Head Start should not equal impaired charecters

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Cryptic,

No preorder powers make it hard for us to effectively plan our travel powers with a head start. In fact it places head start at a disadvantage. This is all the worse with a broken respec system for pre-orders head starters.

Are you aware you are putting a bad foot forward with your most excited players.

Suggestion, give the powers to all pre-order toons and reset them Sept 1st so that keys are required to continue them.

I must say, I am loosing patience with unclear, inconsistant, and flexible at will changes to advertising. THIS IS NOT BETA this is the initiation of a contract.

If you are unable to meet your own advertising, please post on how I and others may receive a refund on our pre-payment for a 6-month or lifetime membership.

(Fanboys feel free to attack, it does not change the fact that I am a paying customer that is experiencing unclear and/or false advertising)

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You lost me at "Preorder powers". What? i haven't heard anything about Preorder powers.

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I disagree.... but what do I know.

I don't think you are gimped because you don't have level 1 fly.

First of all from what I understand it is a device activatable power, so it is not going to be what you think it is.

They have already said they are looking at the respec system. Take it easy!

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The moment you leave the tutorial you'll be picking up a real travel power, so I don't see how this impacts anything except the tutorial, and even then only on the characters you create between now and launch day. I really don't see this as a big deal at all.

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Blame the people that pre-order to try something out for beta and then cancel their pre-orders. The retail companies are probably trying the keys together so people have to actually go pick up the orders from them.

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If the pre-order powers are nothing more then fluff, then say so. However if they have utility it makes a difference in power choice. I am not looking to reroll on the 1st if they have utility. If the game designers do not understand this interaction, I rather not pre-pay on my subscription.

Game designers please clarify on pre-order travel powers. Are they useless after the tutorial? Do they have no utility? Are they simply just costume pieces?

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They have pretty much said so.

If you are planning on using the level 1 flight so you can take teleport at 5 and fly and teleport, well it is not going to be terribly viable we suspect.

So don't plan your character around a pre-order give away. Pre-order items by their nature are fluff and fun and status and symbols. Game balance impacting powers are not commonly given in a way that other people can never acquire them. And pre-order items are usually unique and once in a lifetime.

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I doubt being able to fly for 5 levels will hurt you that much.

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The OP has never actually read the information cryptic themselves put out.

Namely: You don't get jack until that retail key is activated on your account.

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I must add, if they can run a script to trigger end of beta rewards, then they can run a script to trigger these abilities. Let’s face it, after Sept 1st, pre-order is no longer a factor.

So why have pre-ordered in the first place if it’s just fluff? Why have done head start if your pre-order flight has use and you’re going to have to respect or reroll to use it?

I doubt I am the only person that sees a lack of preplanning here. Lets be real, Europe has access, the US does not.

At the very least if the pre-order benifit is not available to us now, and it's listed as a travel power, please list a detailed discription of what it does and how it interacts with other level 5 travel powers.

Is it on top of other powers?

Is it a replacement for other powers?

Is it an item we can equip, if so what does it do, for how long, and how many uses?

Folks in the UK who have access to the pre-order powers feel free to chime in with your experience.

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The OP has never actually read the information cryptic themselves put out.

Namely: You don't get jack until that retail key is activated on your account.

I have read the post, and if you read the dev post from today it states that people who pre-ordered in Europe do have access to those travel powers. Please be informed before you form a rebuttle.

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I must add, if they can run a script to trigger end of beta rewards, then they can run a script to trigger these abilities. Let’s face it, after Sept 1st, pre-order is no longer a factor.

So why have pre-ordered in the first place if it’s just fluff? Why have done head start if your pre-order flight has use and you’re going to have to respect or reroll to use it?

I doubt I am the only person that sees a lack of preplanning here. Lets be real, Europe has access, the US does not.

At the very least if the pre-order benifit is not available to us now, and it's listed as a travel power, please list a detailed discription of what it does and how it interacts with other level 5 travel powers.

