Warcry's "Ask a Dev"- Matt Miller's answers

[Alaric]

Click here.

[Midnight]

Matt Miller: When it comes to Powersets, there are no shortages of great ideas. Unfortunately, like Epic Archetypes that I talked about earlier, they are not easily implemented and are always competing with other features for the next Issue. If I could wave my magic wand and instantly create 10 new powersets, these would be the ones I’d like to see: (in NO particular order):

Electric Hammer
Shield Defence
Shield Melee
Magnetism
Magnetic Blast
Force Control
Psionic Weaponry
Street Fighting
Akimbo Pistols
Demon Summoning

Cool

Obviously some powersets are more suited to some ATs than others. Demon Summoning for example, would be a Mastermind Pet set. Of course, if these make it into the game the names would probably change as well, and this entire list could change if the wind blows just right. And as a bonus I’ll pre-answer the obvious follow-up questions:

No, I don’t know when these will appear in the game.

No, they will not all appear at once in one update. When we introduce new power sets we’re more likely to do a couple at a time.

Akimbo Pistols is planned as a Corruptor set at first, and it is NOT, and never will be, a Scrapper or Stalker set.

*chuckle*

[B A D]

DOOOOO-

Wait, cool.

[BlueBard]

Some of those wish-list powersets appeal to me and some don't.  Tankers and Scrappers especially need more variation.

What changes are queued up for Issue 9?  Can anyone point me in that direction?

[BlueBard]

Another thing I'd like to know is if, when, and how they plan to handle heroes becoming villains and vice versa.

While I think it would be rather cool to have a Reformed Brute or Corrupter running around Paragon, I have a sneaking suspicion that they might go with some kind of AT conversion... which would suck.

[Alaric]

Some of those wish-list powersets appeal to me and some don't.  Tankers and Scrappers especially need more variation.

What changes are queued up for Issue 9?  Can anyone point me in that direction?

Issue 9 is supposed to mostly revolve around the new Invention System. Beyond that, I'm not sure anything's been officially announced.

[Alaric]

Positron posted this response to questions he's been asked about his answers on the CoH boards.

[B A D]

I can't WAIT for my Stalker/Troller.  WOOOT!

[Midnight]

Sort of off topic, but; The issue 9 preview has been posted over on MMOSite.

[Stopman]

Now I can hardly wait until i9!

[Dweomer Knight]

I can't WAIT for my Stalker/Troller.  WOOOT!

I'm gonna call mine "Stroll."

DK

[Tortuga]

So what ATs would these power sets work for?  Let's speculate!

Electric Hammer - Tankers
Shield Defence - Tankers, Scrappers?
Shield Melee - Tankers, Scrappers?
Magnetism - Controllers, Dominators
Magnetic Blast - Dominators, Defenders?
Force Control - Controllers
Psionic Weaponry - ooh, who knows -- could be any from a name/concept like that
Street Fighting - Scrappers, Stalkers
Akimbo Pistols - Corrupters, maybe Blasters?
Demon Summoning - Masterminds

Any other ideas or connections?

[Alaric]

So what ATs would these power sets work for?  Let's speculate!

Electric Hammer - Tankers
Shield Defence - Tankers, Scrappers?
Shield Melee - Tankers, Scrappers?
Magnetism - Controllers, Dominators
Magnetic Blast - Dominators, Defenders?
Force Control - Controllers
Psionic Weaponry - ooh, who knows -- could be any from a name/concept like that
Street Fighting - Scrappers, Stalkers
Akimbo Pistols - Corrupters, maybe Blasters?
Demon Summoning - Masterminds

Any other ideas or connections?

I'd agree with most of those, but;

Magnetism- While I agree it would make most sense as a Controller/Dominator power, the fact that he also included "Magnetic Blast" makes me suspect he may be thinking of it as a Defender primary. I really think it would work better as a "control"-type power than a "buff/debuff"-type power, but then I would have said the same thing about Weather Summoning.

Psionic Weaponry- I suspect that this would be the "psionic melee" set some people have been clammoring for (don't understand it myself, to me psi powers make more sense as ranged powers, but a lot of people seem to really want some sort of psi-melee set- I suppose something like Psylock's psionic daggers). That being the case, I'd guess Scrapper/Stalker for that one.

