The City Scoop - Page 1- July 27, 2008
By
Lighthouse_NA,
Posted on: 2008-07-27 12:24 in Announcements
Superhero Blockbuster Ignored by Biggest | Requiem for Eye BeamsWith Issue 12 out, I speak for a good number of people who wished that they'd release a new set for multiple classes. Sure, a War Mace Brute is interesting, and even the treason of a Controller using Plants is fun. I even hear talk of new spooky sets like Shields and other witchery, but there's still a plethora of comic book powers that haven't been tapped yet, and that's both a good thing and a bad thing. I wouldn't mind a webslinging Blaster or a Stalker based around the power to shapeshift, but I know that there are some powers that shouldn't be made into sets, period, and I'd like to do a quick overview of what shouldn't be a power set. Ancient Weaponry: Oh sure, you could have an assault rifle held together with duct tape. But why not make yourself a jack-of-all inferior weapons? Sure, we have swords and claws, but we know it works somewhat for Lord Nemesis. Working your way up from Spear to Flintlock Pistol, your alpha strike will be the fearsome......cannon? A giant ball of steel may be scary, but it's easily avoidable and it's resisted Smashing damage. On the plus side, you can make your battle cry "I'm Spartacus!" and it will make sense. I give this theory a thumbs down, and I shut the history book on this idea. Prehensile Hair: No. No, no, no, nein, nyet, non, nuh-uh, never. Imagine a Scrapper whipping people with his hair. The 80's are over for a reason, and I'm fairly sure you'd get picked on a little. I can't even think of an ultimate move for this set. I give it a shave and a haircut, free of charge, and ignore this idea. Self detonation: The ability to explode at will? Pros: Works for zombies, and you'll earn your debt badge in no time flat. Cons: Death, death, more death, and you'll need one heck of a regenerative defense to stitch you back together. I give this a possible no, unless they make a set that can make you regenerate like crazy, then I give it a yes. Astral Projection: Yeah, it looks cool. Of course, no one can see you and you basically leave your body in a defenseless coma. You can't attack, can't defend, can't even talk to people. It's like death but temporary. I give this a no, because this will lead to a rise in corpse camping should you want to return to your shell. Probability Manipulation: "Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?" Of course you do. You can control fate itself. You could kick a tin can and somewhere a Nemesis robot explodes. You could sit down and eat a sandwich and a bag of money falls into your lap. You could drink a glass of water and Lord Recluse keels over with a heart attack. With mostly passive abilities and a few active ones, I give this set a probable no. Besides, why save the world when you can win big at the races? These are just five possible sets that should never be implemented. I have plenty more, including omnipresence (every enemy everywhere will be aggroed by you) and elasticity (sure you can't be hurt, but rubber does smashing damage). So count your blessings, because every archetype gained a tried and true set and you'll never have to worry. While I do want shapeshifting or a whole set of eye beams, I'm content as is. It could be worse... They could've made a set of echolocation. /e shudder. |
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
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Continued below...
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
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Fan Fiction SpotlightSurvivors By BlueBattler He hates moments like these. The young heroes stand before him battered, weary, but triumphant. In spite of incredible odds, they have thwarted Lord Recluses latest scheme for world domination. They look to him to vindicate their pain, their suffering. They want him to tell them they have made a lasting difference in the world. He is Statesman, and they look to him for meaning. He doesnt tell them that within a matter of days Recluse will be free and as strong as ever, working on yet another scheme to destroy Paragon City and all those who oppose him. He doesnt tell them it will never end. He doesnt tell them these things because he is Statesman, and that is his burden to bear. He praises their courage instead. He thanks them for their bravery. He salutes them for their dedication, their heroism. He tells them they are an example of the best and bravest that Paragon City has to offer. The words come easily to him because it is the truth. He doesnt tell them it never ends. He cant. He is Statesman... One of the first stories I reviewed was The Conscious of a King, a story that touched many hearts across the forum. BlueBattler returns with another story that touches at the core of some of the main characters of the game's backdrop. There is a pathological belief throughout much of the City of Heroes/Villains community. Typically, it revolves around Statesman being a jerk, but the actual description used by most commentators is often blipped out by the forum's profanity filter. That's why I liked this story. Statesman still lacks any redeeming human qualities, but we're finally introduced to the reasons why. He's immortal and he's starting to see the effects of it. His wife is dead, his