FourSpeed

Let's see... Right now, I have the two little "Conscience Nikky's" on my shoulder.
You know, the one saying "You shouldn't type anything, just leave this thread
alone" and the other one saying "It's the internet, so Everyone gets to talk
(whether they should or shouldn't), and you're an applications weenie, so
maybe you should"...

Since you're seeing this, you know I went with Nikky #2's advice

As a 30 year Applications Weenie, I'll echo ZephyrWind's comment - it's never "right".

There's *always* something missed, something you'd have done differently (or
not at all), and something you had to do "because the Boss said so".
That's the nature of the biz.

As for GR, I (and probably they) have no real idea if it will be successful or not,
depending on how you define "success" (Features work, Customer retention/increase,
RoI, etc).

That said, I think its quite likely that it won't be ruinous either. The game has
a core group of customers, and this isn't likely to break that at all. It has the
chance of adding more to the fold - will it be enough to justify the costs and
or make money? Who knows?

If I personally have a complaint about the Devs, it's not in the area of development
(although I've voiced some gripes there too), but rather in the area of testing.

Frankly, (imho) their testing effectiveness borders on abysmal.

While, release dates, resource availability and costs are all big factors here,
in the end, the guy schleppin the code is the ultimately the guy who should
know for a certainty that what (s)he wrote works.

We have a pretty good history of situations where that clearly wasn't the case.


SO, for GR, I predict a couple of monumental bugs (that will get fixed the
first week or so, but should never have gotten out of Unit Test in the first
place), a bunch of minor-medium bugs that will get fixed by I18 or so, and
a bunch of stuff that will never be "quite right" in addition to the stuff that
used to work, but gets broken by the new code.

Will GR "fail"? Define "fail" - Will it break the franchise? Exceedingly doubtful.

Given that they're also merging markets and the item databases to make them
factionless during this release, I'm expecting a few very "interesting" weeks
post Aug. 17th (assuming it goes live when they say it will).

Destroy the Game? Naw, won't happen (at least not due to GR).


Regards,
4

I don't think I consider myself a "hardcore" pvp'er at all, but I get my time in.

Like Mr. Liberty, I'd say I'm primarily a keyboard player also... I use WASD for
travel, mouse for steering, and sometimes for targeting (also have a couple of
keys for targeting too).

I have a bit different layout - I put melee powers in tray 1 (1-5), and
ranged/vet powers in tray 2 (Alt 1-5)... Amusingly enough, my Alt key
has gotten a groove worn into it from my left thumbnail.

Less used stuff is on the right, and sometimes, I'll use the keys, and sometimes
I'll use the mouse for those powers.

Inspirations are on the F1-F5 keys, but more often I'll use the mouse, and
that has gotten me killed before - I keep saying I'll make inspie-binds, but
I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Like someone else said - a big part of it is doing what you're comfortable
with, and then, it's time and practise in the role. I don't think there is a
definite right or wrong method as long as your method feels natural, smooth,
and easy to you.

I'm a touch typist, so personally, I find the keys quicker (in general) to
using the mouse for the time-critical things.

Regards,
4

So, the new guy is in his L30's now, and so far I've been having a pretty
good time with it.

I've spent most of that time leveling, so he's still pretty light on actual PvP
as yet but I thought I'd share a few thoughts on him Pro/Con...

PRO
----

* Lots of HP - He has more HP than I've ever had on a stalker that didn't
have accolades ... Very Nice...

* Electric AS graphic is one of the better ones (imho)

* Self Heal by L20 - Tyvm

* ThunderStrike is Great Fun! Haven't gotten to use it in PvP yet, but in
PvE, it is a power that makes me smile every time I use it...


CON (So far, only 2, but I'm gonna need to respec him to fix).
----

* So many Toggles, So little END I usually run stamina-less on my
other stalkers, and this just isn't gonna work (well enough for my taste)
on this guy. In PvE, this has been tolerable, so far, but he has the least
cushion between Recovery and Usage of any of my stalkers - gotta make
some changes to improve that.

* Unless I missed it - there's nothing in his powersets to deal with Flyers.
Again, in PvE, not a big deal... PvP - that's a Bad Thing. I'm not sure how
other folks deal with this one, but I'll be looking at working Air Superiority
into the build on the respec.

