2 vets and their legacies" team.

If SG leveling is introduced so that all the good SG rewards are locked up behind SG XP and gated content, then I'd easily lose several themed RP super groups I currently run, since they are really just RP alt theme teams. I'd probably also have to squash the Young Sentinels into the Silver Age Sentinels team, so that the new larger single team remaining could get the rewards we would eke out, rather than having our effort split in two.

Basically, it would destroy the entire vibe we have running, and if any particular person can't see how that would negatively impact my one guilds game experience [and my guild isn't small], then there isn't really a conversation here.

And I do not consider myself or my entire guild to be made up of "Edge-cases" or "Fringe players".

TL;DR?

________________________________________________

"Be the Hero you want to be"
is not synonymous with
"You have to get into a solid group and play a lot to get all the best stuff, sorry, Spider-man!"

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 09:01 AM

Well, actually, Rune (and 'Spar), my position is that I don't really care about the shinies. You want to reward the folks who treat this like a job by giving them bigger and better pretties? Fine. No problem. I mean, I'd appreciate it if there were some chance those pretties would drop for solos too, but I'm not into whipping out my epeen in public for a measuring contest.

What I object to is the idea that part of the game simply must be gated away behind the team thing, in order to make me team up. I don't want to sit in the back of the bus, thanks; just let me enjoy seeing this area, learning this bit of lore, and finding out whether my build is capable of dropping the bad guy alone. Don't force me to join teams (sometimes full of unfriendly strangers - not as often as some other games, but it still happens) just to progress through the game itself. Should I be made to join a group just to run through, say, Snake Gulch? And what if I want to pause for a moment to admire the work that went into creating a dilapidated theme park full of rebellious robots, but the rest of the team just wants to burn through the content to get the shiny and doesn't care one way or the other about the story behind it? Would I have even been able to learn about the young fembot behind one building who just wants Deadbeat Dan to pay his alimony? Much less go confront Dan, beat him up, get her money, and be rewarded with a rather silly AF? Or would the team have insisted we had to keep pressing toward killing Fred C. Dos, ignoring tangential stories along the way?

My playstyle isn't necessarily anyone else's, and honestly, I don't see why either of us should have to abandon our preferred style to suit the other. You want to play everything in teams and burn through the content as if it were a race, feel free. You want to team up, but explore the environment, that's cool too. Maybe we'll see each other around. But don't be surprised if, in the middle of hunting down ASCII Oakley, I suddenly take off and fly back to the parking lot, because that just means someone out here in meatspace needs me more than the game does.

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11-04-2011, 11:15 AM

Look, "endgame," "team play," "casual friendly," whatever else... all these things mean different things to different people, and everybody who wants options for everybody doesn't get that no matter what, something will be gated off to somebody.

You all just need to accept that you will not get everything you wan't and just start making a mental checklist of "stuff I want but can live without for the happiness of someone else" and take it from there.

Some people will not get the gear they want, some people will not get the challenge they want, some people will not get the costumes they want. The fact that this is unacceptable is absurd unless you've never had any sort of interaction with other people ever before.

Ever since we were all little, at some point, we didn't get that racecar we wanted, that drink we ordered a half hour ago, that Power Wheels VW Bug you really really wanted for Christmas but couldn't have because it was too expensive and you would have been too large for anyway but your cousin had except his was broken and they never fixed the battery so it just sat in the basement behind the door abandoned and forgotten taunting you every time you went over and reminding you that you would never ever have that wish fullfilled which haunts you to this day, or that cruise you've been meaning to go on.....whatever.

We all want something different, all of us will get something we don't want and lose something we do want, and something must be gated, because some people want stuff to be gated because (whatever reason that's important to them) and some stuff will be given for free (for some other reason).

My point is - who cares, you're all going to be unhappy anyway, we need more glow on everything, so let's work on that instead.

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11-04-2011, 11:59 AM

Dunno why. The avian set, if I recall didn't go up before the Pulp set. The UNTIL report isn't about art for the most part it's about game changing things planned. Avian set, by comparison to what is being shown here, isn't even a drop of water in the ocean.

The Pulp set was alongside the Golden Age one as the first art corner costume sets of 2011. That was quite a long time ago, whereas Avian Warrior's art corner is only a couple of months old. I realize that people really want that one, but plenty of people have been waiting for Pulp, Ultimate Ninja, Archery, etc. from much earlier in the year.

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11-04-2011, 12:13 PM

I'm excited to see the Infernal review. I was looking at it the other day, and as it currently is, particularly with the lifted powers from Might and Pestilence being situationally amazing and terrible, it sorta' needs to be looked at.

Infernal doesn't actually have enough powers to really set up its theme, and as a Framework, it needs help breaking tanks due to how much mitigation they actually have. Can't wait to see things start hitting the PTS!

...incidentally, there are things that are LIVE that aren't on PTS. Can we get an update in there?

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11-04-2011, 02:23 PM

No offense intended, 'Spar, you and I generally get along pretty well, but calling the other side "fringe" doesn't make them fringe, it just shows that you tend to hang out with groups of people that share your views, which of course is a common occurrence in MMOs where we all form and attract our own circles of friends.

