cranebump

Thanks for doing that. I've been mainly dropping in crafted enhancements. Acro managed to slot a few of them as he trekked to 50. I'm thinking Tracklash may be my next focus. He's not too far off. Either that, or maybe try to actually run a Savage Melee up, as that's a set I've barely used. Teaming's hard, fer sure. My own time has been more limited, for various reasons.

It was. Now, get in the van with the nice men.:-)

Real life, and altaholism. It's a thing.:-) Gonna hop over to Torch and run Tracklash a bit. My wrists need a break from all the Excel speedaround.:-)

Running a new DEF on Excel today. Just happened to get a huge assist from: Okami led us all around Paragon. Unlocked all of paragon for LR TP. Salutes!

This is true. Only thing not addressed is what team members do in the mishes (in-mission conduct). "Dirty Farmers" recruit sitters more often than "Real Superheroes," making for more teams with passive members (though, to be honest, I haven't been on a typical mish team in HC that's had designated sitters). Farmers can also tailor enemies to fit their specific strengths, whereas a "real superhero" who isn't cherry-picking every mish enemy type has to engage outside their optimal comfort zone from time to time. But as far as framework? Yeah, it's the same game. And, now that I think about it, if I'm crafting a character who basically just runs the same set of TFs and little else, aren't I just farming in a different way? Hmmm..maybe we're all dirty son's-a-bitches.:-)

Well, there it is. I shoulda read first.:-)

I'd certainly like to see your idea implemented. I do think it's more labor intensive than we think, because whatever they use to script has to be different than what players have. You can tell that by playing their mishes (branching dialogue, objective placement, on-screen text, cut scenes, exiting from one map to another map while still on the same mish chain). But the demand for this seems a lot lower than for just about everything else (powersets, hardmode content, costumes, and so on). Not to mention just maintenance and troubleshooting (tickets and such). They have a big job. I'm not sure whether any of that could be farmed out to the community, nor to whom they would farm it out (nor whether they should, since I don't know what effect that would have on the game as a whole). I think they could get some folks who'd work on it if they wanted, but then that's just more gears to maintain, so...I dunno, man. I'd be down to try, though. And I know some other folks far smarter than me that would, also.

Hey, y’all! The SGM will be running’ around tonight. You feel like slappin’ down some bad guys (or the reverse), hit me up! Meantime, stay sharp in the saddle, hombres. H’YAH!

To the game: To NCsoft:

I'm with @The_Warpact when it comes to the effects of incarnates. While we can still choose our own endgame, thus eschewing the entire path (and its power construction minigame) if we want. But, if we do that, we're locked out of some of the content. I guess if a player doesn't dig Incarnate material, fine. But someone who might want to play everything is going to be forced into the incarnate mini-game of power tiers and all the associated salvage and construction and slotting and everything else. Feels like it would've made more sense to devise additional content that a basic character could play, rather than create an additional tier that necessitates a new set of just plain stuff. This is also the reason I've run those paths very few times. Never have liked having to mumbo-jumbo my way through an additional lair of bullshit, just as I had reached the supposed pinnacle. But, if I want to "actually" be at the peak (or even survive at the wang-waving level), then, well, I'm just gonna have to play a new game of crafting. Anyway, been there, done that with a few toons. Now I just don't bother anymore. If I get a char to 50, I just pretend Mender Jackass and all those guys just don't really exist.:-)

There’s room for all us Graybelockses (and Baldikockses).:-)

My current favorite, after all the “the game’s too easy” stuff we saw, are some of the comments on the new TF settings — “it’s too hard.” We have unleashed our inner Goldilocks.:-)

I like playing the regular story content. I prefer doing it with teams, but, since I seldom form them myself anymore, I mainly get teaming via pug TF's. I like making story-focused AE arcs, and playing through them from time to time (I should do more, but I feel compelled to review or give feedback, so it's like giving myself homework). I just love the damned game, all the way around. So, yeah - playing is the reward.:-)

