Potential Player Question


BashfulBanshee

 

Posted

Hello all.

(Sorry for the wall o' text)

Please bear with me if these questions have been answered elsewhere. I am still learning my way around the board. Everytime I try to play the trial I can't because the screen just blinks rapidly, so I am just going to assume I like the game and get it later today. But before I do I just have a few questions. I apologize if these questions seem like trolling for the MMO I just finished playing (EQ2). Sometimes it is just easier to compare it to what you are used to. Any help is greatly appreciated.

1. If I buy the Going Rogue Complete Set, I don't have to buy the other expansions right?

2. Is this a game you can solo all the way to the level cap?

3. I am going to assume that if that is true, there certain ones that are easier to solo with than others. Is that correct?

4. How is the balance? Are there certain (I have no idea what the term is for the different "combos") that are just pointless or nerfed to heck?

5. In EQ2, (sorry) in order to get reasonably good gear, you HAD to group/raid. Is that the case here? (I'm ok with that.)

6. Are there tradeskills?

7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?

Thanks again for all the help.


 

Posted

Welcome to the city! I'll try to answer before anyone else can finish typing... doubtful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post
1. If I buy the Going Rogue Complete Set, I don't have to buy the other expansions right?

2. Is this a game you can solo all the way to the level cap?

3. I am going to assume that if that is true, there certain ones that are easier to solo with than others. Is that correct?

4. How is the balance? Are there certain (I have no idea what the term is for the different "combos") that are just pointless or nerfed to heck?

5. In EQ2, (sorry) in order to get reasonably good gear, you HAD to group/raid. Is that the case here? (I'm ok with that.)

6. Are there tradeskills?

7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?
1. Correct. You will have access to the full game with the complete edition. There are other boosters, which are little more than extra costume pieces and a few other perks.

2. You can solo the entire way to the level cap, yes.

3. Some will be better than others. It will depend on the AT (class) and the power sets chosen.

4. There are combos with some very good synergy, there are combos that don't have a lot of synergy, but you have to try really really hard to make a character that is "gimped."

5. In this game, the best drops will come from soloing.

6. No.

7. All the servers are well populated. Keep in mind much of our game is instanced, so you don't see people running around in the open world. Right now, Freedom and Virtue are the most populated. They are also experiencing server queues right now because they are so heavily populated.

EDIT: HAHAHAHA I WIN THIS TIME!


Where to now?
Check out all my guides and fiction pieces on my blog.
The MFing Warshade | The Last Rule of Tanking | The Got Dam Mastermind
Everything Dark Armor | The Softcap
don'T attempt to read tHis mEssaGe, And believe Me, it is not a codE.

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post
Hello all.

(Sorry for the wall o' text)

Please bear with me if these questions have been answered elsewhere. I am still learning my way around the board. Everytime I try to play the trial I can't because the screen just blinks rapidly, so I am just going to assume I like the game and get it later today. But before I do I just have a few questions. I apologize if these questions seem like trolling for the MMO I just finished playing (EQ2). Sometimes it is just easier to compare it to what you are used to. Any help is greatly appreciated.

1. If I buy the Going Rogue Complete Set, I don't have to buy the other expansions right?
Correct.
Quote:
2. Is this a game you can solo all the way to the level cap?
Yes, and some people do. However, you will miss out on some content that requires teams.

Quote:
3. I am going to assume that if that is true, there certain ones that are easier to solo with than others. Is that correct?
Yes, although any character, if built correctly, can solo.

Quote:
4. How is the balance? Are there certain (I have no idea what the term is for the different "combos") that are just pointless or nerfed to heck?
That is pretty subjective. Every powerset combo is viable. Some are better at some things, while others are better at others. For example, my favorite, Illusion/Radiation controllers, are known for being able to handle Arch-Villains solo with an advanced build. However, Fire/Kinetics controllers are known for their ability to handle large numbers of easy foes quickly.

Quote:
5. In EQ2, (sorry) in order to get reasonably good gear, you HAD to group/raid. Is that the case here? (I'm ok with that.)
Absolutely not. Solo players can get the best stuff, and stuff is far less important in this game than in others.

Quote:
6. Are there tradeskills?
Not really.

Quote:
7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?

Thanks again for all the help.
Right now, all the servers have large populations, with Freedom and Virtue having the most. The other servers tend to have more cohesive communities, and Freedom tends to have the most "powergamer" types who are more interested in leveling than actually enjoying the game. With GR just coming out, there are tons of players in the game. My primary server is Guardian, and I rarely have problems finding a team.

