Wondering_Fury
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Posts
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Joined
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TAXI for Damz!
Fury -
I have no thorough understanding of programming, but would employing the cross-server global access system that Guild Wars has be difficult to implement?
Or, if one was to look at Champion Online's server system, a globalised instantaneous server list.
In other words, something in the form of:- Click a sub-menu on the UI.
- List of all servers on screen, international/local available.
- Choose an instance.
- Join it.
The only difficulty would be the random and sometimes heavy load on any one particular server at any one time, of course this could be fixed by localising a server to a set of zones, instead of shard-specific.
Fury -
Quote:He has a substantial point, I joined this game by City of Villains and my understanding is simply that villains are far more solo-orientated - in relation to heroes. After all, defenders can't solo - until an adequate point in the system, 30's perhaps; controllers are very arduous to level; blasters are squishy... Of course you could all argue that such and such a combo' solo's well but in appreciation of the whole concept villains are solo-orientated, and this game thrives off teams to an extent.Originally Posted by Smurphy
"If you want to do lots of different TFs, go heroside."
I want to do lots of different TFs and SFs. No, I won't be going heroside.
There's a key difference between "wanting lots of TFs" and "wanting to do lots of TFs. Yes, it is fair to say blueside has more TFs. I sure as **** don't want to do them. My experience with players organizing TFs is vastly different from yours. In my experience people organize LGTFs, ITFs, the strike force but Silver Mantis, and the STF. Occasionally, I hear one of the normal Task Forces but not often. I can't remember the last time I heard a Barricuda being organized.
Back on topic ... I have no comprehension of the data you posted Smurphy - it's the morning here, give me a minute or two!
Fury -
Quote:I have an inkling what it may be now you've been a little more specific about it WW. Those who played CO, for a brief time of course, will understand what I am hinting at. Guild Wars employs a similar system. If I am correct, then may I say that is a superb idea WW.Originally Posted by War Witch
Last topic: servers. Yes, the EU servers feel underpopulated at times, and that makes it harder to group. Last year we merged the forums to bring the EU and US communities together. There are, however, no plans to merge the servers, but we are looking at designing an in-game system that will help solve the problem. One of my big personal goals is bringing people together, and this will help with that agenda. (How's that for vague? What can I tell you, it's "in development.")
Fury -
I barely see that many EU that post here outwith here in other sub-sections.
Carni' at most to be honest.
Fury -
More goodies!
Videos of Demon Summoning; Dual Pistols; Kinetic Melee; and pictures of Electric Control linked at bottom of second post! Under Q&A.
Ogle freely!
Fury -
This will make my offenders even more crazy!
Rad, Traps, Cold and Dark?! Wonderful news.
Fury -
Quote:Your answer:Originally Posted by Lord_Spawnus
Ok i've looked on there and maybe i'm blind but where does it say (as so many people tell me) we are getting Staff powers coming in?
Quote:12:22
there are other new powersets "on the whiteboard" that will make it into future expansions, including staff use.
Fury -
Wouldn't a 'GR' system developed and attuned for NA servers as well as EU servers further complicate the procedure of combining both editions of the game?
Fury -
I have tidyed it up and added some links for videos to the second post.
Fury -
Q&A :
Quote:Links:11:57
Q&A Started next, with Em starting things.
11:58
She asked Jesse for Paragon's general philosophy of how to keep the game fresh.
11:59
Jesse: "We want to continue to build on systems and listen to YOU to help continue to grow and stay the #1 superhero MMO".
11:59
Q: When was Going Rogue born as a concept?
Jesse: It was originally going to launch with "Issue 6"
12:00
But they werent happy with the level they were able to bring it to, so delayed it until technology got there.
12:00
David talked a bit more about Praetoria, which will include all glass facades.
12:01
"We're trying to tell the design story better, everything is very specifically keyed to the zone it is in".
12:01
Q: Favorite additions to the game since launch?
12:01
David: ULTRA MODE!
12:02
Matt: Going Rogue system, a lot of fun, especially for level 50s.
12:02
Melissa: Praetoria, being that she built it from ground up; "you won't recognize this is City of Heroes visually".
12:03
Caceres: "The Flashback system".
12:04
Q: Is Hamodon contained or defeated? and will we ever see him?
12:04
A: he is contained, but you won't see him, at least not yet.
12:05
Q: Any plans for PvP getting some changes?
12:06
A: It is something on the slate, but it will be a couple of Issues from now. Base Raids, Items of Power are also planned on being repurposed but fixed.
12:06
Q: With Going Rogue, how will heroes and villains markets work?