Is it on top of other powers?

Is it a replacement for other powers?

Is it an item we can equip, if so what does it do, for how long, and how many uses?

Folks in the UK who have access to the pre-order powers feel free to chime in with your experience.

Ok, you are SERIOUSLY overthinking this. Preorder bonuses in MMOs NEVER... EVER have a significant impact on gameplay. They are almost universally either just cosmetic items, temporary items that expire on use or after a certain period of time, or items designed to ease the low levels. Nothing you get with a Champions Online preorder will give you any advantage past the point at which you either leave the tutorial or start getting decent low level gear drops. The preorder bonuses are just there as little fun fluff items to show that you've been with Champions since it launched, that's all. The flight power from GameStop won't be used after you get a real travel power, it's either slower than real flight or it will have a limited duration. Giving preorder people a significant advantage in the game would be incredibly unfair to all the future subscribers. So it's just a toy. You aren't missing out on anything, every future character you make after you activate your retail key will get to play with those toys, I promise. But it's not anything to stress over or overanalyze. They're just little fun toys.

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Ok, you are SERIOUSLY overthinking this. Preorder bonuses in MMOs NEVER... EVER have a significant impact on gameplay. They are almost universally either just cosmetic items, temporary items that expire on use or after a certain period of time, or items designed to ease the low levels. Nothing you get with a Champions Online preorder will give you any advantage past the point at which you either leave the tutorial or start getting decent low level gear drops. The preorder bonuses are just there as little fun fluff items to show that you've been with Champions since it launched, that's all. The flight power from GameStop won't be used after you get a real travel power, it's either slower than real flight or it will have a limited duration. Giving preorder people a significant advantage in the game would be incredibly unfair to all the future subscribers. So it's just a toy. You aren't missing out on anything, every future character you make after you activate your retail key will get to play with those toys, I promise. But it's not anything to stress over or overanalyze. They're just little fun toys.

I hear you completely, howerver, if I want teleport with some occasional flight/hover ability, then it rocks. With a 10 level respec range, it plays a roll in my hero's development choices now. I seek clarification on what it actaully does.

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I pre-ordered because of Beta...then found I liked the game and am thrilled to have a head start. I don't NEED to fly at lvl 1...and since the missions are so close together, it is pretty pointless to fly in the tutorial other than to learn the keys for flying...

BUT: I also like free items. So, spiffy! Bonus free items! (puts out Foxbat action figure)

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I pre-ordered because of Beta...then found I liked the game and am thrilled to have a head start. I don't NEED to fly at lvl 1...and since the missions are so close together, it is pretty pointless to fly in the tutorial other than to learn the keys for flying...

BUT: I also like free items. So, spiffy! Bonus free items! (puts out Foxbat action figure)

I <3 Foxbat. =D

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Ever play CoH? Remember the Raptor Pack and Jump Pack? It'll be like that. An equipped device that pales in comparison to a real travel power. It may even be temporary.

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I have read the post, and if you read the dev post from today it states that people who pre-ordered in Europe do have access to those travel powers. Please be informed before you form a rebuttle.

Apparently you *DIDN'T* read the post, because they stated in said post that it was completely out of their hands. All preorder bonuses are handled by the retailers. They're just providing the items through the retailers.

For the US, the preorder bonuses aren't enabled on the account until the actual game CD-key is input (basically you're putting in a code to enable bonuses). The reason? I already had the head-start active on my account before I preordered. Basically if they would have done it the way the European market did it I would have had the preorder bonuses without actually preordering the game.

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Ever play CoH? Remember the Raptor Pack and Jump Pack? It'll be like that. An equipped device that pales in comparison to a real travel power. It may even be temporary.

Yes, I beta'd CoH it was a great beta and release; I have a lot of faith in Cryptic. If your statement is true, I would choose Teleport for my travel power. If it is not I would chose a flight. With a 10 level respec limit I don't want to have to reroll on the 1st.