I didn't call any side fringe, and it amazes me how many people take things out of context because they skim things, DejahYeah included who obviously did skim. I said fringe cases, as in people who think the gear is important and only thing that denotes a persons status, and as a counter to that argument where DY is claiming that it's always the raiders or dungeoneers claiming to be superior I stated that it's the people that claim to not be treating equal, ie the soloers and people that claim gear isn't important, that tend to make up this invisible barrier. I expected DY to skim, because quite frankly, DY is hard set is making up whatever fantasy world s/he lives in that states that dungeoneering, team gameplay, and being a team player is evil. The type of person that, probably thinks that being a team person and having a role in a team is a bad thing. Is it an assumption? Yep. Going by the character that DY has demonstrated at every corner, it's a justified assumption.

I never called anyone unwashed either, I used the term in quotes since that seems to be DY's view, yet again a biased view that s/he takes because they would rather believe that a few people constitutes the whole crowd. In my experience it's generally people that try their level best to make dungeoneers look like evil people and generally they are the ones purposely calling soloers the unwashed masses, not the actual dungeoneers.

To shorten this, what I stated was that most dungeoneers and raiders do not care. Most don't even flaunt. It's either posers or wannabes that talk about their gear making them superior or what not. Even in WoW. It's a fringe group that DY is trying to elevate to status of all raiders that aren't even raiders. So as a counter I just stated that I find it's generally hard core soloers that tend to perpetuate the "unwashed masses" statement as being a real valid argument.

And I further backed it up by stating there is just going to be things people aren't going to play. Period, but that doesn't mean they should be excluded from the game, nor does it mean that group of people should be punished by the minority masses that feel they deserve everything in game, which I am putting DY in, since DY has shifted arguments several times over the course of history people have wanted harder team based dungeons, raids and other such content, and the proper loot to go with it.

To put it another way Rune; You and I like collecting the action figures (which I still have a gaping hole in my collection on). Should we have that aspect of the game removed because someone like DY comes along and claims that AFs serve no purpose and don't help out their gameplay?

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11-04-2011, 03:01 PM

You see, Ashen, you're attempting to take the reasonable middle road - but you're ignoring the folks off to the side there, who are demanding that beyond the beginning levels, everyone must be forced to team up, not for the biggest and brightest prizes, but just to get anything done. (And yes, in previous discussions, that was the exact verbiage chosen by the proponents of that view - we have to be forced into group play, because that's just so much fun!)

If it's just a matter of rewards, fine, you teamers can get the shiny gear, I don't really care about that - but in WoW, as an example, since I couldn't devote the multiple-hour (sometimes all-day) blocks needed to master dungeoneering and get into the best teams, it became impossible, eventually, to even proceed in the storyline. Entire swaths of lore were locked away behind the impenetrable barrier of non-soloable content. (I will never know, for instance, what was up with that big walled city in the desert, or even why the castle in Silverpine was abandoned, because unless you were in a team, you weren't able to get more than a few steps into the content.)

It would be like trying to undertake Serpent's Lantern, getting as far as clearing out the side-bases and shutting down power to the shield generators - and then getting your costume handed to you by Viperia the moment you enter the cave, just because you're trying to solo it (on Normal!). That would effectively gate the solo player from the content.

Now, none of my characters are high enough level to have direct experience with this, but I understand that in Therakiel's Temple, for instance, there's a puzzle that is most easily solved with a large number of players. And that's cool. When I get there, if I need help to complete the puzzle, I'll leave it until I can line up the time and a PUG. And unlike some games, I can be pretty sure I won't be booted from the PUG for the sin of not already being expert at every encounter in the Temple. But if I had to wait until I could commit the time to a group to complete, say, Why'd It Have To Be Purple?, I would have abandoned CO then and there. I don't need another job, especially one I don't get paid for; and if I wanted the experience of being made to feel like a second-class citizen for playing solo a lot, I could have kept my WoW sub.

I must admit that I do feel that some content should require a group. If it doesnt the big bad guy who is such a major threat that it requires multiple Avengers to deal with is trivialized.

But

I also feel that multi-hour instances are nuts. One to two hours seems like a reasonable max for a pug team to handle a Mega-Villain threat instance. For that matter an approach taken in Guild Wars was a staged approach where your progress on the objective could be handled in separate play sessions.

"LFG stage 2, & 3 of mission X, willing to help with 1"

Ash, let me just mention one point the the argument you brought which I feel may be going overlooked. Many of these teaming changes have consequences for the entirety of the game, not just for those who would want them leaving those who don't untouched. Let's say - and these are merely examples - when making high end game group content award superior gear. Proponents have gone on record on how they expect their superior "effort" "work" and "dedication" ( to a computer game) deserves to be rewarded with items separating the from the lesser masses.
While no one would be holding a gun to the average player's head "you MUST do this" it will intrinsically change the game culture towards a gear race where the access is gated by "time dedicated" groups.
Those are changes that affect everyone.
Think of it like Guild Leveling. Some people argue for it saying there should be guild specific content. This takes away from guilding as a personal choice because you like the society of those people to guiding with whatever's "best." that type of addition to the game would touch everyone, those who want it and those who don't.
These type of things have to be seen with the future in mind.
My 2c

Excellent point, but my stance is, and has always been, that a gear grind/escalation is not necessary to provide interesting rewards for different content.

Some of the most popular and highest priced items in the game have always been cosmetic in nature. An unusual Aura piece, a unique costume piece, a travel power reskin, etc.

