Ninjanomyx
Imperfects
Negative-Feedback
184
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Posted - 2013.08.15 21:56:00 -
[1] - Quote
DCUO has paid Respecs so it is not unfathomable.....but I prefer not to advocate this route. Everyone claiming "This is EVE/New Eden HTFU!!!!!" are ignorant to the fact that this is soooooooooo far removed from that..... 1st & foremost it is an FPS, partially developed with MAG associates, & that had "Earned Respecs" over time/gameplay. DUST also lacks the substance to grant it MMO status. There is no meaningful interaction between DUST & EVE. The vast majority of the skill tree is ever-changing & vastly unfinished (SP Sinks where final 2 Levels offer no unlock/bonus). Promised launch content is missing. Core functions/mechanics are either not present or buggy. Player market is unavailable to even determine value of loot. There is almost no balance or player retension incentive. Marketplace items/statistics are still disgustingly flawed. And I won't even bother mentioning how vehicle functions are punished & unrewarding b/c I could write a dissertation on this subject alone.....
Technically, until the core mechanics, balancing foundation, PvE & other launch promised content, DUST-to-EVE & vice versa interactions, player market, vehicular function/protection, skill tree foundation to eliminate SP "Sand Traps", and even racial variants of current suits/vehicles (Including Pilot Dropsuit)...............we are still in BETA testing mode and it should be treated as such (Minus RESET as this would utterly kill player retension at this point.....) This all points to 1 fact.....this is not yet an MMOFPS, it is a BETA for a Lobby Shooter.
Considering the above facts/factors I would like to propose this:
1. Respec of Lifetime SP every 2-4 months (Depending on time between major content additions/alterations) until the core fuctionality, promised gear/vehicles, and skill tree are presented in full to promote the testing aspect.
2. Respec of Lifetime SP 1 more time immediately after DUST is determined to at least be lobby shooter competent & initial content complete, with a functional skill tree and core balancing foundation in place.
3. Respec of Lifetime SP every 1 year (Stackable at this point) to promote longevity and slight experimental flexibility to alter the Meta, thus keeping DUST feeling "Fresh" over time. And 1 Lifetime SP Respec for new players within 30 days of exiting a properly structured Battle Academy.
I feel that these steps would be beneficial to the longevity of this title as it would bolster player retension. The arguments against it fall flat in the grand scheme of things. Some say that this will only promote "FOTM Chasers", and while that may be true it also is not hurting anyone but themselves. In the grand scheme of things we would get to experience the "other side of the fence", test the changes out, provide more frequent feedback on various intergrations without feeling "Punished", and pave the way to a final & true DUST 514.
When we enter "Step 2" you may see some "FOTM Chasers".....but they only hurt themselves & their team. At this point there should be a sense of balance in place, and an "Escape Route" in the form of PvE. Example....a team of "FOTM Chasers" sporting Caldari Assault/Logi Dropsuits with ARs & Flaylocks go up against a team of Mixed Races/Gears. The sheer flexibility of a well-balanced cohesive team playing to eachother's weaknesses/strengths will get objectives faster, offset/negate the FOTM weapon system, bait 'n switch tactics (Has Gallente Armor w/ AR bait Caldari Shield AR into fight w/ Caldari Shield with SCR/Laser, etc), & many other Meta-building strategies that make the "FOTM Chasers" essentially pointless, hence "Punished".
At "Step 3" we now have a well-defined baseline and allow the "Punished FOTM Chasers" to fix their mistake after 1 year. All while also allowing everyone else to choose wether or not to alter their path, or bank their Respec, allowing for more diversity overall, thus changing the Meta and providing the ever-changing combat we were once promised. We must look past the "This is New Eden/EVE" factor as we move forward if we are to hope for survival in this market. We cannot compare a subscription based pure spreadsheet MMORPG to what is to be a free-to-play MMOFPS. Though they may be set in the same Universe they are 2 entirely separate "Beasts", and should be "Tamed" according to their respective behaviors. We do not teach a turtle to jump just as we do not coax a penguin to fly, nor an ant to swim  |