Low Level Invention Origin values

[Shred Monkey]

Originally the enhancement values of IOs at level 10, 15, and 20 were set to match approximately the DO sets and then at 25 they're approximately the values of SOs.

 

Now that SO's are readily available at level 10.  Should Generic IOs at level 10,15, and 20 have their enhancement values increased to be more equal to SOs?  

[srmalloy]

This would involve all IOs having their values adjusted, since the values for set IOs are a function of the same-level generic IO. The simple fix - increasing enhancement values across the board -- just adds creep to the game without being particularly useful. The more complicated fix would be to decide what the enhancement value of a level-10 generic IO should be compared to an even-level SO, then scaling everything to the same curve currently used, with level-50 IOs retaining their current value. That would reduce the growth of enhancement value for each step, but make the middle level IOs better, since the scale would start higher.

 

On the whole, I think this needs to be looked at more carefully, perhaps with some 'special' test builds to get some gameplay statistics, before any decisions are made. No matter how it's done, it's going to make a change as significant as making SOs available at level 2, and I'd rather it were thrashed out on test, rather than on live.

[biostem]

1 hour ago, Shred Monkey said:

Should Generic IOs at level 10,15, and 20 have their enhancement values increased to be more equal to SOs?

You never outgrow them, so I'd say no.  Perhaps the cost to craft them could be reexamined, though...

[Luminara]

1 hour ago, Shred Monkey said:

Should Generic IOs at level 10,15, and 20 have their enhancement values increased to be more equal to SOs?  

 

No, because the game is currently designed to make leveling from 1-20 easy.  Scaling damage, little or no need for status protection, limited attacks available to critters, etc.  The early levels of the game were oriented around the concept of having enhancements with lower values.  IOs and IO sets don't need to be adjusted unless the early game is also adjusted.

 

And if you adjust the early game, you also have to adjust the availability of SOs, IOs and IO sets to compensate, since you'll be requiring players to slot appropriately.  So be careful of that can of worms, you might find that it doesn't taste nearly as good as it looks.