coldcut
04-19-2005, 10:00 PM
Okay, you shake the Magic 8-Ball and this is what you get...
1. When will it be released? (Can't really be answered until it's actually released, but still deserves to be the #1 question.)
You're right. Can't really answer this yet.
2. When will beta start? (see above)
See above.
3. What do the new archetypes mean?
Hmmm. They mean you get 5 new archetypes that don't match up exactly to any of the CoH archetypes. We want them to feel different and match the roles of various villian concepts you see in your favorite comics. And we want them to work together as a well-balanced team. Bad guys work in groups too, after all.
4. What are the powersets?
The powersets for villains are a combination of existing powersets, others with a few new powers, and some wholly new powersets. All these are used to create the new archetype concepts we have in mind. So you'll see villains using a combination of powers you know and some entirely new things.
5. Are villain origins the same as hero origins?
Yes. The origins pretty much cover the bases.
6. How will people be able to grief?
7. How will griefers be dealt with?
If I knew all the answers to the first question, I'd be able to come up with all the solutions to the second. While we're doing everything we can to think of possible ways to grief (and using our experience from other MMO's), I have unbounded optimism in the creativity of some players to find new and exciting ways to make life miserable for others. :smirk:
8. If villains can receive missions, what are they like? What are the different types?
Yes, missions are still a big part of the game. Of course we want them to be more villainous and we are looking at ways to give them more variety. Another non-answer.
9. Minions: how do you get 'em, what can you do with 'em? What do they look like? How do they act? etc, etc, etc.
A lot of this ties in with stuff related to archetypes. That's all I'm saying for now.
10. What does it mean when they say villains are proactive?
We want to give you a little more control over your destiny. Villains should not always feel like they are servants of the people (as a good hero would). You're in this for yourself. However, note that I say "a little" -- for a good deal of your history there are still those more powerful than you who may have demands and tasks for you.
11. Bases: how do you get 'em, what can you do with 'em? What do they look like? How do you attack/defend them? Do you need to own CoV to get one? etc, etc, etc.
You build them, buy them, and pay rent on them. They will look as good as your design sense allows. Supergroups will be able to attack other bases if that base has made itself open to raiding. You can have a base that can't be raided, so long as you avoid collecting certain things.
12. How do you interact with NPC heroes?
13. How do you interact with non-hero NPC's?
About the same way as heroes interact with villains now. As a villain your enemies are not only heroes, but the competition.
14. How does CoV overlap with CoH in terms of geography?
Mostly nearby, although we might have surprise or two up our sleeve.
15. PvP: a million questions. When, where, with whom? How do missions and minions enter into it? If you avoid PvP, how much content do you miss out on?
Less than a million answers -- You'll be able to PvP heroes and villains -- but only those who want to be part of PvP. This is not a "I challenge you to a duel, Black Fang! Okay, Hero Guy, I accept," kind of thing. Consent depends on where you go and the choices you make. You won't get ganked in Galaxy City, no matter what. We're building goals for PvP, so you'll want to play it, so if you are a dedicated PvE player, your friends may have PvP badges, titles, or a temp power you won't earn.
16. Costumes, etc: What kind of body size and shape options do villains get? Costume options?
Of course villains get cool costumes. It's the law. They will get new pieces along with some of the existing pieces to make a villainous fashion statement. Villians are often more physically "interesting" than heros so we're looking at things we can do there, too.
17. Will villains have enhancements like heroes?
18. Will villains have inspirations like heroes?
Yes.
19. Will there be loot?
Maybe.
20. How do villains gain xp?
21. Do villains have influence? Or what?
Villains gain xp in ways similar to heroes -- by accomplishing things and defeating their enemies. They earn Infamy instead of Influence.
22. What is the the goal for the villains? Besides leveling up, what are they trying to do?
That will depend on you. Of course there is leveling, but there are other goals along the way. And in the end, there may be some choices to make.
23. Will CoV share CoH servers?
I'm not answering. Nyah.
24. What power pools do villains get?
No answer at this time.
25. Do PC villains ever go do jail?
Maybe.
26. Monthly pricing for CoV, and for CoV+CoH?
No answer at this time. It's an issue for people who are not me to address.