* As mentioned, he's light on actual PvP so far (only a couple kills), but it
feels like he hits just a bit softer than some of his contemporaries.
That's purely subjective, btw, and seems only slightly less, so it's not a
"real" problem, but just a sense I'm getting as I run him through the levels.


Overall, I'm liking the toon. I don't know that he'll supplant my favs, but
he's fun so far, and once I deal with the first two items (which I feel *are*
problematic), I have no doubts about his effectiveness and viability...


3 1/2 Stars out of 5, so far


Cheers,
4

I tend to park at L28 on a couple characters.

That's a bit sub-optimal for pricing, but I chose it to get IO's that retain
their set bonuses from L25 on (typically for Bloody Bay and on up)


Regards,
4

0/21

Cleaned it out once way back (I5 or 6 timeframe, I think).

Several are from Mods telling me I shouldn't call a Spade a Spade...


Cheers and Happy Friday!
4

On a mildly amusing note, I think it's kind of funny that there's a power
called Thunder Strike that you cannot slot Thunderstike IO's into...

Go Figure.


Cheers,
4

I have no experience with Popmenu, but I can definitely confirm that a working
/bindloadfile command runs right then and there.

All of my characters have a key to do a /bindloadfile and a bindsavefile (so
I can customize their binds outside of game), and pressing those keys also
works immediately.

The one difference I can see (which may not matter?) is that my binds for
those always fully qualify the filename:

/bindloadfile C:\CoHBinds\Joe_Blaster.txt
/bindsavefile C:\CoHBinds\Joe_Blaster.txt

Hope you get it sorted out.


Regards,
4

Thanks for your response Silverado.

I figured that since I'm looking at another Stalker, I should consider a primary
I haven't played before (provided it's on par with, or at least not worse than
the ones I am familiar with). Basically I'm trying to get a sense here of what I
should expect with Elec/ in comparison to the others and areas where it is sub-optimal.

"Trow Shrak" should be available for Warburg (L41 power in L38 exemp zone)
so I'm not too concerned about that part of it. It would be handy in Siren's,
but I can contend with Blackwand and the Nemmie Staff at lower levels.

The AoE focus of Elec/ is a concern for me for PvP as Single Target is usually
more effective in that environment. I'm curious if that is problematic with the set.

The +perc is an item that concerns me with a different secondary (as you said)
like /Regen, /EA, or /Elec. Dark Armor simply doesn't appeal to me, but I'd
be curious how well SR performs.

My first inclination would be Elec/WP, but it's not etched in stone (yet)


Regards,
4


PS> I normally don't mind Broadcast, and sometimes it's even interesting.
Alas, not in RV, so I can simply give it a miss... I'm a soloist anyway, so it's nbd
to me to skip it...<shrug>

I'm looking to roll another stalker whose primary focus will be zone PvP
(excluding RV - too much drama for my preference)

I've had good success with my main NB/Nin, and I've also run a Spines/Nin
and a Spines/WP as well.

I'm curious to learn more about Elec/*, specifically how it fares in comparison
to those mentioned above (especially since Electric is more AoE-centric).

I like both of the secondaries listed (esp for the +perc) but I'm open to others
if there are good reasons to go that route.

So, I'd be happy to read any thoughts or recommendations you have as to
this set and it's pvp performance.


Thanks and Regards,
4


PS> I'm fine with putting my own Mid's build together (after I get home
from work), but if you have anything you'd recommend I'd be happy to see
that also.

Yes, you definitely want to get some Def slotted in there. For my NB/Nin, I
looked at positional (Melee, AoE and Ranged) rather than typed.

The goal of course is to get as close to the 45% softcap as you can, but
DON'T gimp your core power attributes (Acc, Dmg) to do it.

For Melee, you can go easier if you slot Divine Avalanche for Acc and Rch.
You can easily double stack that which will give you 30% Def from that alone.
That would let you get away with as little as 15% (but 20+ is better in case
you whiff on a DA)

AoE pretty much happens all by itself with Hide, and personally, that's about
the only time I worry about it - an AoE interrupting AS is irritating...
Most other times, not so much as they're generally weaker attacks.