[El Condor]

I've also read that the focus of I9 will be Inventions, and that new powersets are pushed back to at least I10.

On that note, some interesting early intel from the CoH-UK boards:
http://uk.boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=TestUK&Number=678903&page=0&fpart=1

EC

[NeoDarke]

I'd agree with most of those, but;

Magnetism- While I agree it would make most sense as a Controller/Dominator power, the fact that he also included "Magnetic Blast" makes me suspect he may be thinking of it as a Defender primary. I really think it would work better as a "control"-type power than a "buff/debuff"-type power, but then I would have said the same thing about Weather Summoning.

Psionic Weaponry- I suspect that this would be the "psionic melee" set some people have been clammoring for (don't understand it myself, to me psi powers make more sense as ranged powers, but a lot of people seem to really want some sort of psi-melee set- I suppose something like Psylock's psionic daggers). That being the case, I'd guess Scrapper/Stalker for that one.

I look at Psionic Melee/Weaponry, as kinda the TK side of psionic's. Telepaths go for the mind, telenetics will pick just about anything up, incuding you, and use you as a weapon. The controller look of a telekinetic has been done to death really, so just the thought of maybe going all melee TK on someone like Psylock, or maybe like Hisako from Astonishing X-Men (almost a "telekinetic" tanker really), would just be awesome. I've even played around with how I'd set it up myself... But I never write it down. Ah well.

[captainspud]

I see Psi Weapons working basically like Necrid from Soul Calibur 2-- he's constantly "spawning" a variety of weapons out of his body's energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F94SyR_ap-o

*shrugs*

[Alaric]

I've also read that the focus of I9 will be Inventions, and that new powersets are pushed back to at least I10.

Actually, since, as far as I know, the new power sets were never slated for I9, or stated or implied to be in I9, I don't think they've been pushed back. I could be wrong, of course.

[Dweomer Knight]

Hard to say.  You already get some TK effects to varying degrees from Gravity and Mind.

Tankers and Brutes are usually used to model the "brick" concept and I have mixed feelings about them running around with shields.  I would rather see certain options (on the offensive side anyway) like Ice Melee and War Mace made more attractive.  I would like to see more defensive options for Scrappers and Tankers but for Tankers I would rather see Energy and Electric as options rather than Shields; I don't see any reason to limit them to Brutes only.

Magnetic Blast makes me think of a Blaster primary and Defender Secondary (just based off the name).  As an aside, I haven't see a Sonic anything in ages, and Archery only seems to show up with Trick Arrow.  These were thier last attempt at new sets, are they really that bad?  I never rolled a Sonic anything and only tried an Archery blaster to lvl 16.

I'm guessing Street Fighting will be to Martial Arts what Broadsword and Katana are to each other now.

My first thougt when I saw Psionic Weaponry was melee.  I suppose it could mean ranged but I'm thinking more of an exotic melee, like Spines.

Electric Hammer: Ah, Thor clones.  It'll keep H.A.M.S.T.E.R busy at least.  It does sound cool though.  I still wish Ice and Mace were better options than they are now.

DK

[Alaric]

As an aside, I haven't see a Sonic anything in ages, and Archery only seems to show up with Trick Arrow.  These were thier last attempt at new sets, are they really that bad?  I never rolled a Sonic anything and only tried an Archery blaster to lvl 16.

My Corruptor, Satyra, is Sonic/Sonic, and I have no complaints about the sets.

I'm guessing Street Fighting will be to Martial Arts what Broadsword and Katana are to each other now.

I've been wanting a Street Fighting set since the game came out- it's the single new set I want to see most. I'm guessing it will involve more punches and less kicks than MA.

[captainspud]

Street Fighting is what I thought I was taking when I made Spud. MA isn't a very good fit for him.

[Funeral-Pyre]

  As an aside, I haven't see a Sonic anything in ages, and Archery only seems to show up with Trick Arrow.  These were thier last attempt at new sets, are they really that bad?  I never rolled a Sonic anything and only tried an Archery blaster to lvl 16.

Sonic-Crush is my lvl 48 blaster.  He is sonic/energy, and he rocks!!

