Let's Discuss: Kinetic Melee

Something that i am still curious about is what damage type(s) will Kinetic Melee use? As i recall it was referred to as "Telekinetic Melee" at least once during the presentation. Also, one of the most popular sets a couple years back when the players were polled as to what new sets they'd like to see was a Psychic Melee/Psychic Blades set. It seems quite possible that Kinetic Melee will use a mix of Smashing and Psy damage.

I want the AS to do 100 mag KB.

I don't see why it would be psychic, Kinetic Energy is predominately defined as energy involved in physical movement. No brains required.

I imagine it'll be smashing, with a chance of energy.

I could see successful hits providing +recharge, like that force feedback proc. That would indirectly buff damage, and it fits the kinetic theme.

Dual Pistols still is not the most under-performing set, animation times considered. The change to Hail of Bullets is only helping bring it more forward on top of that. Executioner's Shot is the only real 'lag' in the set, and that has more to do with it's range than anything else.

I wasn't overly impressed with Demon Summoning from a mastermind standpoint, it seems about in line with the rest of the primaries. It actually kind of seemed... bad from the teams I was on; My stalker was able to do far more damage far more quickly than any of the deamon summoners I've played with. I'm willing to bet that is mostly due to people playing as Master Mind who really don't know how to play a Master Mind, however.

I dont know, I guess pirouettes really just throw me off from judging a powerset properly :P

All this backtalk about Dual Pistols...wasn't the set particularly good on ATs like Defender (during Beta, my Dark/DP made it seemingly impossible to die solo). Just because the set might not shine on every AT doesn't mean they're bad, just not overpowered with damage. Besides that, I don't really see the set struggle at anything.

Okay, first off, don't believe everything Mids tells you about DPS. Especially when Dual Blades is concerned. Those numbers don't include the combos or the way damage mitigation (like AoE knockdowns) keep you alive. Someone who knows how to use the set will rock your socks off while slicing them into tiny little pieces (though this is true of any set).

Second. The trend right now with power design seems to be moving away from the earlier stuff, which had an attack chain, some unique or utility powers, and a tier 9 nuke or godmode that might work but is as likely to get you killed because your Endurance is gone (and with Unstoppable, so is your HP). Look at Dual Blades, Shield, Willpower, Dual Pistols, and Demon Summoning. I always find myself going "Damn, this all looks like it'll come in handy." Dual Blades is the most extreme example, of course. But there does seem a leaning towards more interesting tricks that require a bit more thought, and more leaning towards picking good ground and positioning yourself.

I think this is a good thing. I despise nukes and tier 9 godmodes (especially you, Unstoppable), as I'll never use them in a fight. But I'm cool with using Strength of Will or One with the Shield, as there isn't much pain with the crash. I want more power sets with tricks up their sleeves rather than just big numbers. I want to ruin your day and look like a badass doing it. Maybe I won't have the biggest red numbers appearing. But if I'm smart, I'll still be standing, and useful, and be having an interesting time.

So that's what I want Kin Melee to be. Do I expect huge damage? Not really. Fire Melee will still be the king of the DPS mountain (as it should be). Do I expect something kinda quirky, maybe a bit more challenging, but worth it when mastered? Yes.