Nova Knight

Lots of good info here that will help me plan my build and play my character. Thanks everybody.

I'm also a /devices fan for the same reasons that others have said.

In addition, it's especially good for taking out troublesome enemies when paired with Teleport Foe. Just lay out a bunch of Trip Mines, cover with Caltrops and teleport baddies into the kill zone. It's a great way to thin out the herd before engaging in direct combat.

Granted, it's time consuming. But it's also effective in neutering some of the most dreaded non-Bosses (i.e. Malta Sappers & Gunslingers, Carnie Illusionists) in the game. If you favor a sneaky, calculating play style, then /devices will suit your needs very well.

OK, I think I get it now. Being new to Masterminds, I wasn't clear on the whole "tankerminding" concept. Thanks for clarifying.

Hmmm... based on what I've read and my usual play style, I'm inclined to skip the taunt and use temp powers to lure victims into my kill zone.

Of course, my play style could change once I become more familiar with the capabilities of the powersets. I'm new to Masterminds and have limited experience with Traps. (I've got a level-43 blaster with /Devices, however, which is similar.)

Guess I'll have to experiment as I acquire new powers.

and I'm glad I did. But I'm also glad that I waited a year-and-a-half to do so. In my opinion, the complexity of MMs requires a firm grasp of game mechanics since they're not as intuitive to play as blasters or brutes, for example. (both of which I also enjoy) It seems like learning the basics of the game while also learning how to utilize your henchmen would require a fairly steep learning curve.

I have a 10th level Bot/Traps and two others at 6th level: Ninjas/Dark and DS/Storm.

I also tried a Necromancy/Poison but didn't care for it. Initially I thought that death and poison would be a perfect match... like cookies and milk... pickles and ice cream... unicorns and glitter. Unfortunately, the zombies seemed to require more healing than the other henchmen. And they're slow. And they're stupid. And the constant sound of their puking was, well, disgusting. So I deleted the toon rather than run the risk of constant projectile vomiting myself. (hanging out with the undead is obviously not for the squeamish)

I learned a lot from reading these boards and finally understood the utility of the Presence pool. But then a question occurred to me while considering it for my Bots/Traps...

If the goal is to draw enemies into my trap-laden kill zone, can't I do this with a temporary power and save myself a permanent power choice? Won't firing a pistol or lobbing a hand grenade have the same effect? Besides gaining the ability to slot IO's, what are the benefits of using the Presence pool to pull in enemies?

Thanks.

Black Bolt's... you can't talk without causing widespread devastation. I'd obliterate city blocks every time somebody cut me off in traffic. (not to mention the cost of constantly replacing my car)

Thanks, _Krom_. I was hoping that was the answer.

I forgot to mention one other factor in my belated conversion to controllerism.

When playing blasters and scrappers, I enjoyed those power sets that provided controller-like capabilities to supplement the damage they dish out. (i.e. Ice/Ice, Devices and Dark Melee/Dark Armor) After incorporating those aspects of control into my thinking, it wasn't much of a stretch to give full-fledged controllers a try.

Don't get me wrong... I still enjoy wanton destruction as much as the next guy. But sometimes you get a craving for a little finesse. They both have their place.

Thanks, Local. I read your Ill/Rad guide a while ago, but I could probably benefit from re-reading it. (along with some of the other primary/secondary guides as well)

I think the recent increase in recipe drops for temporary powers has also encouraged me to give controllers another try. I can now arm myself with a variety of melee and ranged attacks without neglecting the controller primaries and secondaries. I guess it's a "security blanket" kind of thing... I just like knowing that they're there if I need them. This is especially true for my Mind/Cold in terms of dealing with robots/drones. It's good to have options.

It's taken roughly a year and a half, but I'm finally starting to grasp the controller mindset.

I initially learned game mechanics soloing as a scrapper and blaster, so making the mental adjustment to controllers took some work. I created and deleted quite a few controllers in frustration along the way. The reduced number of attacks and the prevalence of DoT in the archetype both added to my frustration.

The biggest "a-ha" moment was realizing how to set up and use containment. I know it seems basic to you grizzled, controller vets, but it took a while to click for me. I think it came together when I noticed that my science-origin power (tranq dart) caused containment on a Vahzilok cadaver. Then I started looking for ways to re-create the wonder.

From the start, I was intrigued by the idea of controllers, but it just seemed like something was... lacking. (i.e. massive orange numbers over the bad guys' heads) Now, I appreciate the unique capabilities and challenges of the archetype.

Currently have an Ill/Rad (level 21), Mind/Cold (level 11), Grav/Storm (level 9) and Plant/Storm (level 8)

Anyway, I just wanted to encourage other solo players out there to consider controllers. They're not as intuitive as some of the other archetypes, but they still have plenty to offer.

OK. That's good to know. Thanks.

Be vewwy, vewwy quiet... I'm hunting twolls.

Ask not what your thread can do for you, but what you can do for your thread.

Let me echo the welcome of others and throw in my 2 cents' worth of advice regarding solo blasters.

Think about your play style and how the various Power Pool choices will mesh with it. Play style can be the result of a conscious decision, it can evolve over time as you gain experience or it can be both. Power Pools are accessible at Level 6.

For example, I prefer Flight for my blasters' travel power and take Hover for my prerequisite. I do this primarily for safety. Hover allows you to stay out of melee range while still inflicting damage on your enemies. It also provides a bonus to your character's overall defense level, which can be increased with enhancements.

In addition, I find that Stealth also increases my blaster's effectiveness and survivability. It allows you to set up your shots in relative safety (i.e. lining up your cone attacks to encompass the most enemies, beefing up your character with inspirations or situational powers prior to tackling a tough foe, etc.) Stealth does impose a movement penalty, but if you're hovering out of melee range and attacking from a distance, I consider this an acceptable trade-off based on my preferred play style.

Just to offer an alternative view, some blasters enjoy using their secondary powers to engage in melee combat. They're called blappers (a combination of blaster and scrapper) and this play style has its own unique blend of challenges and tactics. (not my preference, but everybody has their own approach)

As a new player, however, I recommend that you take it slow and learn the basics of blasting with a blaster and the basics of melee with a scrapper before trying to combine the two.

The main thing to remember as a solo blaster (or any solo character for that matter) is that it's all about you. Healing, endurance management, offensive capability, protection, travel, etc. are all interrelated and will all be affected by your choices. Your tools include powers, inspirations, enhancements and tactics. One of the most engaging aspects of the game is figuring out how the tools all work individually and with each other, and then learning how to tailor them to deal with each situation.

It's highly addictive. Enjoy and good luck.

I've never had this power before but my BS/Regen scrapper will acquire it with his next level. I have to say that this thread is making me salivate at the prospect. Really looking forward to translating this good advice into action.