[Dweomer Knight]

My Corruptor, Satyra, is Sonic/Sonic, and I have no complaints about the sets.

Sonic-Crush is my lvl 48 blaster.  He is sonic/energy, and he rocks!!

That's good to hear.  I wonder why I never seem to see the Sonics, in either of the CoX games?

DK

[Midnight]

Off Topic Rant: I have a Sonic/Devices Blaster who hit 50 in July. The problem with Sonics is that it's not terribly flashy and had to compete with Archery when the sets were first introduced. There were also a handful of vicious rumors; I still get asked what type of damage Sonic does (Smash/Energy) and whether or not the nuke is worth taking (3 ticks of damage, all Smash/Energy, -Res and Disorient... it's worth it). Sonic/Energy is starting to become a popular blapper set too.

I'd agree with most of those, but;

Magnetism- While I agree it would make most sense as a Controller/Dominator power, the fact that he also included "Magnetic Blast" makes me suspect he may be thinking of it as a Defender primary. I really think it would work better as a "control"-type power than a "buff/debuff"-type power, but then I would have said the same thing about Weather Summoning.

Psionic Weaponry- I suspect that this would be the "psionic melee" set some people have been clammoring for (don't understand it myself, to me psi powers make more sense as ranged powers, but a lot of people seem to really want some sort of psi-melee set- I suppose something like Psylock's psionic daggers). That being the case, I'd guess Scrapper/Stalker for that one.

I look at Psionic Melee/Weaponry, as kinda the TK side of psionic's. Telepaths go for the mind, telenetics will pick just about anything up, incuding you, and use you as a weapon. The controller look of a telekinetic has been done to death really, so just the thought of maybe going all melee TK on someone like Psylock, or maybe like Hisako from Astonishing X-Men (almost a "telekinetic" tanker really), would just be awesome. I've even played around with how I'd set it up myself... But I never write it down. Ah well.

Psi weaponry? Al said it but it bears repeating:

[BlueBard]

I've also read that the focus of I9 will be Inventions, and that new powersets are pushed back to at least I10.

On that note, some interesting early intel from the CoH-UK boards:
http://uk.boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=TestUK&Number=678903&page=0&fpart=1

EC

That's a really old post.  Possibly not very relevant any more.

I can't understand why they'd spend that much time on 'crafting' as opposed to introducing new powersets and AT's (and new missions) that it needs its' own release that concentrates on nothing else.  Sure, there's precedent for crafting in comics (Iron-Man, Mr. Fantastic, Batman, etc).  But unless the Invention system allows some truly original 'powers' to be built as opposed to glorified enhancements and variations on temp powers we've already seen, and unless it's accessible to players of all levels, I'm going to be less than impressed.  I don't have enough play time as it is.

[BlueBard]

Let me amend my previous post in one respect...

If adding Inventions adds to the 'storyline', then I'm all for it.

"Darn!  I'm missing a thermal inverter for my freeze-ray pistol.  I bet I could find one inside an Assembler Duke!  I'm off to punch the Clockwork!"

In short, it should lead to new missions that specifically revolve around accumulating parts rather than hoping that one runs across a given piece of salvage during a routine mission.

[Midnight]

Heh, well it's because the more sucessful MMOs (*cough*WoW*cough*) have crafting systems. Honestly, I'm with you BB. Crafting seems kinda pointless and boring to me. Of course, shiny mechanical wings might make me change my mind for a bit, but... *shrug*

[Tortuga]

At this point, I think the community knows very little of the scope of I9 -- at least that's what I'm hoping.

With Inventions, what I'm looking for is a reason to improve my established characters (in other words, my lvl 50s or soon-to-be 50s) and not just a way to improve them.  If there is no content for 50s to explore, I don't really feel motivated to collect and craft simply to have a "better" character - I'd like to enjoy that improvement via some new content.

There are three things I wish CoH/V would focus on:
1) new content: missions within old or new zones, mission types within old zones
2) new or shared powersets: c'mon guys, it'd be the best way to use those resources and encourage altitis even more!
3) costumes and character customization: which some would say Inventions will help with, and I'm looking forward to see what could be unlocked.