And welcome to the game. City of Heroes/Villains/GR has one of the friendliest communities around, and you started right by coming to the boards. You can usually find people here who are happy to answer any questions you have. There is also a Mentor program, where an experienced player will help you out (but with all our new players right now, they might be a bit busy).


LOCAL MAN! The most famous hero of all. There are more newspaper stories about me than anyone else. "Local Man wins Medal of Honor." "Local Man opens Animal Shelter." "Local Man Charged with..." (Um, forget about that one.)
Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post
Hello all.

(Sorry for the wall o' text)

Please bear with me if these questions have been answered elsewhere. I am still learning my way around the board. Everytime I try to play the trial I can't because the screen just blinks rapidly, so I am just going to assume I like the game and get it later today. But before I do I just have a few questions. I apologize if these questions seem like trolling for the MMO I just finished playing (EQ2). Sometimes it is just easier to compare it to what you are used to. Any help is greatly appreciated.

1. If I buy the Going Rogue Complete Set, I don't have to buy the other expansions right? - Correct

2. Is this a game you can solo all the way to the level cap? - Absolutly

3. I am going to assume that if that is true, there certain ones that are easier to solo with than others. Is that correct? - See below

4. How is the balance? Are there certain (I have no idea what the term is for the different "combos") that are just pointless or nerfed to heck? - See below

5. In EQ2, (sorry) in order to get reasonably good gear, you HAD to group/raid. Is that the case here? (I'm ok with that.) Not really, although there will be some of this with the next issue, but it's not necessary

6. Are there tradeskills? - Dunno what that means so probably not

7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST? - Pass, play on the EU servers sorry

Thanks again for all the help.
Right...for 3 and 4 Scrappers and brutes are the easiest to Solo and play and MM's are easy to solo, but most AT's will work solo fine, maybe just a little slow is all.

It's pretty hard to gimp yourself in powerset choice, they all are pretty balanced although some shine more than others obviously. Pretty much play what sounds like fun and go with it.

However... I would recommend working out why the trial is flickering first as it's the same client so if it doesn't work the game probably won't.


 

Posted

1. If I buy the Going Rogue Complete Set, I don't have to buy the other expansions right?

Right, though you still can if you items/powers that come with that pack and the month of playtime. All you need to play is Going Rogue though.

2. Is this a game you can solo all the way to the level cap?

Absolutely, there are very few missions (outside of Task Forces) that require a team.

3. I am going to assume that if that is true, there certain ones that are easier to solo with than others. Is that correct?

You CAN solo on nearly anything, but you'll have an easier time soloing on a Scrapper, Brute, Mastermind, Stalker or Tanker.

4. How is the balance? Are there certain (I have no idea what the term is for the different "combos") that are just pointless or nerfed to heck?

Balance is pretty good, and the best combination for you is likely to be what you enjoy playing the most, so experiment a little before settling down. Some power sets are excellent in team situations but horrible solo. (Forcefields is a prime example - my Ice/FF controller was great in teams but abysmal to solo, as Forcefields offers very little offense or self buffs, only team buffs)

5. In EQ2, (sorry) in order to get reasonably good gear, you HAD to group/raid. Is that the case here? (I'm ok with that.)

You don't HAVE to team to get any gear etc - reward merits are earned for doing many things, and you use them to buy the gear you're looking for. Team activities tend to reward more merits for your time spent though.

6. Are there tradeskills?

There is crafting, (inventions) but nothing you have to level up. As long as you have the recipe and salvage you can make any item you want from level 1. (and not be able to use it at level 1...)

7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?

EU player so can't comment, but Freedom and Virtue seem to be the big deal US-side. (watch out for queues) And with the recent launch of GR, pretty much everywhere's busy.


"The Hamidon is a what what of what?" - Brian the mission guy.

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post

5. In EQ2, (sorry) in order to get reasonably good gear, you HAD to group/raid. Is that the case here? (I'm ok with that.)

Just to expand on this, there is no 'gear' in the way most other MMOs have it. You place Enhancements directly into your powers to increase their efficiency. The basic form of these enhancements are able to be bought from vendors easily, and the game is easily playable with these basics.

Things get much more interesting with Invention Enhancements, though, which take some of the place of 'gear'. They are in no way a super must-have, though.

And an obligatory; you can find the answers to most questions you might have here.