People go nuts for that sort of stuff, and not just in CO. I am sorry to keep using Guild Wars as an example but the most elite gear in the game had no better stats than gear you could get from an NPC vendor with about 20 minutes of killing normal mode, same level, mobs. But the skins were beautiful and people pursued them with abandon. Even those who didnt play hard mode dungeons could get them by playing what they did enjoy, and then buying the exotic weapon skins from those who did

In addition there have been a number of suggestions over the last couple of years for expanded content of this sort to not provide BETTER gear, but perhaps a higher chance of getting what we already have. There is almost always more time and effort required to pursue team-based play in CO than is true of soloing. Increasing the drop rates for gear on a par with what can be had in minutes of solo play for those spending the time and effort to organize a group (to then spend an hour on the same content that the soloist handled in 15 minutes) seems reasonable to me.

My best time for a full SL run was 17 minutes. Ive never been on a team that got anywhere close to that.

Archived Post

11-04-2011, 04:57 PM

The team dueling has awesome roleplay potential...in game LARP'ing :O

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11-04-2011, 05:29 PM

in game LARP'ing :O
...
I'm just... I don't...
I see the connection, but it's not really accurate. In game LARP'ing is, by every definition of the word, RP.

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11-04-2011, 05:41 PM

...
I'm just... I don't...
I see the connection, but it's not really accurate. In game LARP'ing is, by every definition of the word, RP.

The first letters of LARP means Live Action... which pretty much removes that factor entirely. The full title of an MMO is MMORPG, but a lot of people tend to drop the RP part of that out.

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11-04-2011, 06:15 PM

The first letters of LARP means Live Action... which pretty much removes that factor entirely. The full title of an MMO is MMORPG, but a lot of people tend to drop the RP part of that out.

Hmmmm *strokes chin* This gives us an opportunity to make the mmo equivalent of LARP'ing.....wait for it....NON'LARPO ! Non Live Action Role Play Online .....see Iva fixed that for you :D

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11-04-2011, 07:56 PM

Non Live Action Role Play Online

Non-Live, would that be undead Role Playing ?

MMOzRPG = Massively Multiplayer Online Zombie Role Playing Game.

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11-04-2011, 08:08 PM

Non-Live, would that be undead Role Playing ?

MMOzRPG = Massively Multiplayer Online Zombie Role Playing Game.

Damnit the devs beat me to it with Bloodmoon ¬.¬

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11-04-2011, 08:13 PM

Non-Live, would that be undead Role Playing ?

MMOzRPG = Massively Multiplayer Online Zombie Role Playing Game.

I'd be all over an All Flesh Must Be Eaten or similar MMORPG. Juuust as long as I get to occasionally cap a Zombie Rights Activist.

'The Living Impaired are people too!' 'Then you should be fine. *SHOTGUN.* Oh, wait.'

Archived Post

11-05-2011, 07:21 AM

Proponents have gone on record on how they expect their superior "effort" "work" and "dedication" ( to a computer game) deserves to be rewarded with items separating the from the lesser masses.
While no one would be holding a gun to the average player's head "you MUST do this" it will intrinsically change the game culture towards a gear race where the access is gated by "time dedicated" groups.
Those are changes that affect everyone.
Think of it like Guild Leveling. Some people argue for it saying there should be guild specific content. This takes away from guilding as a personal choice because you like the society of those people to guiding with whatever's "best." that type of addition to the game would touch everyone, those who want it and those who don't.
These type of things have to be seen with the future in mind.
My 2c

I don't know about 'superior", but it's true that people like to feel that they've accomplished something. It's a bit of human nature that the "RPG" gaming experience is largely based on. It's in large degree why we have character levels. It's why the XP bar is broken down into ten segments. Give the player periodic accomplishment rewards and they'll most likely keep going.. keep coming back for more. This sense of accomplishment is for many the real reward. Not a meaningless virtual item.

The game designers have the task of figuring out where the divide is though.. it has to be "tough" enough to provide that sense of accomplishment, but not too tough as to frustrate. That balance will NEVER satisfy all players.

I'm with the "casual, non-grinder" crew. I'd rather not have to undergo what I think is a CRAZY degree of grinding and resource gathering to get the special effect I want on a my travel ability (craft-able travel powers). But at the same time... I want something.. to DO. I WANT a goal to work towards, I just want the process of getting there to be fun and unpressured.

The whole "separating them from the lesser masses" thing.. there are going to be people that get their own sense of worth from feeling superior to others around them. Those people will be found in every play style. The Power Gamer, the Casual player, the Solo Guy, the Team player. The PvPer, the RPer.

A gear race? Any different than it is now? Taco comes by and folks are mobbing him en mass, hopping from instance to instance to do so. Why? To get the loot drops. Same with Clarence. People are repeatedly running through SL to get loot drops. Those that are interested in fighting for those rare drops are going to do so, SG or no SG. Those rare drops are already effectively gated from people that can't or won't devote the time to continuously farm for them.

Will adding Super Group content change the choices SOME people make about what SG they join? Sure. Does it FORCE a group to engage in the content offered? No, of course it doesn't. I'd much rather have options and goals that my SG CAN work towards if it so chooses than have practically nothing that we can even attempt to do together (as stands now). Hopefully both the effort and the reward will be fun and engaging. What I'd like to see is unlockable SG Base components / decorations. We'll have to see what they have in mind.

But if the nature of a group is such that it's detrimental to engage in such content.. by all means.. don't.

The fact that there is supposedly some really good acclaim gear out there doesn't mean I HAVE to PvP to get it. It wasn't available 3 months ago.. and I got along just fine. I'll continue to do so happily.

