New Powers for Old Powersets

Recently an idea has been rattling around in my head, its an idea I like enough to actually put something up here about, normally I either can not be bothered or think it best just to go with the way things are. Now before I get into anything yes, there's plenty of cool new things that could be done or bugs to squash or whatever but this is just about my idea and hopefully what others would like to suggest in a similar line.

Anyways... onwards!

When CoH began the powers were all pretty straight forward, target enemy get an effect. They all basically fell into two categories, melee or ranged. Over time though as new powersets have appeared more functions that highlight themes for sets have been added to the game, Dual blades got the combo system, Guns the different ammo's, Demon Summoning the whip etc etc. Somethings are just a flashy animation others an actual mechanic and even though we now have the ability to colour powers or choose alternate attack stances some powers are starting to show their age compared to the "new coolness".

In the last few issues we've seen the addition of a fifth power to some of the ancillary pools like Afterburner for Fly and similar additional to the Villain Power Pools. All very cool ideas (though i don't think Afterburner goes fast enough really)

What if as a way to bring some excitement back into the older primary and secondary power pools something similar occurred. How about adding a 10th power to the pools, add it in to the level curve in the mid to late 20's or so to either add a new feature with a cool gimmick/appearance/cliche effect.

I think there are several benefits to this idea, first you save a lot of time, rather than make an entire new set of powers you could go back an add in individual abilities. With the cross pollination of primary and secondary sets your also seeing a lot of powers appear in several places at once.

Use of time is a really big thing for development in terms of asset expenditure and one of the most commonly cited reason I see on the forums for why things cant be done or need to be put off. I figure just like power proliferation something like this could be released in a few waves over a couple of issues with a nice spread across the Archetypes.

Second your also adding a bit more variety into the sets, not everyone will have the exact same powers, especially if no more "slots" are opened for a character to select (i.e. you can still only choose 9 powers from a set even if there is 10 possibilities)'.

Thirdly I think the addition of some new powers could really help to round out many of the sets. Sure secondary abilities often have a alternative attack method or they do with the Epic Pools but there have been many times I've been fighting the Hamidon in LGTF or doing a new trial where I have though, gee wouldn't another ranged attack be good for my Scrapper or the opposite for a blaster. I don't think the "ÿou should group to cover that lack" excuse is particularly applicable to this game, people group or don't well enough as is, it just might be nice to broaden some horizons.

Finally adding on something like this might help to distinguish some of the older sets that use the same animations Broadsword/Axe/Mace comes to mind if this power is made as unique as possible.

Here are some suggestions for what I'm getting at, its only a tiny fraction of possible additions to the existing sets and I'm sure others can suggest many more that are far more awesome, but here goes...

War Mace - Throw Mace: A short range power where the character throws there Mace at a target and it quickly boomerangs back. Doesn't have to do much damage but how about it causes knockdown.

Energy Blast - Overload: Works just like Nova, uses all your remaining endurance in exchange for a single target damage conversion that leaves you exhausted for a bit.

Assault Rifle - HEAP Clip: the next three attacks made using Burst, Slug or Sniper Rifle fire a bullet that penetrates armour lowering the targets defense against that round.

Darkness Manipulation - Swallowed by Shadows: Shadows burst up from the ground and the target vanishes by some kind of intangible effect moving them into the ground for a short duration before spitting them out again..

I'm sure that there are many reasons not to do this sort of thing but I think it would breath new life into many of the older powersets which can only be a good thing.

So what do people think and what if any ideas for powers would you add?

- Raith

Throw Mace just sounds a bit daft to me.

Overload sounds interesting. Not sure how well received the end drain would be, given people have been asking that Nukes have their age old end drain removed, a la Judgement.

HEAP Clip I like. Adding more versatility to AR would be a good thing.

Swallowed...eh, folks don't seem too fond of intangible, but Iunno. Could be useful.


Not sure how feasible it is from a UI/programming point of view. Would need a redname comment on that, but the principle is a nice one. More choice is good, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zwillinger GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Photon NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.

Throwing Weapon may be better suited for the Axe then a mace. Could have a heavy stun for mace instead, like thrusting it foreward as if for their gut.

I personally like this idea. Doon't like the fact I can't take all nine powers anymore, but I'll play hurt. The only issue is besides animations and what not is comming up with a new power for every single set and making it. We have a lot of sets and the ideas may seem simple for melee and range attacks. But what of shields, controls, and probally the hardest of all, things for the Masterminds. I still like it though...