Mr_Bal

Good Thread! *Thumbs-Up*
Love all the ideas presented in here and in other threads.

To me (and it appears many others) customization is king, it is what made me fall in love with City Of.

Just a few aspects i would like to see approached in a Supers MMORPG...

1.) Sandbox / User Ownership
When approaching a "Supers MMO" game design, i keep having this impulse to inject a ton of sandbox elements into the design. A regulated way of getting user created content/elements into the live game for all to enjoy. (User created cities/zones/buildings/factions/characters/missions etc..)

2.) Less themepark, more dynamic.
The world should react to its current circumstances. ex: Crime is high/low in City #1, the city needs to reflect that. Keeping crime low/high is dependant on the characters(Hero/Villain) putting in the zone time to beat/help the baddies, which could open up other avenues based on the level of zone control. The game world would/should not be 100% the same from one day to the next.

Rant:
This Themepark + Cash Shop trend of the MMO industry is losing my interest in the genre, a genre i was madly passionate about only 6-7 years ago. I know cash is king, but for #$% sakes somebody take a chance!

The Faces in that game......ugggh.
I am never happy with my "human" super heroes

Not a big fan of MMO emulators.
I would probably check it out just because it is CoX (The MMO that took my MMO Virginity).
I would be more interested in a City of Heroes 2

Happy B-Day.

You look sad to be turning 28 in your picture

but but according to the intrawebz, more levels = better game!

[ QUOTE ]
After coming back from a break and discovering Architect, the first two teams I joined turned out to be farms. After the initial rush of ye-gods-this-is-quick-leveling on those two missions I got pretty bored with it and came here to read up on what it was all about.

My plan now is to find the awesomely-written missions I'm sure must be out there, and do those. (I have sufficient 50s to have seen most of the standard content, but you can never have too many alts, right? )

[/ QUOTE ]

Well if you make a group for these Story MA missions, make sure to tell people its not a farm beforehand or you will be constantly loosing people mid missions.

[ QUOTE ]
In theory, this is all balanced by there being no "end of mission" reward in terms of XP/Influence/Prestige. In practice...not so much.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you castle - A point i have been trying to get across in regards to content balance (AE and Normal).

I would for sure (My Hero/Villain mains are on freedom).

Been contemplating a server xfer for a while to hopefully get a fresher more optimistic view of this games direction.

[ QUOTE ]

And? AE isnt PVP. a lot more people use AE than ever used pvp. Sure its not proof they'd leave, but its certainly proof using pvp as an example is a bad idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Thus why i mocked his analogy

-Noticed my quote was edited too much, i can see why you misunderstood me.

[ QUOTE ]
If the dev's made AE no xp that would be a very bad move & would leave the AE building dead. It would anger most of COX population and they would lose more customer's, just like what happened when they nerfed pvp into garbage.


[/ QUOTE ]

PvP is a second banana. Those that left because of it were not really noticed.

[ QUOTE ]

And you dont think anyone at Loyola reviewed his work prior to it being published?


[/ QUOTE ]

Its on a blog, no university is referenced, no paper has been published, there has been no peer review.

Im curious to see what his angle is.

I dont think we will see a paper published, the research methods are atrocious, and i would think a paper of this type would be professionally embarassing.

But then again, maybe this type of research is the norm in this kind of field lol

IO's are gear, they will give the buyer a statistical advantage based on how much cash they can pump into the system. Fully IO'd char for 50$ ewwwww.

I have confidence NCSoft and Paragon MT's will not include Gear or Stat Advantage items.

Temp powers / Customization on the other hand.... not so sure.

They are making a much asked for customization feature only available to Science Booster pack buyers.

[ QUOTE ]

Micro transactions was one of the final nails driven into the coffin for Champions Online - as far as I'm concerned.


[/ QUOTE ]

The details of CO MT's is still unknown. Overeact much?

And Booster Packs/Character Slots/Server Transfers/AE Slots are all micro transactions.

[ QUOTE ]

And it's as asinine, snotty, and inappropriate as the first time you said it.

But keep swingin' your e-peen, Slappy. I'm sure someone, somewhere is impressed.


[/ QUOTE ]

Its clear you have no idea what an epeen is.
Sorry but the internet forums dont provide any such thing

[ QUOTE ]

As you keep saying. And what you keep leaving out is that you run in farms and/or use the "tricks" described above by Keepdistance. And, as I've stated I don't know how many times now, that's not what I'm referring to.


[/ QUOTE ]

Im not referring to exploits/tricks either - ALL X Farms make for great XP, keep telling me it doesnt

[ QUOTE ]

I disagree. It defeats a large part of its intended purpose.


[/ QUOTE ]

Only if XP is taken completely out. Which is not something i suggest. But its ok, keep thinking nothing will change.

[ QUOTE ]

I'm not "people". So if you're trying to use me as a proxy to argue with these "people", you're wasting your time. I'd suggest you take it up with those "people".


[/ QUOTE ]

You defended their position "Parity". So you are one of those "people" lol.

Your not very sharp with this forum thing are you? I mean you decided to give me your input only a few pages back...