Archived Post

11-05-2011, 02:43 PM

XP gifting? ... interesting... So, would that entail just whatever's in your current XP bar (i.e. the bit you've built up since last level), or could you, say, as a level 40 gift all the XP to become a level 40, thus turning yourself into a level 1, to a random newbie clone who's just popped in from the tutorial zone, just to see the devastation he causes with so much power and no experience?
...
I now want to make a character backstory now that's basically this. He bestows powers on random civilians for pie and giggles.
He is... Simple Simon, the Friendly Pieman! *summer cheap action movie trailer music here*

Archived Post

11-05-2011, 08:19 PM

Psst.. you know all those Stances those STO guys keep chucking out?

Like the new ones they just wiped out for even newer ones?

Swipe 'em. All of 'em. d('-' )

Archived Post

11-06-2011, 06:49 AM

PnP related stuff, but then again all of it is, really.

An organization founded a million years ago on the planet Odrugar whose members are dedicated to protecting the peoples of the Galaxy from all sorts of dangers, threats, and menaces. Its warriors all wield a powerful weapon called a Star Staff.

Oh my, that sounds familiar (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs43/i/2009/058/8/c/Green_Lantern_by_Psychopulse.jpg).

Im not opposed to an intergalactic version of Until however. Id imagine we shouldnt get it though, unless we get some missions/lairs/stuff in space?

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11-06-2011, 07:31 AM

Is there any information on when we will see more weapons skins packs? There is art work for claw weapons/hands that was posted previously, but the only thing I see on deck is Pulp costumes, no weapon packs.

I'd really like more claw options. Ice/Rock claws would go well with the upcoming Rock Powers set when it is ready, or for melee ice toons now. Please include metal/shiny skin type. :)

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11-06-2011, 03:35 PM

Oh my, that sounds familiar (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs43/i/2009/058/8/c/Green_Lantern_by_Psychopulse.jpg).

Im not opposed to an intergalactic version of Until however. Id imagine we shouldnt get it though, unless we get some missions/lairs/stuff in space?

Current plan is for the end game to take us to the moon, and beyond.

Archived Post

11-07-2011, 12:29 AM

*Saw earth powerset pop up in the topic a few time* Earth? Earth! *starts to sound like the seagulls from Finding Nemo* Earth, earth, earth!... Ahm, right. Everything looks tasty on that front page, can't wait to see it all added :).

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11-07-2011, 04:22 AM

Looks like an okay line up....but nothing on Personal Force Field. :(

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11-08-2011, 11:27 AM

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11-08-2011, 05:30 PM

I'd really like to see a power replacer slot added too so we can put nice effects on our weapons etc similar to Auras on weapons but without adding any stats etc.

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11-10-2011, 02:29 AM

Whatever happened to the ability to call in a contact? The 'bug' that allowed us to do so was removed and we were told that you all were looking into a way to provide it, but it is not listed anywhere in the field report.

Bug to call in a contact? There's never been the ability to calla contact that I ever recall. Maybe you're thinking Star Trek Online. The only thing that was removed for some odd reason (probably because someone used an older version that didn't have that particular update) resulted in the map exit button being removed.

Archived Post

11-10-2011, 02:36 AM

Bug to call in a contact? There's never been the ability to calla contact that I ever recall. Maybe you're thinking Star Trek Online. The only thing that was removed for some odd reason (probably because someone used an older version that didn't have that particular update) resulted in the map exit button being removed.

Rune discovered what many of us hoped was a hidden feature a few months back. Turned out to be a bug that allowed you to take and turn in quests remotely through the Crime Computer. It got "fixed" within a day or two (which caused a bit of a reaction because posters commented on the fact that bugs that negatively affect players often remain for months or years, while one that benefited players was fixed immediately.

Robobo commented that this was something that the devs wanted to improve upon and release it as an actual feature at some point in the future.

There has been no word since.

(this was during a period where you werent posting on the forums much)

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11-10-2011, 09:06 AM

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11-13-2011, 12:14 AM

Can't wait for the xp gifting, it will make playing my lvl 40s more worthwhile, like I am actually getting usable xp again! shifting that xp to my alts, or to friends. Brilliant idea!

Archived Post

11-13-2011, 04:52 AM

Remote contacts is on the list of things we will be working on.
I linked it to a future mission journal and crime computer update. These updates are in turn linked to the Events Calendar.
There are some dependencies that need to be addressed before the remote contacts can be rolled out as a supported feature.

I dont actually care about ability to remotely call contacts (except possibly in Lemuria!). I would rather want some more recurring mission stuff for the crime computer.

I cant believe how much last year improved on champions. Now you need to just keep doing what WoW did, build on lairs, 'task forces', lore and the world. 'Quality of life' is pretty high in champions now, so what lies ahead is mostly simply making champions 'bigger'.

Aftershock was awesome, with lot of unique stuff. I wish to see more of the same kind of innovation, but in new surroundings.

I would divide the content that I would want to see into two categories:
1.) short mission stuff, like the alerts, nemesis missions, recursive stuff
2.) lairs and adventure pack-like long content, particularly lvl 40 or not level-locked.

Having a new zone is a massive undertaking, thats up to you.

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11-13-2011, 05:24 AM

I think the Cómics idea will continue doing well if they keep emphasizing on quality and double their output ( which they already said is happening by creating two Comics teams instead of one.)