I will add, I am concerned about Atari, the lawsuit issues they are experiencing from Turbine a former partner of theirs suggests they are not on the level in the way they advertise or deliver.

I am not doom saying for the game. I am saying, at this point they are still inconsistant, releasing pre-order travel powers to Europe during the head start, and not to the US, makes me not want to do the pre pay for the game any more. How do I get a refund and go to monthly? At this point, I rather let my free 30 days with the purchase of the game decide whether I will stay.

I have played other Atari sponsered MMORPG's. Google and see how many are doing well.

Suggestion don't fight me on this, make Atari get its act together. Don't let them take Cryptic down. Atari handles the promotional roll on this, it is likely that includes how pre-orders are handled.

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Because you didn't get your flying skill that was promised to you with the release of the game and NOT in the headstart, you are going to cancel your lifetime or 6 month prepay membership?

I want to make sure I am clear on this.

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I wish all you people would stop making whiney threads at every ****ing turn over the dumbest ****. You people are like ****ing third graders I swear. Its a *** damn game people. Its not real! Seriously, ****ing quit already if you people are soooo unhappy.

I PROMISE you... you will NOT be missed. Nor will your crybaby empty threat threads about quitting. Get the **** out already.

****!

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I hear you completely, howerver, if I want teleport with some occasional flight/hover ability, then it rocks. With a 10 level respec range, it plays a roll in my hero's development choices now. I seek clarification on what it actaully does.

teleport has a pretty much perma-slowfall inbetween ports. Flight is not nessesary unless you have the reflexes of a mildly ******** sloth.

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I wish all you people would stop making whiney threads at every ****ing turn over the dumbest ****. You people are like ****ing third graders I swear. Its a *** damn game people. Its not real! Seriously, ****ing quit already if you people are soooo unhappy.

I PROMISE you... you will NOT be missed. Nor will your crybaby empty threat threads about quitting. Get the **** out already.

****!

i hear you....try working customer service over the phone. As billigerent as you sound, me being a level headed chap, hearing the people you describe while on the phone make me want to remove my spleen without anasthedic

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I wish all you people would stop making whiney threads at every ****ing turn over the dumbest ****. You people are like ****ing third graders I swear. Its a *** damn game people. Its not real! Seriously, ****ing quit already if you people are soooo unhappy.

I PROMISE you... you will NOT be missed. Nor will your crybaby empty threat threads about quitting. Get the **** out already.

Please do not whine about the whiners or people seeking improvements or follow through/consistancy on advertisement, it just makes you part of what you dont like. Buck it up if you are looking for sunshine do read a post that states critisism as its intent in the title, go out your front door and get some sunshine instead! As far as empty threats, how to cancel a pre-pay should be open knowledge prior to release if a standard is NOT being met. If standards ARE being met, there should be nothing to fear in posting this information. However, after August 31st however, cancellation should not be an option.

With all the posts and flames, NO ONE, has answered my question with any degree of accurate knowledge. What does the pre-order travel power do? How do you cancle a pre-paid subscription? However I will say some or you have offered some useful ideas about what the power maybe like. The CoH Jump Pack being the most plausible. Thank you for being level headed and on topic with your response.

Stay on topic folks.

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With all the posts and flames, NO ONE, has answered my question with any degree of accurate knowledge. What does the pre-order travel power do? How do you cancle a pre-paid subscription? However I will say some or you have offered some useful ideas about what the power maybe like. The CoH Jump Pack being the most plausible. Thank you for being level headed and on topic with your response.

Stay on topic folks.

No one knows exactly what the travel power does because no one will have them until they get a retail code. Which probably won't be until the 1st. At least in the US that is the case. What the pre-order items are are detailed (vaguely) at each retailer.

