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As for why we put Bosses in missions at all in other words, why isnt everything solo-able the answer is simple. We want gameplay that encourages the best part of the game: teaming up. Soloing is fine, but a MMP really shines when you meet other people and play alongside them.
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The above statement concerns me quite a bit. The best part of the game to one person is not necessarily the best part of the game to someone else. I prefer to play solo most of the time. But, I do get into groups from time to time. I've been in some good ones, and some bad ones. There are some great people out there. But, there are also some who are not so nice or considerate. I enjoy being in an evironment with other players, though. It presents the chance to chat from time to time, and to see how creative people can be with their name and costume creation.
The great thing about City of Heroes was that it was easy for players new to the MMO game to pick it up and begin playing. I know, I've introduced 4 newbies to the game, who never played an MMO in their lives. They are still learning, but the game was approachable for them. With all the changes that are being made to make things harder, they are having an increasingly difficult time in the game. It's no longer as much fun, because they spend their game time trying to get out of debt. One of those players is my son. I discourage him from grouping with anyone I do not know. My point is that there are alot of valid reasons to make the game enjoyable for both solo and group based players. I don't see any reason to disgruntle those who enjoy soloing. There are lots of comic heroes who go it alone. There are much better ways to promote grouping. Try some better group experience bonuses, for instance.
I personally found the bosses to be quite challenging enough, prior to issue 3. Wouldn't it be easy enough to make the difficulty level the same as pre-issue3 with the slider at the easiest point, and perhaps at post-issue3 difficulty at it's most difficult?
It's easy to get wrapped up in something the more time you spend with it...especially work. Sometimes its good to step back and get some perspective. The vision for the game can and should change, based on what the players most desire, otherwise the game becomes an exercise in frustration, rather than something to enjoy.
Anyway, I hope this path towards forced grouping will stop, and someone will realize that the game needs to be catered to both those who solo, and those who group...and not just one or the other. If I didn't see how much alot of newer MMO gamers used to enjoy this game...and how frustrating its becoming for them now, I wouldn't say anything at all. I guess I've rambled on long enough...time to step off the soapbox.