12:07
A: They won't be merged, but individual problems will be addressed for characters that are switching.
12:09
The next fan had a question about pay models, and how they decided to do the subscription model they use.
12:10
Miller explained that NCSoft has experimented with several business models for their different games, and this one fits this specific game; it's just behind-the-scenes business decisions to make sure they're keeping the quality levels high.
12:11
Q: With supergroups, how will the new alignment system with members deciding to go rogue affect the supergroups?
12:11
A: If you switch sides, you get temporarily removed from your group; if you switch back, you're back with all your prestige included.
12:13
You MAY be able to join a villain group along with a hero group, but they're not sure yet.
12:13
Q: Any plans to revisit old hazard zones?
12:14
Bianco Yes, they do revisit sometimes, but only when it makes sense; they like creating new one a lot more.
12:14
Q: Will difficulty go up with Going Rogue?
12:14
A: Not as much in Going Rogue, but "you'll like the Incarnate System".
12:15
Issue 17 will change Defenders inherent system to make them solo better.
12:17
Storylines that mentioned praetoria will get updated in Issue 19 to reflect the events that happen in Praetoria between now and then.
12:17
Energizing Ion, and other fans wondering about why no Market Merge, they did say that there are reasons with database issues that would create problems.
12:18
Q: Any plans for other games set in the City of Heroes universe, like single-player games?
12:19
A: We can't comment on future plans other than what we've talked about here.
12:20
More maps ARE coming with Issue 17 and with Going Rogue for mission architect, though they couldn't specify an exact amount.
12:22
there are other new powersets "on the whiteboard" that will make it into future expansions, including staff use.
12:25
That's all for now, folks! If you didn't get your question answered, never fear, we'll be doing an extensive interview with the dev team soon. Thanks for reading!
I have also found some videos that were recorded at the time, I'll post notable points of interest for those who don't wish to watch the whole thing:
'Going Rogue' & 'Praetoria'.- 0:00 : Introduction to 'Going Rogue'.
- 1:14 : 'Praetoria'.
- 2:22 : 'Praetoria' & 'Other Zones'.
- 3:31 : 'Enemy Groups' such as PPD; Seers; The Resistance; Praetorian clockwork; Syndicate; Ghouls; and a teaser! Each has a picture depicting the enemy group throughout the discussion.
- 6:08 : 'Going Rogue' system and changing morality.
- 7:52 : Finish.
- 0:27 : Discussion of 2 new powersets: Kinetic Melee & Electric Control.
- 1:42 : A small video demonstration of Kinetic Melee.
- 2.22 : In-game pictures of Electric Control.
- 2.42 : Issue 19 & Incarnates.
- 4:40 : Finish.
- 0:38 : Video of Dual Pistols.
- 2:03 : Video of Demon Summoning.
- 4:45 : Video of Kinetic Melee.
- 5:29 : Pictures of Electric Control.
Fury -
I realise this will go official, but within discussions in the game in my local 'Union Chat', some in the game wished to read it and could not do so through the sites available. This is my transcript source.
This is only for those that cannot access the site. I accept no credit for this. I have edited the transcript, only by correcting spelling/grammar and any literacy problems. The transcript itself is a direct source.
Please note there are spoilers in this post! Read at your own responsibility!
- First post discusses the timeline of the game, in brief, going onto future issues; Ultra Mode, Going Rogue; new powersets; and the 'Going Rogue' morality system.
- Second post is a Q&A with the members available: EM Stock; Jesse Caceres; Matt 'Positron' Miller; Melissa 'War Witch' Bianco; David Nakayama; Eric Johnsen. Others may be present, feel free to tell me.
Quote:Q&A will follow.Saturday March 27, 2010 11:23:
11:22
Thanks for joining us for NCSoft's panel on Superheroic MMOs
The panelists are Melissa Bianco, Lead Designer.
11:22
Matt Miller, Lead Systems Designer.
11:23
David Nakayama, Lead Artist.
11:23
Eric Johnsen, Art Producer.
11:23
EM Stock, Studio Community Lead.
11:26
The panel kicks off a few minutes early with EM Stock introducing the panelists.
11:27
The panel plans to talk about the start with Cryptic Studios, the current Paragon team, and the future of the franchise.
11:27
Jesse Caceres, Producer of the game was added to the panel in the stead of Eric Johnsen.
11:28
The Cryptic Years was the first topic, with Caceres talking about the origins of the game.
11:28
City of Heroes launched April 28th, 2004, almost six years ago. City of Villains then launched about 18 months later.
