11-07-2007, 08:22 AM
Quote:Just a couple observations of my own I would like to add.
First, I think that they need to dial down the respawn rate on the multiplayer, at least when it is being played solo. Right now, if you have to step away from the computer, the only real options are to clear to the end of the particular instance or port back to a station and abandon pretty much any progress made. Heck, in the train tunnels, I've cleared one set to the next "depot" and had to go back to the previous "depot" because I didn't clear a side tunnel. It will already have fully spawned and might even be nastier than when I had just been there. Of course, I don't know how this relates to single player as I don't have my retail copy yet and have been playing off my beta key. Even so, I am assuming that solo-muti will be the way people end up playing solo, just as they did with the Diablos.
There is no penalty for dying and corpse runs are quick so the respawn rate is not a big deal when afk'ing although when I go afk in-game with my guardian I throw up L2 shield wall (the L25 shield skill) before I do. I recommend playing with others if you are online as the experience can enrich the life of the game unless you are very antisocial like Thecla (I have played classic Diablo with him on b.net so he is not as antisocial as he likes people to believe). All loot drops are "tagged" for each player so you don't have to worry about someone else taking what is yours; they can't see/pick up your drops.
Quote:The other is item storage, both character and stash. I have come to the conclusion that they are forcing the deconstruction process. It looks like cash is going to be a minor issue. Once in a while, there is a piece of equipment being sold that is better than what you are using, but cash mostly is there only to purchase supplies, and killing stuff often brings more of those than needed too. When I'm out on a quest, I deconstruct most equipment and hold just a couple that either look like they will be an upgrade or bring good cash for restocking. My stash ends up being just saved mods and deconstructed parts, along with a piece or two of equipment that is waiting for stats to catch up to it. Has anyone found reason to save multiple sets of equipment for different situations? My equipment seems to mold to my play style rather than needing different sets to apply my play style to different situations.
I keep two sets of gear for my characters: "+ luck" which is what I always wear and "+ optimization". I could as well deconstruct the second set since I rarely switch my armor. I have over +200 luck on my guardian and the drops do seem better than before but it could be just lucky random rolls. If I play the game again I will do further testing to see if + luck items are worth it. The only items I keep are legendary or better and items with good skills and mod slots (both on the same item).
Other observations:
Dual wielding focus items with the evoker adds considerable dps from what I've experienced, especially when they have +skills. Since cash is scarce in the game do not spend it on adding properties to your gear; save it to enhance a higher level legendary or unique item. If you think you need upgrades then use the decon mats instead. IMO upgrades are not necessary unless your loot drops have been under par. A friend who was also in the beta told me that unidentified items sell for the same price to a vendor as identified ones. I didn't ask him how he tested this since it was not something I was interested in knowing; I am in the habit of identifying everything and deconstructing it afterwards.
I read somewhere, perhaps on the beta forum, that a postal system might be implemented for subscribers. If this is true then the observation that others have made about the developers requiring a fee (subscription or expansion pack) for everything that is not already included is correct. Even without a fee for a mail box my opinion about this game being crippled stands and if my opinions seem overly hostile I will not apologize.
P.S. Hi Ashock, Lissa; I hope you guys are still having fun with WoW. I might try the 10 day free trial but since I haven't played in over two years I will be a L60 noob. The gankers will undoubtedly love me. ;)