Yeah, the rewards issue is a thing, right off the bat. Which really does necessitate moving the better content into the universe. I imagine that's a pretty big job, though. Wonder if that could be done by attaching the content to an in-game contact who "forwards" the mission to you. EXAMPLE: CONTACT: $name! We would use your help in (insert zone here)! Then maybe a mission list, appropriate to level. Or maybe the Dev's Choice stuff gets added to the mission computer? Not sure what it takes to get stuff to pop at an actual mish door. I assume the scripts for actual contact and AE content are different enough that this isn't easy and/or a snap. So, time and effort. And, really, a perceived need for the whole thing. One the one hand, it's free content. On the other side, well, how much content isn't getting run as it is?

Well, I know one thing we were s'posed to see was being able to use the test effect you get in some missions -- text appearing on the screen like "It's an ambush!" or "Ratskeller, this is Positron. Have you found the device?" or "Hurry! Winter is coming!":-) The rest I can't recall specifically. I just remember thinking, "That wound cool." @Darmian can probably tell you more. I'm wondering if Anky might know, as well.

Woo...wrong book...:-)

That stuff is somethin'. I got ONE of them from a L10 arc. Stuck it on the market just 'cuz. 30 Million. WHAT?

Thought I put this in its own space, since it's like WAAAAAY down at the bottom of Josh Jones's personal voyage through AE. (plus I can use other toons for UtRR...and not get my ass kicked [maybe]). Dude in background is like: Where he been? I dunno where he been. Other guy's like: .......(man, when's lunch?).... Lady in fronta Josh=Get. Off. The. Counter. Gonna take her advice. I mean, s'been about a year or somethin. So, what we got, what we got? Evidently, a gun and an entourage (okay, I'M sorry - a WEAPON [I know some a' you's prior service, yo...or you watched Full Metal Parka...or somethin'...) What to do, what to do? Okay, L11. Gonna search SFMA, my level. Well, hot damn. Why not, bruh? *First off, kudos for being the first (and perhaps only) arc to include the phrase "Lickable Science." I used to teach 4th graders. They're all Ph.D's on that, man. So, contact Catbird sez, KIDNAPPING! And I say YO! And off we go. Who cares if the verbiage says EXTREME WHATCHAMAHOOIE WITH LOTS OF BAD MOJONESS? Or who cares if send off text says this?: I assure you, Josh does not adjust (um...right?) P.S. Going into mish, I have exactly one Insp, and it's this color. Know what I like about these guys? They just stand there and let me shoot them. They're like, "You not tank. Ugh! Not movin'!" First glowie text=Making friends with the dog. Since I am clicking a crate, thought, I figure Fido must belong to Schrodinger (hey...he MIGHT have a backup pet...). But it's not, as it turns out that SPOILERSPOILERSPOILERNEVERMINDJUSTNOTPUTTINGITDOWN (but seriously, this dog is part of the reveal at the end, so...woof...and stuff). First room INSP count: 5 (3 of them? (sigh) blue) Few more rooms. Knocking out Clocks. KB -- the squishy soloist's BFF. Okay, so Doc FL may be tough. But I got myself an ace in the pit: All about timing, bronnaise. Oh, and uh... Um...she's gonna help (eyes front, man...eyes front!) So, Ms. Science isn't going to Comic Con. Excellent. Follow me, sandals. UPDATE: Insp count as of now. 10 regular... And one super insp: Pummel more clocks. Then I ping L12 in the boss room, race ahead of L.S. to get to FL man (and let's be fair, her name's Kelsey - and this wasn't HER choice of garb-find her lab coat is a mish objective...{that I kinda want to fail?}) Anyhoo, all LEVEL-INSPED up and... "Tough Opponent" goes under the heading of propaganda (or typical marketing) BUT: Turns out this is a transformer mission. More than meets the eye, my friend. THA END: So, long story short, I get Kelsey's lab coat back (yea, that Lickable thing was a...a...hell, I dunno what that was). Florida guy had a REALLY good reason for his hijinx (like possibly being high as well as drunk). The moral of the story? Choose your friends, wisely (and don't knock guns, man. guns are guns). Verdict: 4/5 I'd say, due to the only thing under Tweaks (below) Strengths: *Nice customs. Like, really. Mixed in with the clocks, so not overdone. And I liked the costumes (um...some more than others). *No typos. Easy to find spawns. *Nice clue progression. Gives hints, then a reveal. *No wonky spawns. *HUMOR! Tweaks *It is 1 mish. That's it. So, I say, Fie on thee, because you're a cheater pants. Everyone knows you'd make a mistake if you had 2. Or 3, or...500! (kidding) Play this if: *You want to run one damn mission, and that's it, f***er!:-) *You like a cool, light-hearted romp. *You're Josh Jones --'cause what else ya gonna do. Don't play if: *No reason not to, really. It's short. It's well-crafted. It has grins. Oh...wait...don't play if: you're a farmer.:-) That's quick hit #1, folks. Might tool around for another here in a short-short. If not, please: play the story arcs. There's some great ones out there. Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're not gonna Pac-Man XP's (use 2XP, and you'll be fine, man), but you might discover what SFMA regulars already know. The population has some talent. Storytellers, comedians, lore masters, and noir masters. We've got new maps now, and new tools a-comin', so grab your friends and throw us a bone. A really big one. Like that axe-steak thingy you can get at restaurants (word of advice: NEVER try to take one of those off a live cow...yeah...). Adios, heroes & vills, Crane WHERE IS MY LAB COAT, DOUCHE BAG?