daughter's gray-haired and wrinkled, and his granddaughter is "sass-talking" him all the time. He's a curmudgeonly, bitter old man in a young man's body, and he doesn't really know if he'll ever truly know the peace of the grave. He's miserable and it's been damaging his personality. Thank goodness he's still on our side. However, there is a catalytic moment on the horizon. There's always a catalytic moment on the horizon for heroes like this - a time when he'll make a pivotal choice that will determine whether he remains a leader of heroes, or just another monstrous enemy that we have to stop. Perhaps that's why Sister Psyche has this conversation with him. Perhaps she's trying to salvage his humanity before he risks losing it. He certainly needs the help, and there are very few people willing or able to provide it. | Multi-Media ShowroomHey readers! Welcome to another animated edition of MMS! Once youve recovered from the epileptic shock brought on by such a horrible pun, we can get started. First, a reminder: The Show your dark side Mechanima contest deadline is only a few weeks away! August 10th is the cut-off date, so get crackin! Now, with that out of the way A few weeks ago, to commemorate the anniversary of the back-story event of Statesman and Lord Recluse getting their powers, and subsequently unleashing super-powers in individuals across the world, the ever-talented Dark_Respite (aka Samuraiko Productions) made a deliciously awesome video of these events. And wow, that was a long sentence. If for some reason you missed the announcement (yes, a red-name made an announcement!), nows a good time to go check it out. In fact, check out her other videos too, theyre all top-notch! A forum newbie, Feminoid, put up their first video, The Problem with Hammers, for everyone to see. Once you get past the pre-teen british kids doing the narration (apologies if this isnt the case!), a funny exposition between the hero and villain unfolds. Definitely amusing. Also this week, Im going to give props to a rather famous (though somewhat absent recently) member of our community, Ubie. His YouTube account is full of CoH goodness. Hes done several trailer style videos, but has the occasional one-off, such as my favorite, Kronos Titan Battle. Its worth it to spend about a half hour watching his stuff, which shows just how epic our game of choice can be. And if you ever know anyone who is considering starting to play CoH, but says theyre not quite sure? Show them Ubies videos. Theyre better than any commercial could do. And lastly, another reminder for the creatively inclined who may not be too good at making videos or comics: You can always submit ideas for loading screen tips (gameplay hints and back-story tidbits that appear when youre going between zones or missions), or images for the new in-game ad feature. So if you have an idea, go for it! The more player-created content, the better! If you have any questions, try PMing Ex Libris or Lighthouse for details. Multi-Media Showroom is a biweekly column. If you have any work you would like featured, give Emperorsteele a holler. Please note that all work submitted might not be featured, due to space constrictions and other limitations.
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Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
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The Return of The RiktiHello loyal readers, Scoop Man here. Well from the overwhelming support and love I received on my last two pieces on the Midnight Squad and Arachnos, Ive decided I would give you more of what you want. Honest, raw opinions and news from heroes AND villains. Today I ventured to lovely Atlas Park. Somewhat taken aback by the cleanliness of the area, I wandered to Atlas Plaza in a daze, occasionally bumped by the new would-be hero in training on his way to do something or other. Yet when I was below the impressive statue of Atlas, I saw something I was unprepared for. The hero, Foxy Ferret, was lounging casually on Atlass foot, and conversing with young-heroes. Not telling them off, not passing on fortune cookie wisdom, not rushing into battle, just chilling. Interested and very impressed that a hero of her stature was doing this, I knew I had found my next subject for interviewing Scoop Man: Ahem. Foxy Ferret? Foxy Ferret: Yes and how can I help you? SM: Scoop Man, I work for the local fish wrapper around here. You ever hear of me? FF: Who hasnt? SM: I see my reputation precedes me. Wondered if I could ask you some questions about the Rikti. Would you mind? FF: Sure, though I dont know much about the aliens, other than wiping 'em off. SM: Well lets just see where we go, eh? As a noted figure here in Atlas Park you see a lot of newbie heroes yes? FF: Yes I do. SM: And Atlas Park is a big old target for the Rikti wouldnt you agree? FF: Oh yes, they come sometimes and the newbies are all scattered and we try to keep them calm. Its our job as veteran heroes. SM: Mhm. So as a veteran would you say that entrusting the newbies with the safety of Atlas Park is a little too much for them? In your honest opinion of course. FF: Oh not at all, but sometimes they need a little guidance or a push in the right direction. Most of the new heroes dont know what they are facing right off the bat. SM: Would you say they need some sort of course or teaching before they come here? Especially now since the war has started up again? FF: Training... hmmm. Well, no. They just need some help like anyone does at times. I think finding your own path is the best way to go, but that doesnt mean you ever have to do it alone. SM: So you advocate crash courses in protecting the citizenry of Paragon City? Not very safe sounding to me... FF: Thats not what I meant. SM: What did you mean?  