That being said, to keep it fresh and keep Champs growing and make it successful, they need more more more OPEN world content. All this Zoning in and Zoning out and loading screen here and yet another right after is detrimental to MMO game world immersion, which in turn detracts to the sense of investment and connection to the game world.

Comics seem like a great idea to buff up content, but don't think they'd work as the focus.

I think Alerts might address this? Really not sure, we'll have to see how they actually play out.

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11-13-2011, 04:04 PM

Errm if we get level 50 cap then theoretically this will give 4 more powers 41, 44, 47 and 50. Making a grand total of 18 to go into 16 slots + energy unlock which leaves one falling out as it were. I only got like ten relatively easy to hit buttons I don't wanna need to be a fricking octopus.

Now, none of my characters are high enough level to have direct experience with this, but I understand that in Therakiel's Temple, for instance, there's a puzzle that is most easily solved with a large number of players. And that's cool. When I get there, if I need help to complete the puzzle, I'll leave it until I can line up the time and a PUG.

P.S. lemme know how well the solo-ing the temple thing goes chortle chortle.

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11-15-2011, 09:03 PM

Errm if we get level 50 cap then theoretically this will give 4 more powers 41, 44, 47 and 50. Making a grand total of 18 to go into 16 slots + energy unlock which leaves one falling out as it were. I only got like ten relatively easy to hit buttons I don't wanna need to be a fricking octopus.

P.S. lemme know how well the solo-ing the temple thing goes chortle chortle.

I would think any if the 41-50 power points would be for utility/fluff powers. A player should have their attack powers set by the late teens or the mid 20s at the latest. imo

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11-16-2011, 03:09 PM

http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=140677

Please fix this too while your at it! it is stressing me to no end in sight,,,,

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11-19-2011, 06:41 AM

Earth and Wind, cant wait.
So many cool things...I hate waiting :(

I can see it now. Three heroes running around in gold costumes with high collars, singing love songs as they annihilate everything in sight with Earth, Wind, and Fire.

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11-20-2011, 08:05 AM

All the love in the world can't be gone
All the need to be loved can't be wrong

YEAAHHH.

Okay, anyway, terrific job so far. I came back from my hiatus and I was quite amazed by the new changes. Great job :D

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11-22-2011, 10:28 AM

Sounds great, but is there a way we can improve the nemesis gameplay by making nemesis storylines. Instead of the simple personalities, there can be a mission arc for your nemesis based on your hero's relationship to them. My nemesis is a relative of my hero so I would love to have a "brother seeking redemption" storylines.

I was thinking there could be brother/sister, mother/father, son/daughter, husband/wife/former lover, close friend, psychopath, and a storyline for a villain that the hero created.

This would help the hero feel a little more personal connection to their main enemy.

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11-23-2011, 01:09 PM

So, when is the new Unity report being posted?

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11-23-2011, 02:25 PM

So, when is the new Unity report being posted?

With the next state of the game like the last two have been, as the sticky at the top suggests. :U

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11-27-2011, 05:23 PM

not more levels, 40 is fine.

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11-27-2011, 07:30 PM

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11-30-2011, 06:03 PM

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12-03-2011, 09:16 PM

Unless they want to change or move the current endgame content, raising the level cap is probably a bad idea. It would create an unnecessary incentive to out-level the established endgame content, leaving all the new level 45/50 characters with even less to do than current level 40's have.

I think there needs to be enough content to make at least 3 distinct non-overlapping, non-repeating leveling paths to 40, before a level cap increase is seriously considered.

While not adverse to level increases, I just don't feel like Cryptic's current CO team could churn out sufficient content to have both adequate leveling content for the new cap and improve end-game content quantity. It's not meant disrespectfully, just realistically. I'd much rather see us grow sideways than up, at this point.

As much as I want more powers, it's about more than just bigger numbers with moar damagez.

I think there's a reason why each level increase is listed right after a listing for a new zone. Unless for some reason you think there won't be any content in those new zones.

Hopefully the case. There's still so many bugs to fix, sets to improve, and existing things to expand upon before a level cap increase.

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12-05-2011, 06:32 AM

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12-05-2011, 08:53 AM

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12-05-2011, 09:43 AM

IWe have no real alternate leveling paths to speak of for a game that banks on people making alts as "end game" content, so that we have to do the same content over and over again all the time.

And also how many times will we have to go through the new content then again and again to get all our
current 40s to the new cap, and to get also new items for them :rolleyes:

Archived Post

12-05-2011, 10:37 AM

As an alternative to a level cap, it might be easier to allow players to "spend" extra xp. For example, allowing players to spend xp acquired at level 40 on stat points (probably on an increasing cost/point model), a retcon, ctp components, certain costume/weapon unlocks (like the shaman belt and vl-s1 redeye laser pistol).

This might actually be a good idea. Being able to convert excess XP into a type of game resource that could be used to on retcons (perhaps convert XP to in-game money to help cover retcon costs), buy crafting components (particularly rare/hard to aquire ones like Blood of the Dragon, or Profundities) or in-game costume unlocks (not c-store pieces, though) might provide an interesting way to make excess XP useful, and provide a sort of continued character progression/development without resorting to an actual level cap increase.

And also how many times will we have to go through the new content then again and again to get all our
current 40s to the new cap, and to get also new items for them :rolleyes:

Exactly. If we have limited content now, we're going to have even more limited content when they spend all their resources/man-hours developing content just for those extra 10 levels, with no new content for our current levels, then we're stuck during the same level 41-50 missions for the next coulpe of years till they get back on track and add new content for all 1-50 lvs.