However, it turned out that Smith was not a time-travelling Terminator

 

Posted

Suggest heading over to the tech forum area - those guys there are wizzes and can help you figure out the problems you are experiencing.


Call me,,, Mal

 

Posted

Wow that was quick. And not a single smart@ss remark in the bunch. Thanks for all the answers. What a nice change of pace. Are there "raids" though? Is there an "endgame"?

And I know what an AT is, but what is an MM? I take it this is not a game where people focus a lot on Min/Max'ing their characters then?


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiken View Post

And an obligatory; you can find the answers to most questions you might have here.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what I was looking for. You guys rock! Thanks!


 

Posted

AT = archtype - the character type you decide to play- tank, corrupter, scrapper, blaster, dominator, mastermind(MM) and others but because I'm at work and my memory sometimes blanks (oldtimers disease) I forget the others at this moment.

Do not confuse origin - science, mutant, natural, tech, magic with AT - one can have an AT of any of the origins. Origin is merely the type of enhancements (and the stores that sell that type) you slot in your powers.


Call me,,, Mal

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post
Wow that was quick. And not a single smart@ss remark in the bunch.
Welcome to the City. We're good people here.

Seriously, there's an unspoken friendly competition for us to answer these questions as quickly as we can around here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post
Are there "raids" though? Is there an "endgame"?
There is no real endgame, yet. It's on the way. This game is very much about the journey to the level cap and making alts to do it all over again. Don't think that the game stops at the level cap, though. I still play my main characters all the time, because you can actually "level down" to play the old content with friends.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SchandlichCOH View Post
And I know what an AT is, but what is an MM? I take it this is not a game where people focus a lot on Min/Max'ing their characters then?
Plenty of people min/max around here. I'm one of them, but only some of the time. It's not essential to being good at the game.

I have a rule for my teams which states "Any build, any budget, no exclusions." I don't care what character you bring to the table, we're going to have some fun. That's what we're all here for.


Where to now?
Check out all my guides and fiction pieces on my blog.
The MFing Warshade | The Last Rule of Tanking | The Got Dam Mastermind
Everything Dark Armor | The Softcap
don'T attempt to read tHis mEssaGe, And believe Me, it is not a codE.

 

Posted

7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?

This is the exact times that I play and if you are a PUG playstyle person like me, in that you like to randomly get invited to join teams and hate leading groups, then the only server you will ever have a chance of getting a team on during those hours is Freedom.
Every other server will be a ghost server during those times once the big rush of GR dies down and the servers return to their natural pop levels.
Even on Freedom ive many times had to log off in boredom after a half hour of no team invites since its after 9pm.
But if you are a solo player, or highly motivated team leader willing to lead small teams or your a guild player that only plays with guildmates, then any server will be good to play on. you might actually even prefer the lower pop servers.


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leese View Post
1. If I buy the Going Rogue Complete Set, I don't have to buy the other expansions right?

Right, though you still can if you items/powers that come with that pack and the month of playtime. All you need to play is Going Rogue though.
This is an important note for any player on a budget, many of the older editions can be found for $5 and under but still come with a Free month ($15 value) and some have a booster pack ($10 value) included.


 

Posted

Welcome to the City SchandlichCOH!

I think everyone answered most of your questions.

As of right now there is very little end game. So DON"T RUSH TO 50! Enjoy the stories along the way.

We get FREE issues right now we are up to Issue 18. Some are just basic changes others are Stories or even new Zones.

The BOOSTER packs are extra costumes and powers the only Pay Expansion is Going Rogue. City of Villains was put out as a companion game that works with City of Heroes.

P.S. I think we been voted the most newbie friendly Forum and game. Thought it was a bias Vote made by people playing CoH!


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison View Post
Plenty of people min/max around here. I'm one of them, but only some of the time. It's not essential to being good at the game.
I tend to min/max only the characters I know I'll keep, or will serve a purpose on teams in the long run. A character using only the generic Single Origin (SO) enhancements can still be very effective.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Dechs Kaison View Post
I have a rule for my teams which states "Any build, any budget, no exclusions." I don't care what character you bring to the table, we're going to have some fun. That's what we're all here for.
I knew there was a reason I liked you.

I agree wholeheartedly with that last statement.

Some tasks might go easier with certain team builds (such as "Master of" runs on some Task Forces), but the general case "any build, any level" goes for me as well.