FF: We just all need help sometimes and thats why I stay in Atlas. I answer questions, talk with other heroes and make sure some of the new heroes stay out of trouble. SM: Doesnt that cut into your own missions or whatever? Taking time to help the young heroes while tasks that need YOUR attention go on without resolution? FF: If things do get too chaotic I can just put my force fields round them. Oh, I make sure my own tasks are taken care of - nothing to worry about there. I have a team to help me with that. SM: Really? What team is this? |
FF : The Havok Brothers help me when I am out here in Atlas. Also the Rangers help me out as well. SM: The Galacto Rangers? Hmm Ive heard of them somewhat. As for the Havok Brothers, well, I try to avoid them. FF: Avoid them? SM: Not good press. Not yet anyway. As a hero do you feel more at odds with the Rikti than at an advantage with all their weaponry? FF: No, Ill take on those things with just my bow if I have to. SM: I see. Have you joined Vanguard? FF: Yes, anything to get rid of that alien scum. SM: Right. Well how do you feel about villains joining or working with Vanguard? FF: Well I think a lot of them are misunderstood really Some of them do what they must for their own reasons. SM: Youre alright with their crimes? FF: Dont get me wrong, there are some that need to be put away. I think there are some here in Paragon that could be put away as well, but thats just my opinion. SM: OK. I recently spoke with the hero Night Wonder, here in Atlas. He said that the villains and the Rikti were not having an effect on each other. The villains actions would occur anyway without the Rikti and vice versa. What do you think as a veteran? FF: Well you know, the Rikti are invading their homes as well. We all have a reason to join together and fight them. SM: True, but they still attack the city here, and many of them are none too happy about working with the heroes here. FF: Well you know, with the Longbow going in as they have in the Isles I dont blame them. I didnt agree with that. I want us to try and come to terms that we could both live with... SM: Why do you want the two sides merged? Guilt? Regret? Lover on the other side perhaps? FF: Well... I dont really talk about it, but I guess its as good a time as any... SM: Excellent! FF: Im from the Isles. I was an orphan there. SM: Tragic. Living there has given you a perspective you feel your fellows dont posses? FF: I know for a fact there are good people out there. I dont agree with Arachnos though. I think the Isles would be better off without them. SM: I see. Is that the hero talking or the woman? FF: Both. Ive seen what they do behind the scenes. Im not pleased. SM: Many would agree with you on that. Well it looks like I got all I need here. Any parting thoughts for us? FF: Sure. There is always trouble where I wander, so beware the ferret. SM: I like it. He chuckles. Thanks for your time. FF: Thank you. Well, personally I was not as fulfilled as I have been in the past with my interviews with this one. No scandals, no deep-seated hatreds, no celebrity blow-ups, just a down to earth hero. While this is a good thing in my mind, my career may suffer. Finding a hero like Foxy Ferret is sometimes difficult in this day and age. While she did share her opinions with us, and gave some insight into the veteran heros thoughts, I still feel we need another side of the story. Looks like Im taking at trip to the Isles to get the SCOOP! |
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
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Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
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Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
To discuss this issue of the City Scoop, join us here!
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.
The City Scoop
The PermaDom SuperTeam
By
TopDoc
Twylo by
DocDroe
Time for another SuperTeam. If you recall from my previous articles, a SuperTeam
is a carefully crafted themed team designed to roll over mobs quickly and
easily. The ATs, powersets, and even individual powers are chosen to provide
maximum team buffs, plus AoE debuffs and damage. This week I'll talk about a
small SuperTeam I ran a little while ago involving Dominators.
The whole point of the Dominator SuperTeam was to achieve perma-Domination.
Domination is the Dominator Inherent power. Like Fury on a Brute, you build up
Domination by attacking. Once you reach 90% you can activate a click power that
gives some nice buffs including an instant END refill, solid status protection,
+75% Damage, +50% Duration on control attack, and high enough Magnitude on
control powers to affect bosses. These buffs last 90 seconds, during which time
your Domination meter stays full. After that your Domination meter drops to 0
and you have to both build it up and wait for the click power to recharge
(normally 200 seconds from the time you activate Domination).