I can't faceplant? Damn. You took away my best move.:-) Thanks. I'll put it at the top of the list. Right behind the next thing @Darmian does (no pressure, kemosabe, but, gdamnit, we're waiting).:-D

SFMA=good suggestion, and it is being implemented. Once it was proposed (I don't know by whom), I started flagging all my stuff with it (and I'm far from alone in that). That may be the best we can hope for. I've seen plenty of farms labeled as such, though certainly not all (same with SFMA material). We can add it ourselves, but perhaps a button or switch to auto-flag/sort it? Different subject, but, since I'm going to get back to more consistent reviews, I'd be happy to run your arcs. I have a toon specifically dedicated to just AE. Trying to run him up using just SFMA. He's only L12 at the moment, but he's eager.:-) Recommendations of where I should start on your stuff?

It wasn't meant as an attack on farms and farming. It was basically I feel like we're tripping over each other. Well, not even that. Story arcs are buried by farms, save for Dev's Choice. It's obscured enough to where it's a very small niche. I'm not sure how to best advocate for that space, but I know we could use it. Don't care if people farm. But farm space is story space, and there's no easy way to get out of the cornfield (so to speak). It's about the situation. Not the people. Sorry if what I said came across otherwise. However, I didn't think it was out line to suggest "AE" is, or seems to be, synonymous with farming. I guess it's all "entertainment," though. And, since it is, I'd like to advocate for this version in a way that's constructive. My framing of the discussion may need some work, though.:-) Let's be clear though -- you ARE the Root of All Evil. And I'm coming for you (like, really subtle and sneaky-like...like a tiny rash).:-)

