Discussion: Issue 14: Mission Architect - FAQ
By
8_Ball,
Posted on: 2009-02-26 13:02 in Developers' Corner
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This reminds me of when my brother was working tech support, and someone complained that "Windows has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down." The person asked what they did that was illegal, since she owned stock in microsoft. :P
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Hopefully my question wasn't that bad. 
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They can get even more detailed and create full enemy groups, giving each enemy unique costumes and powers.
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This brings up a question I've had for a while now, and I really hope to get a "Yes" on this:
Certan enemies perform a trick or power when defeated. Carnies have a PBAoE End Drain power they use. Some Council and Nemesis robots explode. Some Clockwork summon Gears when defeated. And some Council change into (summon) Warwolves when defeated.
Will we be able to add these abilities to an enemy group we make?
Example: Take a fairly large sized map. Put in a few spawns of a custom group which we'll call "Zombies". Nothing complex there. Now, fill the map with a second custom group, which we'll call "Civilians". Civilians are non-hostile, much like the ones in Mayhem/Safeguard missions, and can not be attacked by the player (Invalid Target). But Zombies attack Civilians and can kill them.
Can I give the Civilians group the "On Death" ability to change into (summon) a member of the Zombie group, so that it appears that the Zombies are infecting the Civilians?
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While I'm really hopeful we can use "turn into Warwolf" and "Drain Soul" style abilities on our custom mobs, I'd be pretty certain this scenario isn't going to happen. That'd be making a custom power itself, which I'm going to go out on a limb and say no, that's impossible.
Can a single mission arc have more than one contact? For example, after completing Mission 1 from Contact A, you are directed to Contact B who gives you Mission 2?
I just have a couple quick question. I know Castle had mentioned earlier (some weeks prior to today) that some powers wouldn't be available, such as SoA and Kheldian powersets... however the Massively article has this as a bulletpoint:
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Give enemies any powers you want. (Emphasis added)
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Has the position stated by Castle earlier changed? Or are Kheldian powersets still unavailable for custom minions? Is there any chance, if they are NOT being included now, that they WILL be included reasonably soon in the future? One of my arc ideas necessitates access to the Warshade powersets.
(*hopes that they WILL be available!*)
"Yes, yes this is a fertile land and we will thrive. And we shall rule over this land, and call it... ... This Land."
Virtue:
Main: Mikuruneko (50, Katana/Regen Scrapper)
Alts: Many
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Can a single mission arc have more than one contact? For example, after completing Mission 1 from Contact A, you are directed to Contact B who gives you Mission 2?
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Maybe- we have that now kinda of with Fed Ex missions- like go talk to the AP security cheif, who then sends you deep into Perez park so you can learn about Debt.
"I'm not scared of anyone or anything Angie. Isn't that the way life should be?"
Jack Hawksmoor, The Authority.
Not sure if it's been covered, but since we are using existing map sets, is there any way to manipulate the mission's lighting? This is actually really big for me, as it sets mood.
(I'm referencing the way lighting is manipulated in SG/VG bases as I ask this)
Hi Pohsyb,
Can we make you a signature character?
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He means "from a birds eye view" or "there's lots of stuff this lets you do, but it basically does this". It has nothing to do with "levels" in terms of RPG character progression.
EG: At a high level, a car moves you quickly.
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That's what I was hoping he meant; it was just a little ambiguous, so I thought I'd go for clarification.
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This context should help...
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For people who [u]just want to play the user created content[u], we give them access to the mission browser that shows all the generated content....
What [u]special features[u] does Mission Architect have? 1. [u]At the high level[u]...
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So, just a juxtaposition of basic level of usage (play stories created by others) v. hi-end level of usage (create your own stories).
Speeding Through New DA Repeatables || Spreadsheet o' Enhancements || Zombie Skins: better skins for these forums || Guide to Guides
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Can failed / successful mission arc in two different directions?
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Not at release.
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Has a choice been made if temp powers will be allowed to be issued, even if it last just as long as the mission does?
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Also, Not at release.
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Holy pohstorm, that's a lot of red! It's like a pohsycane... or a pohrnado!
Would we be able to create missions that weren't co-op but PvP? One side with ally NPC's and one side with Villain NPC's and players from opposing factions?
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I'm a little... disheartened at the '1000+ votes at average 5 stars.'
This sounds very much like 'have fun with 3 arcs forever.' I mean, I think I can make some nice arcs, but getting 1000+ folks to vote 4-5 stars, and hope there aren't griefers or grumps dragging it down?
Sigh.
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I tend to agree with this.
On the other hand, if it were "50+ votes at average 5 stars" you'd stand in Atlas Park and shout, "I'll pay you 500,000 inf if you vote 5 stars for my mission!"
I'd be inclined to wonder if the MA missions are available cross-server and cross US/UK.
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I'm a little... disheartened at the '1000+ votes at average 5 stars.'
This sounds very much like 'have fun with 3 arcs forever.' I mean, I think I can make some nice arcs, but getting 1000+ folks to vote 4-5 stars, and hope there aren't griefers or grumps dragging it down?
Sigh.
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I tend to agree with this.
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It sounds ominously high to me as well. I'm hoping that they data-mine it after release, and adjust the requirements accordingly.
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I'd be inclined to wonder if the MA missions are available cross-server and cross US/UK.
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The first part of your question (cross-server) is answered in the OP. (The answer is yes, btw.)
Not sure if the "arc server" will be shared between the US and UK like the market server is, though.
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One question I have that I haven't seen answered:
If we get into an MA mission that turns out to be "Rescue the 25 Fusionette clones", can we abandon it as cleanly as we can an Ouroboros mission? Will we be able to just quit (and not get the shiny, of course), and not have to use Drop Mission, or have an uncompleted mission in our list?
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I Am Not A Dev (that needs to be acronymed like the ubiquitous I Am Not A Lawyer) but as I understand the game mechanics involved we will be able to drop them just as easily. From what I've gleaned over the last several issues, the auto up/down leveling mechanic requires going into "task force-like" mode and the missions so designated can be abandoned simply by dropping out of the "task force", which is precisely how we interact with orborous now.
Story-wise, it's imperative that we be given the ability; this is all, at least supposedly, virtual reality and we should be able to just say "heck with this" and leave the booth at any time.
"I reject your reality and substitute my own!" Adam Savage from Mythbusters
Thanks. I just went to read the FAQ, belatedly. I don't know what to say, except
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When this baby hits eighty-eight miles per hour...
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Would we be able to create missions that weren't co-op but PvP? One side with ally NPC's and one side with Villain NPC's and players from opposing factions?
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This would be wicked cool.
Alien 51 - Emp/Energy/Energy Defender
Average Bob - Rifle/Devices/Munitions Blaster
Fusion Avatar - Triform Warshade
Grumpy - Nec/Poison/Mu Mastermind
Metallic Guy - Kat/Inv/Weapons Scrapper
Good job Devs, you guys have exceeded all expectations I had for the MA
COH/CoV - Virtue
8 Ball - Lev 50 Kin/Energy Defender
The Canadian Fist - Lev 50 Ice/EM Blaster
Omega Ghost - Lev 50 Robo/Dark MM
Ghostfall - Lev 50 Arachnos Crab Soldier
Cool. So my dream of an all-boss (one per spawn point) mission for efficient-boss-killer type characters can come true!
Whee.
Currently: 50s (5), 40s (3), 30s (5)
Red and blue side, mostly Infinity, Virtue, and Freedom.
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Unlocking costume parts for the Architect will be mostly independent from unlocking parts for your characters.
Some things that are already account wide rewards like the Cyborg pack you will may not need to buy from the architect vendor
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I had a similar question, not about purchable costume parts, but about the ones made through recipes (fairy wings, cherub wings, rocket boots, etc.) I gots a Faerie Army story that needs to get made pronto.
And while I'm at it, what about capes and auras?
BTW -- this update looks sweet, and is right up my alley. If it's anywhere as good as it seems, it will be worth all the wonkiness we've encountered since I-13.
Here's a question -- or a suggestion, I suppose.
Could we potentially buy a new Arc slot with tickets?
I ask because while I'm really excited and I'm going to do my best to make good arcs, the idea that a thousand people may A) play my arc and B) rate it five stars with little enough dissent that it'll round to 5 seems pretty negligible. Unless everyone five stars everything they sort of like as a matter of course, anyhow, in which case the star system will quickly become irrelevant.
I'd like to have alternate vectors. And this way, if I play tons of MA content, I could earn the right to put more of that content up. It seems fair to me, though admittedly my perspective may not be the right one.
WOw, surprised this hasn't been asked....
Can these tickets be traded with other people or sold on the Markets?
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I'm a little... disheartened at the '1000+ votes at average 5 stars.'
This sounds very much like 'have fun with 3 arcs forever.' I mean, I think I can make some nice arcs, but getting 1000+ folks to vote 4-5 stars, and hope there aren't griefers or grumps dragging it down?
Sigh.
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I tend to agree with this.
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It won't be so bad if it is a running cumulative total, like you can unpublish without resetting your tally, and republish later.
SadysCHICK ALL the Badges! (I can get. 1396)
Full image by David Nakayama
Arc ID 1435: Performing without Annette
Arc ID 7206: Sadystic Tendencies
Arc ID 3864: The Chronicles of (In)FERNIA!
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They can get even more detailed and create full enemy groups, giving each enemy unique costumes and powers.
[/ QUOTE ]
This brings up a question I've had for a while now, and I really hope to get a "Yes" on this:
Certan enemies perform a trick or power when defeated. Carnies have a PBAoE End Drain power they use. Some Council and Nemesis robots explode. Some Clockwork summon Gears when defeated. And some Council change into (summon) Warwolves when defeated.
Will we be able to add these abilities to an enemy group we make?
Example: Take a fairly large sized map. Put in a few spawns of a custom group which we'll call "Zombies". Nothing complex there. Now, fill the map with a second custom group, which we'll call "Civilians". Civilians are non-hostile, much like the ones in Mayhem/Safeguard missions, and can not be attacked by the player (Invalid Target). But Zombies attack Civilians and can kill them.
Can I give the Civilians group the "On Death" ability to change into (summon) a member of the Zombie group, so that it appears that the Zombies are infecting the Civilians?
[/ QUOTE ]
While I'm really hopeful we can use "turn into Warwolf" and "Drain Soul" style abilities on our custom mobs, I'd be pretty certain this scenario isn't going to happen. That'd be making a custom power itself, which I'm going to go out on a limb and say no, that's impossible.
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I'm hoping that the "Turn into Warwolf" power is really a "Turn into <insert MOB>" power. They're not the only ones that do something like that, just the most common. Some PPD Awakened do that too, turning into Novas after they've been killed.
"I do so love taking a nice, well thought out character and putting them through hell. It's like tossing a Faberge Egg onto the stage during a Gallagher concert." - me
@Palador / @Rabid Unicorn
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"At the high level we allow you to create your own stories and share them with others in the game."
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What does "At the high level" mean?
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From the 20,000 ft view.... The overall arching vision... etc.
Just a figure of speech. He's not referring the character levels.
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This reminds me of when my brother was working tech support, and someone complained that "Windows has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down." The person asked what they did that was illegal, since she owned stock in microsoft. :P
SadysCHICK ALL the Badges! (I can get. 1396)
Full image by David Nakayama
Arc ID 1435: Performing without Annette
Arc ID 7206: Sadystic Tendencies
Arc ID 3864: The Chronicles of (In)FERNIA!