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With all the posts and flames, NO ONE, has answered my question with any degree of accurate knowledge. What does the pre-order travel power do?
Stay on topic folks.

it makes you fly at level one....durr

since you get 2 travel powers eventually anyways i supose you would end up with 3 travel powers when all is said and done. that's a perk eh? But honestly if having an additional travel power or not is breaking your character concept, thats a little much. I guess you could have the flight at lvl 1, teleport, AND tunneling. Man that would be epic.

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it makes you fly at level one....durr

since you get 2 travel powers eventually anyways i supose you would end up with 3 travel powers when all is said and done. that's a perk eh? But honestly if having an additional travel power or not is breaking your character concept, thats a little much. I guess you could have the flight at lvl 1, teleport, AND tunneling. Man that would be epic.

I am glad you get the meat of what I am asking about, it can make a huge difference in your charecter concept. Thanks for staying in the fold of the thread.

It's why I seek clarification on what it does. Only someone in the UK or from Cryptic can give a real answer, the rest of us unfortunately are left to guess. Hence why I am keeping this thread alive and not leveling my toon. Daeke what are you man?

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I am glad you get the meat of what I am asking about, it can make a huge difference in your charecter concept. Thanks for staying in the fold of the thread.

It's why I seek clarification on what it does. Only someone in the UK or from Cryptic can give a real answer, the rest of us unfortunately are left to guess. Hence why I am keeping this thread alive and not leveling my toon. Daeke what are you man?

Thus the true goal of all crazy posts on mmo forums is made manifest. The preverbial cat is out of the cat receptical. The OP doesn't want to talk to any of us....he wants to talk to authority...or a european...whatever same diff...

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Really, the level 1 flight is useless and the costume pieces you can go to the tailor for when you get them. Whats the big deal?

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Its not going to make a huge impact on your character development. For some reason you have way overblown what this is in your head.

The best thing you could do is plan like it does NOTHING. Otherwise you are guaranteed to be disappointed.

You are not leveling your toon because you don't have a level 1 fly power that is likely akin to walking on air.

For your own sake forget about it and play and enjoy the game. Seriously.

I know you have built this up to be some huge game changing advantage, but even on the off chance it was accidentally such a thing it would be changed because everyone else would be extremely upset.

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I hear you completely, howerver, if I want teleport with some occasional flight/hover ability, then it rocks. With a 10 level respec range, it plays a roll in my hero's development choices now. I seek clarification on what it actaully does.

I got an 8 slot backpack and a free mount at level 40 for every character I ever did or ever will make in Age of Conan... not that I play that game anymore, but still -- that mount was a pretty good pre-order perk. Hell, so is the backpack.

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The flight power is on a device, so it doesn't eat up your travel power. You can continue to use it, if you want, but it is slower than regular flight and can't be ranked up. Yes if you want to have a different travel power+ a slow flight/hover ability it is good for that for RP/character design purposes, but no, you aren't having your character permanently underpowered by not having it available till the official start day.

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The flight power is on a device, so it doesn't eat up your travel power. You can continue to use it, if you want, but it is slower than regular flight and can't be ranked up. Yes if you want to have a different travel power+ a slow flight/hover ability it is good for that for RP/character design purposes, but no, you aren't having your character permanently underpowered by not having it available till the official start day.

<3 Thank you Anitproton, that is all I was seeking. I appreciate the fact you were able to respond at 2330 PST. That shows real support dedication your team. Time to start leveling again!

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The flight power is on a device, so it doesn't eat up your travel power. You can continue to use it, if you want, but it is slower than regular flight and can't be ranked up. Yes if you want to have a different travel power+ a slow flight/hover ability it is good for that for RP/character design purposes, but no, you aren't having your character permanently underpowered by not having it available till the official start day.

Thats pretty awesome. So I can take tunneling and not miss the ability to observe the world from high up. ;)

Thanks for the post.

