BurtHutt

Dagger and Graver have some mad skillz and there are lots of other nice pieces here. I hope the Homecoming team reaches out to these artists and adds tries to recruit them for some art adds here and there!

I was thinking about this. My suggestion is adding alternate animations to as many powers as you can. We've had the same old looks for years and it might be nice for a change. However, I would want this as a LOW priority. Adding new missions, maps and new enemies is what I'd like to see! 🙂

Got two chickens to paralyze...

Thanks for doing all the GMing you did. I know it can seem like a thankless job but tons of us appreciated you and appreciate the CoX team. Because of you guys, my fave game is BACK!

I enjoy Sentinels but they really do need a change or...something. I always team so the lack of decent inherent power isn't as apparent. I am curious as to what changes Powerhouse is planning...I do like having some durability and blasting powers. However, if I dump a ton of INF on a Blaster, it'll outperform and be more durable than my Sents. Maybe Powerhouse can allow us to vote on planned mechanics when the time is right? I imagine it'll be innovative. By the by, is there any reason the Fire primary has repel in one of the attacks?! Seriously dumb...but that's just my opinion 🙂

I tend to take the patron pool powers more often than the epic pool. There are some nice powers in there but nothing amazing - it's a nice way to change up a toon's power set. I think the pets need to change. More the appearance than anything. I don't want my toon to be associated with Arachnos or that patron sometimes so it kinda doesn't feel/look right. Even less desirable if your toon is a Hero. Perhaps if the Devs had different skins for these pets in the customization section, it'd be more feasible (thematically). If the pets were not directly tied to the patron then taking them might be more appealing. I don't really, in my mind, connect them to the patrons - maybe pool is the same power source for the patron AND me and not directly from the patron? I dunno. That was my one issue with these pools (and the game): you're too tied in with Arachnos or the spectre of Arachnos if you're a Villain. Which need love? I don't know if any do need a big change. I use them far more often than the Epic pools but usually just a power or two. It seems they're working as intended. Honestly, I would prefer the Devs spend their resources on adding content, costume pieces, ATs and powers. I appreciate the Devs and all they do! It's awesome that you canvass the players on these types of topics.

Yup. My understanding as well. However, as I mentioned earlier, the story, script, creating and so on is a HUGE effort as well. There are thousands of players and out of the interested playerbase, you could get some pretty great stuff. Sure, you have to code it but, overall, it'll help some...I think? I'm hoping we can see new and original content. I've seen the current factions/characters/etc for a LONG time now. Let's change it up 🙂

Well, that's just it. Devs would need to maybe have a thread where they post the parameters and then players can create their AE arc with all of the required details etc. So, if the posts aren't detailed (have background of the mish and any new characters - for example) then they won't even be looked at. If the posts include full bios and details then it is something that could be reviewed and considered for adding to game. I think creating new content is difficult. Then add to the scenario a short-handed team and it becomes even more difficult as I'm sure they're responsible for many duties. I think we have a pretty bright community. I bet some of them could come up with amazing narratives, brand new characters, factions and stories/mission goals. The community members don't have to be added to the Dev team for this project. Let community members post their A efforts and then add the appropriate ones to the game. I think it's a win win for all involved.

I'm betting they can't discuss matters as it could jeopardize any deal....assuming they're still talking. Also, there is this little pandemic thing going on that MAY have shifted priorities.

I'm hoping the Devs consider looking to players to help. Yes, they have a sign-up etc but it's not easy to interview/add people to the Dev team especially during a pandemic. So, maybe they will open a thread where people can post their AE missions and then Devs can review them and add them to game as radio/paper-type missions. Why don't the Devs just do this because those are pretty basic missions? Well, yes, they're easy but the thought and creativity will suffer if there isn't enough time to work on these. A player can put way more time into a mish/arc and provide accompanying background to it. The brainstorming, writing and thought process are huge time investments. I think this would be a great option because the radios and quicker missions get repetitive especially when you keep battling the same faction. Anyway, here's to hoping! 🙂

