A thought on "fixing" FF... with an IO set

[EmperorSteele]

So, forcefields always gets crapped on, because it essentially has 3 good powers and that's about it (the shields, naturally) But on top of that, those three powers are hugely depreciated late-game because a lot of folks build up to the softcap on their own, plus someone is sure to have an Incarnate barrier power.

 

In response, people talk about changing the set all the time. Maybe add some debuffs, or let the shields buff more than just defense. But then cottages get involved and all that.

 

So, I propose a middle ground.

 

Step one: Leave Forcefields alone.

Step two: Create an all new IO set custom made for defense shield powers!

 

The set would be comprised entirely of unique effect bonuses, things like Def/+10%ResAll (to target), Def/End/+10%Absorb (to target), Chance for AoE damage on cast, etc.

 

I feel like these should only be slotted into powers that require a target (so no toggles or PBAoEs), and don't buff anything else like ToHit or Res or +Stealth or anything else like that. Kind of like how the new travel sets only go into travel powers and not Sprint.

 

And then, I think the set bonuses should be good enough to encourage players to 5 or 6 slot their bubbles and/or forgo some of the other +Def staples like LotG or any of the other defense uniques. Damage bonus, high self-Def, etc.

 

Obviously this idea isn't super fleshed out. But given this framework, what kinds of defense-bubble enhancements would everyone else like to see in a set like this? Or is the idea of making an entire IO set for only two powers not worth the effort?

 

 

[Rudra]

Well... they do have IO sets for fear and I don't think that is a common effect. However, I am not aware of any sets made just for a specific AT power set. If a power set needs an IO set specifically for it to make it more attractive or useful, then the set itself needs to be looked at. It does not warrant making an IO set specifically for that power set.

 

Personally, I won't ever use Force Field. Just like I won't use Thermal Radiation or Cold Domination. And I have exactly one and will most likely only ever have exactly one character with Kinetics. So take my opinion with a grain of salt (or a spoonful of sugar).

 

Edit: Besides, with the new difficulties, I hear bubbles are coming back into fashion.

Edited June 15, 2022 by Rudra

[El D]

Yeah, making an IO set specifically to improve the issues of one powerset as opposed to just... revamping/boosting the powerset itself and making it function better on its own seems a bit 'cart before the horse.' Like, if the issue is 'forcefields need improving' then the solution ought to be 'forcefields get improved' (somehow). Making an IO set to do the job that baseline power modifications would do better is basically locking what ought to be default functionality behind an access gate.

 

I don't disagree that forcefields could use some modernization and extra utility but forcing that into a 'You must use this IO set and only this IO set, or your character is gimped' isn't how the Enhancement system is supposed to be utilized.

[arcane]

Yeah I’m sorry the idea is kinda cool at a glance but it makes way more sense to just fix the powerset. I don’t know what you are including in an IO set “for defense shields”, but defense sets/powers don’t need buffs / can’t afford to be buffed without being broken right now whether they be from Cold Domination or Time Manipulation or melee armor sets. So you need an FF-specific solution.

 

I played my FF defender couple nights ago. Not too shabby. Makes team feel safe then blasts with proc bombs like a sentinel. I’d take some set-specific buffs though.

[lemming]

Do forcefields add Defense Debuff Resist?

[Nayru]

2 hours ago, lemming said:

Do forcefields add Defense Debuff Resist?

no, and it's a common suggestion to add that to it as it would at least maximize the efficacy of its defense shielding, which let's be honest would be a godsend for the set

believe the only resists are toxic on deflection (if VERY heavy toxic resist) and end drain on insulation (which is also relatively high)

at any rate even if it is low-end would adore +res shield target io's in def shields, even if like everything else the support in question can't use it on themselves

Edited June 15, 2022 by Nayru

[kelika2]

i think the devs still use SOs as a baseline for balance

[biostem]

In addition to adding defense debuff resistance to deflection shield, insulation field, and possibly dispersion bubble, it'd be nice to add some absorption to the ally-only powers as well.

[Greycat]

Yeah, I don't think a *set* specific IO set would really be welcome. There are four ATs that can use it (Def, Corr, Controller and MM.) But that doesn't really make up a *huge* part of the population of characters. About all I could see being done if such a set were introduced would be grabbing them cheap off the AH as converter fuel.

 

Heck, if you have to make a new category for them (because putting them in "Defense" would ... not really work? I think?) you wouldn't even be able to convert.

 

FF could use a bit of love, sure. I mean, there are times I like having some skippable powers, and I do use ones others call "useless," but... yeah, I think folding any changes into the set *itself* would work better. People would have the benefits in the set, instead of hoping they can get their hands on the *set* specific IOs and adjusting their slotting accordingly (which means they'd have to know about them first.)

[Doomguide2005]

Currently I believe there is only two ways to add DDR to a build beyond what it's sets already provide:

• Fade (Darkness Affinity)
• Ageless (Incarnate ability)

[Marine X]

I have always thought, when comparing Force Field in COH to Comic Characters with such powers, that in comics they always had a lot more offensive options that just Bubbling themselves and others, Including Force Blasts and Levitation, Just seems it needs something.

 

 

 

Edited June 17, 2022 by Marine X

[arcane]

Honestly if they just added DDR to FF all over the place that might be enough for me. Good DDR is the shit.

[Greycat]

8 hours ago, Marine X said:

I have always thought, when comparing Force Field in COH to Comic Characters with such powers, that in comics they always had a lot more offensive options that just Bubbling themselves and others, Including Force Blasts and Levitation, Just seems it needs something.

 

Well, FF *does* have some offensive (and semi-offensive, depending on how you see them) options to it. It's not just PFF and three buffs.  Force Bolt and Repulsion Bomb are decidedly offensive, Detention bubble is very "depending on how you see it," same with repulsion field and force bubble.  Not massive damage dealers, but there is some. Repulsion field getting some damage and debuff probably wouldn't be out of place.

[Rudra]

Here's a wild question: What if they made an offensive set using force fields as the theme? 😏

[Greycat]

14 hours ago, Rudra said:

Here's a wild question: What if they made an offensive set using force fields as the theme? 😏

 

Bubble blast? FF melee? FF control?

 

Of course, you can make it an offensive defensive set with binds. "FF you!" *bubbles someone.* "And FF you too!" *force bolt.* >.>

[Rudra]

Was thinking of maybe a ranged set with bubble blasts and constricting/collapsing bubbles and ground erupting bubbles launching unfortunate souls and....