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The flight power is on a device, so it doesn't eat up your travel power. You can continue to use it, if you want, but it is slower than regular flight and can't be ranked up. Yes if you want to have a different travel power+ a slow flight/hover ability it is good for that for RP/character design purposes, but no, you aren't having your character permanently underpowered by not having it available till the official start day.
Well crap. Now I wish I ordered from Gamestop. :|

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I hear you completely, howerver, if I want teleport with some occasional flight/hover ability, then it rocks. With a 10 level respec range, it plays a roll in my hero's development choices now. I seek clarification on what it actaully does.

You get travel powers at level 5, and by 15, you will most definitely have a clear idea if you like what you chose. This also means that flight at level 1 is something you can change out when you hit 5.

Me, I like Fire Flight, and I like Acrobatics.

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Does it stack with Super Speed like the original Jet Pack did? Oh joy if they bring that function back!

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The Lv 1 Travel Power device (TP) amenity of pre-orders is a great workaround for TP with lack of access to high locations, like superspeed, where the missions are located. I found my self, with Acrobatics also, trying to access a rooftop where the msn entrance was located. A real pain for more than once situations. Then, in your search, you bump into the tons of mobs around, which delays you further and frustrates your team members. So yes, this is a great workaround for all players and neat help in the first 5 levels, and you don't have to change the concept you have in your mind. I figured it would be slow and not modifiable, but it's great to have it available. Thanks :)

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You have dedicated travel power slots in CO, unlike CoX where they were in misc. power pools.

This shouldn't alter your build other than affect what REAL travel powers you get at levels 5 and I believe 35.

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Cryptic,

No preorder powers make it hard for us to effectively plan our travel powers with a head start. In fact it places head start at a disadvantage. This is all the worse with a broken respec system for pre-orders head starters.

Are you aware you are putting a bad foot forward with your most excited players.

Suggestion, give the powers to all pre-order toons and reset them Sept 1st so that keys are required to continue them.

I must say, I am loosing patience with unclear, inconsistant, and flexible at will changes to advertising. THIS IS NOT BETA this is the initiation of a contract.

If you are unable to meet your own advertising, please post on how I and others may receive a refund on our pre-payment for a 6-month or lifetime membership.

(Fanboys feel free to attack, it does not change the fact that I am a paying customer that is experiencing unclear and/or false advertising)

As has been (correctly) pointed out to me "early Play" does not equal "Official Launch". So take your contract and.........oh see what you made me do?????

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You have dedicated travel power slots in CO, unlike CoX where they were in misc. power pools.

This shouldn't alter your build other than affect what REAL travel powers you get at levels 5 and I believe 35.

It does if you're a min-maxer, because then you can have two non-flight and a flight, thus having your cake and eating it. It seems like the OP is the sort of person who'd pick flight at 5 because he wanted to fly and then, (when he got the pre-order flight bonus) would whine and say "Damn, if I'd known how this worked, I would have picked tunnelling! Now I've two flght powers, one redundant!"

*shrugs*.. Some people's children, that's all I'll say.

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The flight power is on a device, so it doesn't eat up your travel power. You can continue to use it, if you want, but it is slower than regular flight and can't be ranked up. Yes if you want to have a different travel power+ a slow flight/hover ability it is good for that for RP/character design purposes, but no, you aren't having your character permanently underpowered by not having it available till the official start day.

According to Gamestop's website they said that for Pre-Ordering we get level 0 flight and bug wings...you guys say it's retail codes and that this was actually negotiated with the retailers (unlike Europe).

According to the email Gamestop sent out: *Bonus pre-order items, will be automatically attached to your account upon entry of your pre-order code.

and

Functional Items can be redeemed via the Cryptic Store: click on the menu button on your mini-map, select C Store, and purchase them – they’re priced at zero Cryptic Points, just for you.

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This strikes me as a massive non-factor. Your still going to be able to pick two travel powers in the course of your leveling so, you know... just pick the ones that you want and move on with your life. You can try every single one out in the powerhouse, right? Ok so whats the problem?

Honestly it sounds like your wanting something that's going to give you an advantage and that's not what the preorder prizes are about.

So.... you have anything else to add?