Uh...disagree. I'm one of those odd guys who wants cool powers that're fun to play. I know...I've lost my mind! I'm not a slave to recharge and actual have doms that are NOT perma! It's true! Let's start the insanity! In regards to the topic, this might be a simplistic statement but why limit the number of pools we can access? Let players take as many pools as they desire. No, I am not saying allow us to take more powers. So, if you want to take an extra pool then it'll cost you out of your secondary or primary powers. This may allow for some rather different characters that could add a lot of fun in the process. If that doesn't work numbers-wise then how about allow us to still pick a regular power pool over epic/patron? Maybe that'll also allow us to make some creative new builds and ideas. This would also allow us to have Sorcery and one of the other pools you cannot combine with it. No, I didn't do any math and consider if this would break the game so please forgive my simplistic/ignorant approach here. Personally, I am making an effort not to have any must have power pools. Yes, that includes the speed and fighting pool...they used to be mandatory in my builds. Another idea: animation time on Force of Will set is painfully slow. I enjoy the powers but good grief...I don't know how many times an enemy was taken out during animation time which resulted in me hitting an already 'arrested' enemy. Ughsville. There are many pools that I never touch. It seems many use them so that's great. All of my other suggestions seem to have been covered. Finally, my suggestion: The Sidekick power pool set. Yes, this is a pet idea. You can pick the type of sidekick (range, melee etc) and TOTALLY design the look of the Sidekick including name. As you grab upper tier powers in the pool, you could add things like Def or Res or Damage etc. This pool should become available after level 25 or so - you need to have some street cred etc before you take on a ward/sidekick/partner/lackey etc! 😄 Thanks for reading!

I remember suggesting something like this back in Live. Constructing a tribute with the plaque of every toon that hit 50 for their server. Just a name and powerset, maybe, could be noted on the plaque. Alternatively, if possible, have all of that plus a short bio and maybe even the toon's headshot pic. I definitely wouldn't want this as a priority add and have no idea who much work it'd be but a cool idea (IMO). 🙂

I don't think we need one specific path or motivation. People are very dynamic and versatile. Things change. When we create our toon, there is no need to have any alliance or be a lackey. That's what I prefer. Then have missions with a variety of options/motivations/enticements. So, let them start as a blank slate that doesn't need to go one way or the other. One day I may want to help Recluse...the next day I may want to blow him up...one day I want to take over corporations...or destroy a city.... that should be the lure of being a villain - I do what I want and don't need to back it up or be motivated or have a reason other than I feel like it and I want to create some chaos.

Disagree. I really don't like my toons pigeon-holed at all. They can change and adapt and so on as I please - if I was designing things. So, adding more of this is a bad idea but that is just my opinion. Instead, add more missions with some more epic motivations and goals - but there is no need to be robbing a bank at high levels...

I somewhat agree with this but I still played red despite the narrative. I actually don't think it was cool implying your toon is attached to Arachnos or a Recluse lackey or anything along those lines. I do feel low level villains would do a lot of what you listed- have to start somewhere! Again, I would like to see something more grande put into missions but that's what happens with limited resources. Honestly, I place more importance on mission design and play than story. So, add something fun and unique and that milkshake will bring the players to the yard!

Totally agree. Add some more SFs. And PLEASE pay attention to design and make them enjoyable. Most of the SFs are decent but a few are painful. However, blueside has a boatload more of painful TFs but..I digress 🙂

Drat! I went on a big assumption there...I guess I was reminded what happens when one assumes....

Another angle to take in regards to upping redside pop might be to turn some, if not all, hazard zones into co-op zones. That way redside and blue side toons have another venue to team and may cause some players to start redside. Right now, if a player is to start red, the most popular leveling tool is scarce - yes, that's DFB! Sure, they can go to pocket D and try to entice blue players to head there too but that's a bit of a pain at level one and around there. I prefer redside but I am reluctant to have any toon a Villain due to the lack of players willing to go there.

I think players will start to gravitate towards redside when blueside fatigue ramps up. This would be the hands off approach but will it be enough? Maybe. Redside does not need any type of overhaul or revamp. The design is better than blueside but it is gloomy. Honestly, I feel if you added unique content to redside, it may help a bit. I feel my suggestions in the AE forums (add well written/designed/fun player made arcs to the game) could be a quick fix. I also feel the game is quite repetitive with the same factions and the big bosses look like their factions (more often than not). Add player-made content that is unique and not in game. Add it to the redside as a pilot project - maybe turn the arc from AE into a short TF or a Death From Below style mission that is exclusive to redside only. I think a DFB style mish would definitely bring more to the redside. Again, I will emphasize adding new factions and characters that are well written and have supporting info to add to the Homecoming wiki. This would require less dev time and resources as there are a few talented players out there that have crafted unique content in the AE. OH! I hope this is obvious but I do not mean any type of farms or the such to add into the game as canon. 🙂 I will also add that I'd prefer any of these types of adds (if this route is taken) might be better off as sandox type content. That way they won't unravel, change or interfere with existing canon. Yes, I am again saying and emphasizing UNIQUE additions to the game. Many villains, factions and missions have been around for well over a decade. Change it up already! 🙂