I don't really have anything to say. But the spirit of the forum thinks my message is to short. Oh might spirit, please accept this humble offering!
1. When will it be released? (Can't really be answered until it's actually released, but still deserves to be the #1 question.)
You're right. Can't really answer this yet.
2. When will beta start? (see above)
See above.
3. What do the new archetypes mean?
Hmmm. They mean you get 5 new archetypes that don't match up exactly to any of the CoH archetypes. We want them to feel different and match the roles of various villian concepts you see in your favorite comics. And we want them to work together as a well-balanced team. Bad guys work in groups too, after all.
4. What are the powersets?
The powersets for villains are a combination of existing powersets, others with a few new powers, and some wholly new powersets. All these are used to create the new archetype concepts we have in mind. So you'll see villains using a combination of powers you know and some entirely new things.
5. Are villain origins the same as hero origins?
Yes. The origins pretty much cover the bases.
6. How will people be able to grief?
7. How will griefers be dealt with?
If I knew all the answers to the first question, I'd be able to come up with all the solutions to the second. While we're doing everything we can to think of possible ways to grief (and using our experience from other MMO's), I have unbounded optimism in the creativity of some players to find new and exciting ways to make life miserable for others. :smirk:
8. If villains can receive missions, what are they like? What are the different types?
Yes, missions are still a big part of the game. Of course we want them to be more villainous and we are looking at ways to give them more variety. Another non-answer.
9. Minions: how do you get 'em, what can you do with 'em? What do they look like? How do they act? etc, etc, etc.
A lot of this ties in with stuff related to archetypes. That's all I'm saying for now.
10. What does it mean when they say villains are proactive?
We want to give you a little more control over your destiny. Villains should not always feel like they are servants of the people (as a good hero would). You're in this for yourself. However, note that I say "a little" -- for a good deal of your history there are still those more powerful than you who may have demands and tasks for you.
11. Bases: how do you get 'em, what can you do with 'em? What do they look like? How do you attack/defend them? Do you need to own CoV to get one? etc, etc, etc.
You build them, buy them, and pay rent on them. They will look as good as your design sense allows. Supergroups will be able to attack other bases if that base has made itself open to raiding. You can have a base that can't be raided, so long as you avoid collecting certain things.
12. How do you interact with NPC heroes?
13. How do you interact with non-hero NPC's?
About the same way as heroes interact with villains now. As a villain your enemies are not only heroes, but the competition.
14. How does CoV overlap with CoH in terms of geography?
Mostly nearby, although we might have surprise or two up our sleeve.
15. PvP: a million questions. When, where, with whom? How do missions and minions enter into it? If you avoid PvP, how much content do you miss out on?
Less than a million answers -- You'll be able to PvP heroes and villains -- but only those who want to be part of PvP. This is not a "I challenge you to a duel, Black Fang! Okay, Hero Guy, I accept," kind of thing. Consent depends on where you go and the choices you make. You won't get ganked in Galaxy City, no matter what. We're building goals for PvP, so you'll want to play it, so if you are a dedicated PvE player, your friends may have PvP badges, titles, or a temp power you won't earn.
16. Costumes, etc: What kind of body size and shape options do villains get? Costume options?
Of course villains get cool costumes. It's the law. They will get new pieces along with some of the existing pieces to make a villainous fashion statement. Villians are often more physically "interesting" than heros so we're looking at things we can do there, too.
17. Will villains have enhancements like heroes?
18. Will villains have inspirations like heroes?
Yes.
19. Will there be loot?
Maybe.
20. How do villains gain xp?
21. Do villains have influence? Or what?
Villains gain xp in ways similar to heroes -- by accomplishing things and defeating their enemies. They earn Infamy instead of Influence.
22. What is the the goal for the villains? Besides leveling up, what are they trying to do?
That will depend on you. Of course there is leveling, but there are other goals along the way. And in the end, there may be some choices to make.
23. Will CoV share CoH servers?
I'm not answering. Nyah.
24. What power pools do villains get?
No answer at this time.
25. Do PC villains ever go do jail?
Maybe.
26. Monthly pricing for CoV, and for CoV+CoH?
No answer at this time. It's an issue for people who are not me to address.
I don't really have anything to say. But the spirit of the forum thinks my message is to short. Oh might spirit, please accept this humble offering!