11:28
They've also published 10 free expansions, and six paid ones.
11:29
There are four members of the launch team that stayed with Paragon Studios and still work on the game, including Miler and Bianco.
11:30
When NC Soft bought the CoH license and founded Paragon Studios in November 2007, they offered the entire team jobs, and everyone accepted.
11:31
Correction: They then released 6 expansions so far, with a seventh on the way, also all free.
11:31
Caceres asked, "How do we keep things fresh?".
11:32
He then showed a slide that listed about 60 things that have been added to the game, including Capes/Auras, Power Customization, and Weapon Customization.
11:32
Caceres mentioned that NC Soft has been great at backing them on adding anything they want to the game, and giving them the resources to do.
11:33
Level Pacting, where you can help level up your friends even when they're not online was a major innovation they were excited to bring in.
11:33
Mission Architect, where players can create their own content for the game, is another major way that they keep things fresh for long-time and new players alike.
11:34
Issue 17: Dark Mirror, the new expansion is next.
11:34
Ultra Mode is a massive across-the-board graphical enhancement for City of Heroes that will be FREE with Issue 17. Nakayama explained how it will work in broad strokes to make the game look a lot better, and mentioned some specific new features
11:35
Real time shadows, relevant to the time of day, are cast now by all objects and characters.
11:36
Planar and cubemap reflections; Windows, water, and reflective materials, including metallic armor and costume pieces will reflect in real time.
11:37
"If you fly by a reflective window, you'll see your character reflected".
11:37
Screen Space Ambient Occlusion, recessed corners and dark spaces gain more realistic lighting.
11:37
"Issue 17 is just the beginning".
11:38
Issue 17 will also have new content, including new story arcs for heroes and villains.
11:38
Bianco mentioned also that they revamped the Positron Task Force.
11:39
They split it in half to make it "not suck," said Bianco.
11:39
New Mission Architect features were added, including new more dynamic XP options.
11:40
Tails now move, you can send image attachments inside the in-game mail.
11:40
And now there are Doppelgangers, enemies that are yourself!
11:41
They can have a color swap, or have the same exact costume, and every character or party will have their own different missions with doppelgangers.
11:42
The CoH comic from Top Cow was mentioned, and issues of the comic give hints to new features in the game.
11:42
Going Rogue is the NEXT next expansion, the first paid one since City of Villains.
11:42
New 1 to 20 content tells a cohesive storyline.
11:43
Caceres said this will be the perfect time to jump in for new players as they'll have "nothing more to complain about!" to laughs from the other panelists.
11:43
You'll start as a Praetorian, a loyalist or a rogue; not a hero or a villain though.
11:44
Praetoria is an alternate-Earth rebuilt after the defeat of Hamidon.
11:44
The entire world was built with "Ultra Mode" in mind, and has buildings and objects made to make it look better than ever.
11:44
There are Brand-new zones, Nova Praetoria, Imperial City, Neutropolis, and The Underground.
11:45
Nova is the base of operations to Emperor Cole.
11:45
Imperial is a NYC style city, Neutropolis is much more technology-enhanced of an area.
11:46
There are also all-new enemy groups.
11:46
The Praetoria Police Department will look familiar to fans of Top Ten, a super-powered police department.
11:46
The Seers are thought-police.
11:47
The Resistance can either be your allies or your enemies, depending on if you choose to be a Loyalist or a member of the group.
11:47
Praetorian Clockwork are "helper droids" that maintain the cities, but also have massive offensive capabilities.
11:48
the Syndicate is a new, more powerful organized crime group.
11:48
The Ghouls stay mostly in the underground, and it's a mystery how they were created.
11:48
There's also another enemy who will be revealed this summer.
11:48
The Going Rogue System starts at level 20.
11:49
You can change from being a hero to a villain or vice-versa.
11:49
It's a gradual progression. "Hero falling from grace, becoming a vigilante then eventually a villain".
11:49
Villains become Rogue "A Han Solo type" then becomes a hero.
11:50
NEW POWERSETS (here you go, Jack!).
11:50
Dual Pistols, are first up; if you pre-purchase the expansion, you get those RIGHT NOW.
11:51
Demon Summoning is next up.
11:52
it will hit servers with Issue 17, again for pre-purchasers. A world premiere of the video was shown, we'll have it for you on Monday on the site, as well.
11:52
Demons themselves will have varying powers.
11:52
Flaming whip attacks are added for the masters too.
11:52
TWO more powersets as well!
11:53
first there was a joke of "Clown Summoning" showing an image of Pennywise from IT.