Archived Post

12-05-2011, 08:05 PM

I totally agree with you VisionStorm it would be a good way to entiice people to play even after they have reached the level cap.

Archived Post

12-06-2011, 05:15 AM

While not adverse to level increases, I just don't feel like Cryptic's current CO team could churn out sufficient content to have both adequate leveling content for the new cap and improve end-game content quantity. It's not meant disrespectfully, just realistically. I'd much rather see us grow sideways than up, at this point.

As much as I want more powers, it's about more than just bigger numbers with moar damagez.

I'd have to agree with this, as well as some of the other posts on this point. To me the level cap increase will just create more issues than is solves. People cry out for this because, IMO, they're conditioned by other MMOs to do so.

This issue, for me, comes down to perspective. There are people in this game who consider it to be too easy but I do not believe those people make up the majority of the players at this time. If the level cap is increased, however, then I believe that it will trivialize most of the current game content for the majority and when the majority of the silvers find this game to be that easy...then I believe a large portion of them will not go Gold(which is kinda the point, isn't it?).

IMHO, the solution is an AA(Alternate Advancement) System like some other MMOs use for this. Instead of raising the levels beyond 40 and making players able to level past endgame content, I propose they remain lvl 40 and shift XP over to 10 AA LvLs which would provide them with additional talents, adv points, and a power or 2. This would allow players to further expand their characters but at the same time keep places like Nemesis Confrontation, Mandragalore, Andrithal, and Therakiel's Temple from becoming irrelevant(especially considering there might be Lair Reviews at some point which, in a lvl 50 game, would be mostly pointless). It is my belief that a LvL 40/10 does considerably less to trivialize content than a LvL 50 and, in this game, we need all the relevant endgame content we can get. ;)

Archived Post

12-06-2011, 06:47 AM

I'm excited for the level cap increase. New zone, new powers. Atleast I'm hoping they add more tier 4 powers. I'd hate for the cap increase just to be a numbers thing. It will be interesting to see how they handle it all.

I'm guessing with the current lairs they'll probably change them to scale to your level. Also, they' mentioned a gifting XP option in the future. This will allow us to run end game content with our max leveled character and gift XP to our other toons so we don't have to redo all the content if we don't want to.

Archived Post

12-06-2011, 06:54 AM

Unless they want to change or move the current endgame content, raising the level cap is probably a bad idea. It would create an unnecessary incentive to out-level the established endgame content, leaving all the new level 45/50 characters with even less to do than current level 40's have.

I think there needs to be enough content to make at least 3 distinct non-overlapping, non-repeating leveling paths to 40, before a level cap increase is seriously considered.

I doubt the current endgame content would be missed or should i say lack of current endgame content.Also new content of any real substance would be welcomed at this point in the game, if that means a level cap increas so be it. A level cap increase doesnt have to be a bad thing!!

I mean this could be a great way to increase Subscriptions and give Golds/lifetime more for their money/loyalty. Make the new level and content that goes with them Subscription or Lifetime only that way there it more to entice silvers or F2P players to go Gold.

Archived Post

12-06-2011, 08:35 AM

If Cryptic makes level cap versions of the current lairs, (As sort of hinted in the "Heroic Lairs" part of the opening post) then I don't really think "Lack of endgame content" holds much weight as an argument against a level cap raise. Unless I completely missed something that would still make it a problem when it comes to endgame content, of course.

Archived Post

12-06-2011, 05:26 PM

Polish Thunder: You can still have new zones and powers without a traditional level cap increase. Also, I do hope work is done both with the addition of T4 Powers(Which was mentioned with many nice suggestions in the F2P Beta) as well as the "Un-sucking" of alot of the current T4 Powers.That and I'm still apprehensively waiting on more details about this "XP gifting" system. That, IMHO, could go either way.

DarkonX: Considering how much engame content we currently and Cryptics speed of adding to it...I think it would be better to add to the content than bypass it and hope for more. I do, however, completely aggree with the idea of making Gold Additions to the game as a means to attact subs. This strategy has proven to work quite well in older games that went F2P.

Eldrake2: It's entirely possible that you're right about the beginning point but it's something we cannot 100% know one way or another. I would point out that for your "Unless I completely missed something" could very well be the current speed at which Endgame content has been repaired/added in the last 2+ years. Of course, this is also not 100% so it could be better/worse than the past example.

______

Overall, I just think an AA system would make it much more of a sure thing since it's not as dependant on new content. That's not saying I don't think we desperately need an injection of new endgame content at this point, just that this particular approach is the safest and doesn't lead to the usual pitfalls associated with a straight level cap increase. Also, as was previously hinted at, if I'm leveling a toon from 40 to 40/10 then there's not the need to grind out a completely new set of gear like there would be with going from 40 to 50. When you consider how alt-orientaded this game is it would be alot less of a headache knowing you "can" get some upgrades from new content as opposed to you "having" to do it. ;)

Archived Post

12-07-2011, 02:45 AM

Can't wait to see the updated version.

Archived Post

12-09-2011, 05:15 AM

When I first started this game, I really missed CoH auras. The longer I played the less I missed it. But with all the aura costume pieces coming out, I've remembered what I lost.

I'd like to see a return to auras on costumes, but it needs to be done better.