To SchandlichCOH: Please join the New Player Channel hosted by the Mentor Project (/chanjoin "N P C") and feel free to ask any other questions you may have while ingame. The forums' generous players will always be here for more details and expanding concepts, but when you're in the middle of things the N P C mentors can really help you out too.


Players Guide to the Cities

 

Posted

Welcome to the City!

I'm late to the party as usual, seen here http://wiki.cohtitan.com/wiki/Global_channels is one of the best resources, I think City utilises. It's something that can let you solo without feeling alone in the game and gives you the opportunity to build teams to take on the bigger challenges.

Each server has it's own specific team building channel, at least 1. . Some more lists are here http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showt...113082&page=10 . Be on the lookout for whatever server you choose and i'm sure it'll serve you in good stead.

Again, welcome to the City, hope you enjoy your stay!


Pinnacle & Virtue:
A bunch of Heroes - Alpha Team, Legion of Order.
A bunch of Villains -Black Citadel , Pinnache.

 

Posted

I would say there are some things that could be coined as 'end game content'. There are certainly things that I really only do on my 50's.

Cavern Of Pain, Hamidon raids and Mothership Raids come to mind as raids. Also the Statesman Task Force, Lady Grey Task Force, Lord Recluse Task Force, Baracuda Task Force are all things that are usually done by 50's. And I usually only badge hunt and do flashbacks on 50s, but that can be done at any level really.



Your character does not have capped defense. Depending on your AT the cap is between 175% - 225%. Your defense is not teal in the combat window, it can go higher. STOP SAYING IT IS CAPPED! The correct term is Soft Cap.
I enjoy playing in Mids. I specialize in Melee Characters, other AT's usually bore me.

 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by RasberryRabbit View Post
7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?

This is the exact times that I play and if you are a PUG playstyle person like me, in that you like to randomly get invited to join teams and hate leading groups, then the only server you will ever have a chance of getting a team on during those hours is Freedom.
Every other server will be a ghost server during those times once the big rush of GR dies down and the servers return to their natural pop levels.
Even on Freedom ive many times had to log off in boredom after a half hour of no team invites since its after 9pm.
But if you are a solo player, or highly motivated team leader willing to lead small teams or your a guild player that only plays with guildmates, then any server will be good to play on. you might actually even prefer the lower pop servers.
I dont know about that. I play on Justice and things really seem to be picking up at 7-8 PST when I'm logging off, 9-10CST.

You should stop by some of the server forums and introduce yourself then you can find out the best global channels on that server where much of the team forming takes place.

Welcome to the asylum.


awakened death 50 necro/dark mm, Necrospider 50 Crabspider, Death's Hunter 50 claw/regen stalker, Inhuman-Rampage 50 DM/WP brute, Xander the Protector 50 Kat/sr scrapper, Phantom Force 50 Ill/Rad Controller, Friendly Persuader 50 Inv/Wm tank
Global: @Cinder Spawn

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiken View Post
Just to expand on this, there is no 'gear' in the way most other MMOs have it. You place Enhancements directly into your powers to increase their efficiency. The basic form of these enhancements are able to be bought from vendors easily, and the game is easily playable with these basics.
An additional note, since some games do things differently: Once you get an Enhancement or any other drop or reward, there is no way to lose it unless you deliberately get rid of it. You do not lose them when dead or defeated; there is no corpse-robbing. What's yours is yours.


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by RasberryRabbit View Post
This is the exact times that I play and if you are a PUG playstyle person like me, in that you like to randomly get invited to join teams and hate leading groups, then the only server you will ever have a chance of getting a team on during those hours is Freedom.
Every other server will be a ghost server during those times once the big rush of GR dies down and the servers return to their natural pop levels.
Even on Freedom ive many times had to log off in boredom after a half hour of no team invites since its after 9pm.
This is complete and utter BS. Sure, if all you can do is stand around a zone shouting 'LFT' in broadcast, you'll probably get pretty poor results on most servers. If, however, you put forth a bit of effort, there's plenty of activity on all servers. I can only speak for my own server, Protector, but we have an extremely active & open community and there is no shortage of activity.

Plus, with GR, we have the new color coding added to the team search interface, makes it even easier to locate teams for players.

Finally, the single best thing any player can do to increase their teaming opportunities on any server is to join their server's global chat channels. These can easily be found by visiting the server specific sections here on the forum.


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by RasberryRabbit View Post
7. Are there servers well populated? Any recommendations for a server if I tend to play between 9PM and 12AM PST?