I find the flood of temp or permanent temp powers to be overwhelming.  Thanks to Sands of Mu and Nem Staff, lvl 1 toons already have 2 awesome attacks.  What we need is fewer individual powers (all the temp stuff) and more power sets to create more individualized characters.

Oh, and slots.  We need more server slots.  Or a way to 'park' lvl 50 characters...somehow.

[Alaric]

At this point, I think the community knows very little of the scope of I9 -- at least that's what I'm hoping.

With Inventions, what I'm looking for is a reason to improve my established characters (in other words, my lvl 50s or soon-to-be 50s) and not just a way to improve them.  If there is no content for 50s to explore, I don't really feel motivated to collect and craft simply to have a "better" character - I'd like to enjoy that improvement via some new content.

There are three things I wish CoH/V would focus on:
1) new content: missions within old or new zones, mission types within old zones
2) new or shared powersets: c'mon guys, it'd be the best way to use those resources and encourage altitis even more!
3) costumes and character customization: which some would say Inventions will help with, and I'm looking forward to see what could be unlocked.

I find the flood of temp or permanent temp powers to be overwhelming.  Thanks to Sands of Mu and Nem Staff, lvl 1 toons already have 2 awesome attacks.  What we need is fewer individual powers (all the temp stuff) and more power sets to create more individualized characters.

Oh, and slots.  We need more server slots.  Or a way to 'park' lvl 50 characters...somehow.

I agree completely. I'd also like to see new (non-epic) ATs, for both heroes and villains. I'm personaly not that interested in epic ATs- I'd rather have new ATs that were more versatile concept-wise.

As far as server slots go, I'd like to see additional server slots as a vet reward. After all, people who have been playing longer are more likely to need them.

[BlueBard]

Invention could lead to missions, so:

You need part X to complete invention Y.  You go to the University contact, who informs you that Mr. Z is a good source for part X.  You visit Mr. Z, who says he'll give you part X if you complete some heroic task.

OR

The University contact informs you that part X can only be obtained by defeating enemy Y in zone Z.

Whatever.  As long as it provides more context and pretext for missions beyond the usual.  Does it work that way?  Dunno.

On another topic, AT's I'd like to see (that might be reasonably doable):

BeastMaster - The heroic version of Mastermind, allows the hero to summon and buff animal/monster pets combined with some secondary offensive powerset.  Archery would be especially appropriate here.  Maybe a choice between ranged and melee secondaries.  Or even secondary powersets that blend ranged and melee along with limited defenses.  Whatever.

Avenger - primary ranged offensive powerset (like the Defender secondaries), secondary defensive powerset.  The defenses should be more along the lines of Dark Armor, Super Senses, and possibly Regeneration as opposed to a hard defense like Invuln or any of the Tank armors.  I'd throw in a defense oriented version of the Devices powerset too.

But I really think the Dev focus should be on new missions and adding powersets.

[Alaric]

Invention could lead to missions, so:BeastMaster - The heroic version of Mastermind, allows the hero to summon and buff animal/monster pets combined with some secondary offensive powerset.  Archery would be especially appropriate here.  Maybe a choice between ranged and melee secondaries.  Or even secondary powersets that blend ranged and melee along with limited defenses.  Whatever.

Avenger - primary ranged offensive powerset (like the Defender secondaries), secondary defensive powerset.  The defenses should be more along the lines of Dark Armor, Super Senses, and possibly Regeneration as opposed to a hard defense like Invuln or any of the Tank armors.  I'd throw in a defense oriented version of the Devices powerset too.

While both of these are similar to ideas I've had, as well, I'd be really surprised if we see either of them any time soon. The devs stated a while back that they were having trouble animating models for quaropedal animals- I would guess that a big part of the problem is how to make each kind of animal move in a way that works for that kind of animal. A cat that walked like a dog just wouldn't look right, for example. And way, way back, Statesman stated that there was no way to combine ranged attacks with defensive powers and maintain game balance. Of course, Kheldians manage that without seeming overpowered, so who knows...

Still, what I'd really like to see in a new AT would be some sort of shapeshifter- whether it was done the way shapeshifting works for Kheldians or in some other way (and I'm not talking about a new epic aT here- I want a variety of different shapechanging power sets, and complete free choice on the characters' backgrounds). I think powers that alter the user in some way are one of the main things missing from the game so far.