Originally Posted by
Rauigriu
There definitely seems to be a few different opinions here on what hardcore play should be as an experience. My understanding of what makes hardcore mode unique is that its very core it is a play style that demands a completely different mindset as it is rooted by the understanding that if you die, its game over. That said there are several things id like to reiterate from previous posts before I jump into some new thoughts.
1. I agree with everyone who has stated that losing badges that we’ve paid for doesn’t seem right. As everyone knows, freek things can happen to the best players with game glitches, disconnects etc right at the worst time. Regardless of the reason it takes anywhere from $110 to $170 depending on sales prices of plat to get a badge. Those badges should be considered bought and paid for.
2. Addressing Hc rogue: I know I’m putting a lot here but please read all. Hardcore mode is hardcore mode, not run n gun. I’m not great at playing the rogue but I took a new one from start up to and including the mini boss in Windmoore harbor to see if it was possible or not to do without being carried. Just as I do with a hc mage, I did all levels except Dead City Tower of Mardrom without help and it is definitely doable alone. If you watch Hex’s video it can be done a lot faster and easier than how I played it, but with care you can solo all 4 maps in Brakenridge without using a single elixir. Your gold can and should go to xp from the start. That said: Once in Ydra, maps get trickier and Dead city even more. Running a mage I rely on fireball and whirlwind to knock down mobs plus a shield for protection. Warriors need no introduction to their defense levels. Rogues however have neither and they have no way to stop Ydra mages from summoning additional mobs which can quickly become overwhelming. Once I reach level 10 with my hc char I visit Petrox Lord of War in Brakenridge and I buy 4 of his Legendary Guardian bundles for 500 gold each. The potions alone cost more when divided per piece in guild halls. Even with that gear I had my work cut out for me and by the time I was finished with the mini boss on the Windmoore Harbor map I had blown through the majority of my health potions. Especially since unlike the mage/sorcerer who shares a similarly weak constitution, the rogue has to fight up close and personal in hand to hand combat without the ability to stun or knock-back (prior to level 20). Even doing my best to use aimed shot and draw some mobs closer for smaller battles, there comes a point with Ydra map mages and especially with flash mobs of sprouting skeletons in dead city, where I definitely had to spam potions. While rogues may have great benefits when leveled up, I would like to suggest that there be some sort of adjustment to make the rogues play a bit more even with the other two classes at least at the start. While you, STS, have consistently encouraged group play which we understand the benefits of, there are times that we as players come off of a bad day or just want for some reason to play solo for awhile and it would be nice to see consideration for this. In addition it takes a bit of a commitment time wise to cary a hardcore player and it would be nice if ALL hc chars could work all maps through Kraken isles, as the mage and war can, solo before needing help.
3. Npc vendors and gear: I’ve heard that there is consideration being made for a vendor in Heracleon (& Berryline Bay?) to add vendors for crate token purchases. I agree that this needs to be done AND I would like to ask for a regular vendor at least in Heracleon where fathoms can be used to purchase gear in 2 ways. Similar to buying mythic gear with glintstone coins, it would be nice if you added the ability to buy gear for fathoms plus add some unlocked Heracleon crates like the unlocked Valley crate from Goody Wells. Even if it is too soon to add Kraken/Arcane gear, there should be no reason to not add mythic level 81 gear in addition to legendaries since it is no longer obtained through current locked event crates, plus it should not affect normal mode play as these items are already super cheep to buy in the auction. Several different pets would be nice to add as well.
4. “Alternate Ending” - I’d like to propose an addition to the game for hardcore play. Because many players have spent thousands of dollars on platinum, I would like to propose that in addition to the hardcore mode revive (which is a bit pricey even with keeping to a hardcore mindset) that you add an additional option that for sake of needing a name I’m calling the Alternate Ending option. This would cost say 100 plat and the character is set to level 1 normal mode so that all the characters gear is not lost. Personally I don’t feel that this kills the basis of hardcore mode and what/how it is played, but for the person who has spent a ton of money supporting STS, but for whatever reason finds themselves in a difficult financial or life situation, this would be your acknowledgment of appreciation allowing them to continue playing with what they have paid a lot of money for.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks