BurtHutt

I also pitched this as well. Adding items from other servers if they have a friendly relationship. I don't know if these other additions to other servers are any good as I don't play elsewhere really. It might be worthwhile to maybe grab a few items from the Ouros project. I believe a fellow posted an AT on there sometime back? Anyway, the HC team is doing a great job but it might be time to think outside the box. I try and make suggestions that are easier to implement but none of them seem to be of interest to the HC team. I'm hoping the AE one gets added very soon. It could be a game changer.

I think we're all aware of this. I don't know if you read that thread link that was attached but it is where I pushed my AE idea. The one where Devs make new AE contacts that they control and add the well written, well done, fun arcs to those AE contacts (maybe a monthly contest etc). Then they would also add that content to canon assuming it meets all of the criteria. There is no sifting through farms, poor missions etc - it would be radio/paper/tip type additions but done by players and only added to the game if approved of by the HC team. Then the Devs can 'drag and drop' these arcs into the new AE contacts (that would appear away from AE buildings and not look anything like the AE building etc) and clean them up so they look like regular missions. All of the heavy lifting is done by the players and there would be a lot of missions to play. Sure, nothing wild and crazy but there are some very talented players out there and we could get good content added at a frequent rate.

Not sure I agree with this. Graphics are old but a LOT of people don't mind if the game play is enjoyable. Sure, it's an issue for some but it's not a deal breaker. I enjoy Valheim and it has poor graphics (it also sold approx. 6 million copies when it first came out). Billboard ads were fine. It was a revenue stream. Not a big deal. I was puzzled why it bothered people so much. I always thought it was a tad ignorant/moronic when players got so...butthurt... about the ads. I think this game needs bold and original additions. It's a gamble cuz who knows what works and what doesn't....players are finicky. All I know is that the direction needs to change a bit and it seems players may have some fatigue from seeing the same old added (even if its just in appearance).

Good topic. I will say I rarely play much these days. The materials being added are very much like what we had back when...same old, same old. The Aeon SF had some cool mechanics and play but it's just too much - you're bombarded with text, you don't know what you're doing (unless you go and read up on it) and you're kinda puzzled the whole time. Sure, after reading up on it and running it a few times, you get the idea....but I still don't really enjoy it. It's just too much and too long. The other new additions (missions/arcs) are also too much like what we have. Sure, the Freak arc has some new mechanics but it looks just like what has been around for ages. For me, there is significant fatigue. I kept hoping HC Devs would get creative and original but they really haven't which is too bad. To each their own. How do we add/retain? Well, my comments may help with some of that. I've submitted a pile of ideas and have DMed some of the HC team. None of my ideas have been used and that's fine. But, maybe Devs could look at the forums and get some guidance from there. My day job involves dealing in human behaviour. I will say the HC Devs removed a lot of the 'grind' from the game...maybe too much. The grind is part of what keeps players involved. It's that piece where they have to do certain tasks, sometimes not so great ones, in order to get their desired objective (costume unlocks, going to other zones to get access to Pocket D, giving away 2XP for nothing, easy incarnate XP and so on). I agree with removing a lot of the grindey things like old costume piece unlocks but they should make 2XP limited (2XP weekends two weekends a month maybe? Or 1 week a month only?), stop making so many shortcuts (Pocket D entrance in Atlas is an example. Reduce the amount of incarnate XP one earns if they do not do the old Trapdoor unlock (maybe 1/4 the rate). However, I do feel the player made SG base/transport hubs are important as they help remedy the issues of the older parts of the game where we run around for almost no reason - ex.: Citadel TF). If you hand almost everything on a platter, you remove the need to play as much. Things are easier. I think the HC team is doing great. They are just as professional as when the game was Live. However, I think they miss the mark when it comes to adding content. Personally, I think adding my AE idea (where players add content that is made canon etc) would be a good add. Self-serving? Sure. Would it create a lot of unique content that is sorely needed? Probably. So, if the goal is to add players and retain them, here are some reasons why they're not here. It's great to see the passionate players come on here and offer solutions. I've added mine 🙂

I do feel a lot of players are taking a break from the game. It has become stagnant and the new stuff doesn't feel too new to me. It's just a continuation of what we had on Live. This has killed a lot of the joy and momentum for me in the game. I feel people might be getting out more now that there is some solid Covid protection. I know I am. It has also impacted my gaming time. The players here provide a lot of good info and suggestions but it all can't be implemented. I would ask the Devs to maybe put down some polls etc. An easy opinion poll for some quick feedback. I know the HC team has done a ton of work and I thank them for it - I just have not really enjoyed the new content. The powers have been cool but the actually missions and SF ... not so much. It's way too much like Live. Again, not a bad thing but the player fatigue came rushing in. I think players will come back but who knows for sure. I really do appreciate the HC team. They're doing a great job and run things on par with the Live crew IMO. I just don't know about the direction of the game and content being added...