Ok so it's the end of May and the pandemic will be plaguing us for a while. I know the dev team isn't that big (how many devs are on the team anyway?) and there is some player fatigue. This is fully expected but maybe the AE can help. I mentioned it in a previous post and not sure if it's possible - how about porting top notch AE into the game? They can be radios, story arcs or even TFs. I think there are a handful of players that pour in a ton of work on their stories/missions and they could write some additional stuff if needed. Then these could be added to game. I mentioned this earlier but it was part of a list of ideas. If I could push to implement one idea, it'd be this one. I think radios and other quick missions are popular but they're quite repetitive. CoX had many years of small dev teams so a lot of the content is repetitive, looks the same and lacking - I know this sounds a bit mean but that is not the intent. Limited resources = limited content. Let the players do some of the work with creative etc. I'd also like to really emphasize making them unique and different. New factions, main bosses that look DIFFERENT than the rest of the enemies and are unique (I don't know how many times I've mowed down a main boss in a swarm of enemies and didn't even realize it cuz he/she looks just like the rest of the mob). Players can create their own factions/mobs/AVs/Heroes etc and do full write ups. This would add for an influx of creative and new ideas which would be a big help (I think?). I really can't be bothered to play any AE missions that involve the factions we see over and over in game.

Well, there are tons of ways to go through your billions. -One that I never see mentioned is why not kit out a friend's toon for them? A high end build can easily take care of well over a billion INF for you! However, humans are greedy and I can't see too many doing this. They'd rather drop a billion on an exclusive badge or something. -Players can hold their own costume contests (used to be pretty common) Additional items that could be added to game? Tons of ideas but the dev team is probably limited and can't focus time/energy to helping you spend your billions. Honestly, I am playing more during the Time of the Pandemic! and have thought about INF sink ideas. Honestly, I'd prefer the devs work on game items like new TFs/SFs/trials, ATs, powers, missions etc. Players have a few options to spend their INF.

So, I've been thinking about some of the stuff here and I really think an AE contest to add actual content to game would be great. I think players would submit their short arc/missions (they would have to meet a set criteria) and then the Devs would pick the top 10 or 20. These would get posted and then players would get to vote for the best 10. The winning 10 would have their arcs added to CoH as radio/paper type missions...and become actual canon. I think this would add significant interest to AE. This contest could be held twice a year. I would really like to see different and new materials/ideas/enemy groups/main characters added this way. It's 2020 and I have seen the same old groups for way too long (nothing wrong with them but there needs to be a something fresh and new added). Anyway, the game is in dire need of some new content and until the Homecoming team acquires the IP license, this might be a nice, easy way to add content. I would liken it to the level 25 rogue/vig arc that was added last Fall or so (hopefully with more interesting enemy groups and bosses).

If it is possible to create your own maps...then wow...that would be awesome. CoH has way too much repetition in mission maps. If we can make some slight changes to these, it'd be awesome. A different section for farms. I have no idea how a farm becomes a Dev's choice.... If you make a non-farm category then maybe show how many times a mission has been played. It may help others pick one? A cut scene maker would be awesome but it might be a bit too difficult for many players...? Finally, if there are some awesome missions then put up a poll where players vote on them. If a large number of votes are cast and certain missions are clearly superior then maybe add them to the game - as possibly radio missions or paper missions. Maybe a TF or arc? It'd be a nice way to fill that void of content addition. There could be prizes for winning missions that graduate to regular in-game/ canon. Tons of great ideas here. Bottom line, have stuff in AE that is different from the rest of the game....or a little different. I say this because the last mission content add (I think it was the last) was in early Fall 2019 - the rogue and vigilante missions. The writing was decent but it really did seem like a lot of meh and same old. It's a supers MMO and we're fighting MORE thugs?! Not compelling and not interesting.

Is there still a plan to allow for asymetrical designs to the shoulder pads in the costume creator? Like the ones that have been implemented for gloves.

I really appreciate all of your help - as well as all of the others chiming in. I cannot say I completely understand the math to the PPMs but I am getting the gist. I may have this wrong but HASTEN will cause a decay to your chances of 'procing' (do I have that right?). If this is the case then why have HASTEN in builds? Next thing I was wondering was in regards to defence. If I raised it to 11.5% on everything, other than Melee (14.5%) and S/L (11.5%), would it make much of a difference? I notice on Myshkin's build, the defences are in the low single digits - is the difference negligible when it's this low? Also, what your attack chain be in a spine/rad tank?