[ QUOTE ]

I don't like that you're condescending, period. There's no call for it, sorry. And you're the one who's been stating half-truths. Which is what I initially called you on. And you continue to do it even now.


[/ QUOTE ]

1.) You never called me on anything. Theres nothing to call
2.) "Feelings" forum is ------->

[ QUOTE ]
ie AE XP < REG XP (Oh but i didnt mention farms...oopsie).
[ QUOTE ]

There is nothing "half truth" about it


[/ QUOTE ]


[/ QUOTE ]

sorry but /facepalm. That is all.

[ QUOTE ]

And there are other options open to them to deal with it, aside from punishing everyone and nerfing the entirety of the system. You follow?


[/ QUOTE ]

Oh i follow, but apparently you dont like to. MA Farms and MA Regular content are created through the same mechanism, anything done to one or another affects both. Something you cant seem to grasp.

So basically what you are looking for is "Nothing to be done".

Because you cant nerf one without nerfing the other. Capice?

[ QUOTE ]

MA being used as the devs intended is not the problem, and does not jibe with your "whole truth".


[/ QUOTE ]

MA Powerlevel Farms are intended?

or do you mean,

The devs idea of how MA should work (not for powerlevelling) is not an issue.

[ QUOTE ]

That you can farm MA for huge rewards? No kidding. So what?


[/ QUOTE ]

Thats the point, if the ability is there, all MA Arcs will be treated like they can produce the same results (From a development PoV).

So seperating them into Regular and Farm arcs as a rebuttal to any change to the MA XP is asinine..

But i suspect you already know that.

[ QUOTE ]

A lot of people simply aren't interested. A lot more people have only limited interest.


[/ QUOTE ]

Taking a page from your notebook...Says you. I see a much different picture, and so do many others.

Just agree to disagree ok?

[ QUOTE ]

This is what you don't seem willing to accept, despite the evidence of it being all over the place. And you call me naive? Get over yourself.


[/ QUOTE ]

What evidence? lol
Look up the word Naive when you get a chance.

[ QUOTE ]

You see, I understand that there are a lot of people using MA to power-level. I never said otherwise. Is it too many? I have no clue... and neither do you.
Only the developers can make that determination.


[/ QUOTE ]

Smartest thing you have said. Which is why "There will be a change, just a matter of what", so discussions are good and differences of opinion are not bad.

But quit telling me the Sky is Purple. k?

[ QUOTE ]

No, it's a simple observation, and I'm even more convinced of it now. Instead of a snarky dodge, why don't you try and tell me what you think my argument is... and then I'll let you know if you're right.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well from where i am sitting, its clear, you have no idea what your argument is outside of Full XP in MA.

Its not a simple issue. And comprimises will have to be made.

[ QUOTE ]

Not everyone who uses MA is using it to farm XP. If you're not aware of this, it is you who are naive.


[/ QUOTE ]

Did i say 100%? no - But its a high number for sure.

[ QUOTE ]

Those who are not using MA to farm XP are gaining XP more slowly than they would if they were playing regular content.


[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting statement. This is exactly why i call you naive
I like many others level alot faster in the MA. But why are MA xp farms the dominant content atm? Coincidence? according to you.

[ QUOTE ]

Therefore, XP in MA is not the problem. The "problem"--if there is a problem at all--are the means by which XP is gained too fast (as determined by the devs).


[/ QUOTE ]

XP and Story Control are on the table. 1.) Limit MA xp but keep the story system intact (Ambushes etc) 2.) Limit Story Control but keep the XP intact.

Positron stated that the MA is to be used for stories and not for powerlevelling. So XP is a valid target for "nerfage" (Not that i want this).

[ QUOTE ]

Did you read the title of the thread, by any chance?


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes i did. People used the excuse "But the devs want parity" in regards to XP in the MA. I disagreed, and stated there was no balance at all currently.
And here we are.

[ QUOTE ]

Get over it. I'm not here to coddle the sensibilities of anonymous gits on the internet trying to use a forum discussion to fluff their egos. Neither is anyone else.


[/ QUOTE ]

You dont like that im condecending when you state obvious half truths ie AE XP < REG XP (Oh but i didnt mention farms...oopsie).

[ QUOTE ]

Sorry, some anonymous git on the internet doesn't get to redefine the discussion. Especially when that redefinition is absolutely insipid.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its quite relevant. There is no parity between regular and AE content. So a reduction in AE xp is a valid option (Thread Title...).

[ QUOTE ]

When the question is "should there be XP in MA"? The subgroups of MA are most certainly a valid and relevant part of that discussion.


[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed, for the existence of XP in the MA. But the Farms that are joined to the hip inside MA will cause "adjustments" to the system

[ QUOTE ]

XP wasn't universally nerfed because of a Dreck farm. So, apparently, "subgroups" do matter.


[/ QUOTE ]

Nope because the devs have complete control over the Dreck mission. They dont have the same control (ie nerf a specific mission) with the AE. Someone will just recreate it. You follow?

