KauaiJim

Thanks @Luminara, but I was more just poking fun at this; https://xconomy.com/national/2011/05/09/why-are-drugs-getting-such-weird-brand-names/

Good point. I think for me subconsciously I'm associating the 'ine' with words like Visine or Gasoline. But quite honestly most folks partaking in these things call it by some slang name anyway. "Hey man, I'm tryin' to score some 'grasshopper'. Know where I can get some?"

Doesn't it seem like lately they have run out of good names and are just kind of making words up? "So call your doctor today and ask 'Is Phraravnozyl right for me?' - may cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, psychosis, loss of genitalia, excruciating painful death, invisible companions, and destruction of your soul. Brought to you by the makers of Quaxnoltrix". Guess those are better than trying to say Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ten times fast... 😁 Oh, and doesn't it seem like approximately 2~3 years later the big sales push is followed by a wave of "Did you take the prescription drug Phraravanozyl and are now soul less? Call the offices of Weasel, Shaft & McSpin today. You may be entitled to receive a small portion of a class action settlement (after we take a large portion of it)! Hurry, we're spending your money quickly so call today!"

I have so much fun playing Furrocity (Savage Melee) that I really pay almost no attention to the Blood Frenzy mechanic (like @Heraclea said). That doesn't mean everyone should play that way or that the extra from utilizing Blood Frenzy is worthless. But I am saying that I like the feel and damage of the set even without using it. Could it be improved, sure, especially the Blood Frenzy mechanic. But it's actually pretty decent now IMO. What the OP is hoping for is valid though. I've never really matched this toon up against anything brutal yet and still levelling it so that mechanic could actually become much more important in certain content situations for all I know especially at higher levels. One thing I really wish would get 'fixed' or cleared up is the confusion between Mid's and in-game as to the builders vs the consumers (looking at you 'Shred'). As for Rage in Super Strength, I don't actually find myself using Rage much. Probably because the toons (SS/INV Brute and INV/SS Tanker) are already silly powerful. I concur that the 'crash' makes it unappealing to use - I just don't find myself actually needing it as part of my regular fighting - it's more of an emergency button type ability for me (on toons that almost do not need any emergency buttons, lol). Again, Rage crash is a valid concern, I just work around it. Titan Weapons I haven't played much lately so I'm not sure how the changes there feel or impacted me. This set was pretty good before - I hope it's not been completely hobbled and simply adjusted a bit. Also - Welcome Back! 🙂

Sue - purr - uh - deen. I think @MTeague nailed it though (in the first post). 👍

Where's the chainsaw and the wood chipper? Also: 😁

Well just for giggles before I call it a night, I thought "what if I ask the OP question literally" well okay then... NO. It should be balanced around EVERYTHING. Not one or two things while ignoring everything else. Did I solve the thread? Where's my t-shirt? roflmfbo g'nite my friends - see you all tomorrow. Love you all 🙃

Holy bleep - never mind. This show is awesome. Just curious if any of you are fascinated with the heroes among humans concept. I am. Okay wow - what a show, I find it nutso that something so well done can be overlooked.

For what it's worth I think this is a very cool feature/aspect of the game. I just wish it was accurate so it could be a beneficial tool for people instead of a random number we all wonder how accurate it is... For that matter HC devs - make the J and K count for something again. This is a great idea that could be expanded upon. Just my thoughts...👍

"Where the hell are my car keys?" Oh wait, does this have to be CoH related? 🙃

So this is a weird subject (I think). Over the last few month/years I have seen some really good 'super hero' themed stuff that actually includes the 'dark side' of humanity pretty well. I just tonight discovered a series on Netflix called 'Jupiter's Legacy'. This is on the tail of me watching season 1 & 2 of "The Boys" and the movie 'Brightburn" = all of which made me feel a bit 'sick' inside but also made me realize the crazy 'truth' of anyone actually trying to be a 'super hero' - it's not all rainbows and unicorns. For some reason I really connect all of this with City of Heroes, because in some odd way it seems to really try to portray both the good and bad sides as flawed - which is true. Anyhow, while I watch 'Jupiter's Legacy' I was wondering if any of this stuff has had any impact on anyone else? I find it very interesting to take the 'Heroes' tv show theme and make it believably real. Have any of you watched any of these same shows (or others) recently and felt a whole new 'connection' to the humanity of being a super hero? I'm logging off right now to finish watching the first episode of Jupiter's Legacy' before calling it a night. Curious to see if tomorrow morning any of you were 'impacted' by these latest super hero tv dramas. G'nite all! 😘

I don't see that. But I can understand the concern for it. Also, using the "this game is going to die" if things aren't made the way that I think they should be thing has been going on for since forever. And while it turns out to be true sometimes, most often it does not. The problem is, this kind of talk/think is always very subjective to perception bias. Which is exactly what is happening with this particular topic. This is Homecoming folks. I came here with no expectations. I still have none. If you guys would rather take your free car apart and rebuild it then okay. Doesn't mean it wasn't perfectly drivable to begin with. Just means you guys have demands and expectations and fears about the community drying up, and game balance etc. etc. and because you are WANTING these particular things you feel they are necessary for the health of life of the game. In other words, we all have a bad habit of putting our thumb on the scale to back up how we feel, which makes sense as far as behavior goes but doesn't make it automatically a truth or reality. I get where you are coming from though. I just simply disagree that there is some kind of urgency here or CoH is gonna DIE! I mean, it almost seems like people are reluctant to acknowledge the uniqueness of this situation and the obvious unknowns that come with it. Are you really trying to tell me CoH is going to die? Seriously. Do you not see how this argument barely has legs at this point? This behemoth just rose from the frikken dead and has one of the strongest dedicated followings in mmo history! It's hard for me to see what you are predicting as coming true. That's all. Will the population here ebb and flow as it always does and has... Yep. Will it DIE? I doubt it. This is also a great point: "A SOs build in the hands of me, or Billz would simply perform better then a high end IO set build in the hands of someone who has never played City of Heroes before. How do you balance around that?" I'm not saying it can't be done, but dang if you all aren't pretending what some of you are proposing here won't have a potentially MASSIVE negative impact on a lot of folks. But since we're all super knowledgeable lifelong mmorpg subject matter experts and grandmaster players (a.k.a. veterans. saying this seriously) we tend to overlook the HUGE number of folks you know, just playing a game with whatever skills and knowledge and time they have. And a lot of these folks don't have the time or skill to jump the hurdles some feel HAVE TO BE IN PLACE for people to have fun. If you don't like being on the same server where easy mode is allowed why not just say that? I really do understand that point of view. I just disagree. REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT (lol): You guys have a valid point about trivialization. Your approach to it sorta stinks though. (imo) And this is coming from a guy that has been in top end raiding guilds, created and run medium sized guilds, put together and run teams in difficult content, tanked, dps'ed and even healed. I've mentioned this before but I spent 2 1/2 months camping Stormfeather and getting into group fights with others for the craaazy rare/random spawn to get the 'Eyepatch of Plunder' in EQ. I've lost levels dying. I've done corpse runs and had to 'hire' people to help me get my body back. And I've done the insane grind thing and the log in to find my build no longer valid to only to have to redo it, again. lol Probably the only thing I haven't done is the 'permadeath' idea because that's too far for me. I did the 'Unconquered' challenge in AOC a couple years back (without cheating). It was hard, I died a few times and had to start completely over, and it took a long time and a lot of nail biting to do. Was fun but NOT something I crave all of the time or else. In fact I'm pretty burned out on that stuff at this point. Do I sound like someone who doesn't appreciate your point of view? I hope not. I'm just not finding that exhilaration/risk/reward/'look what I can do' stuff as FUN anymore. I'm not wanting Hello Kitty either. But this issue keeps getting presented as binary - a full across the board redesign / rebalance OR ELSE! That I am struggling with. But I accept. I cannot change how you feel nor will I try to. But please by all means be HONEST with the community that this kind of thing gets darn tricky and never pleases everyone. I'm sure it will please those of us with the loudest voices but what about everyone else? Is the population fluctuating (like it always does everywhere) going to become the predictive argument for radical change or nothing here? Lastly - I mean to upset or stress no one by trying to make my points here. I can take a break from this thread if you all feel I'm just being irritating (which I am trying not to be). 🤪

Me too. I think we have a different opinion of 'healthy' though. Which is okay. More crazy talk from KauaiJim - Is this not a 'healthy' community? Not making a joke here. I really feel like this community is one of the 'healthiest' I've been part of. The implications of a statement like this however lead me to feel like I'm the odd one out here who is completely disconnected from reality. It's like one of those threads where folks bring up how awful something is and I pause and think "Wait, I'm enjoying that. Am I not supposed to?". Honestly all, if I am the odd one out I'm okay with that. I'm just not on the same page with some of you on this one. Sorry. Look it's me not you (lol).

Again I appreciate your honesty. This is a very different mind set from what I have. I'm starting to finally get the message of what some of you are really wanting here. Which is okay but something I do not agree with here on HC. Like all of us I am along for the ride. Guess we'll see where this goes. So has the idea of maybe making content that challenges folks with soft capped defense even been considered or am I now spouting crazy talk? Just a thought.

I feel the same way. To add to it - The "Hello Kitty Online" version of CoH is certainly available here on HC if you want it. I consider it a plus and gives those folks something to enjoy also. I can certainly understand why this irritates some folks, but I don't agree that it needs to be eradicated. It is an option. Not a forced way to play. No one is grabbing anyone's hand and making them move their mouse and forcing them to walk up the the P2W vendor and play "Hello Kitty". That is absolutely voluntary. If the real concern or complaint is that this game (even prior to live shut down) had made so many things available to players as to trivialize content AND offer nothing that challenges them I could not agree more. Pointing at IO's makes sense because they contribute to that 'problem'. Feeling like an ED or NGE level game rebalance is in order though I just can't get on board. I know that IS NOT what some of you are saying, but I'm getting the feeling that is what some of you are wanting. And that is okay too - I just want clarification. I am 1000% for addressing this issue PRIMARILY via a method that gives EVRYONE a chance to enjoy the game. Seems reasonable to me but what do I know. That also doesn't mean everything else IMO should be locked down in a static state like it is now. By all means make adjustments (as they have been). It simply means I would like to hear less number and fact dropping to support that there is an issue or concern and more what does this community really want and expect to be done about it and do I belong here once those changes are implemented. But just like everyone else, there is no rule that says you guys have to do things KauaiJim's way or even provide me with an answer. I am simply asking.

Thanks for pointing that out too. I'm not trying to single anyone out and no - I'm not referring to any specific person. You are all good. I'm really sorry if you guys feel like I'm being down on anyone or what they want or their playstyle. I'm really just trying to get some specifics here because from my perspective a thread like this can result equally in good things and bad things when folks aren't right up front with what is REALLY driving their desires and requests. It's not meant to be a negative label at all for folks who have any opinion that differs from how I currently feel in this current situation (specifically Homecoming). This whole thing is a GIFT to me. I will enjoy what I receive and not complain when it stops. But I would like to be able to get a better pulse on what is going to happen as a result of this very valid request/concern. I'm simply suggesting some other way than widening the river and then removing all boats for all of us "in the name of challenge and established mmo stuff". Maybe MY perception is off. I just don't get that read here at HC. But I would like to know before I continue to invest in my current characters whether I am wasting my time here or I should take my projects and playstyle elsewhere (which I'm okay with if it makes others happy). For what it's worth I keep repeating I have other options. I feel for those who don't however so I try to speak up and get clarity. My apologies for any offense to anyone. Edited to add: What's really funny here is I completely agree with most of what you are all saying. I'm not sure though that I agree with retro-fitting exclusivity back into the older content here instead making some NEW way to give folks IO/incarnate challenge and even some exclusivity as a reward. By saying the 'calculator' comment, I wasn't knocking it at all. I was pointing out that even though I used to feel exactly the same way in other mmo's, I simply don't feel that way here and I'm sure there are folks who pop into these (and other) game forums and think WTH? I didn't know it was so complicated to have fun! I think a lot of us seasoned mmo players start deep diving into the nuts and bolts and that is great. But some folks really do "Just wanna have fun". My efforts to bring some stability and direction to a tricky issue in order to prevent me having to move on make as much sense as anyone else's to do the same. Hopefully people can take what I say kindly and lovingly because that's what is actually behind it. Posting on the internet is inherently full of miscommunication land mines and I do my best. 😃 Since I love analogies so much allow me to punish all of you with yet another one... This ice cream shop serves vanilla but no chocolate. Lots of of folks come here to buy and enjoy the vanilla. Lots of folks remember chocolate and miss it and want it here. What I'm having disagreement with (and it is simply that I disagree - nothing more) is the idea the that ice cream shop should switch to chocolate and get rid of vanilla, instead of ADDING chocolate to the menu. I don't think I can simplify my point or concern any more than that. And at the same time I don't think I can convey any more strongly that I do not feel like I am right and others are wrong. I'm just honestly hoping to understand better WHAT THIS THREAD MEANS for the future of Homecoming. Because I do think this is very relevant.

It's all good guys. After I posted that I thought, I bet someone's going to think I'm down on that, which I am not at ALL. In fact I very much both appreciate and benefit from those of you who do that. No insult intended. I was trying to present a very very very pared down point. I really do come here to HC to NOT go through what is 'usual' in other mmo's. Anyhow it's all splitting hairs. I'm just hoping you guys will come clean with what you really want because I see a LOT of dancing around it for some folks. Some folks want to play the game for the reward/challenge/exclusivity/bragging rights. I am not against that. I AM against you insisting on widening the river AND getting rid of all boats. But you have every right to want that and I respect that. I'm just not seeing a lots of honestly here about what some folks seem to actually want. I have had those very same feelings myself in other mmo's at other times over the last 20+ years, and I have played a ton of them like a fiend who can get enough. Now I'm relaxing and THAT in fact is key to my personal enjoyment here on HC. I wish you all could come up with some way to get what you want without torching this place for me or others. That's all. And for what it's worth I have options and have no skin in this game really other than saying I like it how it is now can you find a way to be happy without trampling my fun? If not, not problem. I have other options and no hate. I really just meant that comment as a way to show the dichotomy of this situation here.👍 That said - keep posting your feelings all and you ideas. There is nothing wrong with having your feelings or communicating them. I just like situations that are clarified and not so vague as to leave me wondering if I should invest more time here on my projects or change my game plan. That is all. No harm no foul. 😃 Edited to add - And I have a tremendous amount of respect for Arcana. What she came up with was amazing. And that goes for a lot of you here too. So many of you are very knowledgeable and talented and helpful. I am absolutely NOT disrespecting any of that or any of you and don't mean to be taken that way.

Thank you! While I disagree with where you land on this I really appreciate you being willing to be honest about it. Most folks aren't. I'll sum up my 'take' on HC vs mmo meta's and homogenization, etc. If you want to use a calculator to play CoH that's fine. I don't. I just want to have fun. And no, I'm not a girl! 😁 Edited to add: And I think all of us should be honest about what we each want without bashing so I hope this encourages others to start clarifying what thier goal or desire is regarding this topic. It affects everyone so everyone should have a voice in something like this and hopefully a community as strong as this can do it better than it was done in "other mmo's". 👍

Correct. So is the community goal to add new challenging content that is very much something a lot of folks would love? Or is it to repeat history here? <- I for one was kind of hoping HC was a unique enough situation that folks wouldn't want to go the same old tired route here. There are SO many things common to mmo's that people just assume, well "because that's the way it SHOULD BE darnit!". And that's fine too. I just can't tell what you guys are going for here. Are we trying to recreate 'the general nature of MMO's" here? Guess I should get ready for a roller coaster...112 respecs! wee!!! (being overly dramatic with the 'roller coaster' comment on purpose here to be funny 😉) I can deal with it but I do want to speak up for a BOAT LOAD of others who feel like this might ruin the game for them (if indeed the goal is to tighten everything down across the board for everyone).

