Epic Classes

[Avatar PDM]

I am not sure, if there was a discussion about that one already but since I couldn´t find any on short notice I will give it a run here - if somebody knows better please let me know

So, about the thing with epic classes

I liked the general idea of an Epic Class (Kheldians) where you had a extra bonus for getting to a certain point in the game and therefore unlocking a very special class and I loved the chance of having a combo class close range/range attack (as mentioned numerous times before )

So, basically my idea - and therefore reason for opening that discussion - would be to eventually (at a later point and update of the game) we can have an epic class but NOT as the Kheldians where.

My idea would be of having the general concept (meaning the power) but either giving a small range of options about the powers and optics (combined with origin) or leaving it completely open for the imagination of the people to create their own Alien Race and also leave it optional if transformation would be wanted or not

So what do you all think of it?

[GladDog]

The dev team has said they have no plans to make epic c!asses. Instead, they will likely have powersets you can unlock that are unique, like an Assassin primary set and a Ninjitsu secondary that essentially make a Brawler into a Rogue type class. Or something like a Holy Warrior secondary and a Divine Protection primary that make a Tank into a Paladin. In other words, making specialists that are dang good at what they do, rather than Jack of all trades and master of none, like Kheldians were.

[Avatar PDM]

The dev team has said they have no plans to make epic c!asses. Instead, they will likely have powersets you can unlock that are unique, like an Assassin primary set and a Ninjitsu secondary that essentially make a Brawler into a Rogue type class. Or something like a Holy Warrior secondary and a Divine Protection primary that make a Tank into a Paladin. In other words, making specialists that are dang good at what they do, rather than Jack of all trades and master of none, like Kheldians were.

that is sad to hear but I guess there is no way to make everyone happy; I mean that limitation was something which I already would have liked to be different with CoH since I am more of a role player than a gamer.

So basically I never cared to have the best, most effective character possible - which is the reason why I don´t care about Specialists - but was more looking for a Superhero-Like feeling. And to tell the truth, when you look around in the Comic Book Industry there are not that many characters which are so specialized, that one could have created them with CoH. Not a Batman, Superman or Iron Man or Cable (I could make a list for hours but I think that is sufficient for what I meant).

But just out of curiousity: How should an Assassin work as a specialist? I mean, that is a contradiction in itself. The only thing in which you could call an Assassin a specialist is in killing. But in that art they generally use a range which is so whide that even Kheldians would pale in comparison. I mean, take any Assassin out of comic books or the traditional Assassin type of groups out of history and you have people who know how to fight (armed and unarmed) often also would be good with camouflage, traps and poisons and such. In CoH that would have combined a Controller, a (weak) Blaster, and a Brawler in one

Anyway it was basically just a thought I had, so thank you anyway for pointing that info out for me

[GladDog]

The class they mentioned was Rogues. The unique powersets was my idea, which has neither been blessed or cursed by the dev team. While most of the dev team did not like Stalkers, or that type of character in any game, they realize that a lot of players do.

A Rogue has the highest level of stealth and a very powerful quick strike. This makes them especially useful as Assassins (or in this case being a specialist at single strike incapacitation) or as scouts.

I would love to see Paladins in the game. Not the shield-hearth WoW types. but Paladins like almost every other game has - A holy tank. A dang dangerous one at that.

For both, instead of investing all the time and effort into making what is in essence a niche character from scratch, making a custom powerset makes more sense.

[GladDog]

How would they be unlocked? Probably via a Task Force that is completed once you hit a certain level.

Lets say 40 is the minimum level. Once you get to that level, A signature NPC sends you a message about a task force that needs to be done. Once you run it successfully, And you turn in the completion you see a dialog box asking if you want to unlock Rogues, Paladins, or take an epic reward, like an augment or a bag of dual use temp powers and infusions.

[A1fighter]

CO had the best class system ever. You choose whatever power from any tree or power set you wanted. There were about 15 abilities points which could be used on any power, from any archetype.

Bad game, but CO was the most complete superhero mmo in terms of their ideas.

[Styrj]

@GladDog: "How would they be unlocked? Probably via a Task Force that is completed once you hit a certain level."

I hope not.

@A1fighter: "CO had the best class system ever. You choose whatever power from any tree or power set you wanted. There were about 15 abilities points which could be used on any power, from any archetype.

Bad game, but CO was the most complete superhero mmo in terms of their ideas."

I agree with A1fighter's statements.

With the exception of teaming with my son when he was playing, I was a die-hard soloer (and still am). So, unlocking Epic Classes via Task Force is not to my liking. I would think that the devs could come up with a mechanism for unlocking Epic Classes without any type of forced teaming. I have always wanted the CoHV devs to introduce solo TFs, but, alas, that never happened. Hopefully the SoH devs can figure out a way to make that happen.

[GladDog]

I did want to say that the team has no plans to add epic classes to the game. They can be a HUGE pain in the butt to balance. If they decide to add Stalker type players, it will probably be a powerset (ninja/ stealth secondary that has Assassin strike as a power) that is unlocked, no idea how they would do so. I'm just guessing on the TF reward. Paladins are just on my wish list, I doubt they will get in the game even two or more years after release. It would be the same thing for Paladins, an unlocked tanker secondary that gives healing and some type of ranged attack, or possibly getting the class unlocks a weapon that gives you some limited range ability. The primary would be a standard tanker defense set.

[Ridgeman]

I never cared much for Khelds in CoH, but if I think if you're gonna do an epic AT, that's the way to do it. Jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Ideal for the experienced player - especially if you find yourself in a PUG that's lacking in something - tanking, dps, heals, cc - so you can switch roles as required. But not SO good as to outshine pure ATs at their own jobs. No tanking better than a tank, healing better than a healer, etc. And yeah, seems like that would be difficult to balance, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. Would be kinda cool, though.

[slacktech]

I also didn't particularly like Khelds, and much prefer that there will be 'epic powers' rather than epic classes. I have no firm idea on how to implement these things, but I really don't think epic classes are the best option for either the players or the developers. Epic powers, on the other hand, are a fun little addition in my opinion

[mjplb]

Everyone starting off as a hero and then hitting a level wall, which then you can adjust to be a superhero. Same toon, same power sets, just advancing at a MUCH slower pace. Each time you advance your superhero status you can then gain large increases with a certain power set, fire, ice, mind, ECT... Then you can solo/team it, it's not a diversion from your play style to complete it... Just an idea...