So in essence, regular stories and farms are all grouped together in what is called Mission Architect. They are integrally linked. So when i say MA XP > Reg XP, im telling the whole truth. When farms become less XP profitable than regular content i will change my tune

And besides, it apparently doesnt take players long to figure this tid-bit out

[ QUOTE ]

I don't think you even know what my argument is.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats deep.

[ QUOTE ]

Oh, look, yet another condescending, snotty remark.


[/ QUOTE ]

Well you do like playing naive, and it annoys people like me.

If the MA isnt broke, theres nothing to worry about, relax

Meanwhile i will continue to use the MA to level, i know i know, so inefficient.

But wait....Alot of people must like to level slow too...In fact the majority of the server likes to level slow...

hmmmmmmmmmmm.

FYI: MA = MA - There is no subgroups of "regular" and "farm" they are all grouped together. So stop using the one that suites your argument best

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Just pointing out that going from 1 to 28 in 30 minutes kinda falls under the "easy leveling" Positron was referring to.

[/ QUOTE ]

technically all levelling in COH is easy. You have to make a serious effort or lack thereof to not hit 30 within a week or two of serious play.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ummm....Wooosh? lol
No way you can get to 1-28 in 30 mins of regular content.
AE on the other hand....

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. via an exploit. We're not arguing about the speed of an exploit. but without an exploit even in AE you cant achieve that speed.

[/ QUOTE ]

Funny, 2 boxed one of my chars, got him to 26 in about 30 mins of farming. No Exploits, just culled waves and waves of Lts (+5 to my door sitter).

Oh i forgot this is a bs session. Your right, it cant be done, Xp in regular missions is better!

[ QUOTE ]

uhh no. With patrol xp and the missh bonus regular content DOES give more xp than MA mission xp.

Farms ARE in fact a different story.

[/ QUOTE ]

Because were not talking about Farms here lol

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Just saying the XP reward ratio in the MA compared to regular content is completely out of whack whether its Solo or on an 8 man team, the bubbles just fly

[/ QUOTE ]

Again... this simply isn't true.

XP gain for soloers and small teams is much slower in MA than it is in regular content.

[/ QUOTE ]

you are very amusing. you are telling me what my experiences are.

I level faster in the MA, alot faster (solo or on an 8 man team). End of Story.

Mission Complete bonus is a drop in the bucket.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Just pointing out that going from 1 to 28 in 30 minutes kinda falls under the "easy leveling" Positron was referring to.

[/ QUOTE ]

technically all levelling in COH is easy. You have to make a serious effort or lack thereof to not hit 30 within a week or two of serious play.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ummm....Wooosh? lol
No way you can get to 1-28 in 30 mins of regular content.
AE on the other hand....

[ QUOTE ]

Might not want to advertise that on the forums.


[/ QUOTE ]

Its ok, hes just worried about what other people are doing ("Speaking up against ez AE").

If its not broken, it doesnt need to be fixed, so why worry?

wasnt there Science Booster Pack DOOOOM?

Something about a customization feature only available if you bought the pack!

DOOOOM! Doom? KA-DOOOOOM!

[ QUOTE ]

Level 9 to 16 in 1 mission not bad dude.
There are other missions you can do with a huge map and go from 1-28 in 30 mins. Just play around with it.

The xp system is not broken.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol, nice one

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

It is indeed slower than regular missions for xp. Notice I said regular, not farms. All for the reasons already stated.


[/ QUOTE ]

MA includes regular and farms. There is no distinction. They are all task forces created in the MA. So when i refer to MA i include all forms of content, not just the one type that suites my argument best.

But at the risk of blowing your mind, i will simplify....

MA Farm XP >>>> Regular Content Farm XP.

[/ QUOTE ]

And?

Thats hardly a reason to remove xp entirely when that means nobody would use the AE except the /very/ small minority who has no interest whatsoever in character advancement even at a normal pace.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its almost like your putting words in my mouth....

I never said remove ALL XP FROM MA. Thats very extreme. And shortsighted.

Just saying the XP reward ratio in the MA compared to regular content is completely out of whack whether its Solo or on an 8 man team, the bubbles just fly

Heck for all i know the devs want us to do nothing but farm the MA for xp from 1-50.

I just play the game i am given. But i do have concerns about CoX's long term viability if the player base treats the content like Fast Food.

[ QUOTE ]

It is indeed slower than regular missions for xp. Notice I said regular, not farms. All for the reasons already stated.


[/ QUOTE ]

MA includes regular and farms. There is no distinction. They are all task forces created in the MA. So when i refer to MA i include all forms of content, not just the one type that suites my argument best.

But at the risk of blowing your mind, i will simplify....

MA Farm XP >>>> Regular Content Farm XP.

Great Idea OP. Ive been thinking about the RWZ the last couple weeks. Would love to see some life in that zone again

[ QUOTE ]
Not that I have seen lowbies sitting at the door in AE missions since auto-sk makes them somewhat useful regardless of their level, I would support more co-op AE missions.

[/ QUOTE ]

Auto SK makes door sitting even easier. 7 door sitters, 1 farmer. I do it and have done it for others. Alot.

Just adjust the mission so that they auto sk to 46 and your 50 takes on 51's, best PL mechanic ever.