If you're going to split up auras for each body part and some that cover the whole body, please let their be a separate slot per body part, and not just one selector. I'm fine with a rule that says a body aura replaces individual slots.

Two tone auras would be mandatory I think. It was disappointing to have all the cool FX in the game, but have auras stuck on one tone.

Archived Post

12-17-2011, 02:46 AM

That and so far none of the auras are color changable, so I can't wait for cc auras.

Archived Post

01-08-2012, 08:11 AM

Any news ?

Archived Post

01-09-2012, 12:39 AM

Any news ?

Soon, sigh...

Archived Post

01-12-2012, 06:46 PM

Can haz next report?

Archived Post

01-13-2012, 05:43 AM

Can haz next report?

i 'm with the kipz on this!!

Archived Post

01-13-2012, 06:47 AM

StormShade is working on it! - to bring us this as soon as possible!.

A-n-y - m-o-m-e-n-t - n-o-w !....

iiiiiiiiiiiits comin' !....

i think I can hear it around the corner!....

Heeeear it comes ! - A-n-y - m-o-m-e-n-t - n-o-w !....

>.>
<.<
>.>

Archived Post

01-13-2012, 01:54 PM

So, um...how about this month? :p

Archived Post

01-19-2012, 06:34 PM

I need my fix!!! =p....

Wasn't puppycup supposed to get a search party together to find Robobobobobobobo??

Archived Post

01-19-2012, 08:13 PM

The girl hurried through her schoolwork as fast as she could. It was the night of the high school dance about 70 years ago in the town of Kingsville, Texas. The girl was so excited about the dance. She had bought a brand new, sparkly red dress for the dance. She knew she looked smashing in it. It was going to be the best evening of her life. Then her mother came in the house, looking pale and determined.

Archived Post

01-19-2012, 08:20 PM

Say what now?

Archived Post

01-20-2012, 09:56 PM

exactly.

For her mother knew the dress for what it truly was, a malicious symbiote which had bonded with her daughter's soul, and the ceremony required for expelling the creature is both gruesome and risky. Envy them not.

Archived Post

01-21-2012, 09:01 AM

This month is almost over as well.
Will we get the report? :confused:

Archived Post

01-22-2012, 08:51 PM

Nothing has been reported here because the community side of this game has gone to **** since PWE intigration

Archived Post

01-23-2012, 06:45 AM

Nothing has been reported here because the community side of this game has gone to **** since PWE intigration

Really, since PWE brought Cryptic communication has improved. We didn't get the UNTIL Field reports until then and Robobo has been more active than usual.

If you're referring to the full intergration then perhaps that's why Robobo hasn't done the SoTG or the field report this month, it's probably more than just a new login system after all and Robobo is possibly running around trying to make sure the transition is a smooth as possible.

Archived Post

01-23-2012, 07:05 AM

Not to mention the (undisclosed) ton of stuff and changes that are to happen soon...
Lots and lots of things seem to be in the works and I bet some people need to change T-Shirts during the day at the office, with all the running around...

I, too, doubted, but I think that somehow, goodies await us not so far...
Future will say if I'm a tool or not. :-p

Archived Post

01-23-2012, 07:20 AM

To be honest, I don't mind something like the UNTIL Report being delayed for whatever reasons.

I would just like to be told that it's getting delayed.

Archived Post

01-23-2012, 07:37 AM

Really, since PWE brought Cryptic communication has improved. We didn't get the UNTIL Field reports until then and Robobo has been more active than usual.

If you're referring to the full intergration then perhaps that's why Robobo hasn't done the SoTG or the field report this month, it's probably more than just a new login system after all and Robobo is possibly running around trying to make sure the transition is a smooth as possible.

There was a really calm phase in communication the last 2 months maybe, but its gotten better the last weeks
since Stormshade has returned to us ;)

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 09:00 AM

*nudges Robobo* :D

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 10:08 AM

Any news on the next until field report ?

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 10:21 AM

Posted last week, a week tomorrow in-fact (http://forums.champions-online.com/showpost.php?p=2023232&postcount=133), so... with respect, perhaps you will need to Stormshade. :confused:

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 11:16 AM

Posted last week, a week tomorrow in-fact (http://forums.champions-online.com/showpost.php?p=2023232&postcount=133), so... with respect, perhaps you will need to Stormshade. :confused:

I was read this post of Stormshade. But thanks for the info.
This is the reason why i ask for it. December until field report was cancelled, but i will like to read the january until field report. (The last UFR was 11/01/2011).
To have a view on what they have on the schedule just after theses revisions on roles and stats.
(Mi arc missions, comic series 3 or zone events, which of them first).

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 12:18 PM

I was read this post of Stormshade. But thanks for the info.
This is the reason why i ask for it. December until field report was cancelled, but i will like to read the january until field report. (The last UFR was 11/01/2011).
To have a view on what they have on the schedule just after theses revisions on roles and stats.
(Mi arc missions, comic series 3 or zone events, which of them first).
Actually, since Field Reports are bi-monthly, there was no cancel, there was never meant to be one in December.

That said, GIVEZ UZ INFORMAYCHUNZ, PLOX!

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 05:33 PM

At this stage I think it's pretty safe to assume that the devs is posting the UNTIL Field Reports on the PTS Forums....just sayin. ;)

P.S. Thanks Devs. :D

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 05:47 PM

Actually, since Field Reports are bi-monthly, there was no cancel, there was never meant to be one in December.

That said, GIVEZ UZ INFORMAYCHUNZ, PLOX!