My goal was to avoid the crash. If you have enough Recharge Reduction, the
Domination click power will recharge while it's still active, and you can click
it again! Better yet, leave it on auto. You'll always have +75% Damage, solid
status protection, etc. That's what Permadom means. Now you can't slot the
Domination click power because it's an Inherent power, but you can get global
Recharge Reduction elsewhere.
There's a post in the Player Guides forum
here by _Brev_ with all the numbers on Recharge Reduction. The key is
that with Hasten slotted normally (3 Recharge Reduction Enhancements), you need
about 70% more Recharge Reduction for perma-Domination. Speed Boost from a
Kinetics Corruptor gives +50% Recharge Reduction, which means we want 2 Kins on
the team. Everyone else was a Dominator.
I recruited a single team of 8 people and we started at level 1 with 2 Kinetics
Corrs (AR/Kin and Sonic/Kin) and 6 Dominators. After looking at the Primaries
and Secondaries, I recommended Fire/Psi Doms. Power gamers everywhere know that
Fire Control is the best AoE damage set, and SuperTeams are big on AoE. Psionic
Assault is a late blooming AoE set, but Psychic Shock Wave REALLY makes up for
it. I think we ended up with 4 Fire/Psis, 1 Plant/Thorns, and 1 Fire/Fire. We
only played for a few hours every Sunday night, so this was a fairly long
running SuperTeam.
The early levels were slow, but they didn't last long. Hot Feet is an endurance
hog, and Kinetics Corruptors don't get Speed Boost until level 20. The
Plant/Thorns took Seeds of Confusion, and that kept things rolling till the 5
Fire Control Doms got Flashfire around 12. We had Domination now and then, and
we could stack holds, so it was fairly safe if slow.
To make it a SuperTeam, you need plenty of team buffs. We took Leadership:
Maneuvers relatively early, but mostly left Assault and Tactics till after 20
due to the endurance drain.
At level 20, everything changed. It was like night and day. The Psionic Assault
Doms picked up Drain Psyche, which is an amazing Regen and Recovery buff in big
teams. More importantly, the Kins picked up Speed Boost. Suddenly all the Doms
were Permadoms. Damage was buffed all the time, so mobs went down faster. Mez
protection meant our toggles weren't dropping. Our mezzes were strong enough to
hold bosses with a single shot. With stacked Tactics our AoE holds started
hitting almost everything. It really brought the Super back to SuperTeam.
Granted the Kins missed SB now and then, causing Domination to drop. We could
still bring it up pretty quickly and keep mowing through mobs.
It wasn't long before we picked up pets at 32 and then Psychic Shock Wave at 38.
We rolled over mobs in typical SuperTeam fashion. We leveled very fast when we
played, but our infrequent schedule began to take its toll. Two people took a
break from the game (including one of the Kins), while a few others missed
sessions due to real life. We used Empowerment buffs and IO set bonuses to make
up the difference in Recharge Reduction due to the lost Kin. In the end only 3
of us hit level 50 in the SuperTeam, but it was certainly fun and fast while it
lasted.
That's about it for SuperTeams. I've run a few others, but they're more
variations on the themes I've already done. My next article in the City Scoop
will be on something else. What? I don't know. Maybe badges. Maybe game
mechanics. Maybe power sets. Only time will tell.
Vol. 2, Issue 9
July 25th, 2008
This Issue:
Blockbuster Ignored
Requiem for Eye Beams
Community
Fan Fiction Spotlight
ulti-Media Showroom
The People On...
Classifieds
Comic
Upcoming Events:
July 26th
Freedom:
Help
Us Paint This Town PINK! BoW turns 4!!!
Infinity:
The
Grand Opening of Club Dub
Pinnacle:
PvPEC
Event: Two Against the World
Victory:
PvPEC
Event: Two Against the World
Virtue:
PvPEC
Event: Two Against the World
Fight
Night 118: Crossover Edition
July 27th
Protector:
C.O.V
Race
Triumph:
PvPEC
Event: Two Against the World
July 28th
Guardian:
The
Golden Council's Annniversary Celebration
Justice:
PvPEC
Event: Two Against the World
July 31st
Guardian:
Another
Guardian In Game wedding!
August 1st
Guardian:
CAMARADERIE
2008 Party
Next Month:
Lighthouse
Community Relations Manager
If you have a specific in game, account, tech or billing problem please contact our Customer Support team via The Knowledge Base "Ask A Question" page.