11:53
For real now.
11:53
Kinetic Melee is added for Stalkers, Brutes, Scrappers, and Tankers.
11:53
Electric Control for controllers and dominators.
11:54
All ten basic archetypes get a new powerset with this expansion.
11:54
Well have hands-on with a closed beta of Going Rogue for you in the next couple of weeks.
11:55
A video was shown of Kinetic Melee, and screenshots of Electric Control, which we'll also have for you early next week.
11:55
ISSUE 19: INCARNATES is announced next.
11:56
All the details will come after Going Rogue.
11:56
Incarnate System will be 10 Incarnate levels.
11:56
the first level will be available in Going Rogue, along with new incarnate abilities.
11:56
Issue 19 will bring 9 more levels and more abilities.
11:57
New Rewards, new Zone Events, and the "End Game system".
11:57
Going Rogue will be required to play the End Game system.
Fury -
Quote:Hence the reason our cynicism and scepticism is at an all-time high. To be honest, when does anyone ever care about the minority.Originally Posted by Leif_Roar
Don't be silly. Any ruckus on this side of the pond won't even make it across the pond to North America, and NCSoft's main market and cash cow is Korea. As an (at best) tertiary market for a tertiary product, we're not exactly protesting from a position of strength here.
Fury -
Quote:FuryOriginally Posted by SwellGuy
It's the randomness.
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Quote:I must rebuke that while I don't argue with anything you've said, I am merely stating that there is a blur between the two - in my opinion of course. However I am detracting from the point at hand.Originally Posted by Redoubtable
Labelling dev-created content as "farm" or "exploit" is really just semantics. In terms of the definition that matters (i.e. will it get you banned), I would have to think that if the devs considered these missions to be exploits then they'd have changed them long ago. The AE exploits have all been patched at the earliest opportunity, so there's no reason to think that the devs would allow these oft-farmed missions to continue to exist if they felt there was a real problem with them.
I completely agree with Carni's points.
Fury -
Quote:However it does not take much to interpret one as the other, after all where is the line where I undertake a mission best suited to me say:Originally Posted by Roderick
Please note that "Farming" and "Exploiting" are not the same thing.
F/K Controller farming BM;Demons with S/L capped res or S/L softcapped DEF?
You can either interpret that as an intelligent way to fight these foes or you could on a very small and difficult arguement say that is exploiting these mobs.
Of course there are distinctions between breaking the game such as the MM farm, and a farmer doing the old-stye missions.
Fury -
The G' Monsters Club has a great scrum, I think they weigh about 1Mtonne per person. Charge!
Fury -
Quote:That is incredibly naive.Originally Posted by JohnX
Keep in mind that it's not the players fault that the exploit exists.
Fury -
It's the air! I tell ye!
Fury -
I do agree Carni' that losing on the last match at Croke Park was quite saddening, it's a grand stadium in my opinion. I've watched some scary Irish Anthems there, seriously a tingle down my spine is an understatement.
We were really sloppy at the beginning of the Six Nations, so many unforced errors and turnovers lost. The glimmer of light was the Irish game, although I found it rather ironic that when our man of the match got interviewed, as my mother said:
"He's ozzie!"
Fury -
Quote:I thought Year 7 was Primary 7 here, so secondary school begins at what I suspect as Year 8, and finishes at 6th year, Year 14? That can't be right.Originally Posted by Miss_Cataclysm
Which confuses the heck out of us north of the border. Year 7 in England is the equivalent of Secondary 1 in Scotland, right? But Secondary 1 comes after Primary 7, making it the eighth year... We get an extra year somewhere.
Fury -
Quote:Originally Posted by Carnifax_Trial
(in reality I'm off Sport again after watching
Scotland
bring Ireland crashing back down to ground at the weekend)
SCOTLAND!! DUM DUM DUM!
The better team won on that night.
Fury -
However was it not insinuated in a post somewhere that there was more variables that just that. I'm sure I read that there was various mechanisms to ensure this wasn't abused, meaning PvPing only grants drops. Of course whatever this means who knows.
I beg to differ that it's a simple drop rate. I believe there are strings attached.
Fury -
You could PvP for months and defeat literally thousands and not get a single drop, in all probability you should get a few in those numbers but don't expect them to drop substantially.
Fury -
I find myself in awe - I use that loosely it's a game after all - to those that have astronomical builds that are worth several billion, and in that perspective I can see not only a great financial achievement but a sound use of the money, rather than the mere acquisition of finance.
After all I've always been of the stance: what's money not spent?
Fury