This is the exact times that I play and if you are a PUG playstyle person like me, in that you like to randomly get invited to join teams and hate leading groups, then the only server you will ever have a chance of getting a team on during those hours is Freedom.
Every other server will be a ghost server during those times once the big rush of GR dies down and the servers return to their natural pop levels.
Even on Freedom ive many times had to log off in boredom after a half hour of no team invites since its after 9pm.
But if you are a solo player, or highly motivated team leader willing to lead small teams or your a guild player that only plays with guildmates, then any server will be good to play on. you might actually even prefer the lower pop servers.
In addition to the others disagreeing with this statement, I want to add that Virtue is almost as busy as Freedom . . . it has a lot of Role-players, so the population has fewer power-gamer or immature types.

Not at all to say that everyone on Freedom is bad, as most of the players are great folks there . . . I have a few characters there myself. But Freedom seems to have a higher concentration of jerks, power-levelers and beggers.

The best thing to do is use a server's global channel to find teams, and then try to get to know a group of good players. Build your Global Friends list with active players. Then you can find a team of good folks who become friends.


LOCAL MAN! The most famous hero of all. There are more newspaper stories about me than anyone else. "Local Man wins Medal of Honor." "Local Man opens Animal Shelter." "Local Man Charged with..." (Um, forget about that one.)
Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Panzerwaffen View Post
This is complete and utter BS. Sure, if all you can do is stand around a zone shouting 'LFT' in broadcast, you'll probably get pretty poor results on most servers. If, however, you put forth a bit of effort, there's plenty of activity on all servers. I can only speak for my own server, Protector, but we have an extremely active & open community and there is no shortage of activity.

Plus, with GR, we have the new color coding added to the team search interface, makes it even easier to locate teams for players.

Finally, the single best thing any player can do to increase their teaming opportunities on any server is to join their server's global chat channels. These can easily be found by visiting the server specific sections here on the forum.
I think that's ... overstated. It is certainly not obvious how to find teams in this game, judging from the number of people that post about their difficulties. And even near the peak of this game, in say 2005, there were times that I couldn't find a team for dogdoo.

But, yes, there ARE ways to get teams in this game and they do work. You may just have to do it differently.

One handy thing to consider: If you do get on a team and you find some useful/helpful players, try using /friend or /gfriend so you can keep track of them. /Friend lets your CHARACTER keep track of their CHARACTER, while /gfriend lets your entire account keep track of their entire account. /Gfriend goes both ways, and is more of a big deal, and there are limits on the number of people you can have on your global friend list. So some people are cautious about who they accept global friend requests from.

Once you've been on six pickup groups that suck, but had a total of four people you global friended, chances are good that you can find people to team with more than half the time after that. As your network of friends increases, you have less and less of a problem finding teams.


Mini-guides: Force Field Defenders, Blasters, Market Self-Defense, Frankenslotting.

So you think you're a hero, huh.
@Boltcutter in game.

 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Panzerwaffen View Post
This is complete and utter BS. Sure, if all you can do is stand around a zone shouting 'LFT' in broadcast, you'll probably get pretty poor results on most servers. If, however, you put forth a bit of effort, there's plenty of activity on all servers. .....

Remember everyone, he asked about playing between 9PM and 12AM. Thats 9 pm at night and midnight PST time. Which is midnight to 3am EST time.
I didnt say that the lower pop servers have nothing going on at all times, im sure they have busy times, but if your going to be playing late at night, the server thats going to require the least amount of effort and a much higher chance of getting a random group invite is Freedom because most people are in bed at night.
to get a group during those times on a low pop server you will have be a social network master like everyone else has suggested. For me, i just log on and take whatever invite comes my way or answer any broadcast team advertisement and have fun with whatever team i find and Freedom is the best server to do that.


 

Posted

Filling in a couple of little details...

First up, 'what is an MM?' That's a Mastermind, the most pet-focussed AT. They're easy and fun to play, both solo and in teams. Scrappers are the simplest AT, and so good to learn the basics with, but MMs are an excellent choice once you've got the hang of the mechanics.

Second, as far as I recall, the -only- 'gear' that CAN'T be achieved solo (excluding purely decorative rewards) are the Hamidon and Synthetic Hamidon enhancements. They're earned through high-level raids and team missions, respectively, and are more powerful than regular enhancements, but lack some of the benefits of Inventions. So, they're totally optional.

(Come to think of it, they're not the ONLY only gear of their type - there are lower-level equivalents from some of the older raids... but they're kind of relics from the game's early days now, and not really relevant.)