I would like to second the request to reconsider the requirements for the influence badges. I posted a comment about this in the suggestions forum, but I'll make my argument here since this thread is specific to the topic. The requirements for those badges are pretty hefty to begin with, and now with a second type of currency (prestige) added to the game, the rate at which many people earn influence has changed. This is an understandable change to the system, but if many people are playing in SG mode, and therefore gaining less and less influence as they level, I think lowering the requirements for those badges may be in order. I hate to not play in SG mode and not gain prestige for our base, just so I can get a badge. I also know that at some point the two forms of currency will probably balance out, as influence stores are used to help SG members buy their enhancements while running in SG mode, and eventually the only prestige needed may be for rent, and people can start playing SG mode less, to start gaining new stores of influence, but it will be quite some time until the system reaches an equilibrium. I think you also have to realize that many people just start a new character once they reach 50, and with the current requirements it seems you would have to play your level 50 quite frequently to obtain these badges. Were these badges meant to be among the hardest to obtain or were there factors that didn't play out as suspected when their goals were set?
I guess a second alternative would be to create a new set of prestige badges. Then you would have SG oriented people gaining those badges, and maybe one of the influence badges, while people that have no SG affiliation would be gaining the influence badges, but never gain the prestige badges.
Secondly I would like to comment on the holiday/special event badges. I really like the fact that you guys have been giving badges for these. I think I remember the devs stating that there will be less focus on creating special content or events for the holidays, but I was glad you guys at least recycled some stuff you had already developed for past events and combined it with the presents this year. I was a little disappointed however that some of the badges that could be earned last year could also be obtained this year (for killing the snow beasts). While I understand that not everyone will be able to play during relatively short-lived special events, I like that you can tell who was around during those times simply by looking at their badges. You did give us some new and unique badges this year, and the winter lord badge was not obtainable this year, so those are cool points. I would just like to request that you keep one or two badges unique for each yearly event if you plan on continuing them.
EDIT: BTW, can you give us an official answer on exactly what you need for the "Illusionist" badge? I have heard some pretty heated debates over whether it is for the pets (phantasms/dark pet) or for the trio of illusionists that the bosses spawn. I've gotten this badge, but I'd like to officially put the debate to rest.
--BTW my friends and I agree that the trick-or-treat event for Halloween was the coolest special event you guys have done so far. The surprise ambushes when you got a trick were classic. I know it takes a lot of work to implement stuff like that for the short amount of time that they are used, but they are appreciated.
Thanks for the time Positron!
Major Bodycount 288/313 badges