Dude in background is like: Where he been? I dunno where he been. Other guy's like: .......(man, when's lunch?).... Lady in fronta Josh=Get. Off. The. Counter. Gonna take her advice. I mean, s'been about a year or somethin. So, what got, what we got? Evidently, a gun and an entourage (er, I'M sorry - a WEAPON [I know some a' you's prior service, yo...or you watched Full Metal Parka...or somethin'...) What to do, what to do? Okay, L11. Gonna search SFMA, my level. Well, hot damn. Why not, bruh? *First off, kudos for being the first (and perhaps only) arc to include the phrase "Lickable Science." I used to teach 4th graders. They're all Ph.D's on that, man. So, contact Catbird sez, KIDNAPPING! And I say YO! And off we go. Who cares if the verbiage says EXTREME WHATCHAMAHOOIE WITH LOTS OF BAD MOJONESS? Or who cares if send off text says this?: I assure you, Josh does not adjust (um...right?) P.S. Going into mish, I have exactly one Insp, and it's this color. Know what I like about these guys? They just stand there and let me shoot them. They're like, "You not tank. Ugh! Not movin'!" First glowie text=Making friends with the dog. Since I am clicking a crate, thought, I figure Fido must belong to Schrodinger (hey...he MIGHT have a backup pet...). But it's not, as it turns out that SPOILERSPOILERSPOILERNEVERMINDJUSTNOTPUTTINGITDOWN (but seriously, this dog is part of the reveal at the end, so...woof...and stuff). First room INSP count: 5 (3 of them? (sigh) blue) Few more rooms. Knocking out Clocks. KB -- the squishy soloist's BFF. Okay, so Doc FL may be tough. But I got myself an ace in the pit: All about timing, bronnaise. Oh, and uh... Um...she's gonna help (eyes front, man...eyes front!) So, Ms. Science isn't going to Comic Con. Excellent. Follow me, sandals. So Insp count as of now. 10 regular... And one super insp: Pummel more clocks. Then I ping L12 in the boss room, race ahead of L.S. to get to FL man (and let's be fair, her name's Kelsey - and this wasn't HER choice of garb-find her lab coat is a mish objective...{that I kinda want to fail?}) Anyhoo, all LEVEL-INSPED up and... "Tough Opponent" goes under the heading of propaganda (or typical marketing) BUT: Turns out this is a transformer mission. More than meets the eye, my friend. THA END: So, long story short, I get Kelsey's lab coat back (yea, that Lickable thing was a...a...hell, I dunno what that was). Florida guy had a REALLY good reason for his hijinx (like possibly being high as well as drunk). The moral of the story? Choose your friends, wisely (and don't knock guns, man. guns are guns). Verdict: 4/5 I'd say, due to the only thing under Tweaks (below) Strengths: *Nice customs. Like, really. Mixed in with the clocks, so not overdone. And I liked the costumes (um...some more than others). *No typos. Easy to find spawns. *Nice clue progression. Gives hints, then a reveal. *No wonky spawns. *HUMOR! Tweaks *It is 1 mish. That's it. So, I say, Fie on thee, because you're a cheater pants. Everyone knows you'd make a mistake if you had 2. Or 3, or...500! (kidding) Play this if: *You want to run one damn mission, and that's it, f***er!:-) *You like a cool, light-hearted romp. *You're Josh Jones --'cause what else ya gonna do. Don't play if: *No reason not to, really. It's short. It's well-crafted. It has grins. Oh...wait...don't play if: you're a farmer.:-) That's quick hit #1, folks. Might tool around for another here in a short-short. If not, please: play the story arcs. There's some great ones out there. Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're not gonna Pac-Man XP's (use 2XP, and you'll be fine, man), but you might discover what SFMA regulars already know. The population has some talent. Storytellers, comedians, lore masters, and noir masters. We've got new maps now, and new tools a-comin', so grab your friends and throw us bone. A really big one. Like that axe-steak thingy you can get at restaurants (word of advice: NEVER try to take one of those off a live cow...yeah...). Adios, heroes & vills, Crane WHERE IS MY LAB COAT, DOUCHE BAG?

Maybe so. But I’m sure a good storyteller could come up with some sort of work around. :-)

I would steal from Frankenstein. The holograms in the A.P. and Mercy locations have developed full sentience. Or some of them anyway. But the question of whether they have actual self-determination is debatable because their sentience is based on programming. Rather than deal with the consequences of their creation, the Creators shut the building down and destroy all evidence of their existence. So sort of a combination of Frankenstein and the Star Trek episodes dealing with whether or not Data (and the holo-doc from Voyager) is a “person.”

Okay, so it's been since, like OCT 2021 or something, but I'll be returning to Josh's Odyssey. Going to transfer him from his original shard and bring him over to Torch. Likely put him in The Long Riders, then do from there. I'll have something up this week, fer sure.