Bi-Monthly just like the new Playboy. Dammit.

Archived Post

01-30-2012, 05:47 PM

You could at least alternate months so we the b0r3d got something every month.

Archived Post

01-31-2012, 03:17 AM

You could at least alternate months so we the b0r3d got something every month.
They are. Month 1: SotG, Field Report. Month 2: Ask Cryptic. Etc., etc.

Archived Post

01-31-2012, 09:40 AM

They are. Month 1: SotG, Field Report. Month 2: Ask Cryptic. Etc., etc.
11/01/2011 (last SoTG)+ 2 months = 01/01/2012. Tomorrow it's 02/01/2012. 3 months not 2.
And the 11/01/2011 was the october Sotg+UFR with a few days of late, the next had to be in the end of december.

Actually, since Field Reports are bi-monthly, there was no cancel, there was never meant to be one in December.

There was no cancel or delay? If the Field Reports are bi-monthly, can you give me the 01/01/2012 Sotg (december sotg with late) or the date of the two lasts Ask cryptic, please ?
It's the holidays who have broken the rhythm and stop them to alternate Sotg and Ask Cryptic every month as before.
I know count. +2 is different of +3.

http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=142367
http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=2023233
The next Sotg + UFR was for end of december (early january with late), we have just the SotG end of january and UFR neither in december nor january. This is why we are asking for UFR this month.
January is the sotg + until fiel report now. (or it would be) and February will be a dev diaries and march will be the next Sotg + UFR.
Search the dates before quoting, please. ;)

Archived Post

01-31-2012, 10:45 AM

*snip*
1. The last SotG was in January, here you go! (http://champions-online.com/node/595647)
2. There was no cancel of an UNTIL Field Report, the last one was in November and one for January is planned (Apparently there's little left than RoBoBo posting it)
3. In this post (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=2023233#post2023233) Stormshade said that they skipped December, that was supposed to be an Ask Cryptic.

You were right in that they had made a cancel, though that had nothing to do with what I said in the context I said it.

Archived Post

01-31-2012, 11:40 AM

1. The last SotG was in January, here you go! (http://champions-online.com/node/595647)
2. There was no cancel of an UNTIL Field Report, the last one was in November and one for January is planned (Apparently there's little left than RoBoBo posting it)
3. In this post (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=2023233#post2023233) Stormshade said that they skipped December, that was supposed to be an Ask Cryptic.

You were right in that they had made a cancel, though that had nothing to do with what I said in the context I said it.

Ok, the sotg/ufr and the ask cryptic alternate every month like you said.
Sotg, 1st november and last 23th january, this is two months, but 2 months and 3 weeks.
For the until field report, 1st November to early february it's just two months. Only 2 months of 45 days but not 3 months...
You're right, only the ask Cryptic was impacted.
If it does not disturb you, I am going to stop this discussion there, I do not see well the interest, I know again how to count.

But @Cryptic (only), this will be cool if we can have the until field report to have a view on your closer plans after the update you do at this moment, please. Thanks.

Archived Post

02-01-2012, 01:38 AM

Ahem, lemme summarize:

Cryptic: "Ok, guys, here's what we're going to do for the next months. Also, we'll try to keep you informed from time to time".
Players: "Yayyyy"
Cryptic: "Sorry, December is a month with holidays and we worked very hard on some revamp, here, look, shinnies!"
Players: "Yaaaaayyy... But you said that you guaranteed an UNTIL Report and a SOtG every two month alternating..."
Cryptic: "Oh errr, sorry, we said we'd try, but hey, here, have this SotG, I know it looks small but trust me I'm really really busy on a MAJOR overhaul"
Players: "Hmmm okaaaay."

***Few days passes***

Players: "HEY! WHERE IS OUR UNTIL REPORT? IT WAS DUE AGES AGO!!! WE DEMAND TO HAVE IT!!!"
Cryptic: "..."

Sure I'd like more info.
Sure the dates might be off.
But tell me, do you have a signed contract where they assured you that you'd get them in time, or at all?
Both the SotG and the UR are communication moves that were done because we kept whining we got no info.

They are too busy, is that so hard to understand?
I mean look at the calendar: it's all empty but for a costume pack and a travel power...
It's not really a lot to gain money from, don't you think?
So if they don't have enough time to create more shinnies to get our monies, what makes you think they have enough for those freebies?

I'm not defending Cryptic here, heck I nearly jumped at Crush's throat when he said something that didn't please me...
But this is a brat's attitude.
How long do you think they'll take the abuse before being backed in a corner and some back-draft happens?

Give them some time:
- They're working on a major change.
- They just remade the whole tutorial / starting area.
- They heard us and gave us not only a mission to get the new bags, but also a way to purchase the old ones for in-game currency.
- Their company is going through big changes, and guess what they're humans!
So while they come to us with big smiles and "Oh, we're so hyped about the future, our new bosses have great plans for us and the game", I bet somewhere, they're still concerned.
I know I was when it happened to my company.

Oh and one last thing: when we'll get the report, what will happen?
People will gripe that what's inside isn't coming fast enough!
Yay for gratitude...

Ps: I've equipped my Red Mail (http://chrono.wikia.com/wiki/Red_Plate) and my Wall Ring (http://chrono.wikia.com/wiki/Barrier_Ring), so...

Ps 2: It's not because I post right under someone that their are my only target, my post is addressing the community as a whole.
Just to be clear. ^_^