Ranged is harder to get, and may be more of a worry (or not) depending on
your playstyle (I tend to take "purely ranged" guys out first, because I
know I can deal with the melee guys using DA, Placate, etc.).

Hope that helps.


Regards,
4

It's generally more effective for you to post a Mid's build yourself, and let
the forumites comment on it.

There are several reasons for this:

1> It shows you're willing to put some effort in rather than leech the work of others.

2> "Best" is extremely relative... Best for PvP? Task Forces? Farming?
Those very probably *won't* be the same build.

3> In addition to #2, "Best" for me might not be best for you - tactics, goals,
skills, and playstyle vary widely...

4> Budget... you'll see a LOT of Mid's builds posted that have purples,
and procs up the wazoo... I'd be willing to bet that very few of those
actually end up being built as posted.


So, to re-iterate - make a Mid's build that you think you'd enjoy having
and playing, and I'm certain that folks will happily give you recommendations
for improving it.


Regards,
4

Hmmm... I'll toss out a thought or two as well.

I'm a bit concerned as to how well you'll enjoy a Widow, given that they
play (imho) like a blend of Brute and Stalker, but I guess that's for you to
decide after you give it a shot.

Something I didn't even think about until it happened, is you get a
mandatory respec at L24... So, you can plan your build with that in mind.

Now, endurance... Widows are difficult there, just like Brutes. The same
solution applies in both cases.

L1-20 (even L24 for Widow - see Respec above)

Slot for Accuracy and Endurance first -- then, as you add slots, add
damage and/or recharge. Hands down, your attacks will use MUCH more
end than your toggles.

Once you've got Stamina (and I'm not in the "All AT's need Stamina" group,
but I think Widows are an AT that does), things get more manageable, but
having at least an SO's worth of EndRdx in attacks will always be helpful.

To that end, Frankenslotting is a good way to achieve these goals.

As others mentioned, Dual IO's that have Rch in them work nicely in ML, and
I too put the Adj Tgt recharge IO in mine. I think mine is 4 slotted, and
it's still perma with the global recharge I have.

Several Attack sets give global recharge bonuses - you don't need LotG's
to perma ML (esp on a Widow - it's easier than a Fort). Mental Training is
helpful here also.

BU / FU - This is a playstyle choice - If you play more like a Stalker, you'll
probably want to go with Build-Up, otherwise, Follow-Up is good for a
Brutish approach.

I'll also add that you really want to softcap Def for a Widow because they're
pretty low on HP for a melee toon... ML, is the big hitter in making that happen.

Infamy: It's very easy to get this. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge,
and a little bit of effort.

There are some very good guides in the Market Forum to solve the first part.

The second part is up to you. If you apply some minimal effort to acquire
the knowledge, sell your drops (the high prices that concern you are
GREAT for sellers), and use the market regularly (even for short amounts
of time per visit), you'll have more than enough infamy to equip your toon.


Good Luck to you - I hope you find the Widow to be an AT you enjoy.
I know I did.


Regards,
4

I can relate.

Despite your frustration, I couldn't help but laugh at the tale.

Thanks for the Chuckle of the Day


Cheers,
4

I'm kinda partial towards /nin myself, but certainly, /WP has a lot to
recommend it as well.

I don't have any personal experience with /regen (I went Spines/WP instead),
so I don't have an opinion on that secondary.

I doubt that you'd have significant issues with any of those choices though.


Regards,
4

As others have mentioned, there are no restrictions on the number of installs
you can have with the software.

The restriction is that each actively running copy (ie. logged in player) has
a unique NCsoft account that is being paid for when it is running.

So, I have only one account, but the game is installed on 3 PC's in my
home network. So friends can visit and we can all play at my place, each
using our own NCsoft accounts.

As for the install itself, don't use the CD.

I keep a copy of the most recent version of the game on a flashdrive and
whenever I need to put it on a new (or friend's) PC, I use that and refer
to Bill Z Bubba's most excellent guide on copying/installing the game.

It's a 5 minute process, max.

The download needed just to upgrade to the current version from the CD would
be MUCH longer to do...


Regards,
4