Yes, I get that. I was making a sneaky comment referring to some AE ideas I posted back when - I was going to link them but can't find that thread... Essentially, I had suggested making a bunch of new contacts all over the game that were new. These new contacts would be your contact to player created AE missions only. What's the diff between this and AE now? Well, glad you asked! 1) These new missions would be added by Devs only (it could be a monthly contest - players submit fully fleshed out arcs/missions etc) 2) These missions would be at the same level as radio, paper and tip missions 3) They'd be canon and appear as regular game missions with the regular rewards (players would have to supply the full info on new characters etc which could be easily added to HC Wiki) 4) The contact info etc would not have any AE numbers or anything visually connecting it to AE. AE is a very powerful tool in this game. My suggestion would allow players to create a lot of content, have it approved by Dev team and then drop it into the new contacts. This would save the Devs from having to port over the AE mission to a regular contact etc. A lot less work for the Devs and most of the work vetting and approving missions could be done by Devs who have minimal coding skills etc (or none). Having missions made official and not in the massive pile of current AE missions would make it far more appealing to play these missions. We know there are a lot of radio teams running around doing the same missions. Or tip missions or paper. Those hit it and quit it type missions - quick and easy. Many liked this idea back when and it would add a lot of unique content (original ideas should be a priority with new factions etc). There is no way a small, volunteer Dev team could keep up to demand and this way the players get to add what they really want to see as well. I know this had traction from some Devs back when and It's too bad this hasn't been implemented. Maybe one day 🙂 Finally, I really do appreciate the HC team. I barely play now but I am sure I'll be back on a more regular basis! EDIT: Found the old threat (2020)! It's where I posted a lot of my ideas back when.

Did you all forget to mention the 'using AE to have players create missions then add them to game' addition? Isn't that happening? No? 😞

Oh I know. I saw that. A step in the right direction but it still feels kinda like same old, same old. It's too bad they never decided get creative and new. I barely play these days and it's been a while since I dropped in here. Maybe one day 🙂

Devs, well done with this one. It's easy and unique. I know it's just the skinning/look of the characters but that to me is like a coat of fresh paint on a tired old wall etc. In this case, CoX. When you guys add content that features the same old tired characters, lore and arcs....it really turns me off. The Family arc you guys added a while ago, the arc featuring the Freaks, Aeon SF....those all would've been so much better if you made them unique and original. I guess this makes sense since I've always liked creating toons and the costume creator is awesome. Anyway, thanks for adding this.

Sooooooooooo maybe don't do it if you hate it so much? I know many who enjoy it and they seem to run a lot. I don't care for them myself but have done about 3 since I found Homecoming at the end of 2019 or so. I think you have some legit complaints but I am sure it would take a lot of effort to re-work it. The Dev team is limited so I'd prefer new stuff over re-hashing most of the old. Sure, something like revamping Citadel TF might be a good idea but I'm ok with the MSRs.

Procs? Hmmmmmmm. Yeah, I'd say the incarnate system is worse. That's something that shouldn't have happened. And please, spare me the raise difficulty etc piece. Anyway, we're stuck with it and it isn't all that bad. Also, I don't get why players feel taking on a pylon or Trapdoor in some speedy manner = OP. The game doesn't entirely play the same way. Yes, I know it's a fun metric and I am not here to poo poo on that. It's a fun idea that I may get to with some toons...maybe one day. You will never have the game balanced around incarnates especially with a small Dev team. I don't think they should try. I don't mind the game as is and I'd rather see Dev resources go to adding content and not changing too much of what's in game already. Sure, they may need to be a slight adjustment here and there but put most of the work into new stuff. I have no doubt, even if the Devs nerfed procs and nerfed Incarnates, there would be people complaining about something being OP. It's how some people are wired. There's nothing wrong with it and nothing wrong with expressing your opinion....kinda like I just did. Glad to be in the City and glad all of your passionate supers are here.

This is really neat! Did you make something completely unique or re-purpose old powers? Join the Dev team! I am told they need coders! 🙂

That's too bad if he is actually gone. Maybe he's taking a break? Seemed like a solid guy and did a lot of hard work learning how to work the guts of the beast known as CoX code.