GB I think you made good points, but I also think AA is spot on. I have seen it play out that way almost every time it is attempted. It doesn't mean peoples desires should not be addressed. But it does raise what I think is really the base question that seems unanswered in this thread... Is the desired goal to make content that is more challenging for YOU? (live and let live) Is the desired goal to make content that is more challenging for EVERYONE because no cheaters/easy mode? (live and let die) I for one will say this. Whatever across the board 'rebalance' you guys are talking about - I for one WILL adjust accordingly. It happens every time this happens. I've seen this cycle happen in so many mmo's so many times it's almost comical to me (alas - history repeats itself). Any attempt to nerf usually results in me and other players just finding the next best thing, which hilariously sometimes is even better. SO - I hope others can see why I think this is a "Can-o-worms" topic and I think the community should at least understand the whole picture and want to maybe establish what exactly the goal is to know whether or not it will work or whether or not it will just end up being yet another cycles of constant rebalances that drives away players. And not necessarily because they 'MUST BE UBER' but rather they just get sick of having to rebuild their house every 6 months because folks keep burning it down. Not trying to stir anything up with this post - Just hoping maybe some of you could clarify what your personal goal or wish actually is... Edited to add: And as always I agree with all of your concerns. There IS a need at least for some content designed around I/O's and incarnates. As far as P2W... I think trying to rebalance the game around that would be risky if not a bit crazy... just my opinion. Oh, and not that it would happen here, but there is a common general behavior in mmo's of once folks get to the other side where the grass is greener they want the river widened so they can feel like they accomplished something special. Then once they get the river widened they themselves continue the same 'hunt for the next min/max' behavior as the rest of us. I think they call this Hypocri something or other... lol

This made my day! I haven't seen this since I was a kid! And I LOVED it then! I used to quote it all the time waaaay back... lol Watched it again just now and was laughing like a little kid again. Some things are just good for the heart. Thanks! "Ho! Aha! Guard! Turn! Dodge! Spin! Parry! Ah! Thrust!" lol Who would have thought that cartoon would be such a perfect example of mmo attack chains? 🤣

Yeah I think that makes sense as a possible cause. Seems to me I took him to an AE farm just to see how he would do (decent actually). Anyhow after a few groups I stopped and exited the mission and forgot to quit or finish it. That could potentially explain it. I just knew those hours were a mile off. Thanks all. 👍

Okay - Another wild idea (this is a carry over from my troubleshooter/QA days. my mind subconsciously works on these things, lol)... Could the 'Primary' Account be getting total hours from ALL toons on the account? Or something like that? THOSE hours would make sense to me. Just not for the one toon... Thoughts? Edited to add: Got talked into going horseback riding with my niece and her boyfriend (visiting from back east) so will run a couple quick 'tests' for my theory later tonight.

Okay I think maybe what @Greycat said is true. Some of my toons have hours that sound about right but my actual main recreated from live and power levelled a good amount but his hours show as 8420. That would be 350+ total 24 hour days. That can't be right can it? So then I thought, what if SOMEHOW that number was inflated because somehow some way something carried over from live in some table that no one thinks about and I used the exact same AT, name, etc? Then I realized that is VERY unlikely and while I not having dove into the server tables much yet I'd be willing to bet that primary keys are unlikely tied directly to the name in any way that could have been carried over. So I checked my villain main that I recreated from live under the same circumstances and his hours are sitting at 28, which makes perfect sense because I fully p/l'd him to 50 then slotted him up and parked him. So, am I doing this right? In Atlas Park I find any NPC who's name begins with 'M' and click and they respond with "You have spent a total of x hours on patrol" Note the word patrol instead of prowl - which seems like it would just be different wording for each alignment (patrol vs prowl). So I think maybe there is something wonky at work here. Doesn't seem like a carry over from live though (thank goodness). Have I gone full retard here or is something amiss?

Wait. I thought that was a picture of YOU Snarky you handsome devil you! 😉 (I've been trying to figure out who that was for weeks now, and Google image search would be cheating)