I can't say I have any real complaints for the HC devs. I don't think most do. HC runs at a level that seems to be on par with Live. They don't usually release things until they're ready and look professional. I've tried some of the other servers and the content and items added do not look....good...or professional. I definitely will supply my feedback and hope the HC Devs consider all of the feedback they get. I'm happy the game is back but I am not playing as much which isn't too unexpected. HC Devs had a chance to update the look and feel of content. I like some of the power ideas but they can be more. It's great that they add arcs and, finally, an SF - some of which had some cool new innovations. Sadly, the new content is based off of old arcs and characters so it feels....not new. I just saw a posting about letting players design some costumes for Hero Corps. This is kinda neat and exciting but it could be so much more. Sometimes it just seems the HC team is taking the safe road which is too bad. It really takes away from the new content when it 'feels' old and just a continuation of what we were getting back when.

Yes, I know. I just kinda went off on a tangent. I am tired of easy mode in this game. I say leave the mission as is.

I take no issue with harder missions. I am tired of going through stuff where the team blows through it without issue. I really do feel the incarnate powers are a detriment to the game. I know the Devs wanted to add end-game stuff but that's just it: there will always be a situation where you hit end game. You have to be careful when adding to it. Giving us incarnate powers has, somewhat, broken the game.

I was hoping the Dev team would do this and somewhat depart from what was being done before. So, new signature NPCs. New content involving new characters, groups etc. A change to the style and look as well. As much as possible. Instead it feels like a lot of the same old which is a bit deflating.

The Dev resources are very finite. This is a non-issue IMO and I would prefer the Devs look at other things and not spend any time at all on this.

I think many of us have made some great suggestions over the years. But I am not sure what the Devs plan to do or make. I will be brutally honest and say I am not a huge fan of the direction in some areas. This game is old. It went away (for most of us) and now it's back! Thanks to the HC team! This is a chance to make some new content and make some huge changes. We've loved and played this game for years and have great memories and so on. It seems like the current Dev team wants to continue in the same stylistic manner as the Live Devs. This is fine but I will say I am not loving it. It's a lot of stuff that's way too familiar. I will say the Aeon SF shows us things can be different but we got hit with a lot of looks and characters that have been around...for a long time. Please don't take this as a complaint. It's not. I wanted to provide feedback. Devs can't read our minds so I just hope they'll get really creative and, if need be, look at some of our ideas in the Suggestions forum. I understand they're the Devs and make the decisions but I feel it might be a good idea to consider the players that play and some of their ideas. Anyway, thanks for listening and see ya out there!

This is really cool of you. I was also wondering a few things. 1) Has the Dev team considered making most of the new TF/SF etc in a co-op zone so there isn't any preference for any of the sides AND it would make for less work for the Devs (Ouros, K. Wharf, Cim., Pocket D etc)? 2) It seems like the Death From Below type TFs are quite popular. Any thought on adding more along those lines?

Yes, agreed. It won't be for everyone. I will add that the game seemed to move more towards the short-ish TFs/SFs etc as the content grew. The old run arounds and lengthy TFs were poor game design IMO and there as a time sink so you'd play longer and keep paying for a sub. I feel these long arcs aren't really for me but I don't know what others think. I can speak for me only. It is odd that the HC Dev team is adding these longer missions etc while adding more shortcuts to other parts of the game (a Pocket D entrance in Atlas, not having to wait until lvl 14 for an Ouros portal and a few other things). Count me in as a player who does not want everything handed to you or an easy mode or stuff like that - and, yes, I do want shorter missions that the ASF or that last story arc. I would also suggest maybe not having such a huge info dump of text in these missions and TFs/SFs. The leader usually gets all of the direct access and other players are challenged to get a chance at reading all of the material. This happened in that last new arc of missions and again in the ASF. Again, just my opinion. Finally, thank you and the rest of the Devs for adding stuff to game. I love how you're making new maps and trying some new wrinkles.

It's nice to get a little behind the scenes on new content. I am so happy to see this game is still being innovative despite the age. Awesome. I will admit, I don't enjoy the ASF due to the info dump, unclear messaging and length. I feel it is a bit of a step back in those areas. I still haven't been able to read all of the material while playing the SF due fast moving teams.

Yes. I realize that. Thanks. But, any thoughts on this build? Is it lacking or am I missing something...a glaring error....etc etc

I was wanting to roll a stone armour toon but I am waffling on tank or brute. No idea which would be more for me. Anyway, I liked a lot of the OP and changed the one of his rad/stone builds. Here is what I cam up with. Anyone see any issues or concerns etc? https://www.midsreborn.com/builds/download.php?uc=1435&c=685&a=1370&f=HEX&dc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

I appreciate your input and everyone else's as well. I am sure the Gaus proc works as I mentioned - there are multiple posts on it and lots authored by @Bopper. Check 'em out.