Magic Missile Doesn't 'Unerringly' Strike Anything

[Aethene]

We all know that MM should always hit a traget when cast. Thats the big appeal to using it as a spell. Problme is i find it misses quite a bit. The improve forward casting arcs they implemented a while ago did help, but i still find that when I'm running around, and kiting a mob and trying desperatley to kill it before it kills me, alot of my MM's miss.

A possible fix i can think of is speeding up the animation or something, Mkae it TRULY strike its target uneerrringly

[Lorein_Azura_Childs]

I think I noticed this on force missle too, is that working as intended?

[Elfvyra]

There's a problem if the mob is running at right angles to you as well. Speeding it up to 'Instantaneous', might help. Like Deific Vengence....

[dormetheus]

The graphic on this spell should be for flavor only. Cast the spell, roll the dice, assign the damage, then I don't care if this spell hits the wall or not.

[Freeman]

Actually, there are only two ways that MM will miss, from what I've seen and felt. First, the target can run out of range. Second, the target can move behind an obstacle. Unless they've changed it, moving behind an obstacle only works if the missiles don't impact something else before they hit their range limit. In other words, if you see missiles coming and duck around a corner, you will still take damage if the missiles hit a wall behind where you were originally standing. The animation doesn't have to hit the target for them to take damage, so don't rely on what the animation hits to judge whether it is striking the target or not.

[Memnir]

In the Players Handbook - a Magic Missle will hit anything that is within range - or has less than 100% cover. In DDO, this translates into anything that is not "blocked" or becomes blocked before the missles hit. Also - a monster that runs out of the spell range before the hit will avoid them.

I'd like it if the missles themselves were sped up significantly. I don't think it should be instant damage - but it'd feel "right" if the travel speed of magic missles were doubled.

[Missing_Minds]

MM and FM shoot as fast as rocket, not as fast as a feather you can dodge. I swear my fighter could bat them out of the air if he were allowed they come at him so slow.

And because of this misconception of speed, targets are missed too frequently. Between the running away, running side to side, game lag to where it takes your spell points but doesn't actually cast the spell, etc. MM will miss and it really shouldn't.

It should be Instantaneous and as fast as a bolt or arrow. Also notice how it is near impossible for us to dodge behind something or run away from the MM, but they can constantly. I have and it annoys me big time.

[Freeman]

Don't confuse the animation missing with the spell missing. The animation can miss entirely, but the target will still take damage. Check your combat log.

[Cowdenicus]

Yeah, well I cast Magic Missile at the darkness.

(do you have any Mountain Dew)

[Freeman]

Yeah, well I cast Magic Missile at the darkness.

Doesn't count, unless you are also the Sorceror of Light. But if you brought Mountain Dew, then I'll let it slide :p

[KristovK]

Unless 1 of 3 conditions occurs, MM always hits the target, whether you see them hit via the animation or not, check your combat logs as already suggested.

The 3 conditions are simple and you'll actually be told that you can't cast the spell for the first 2.

1 - target is out of range..gives a warning that you can't cast due to this

2 - target is obstructed..gives a warning that you can't cast due to this

3 - target has the Shield spell up, no warning, but you'll see an animation on the target as the MM strike showing the Shield graphic(also blocks Force Missiles)

Outside of those 3 conditions, if you cast it, it hits the target no matter what you see onscreen.

[Missing_Minds]

Unless 1 of 3 conditions occurs, MM always hits the target, whether you see them hit via the animation or not, check your combat logs as already suggested.

The 3 conditions are simple and you'll actually be told that you can't cast the spell for the first 2.

1 - target is out of range..gives a warning that you can't cast due to this

2 - target is obstructed..gives a warning that you can't cast due to this

3 - target has the Shield spell up, no warning, but you'll see an animation on the target as the MM strike showing the Shield graphic(also blocks Force Missiles)

Outside of those 3 conditions, if you cast it, it hits the target no matter what you see onscreen.

4. Target runs out of range. yes, this is possible and damage NEVER shows up in combat log.

5. Spell casts, target is in range, no damage is done. No dice rolled for damage as damage never shows up in combat log.

You needed to complete your list. Either the mechanics of the spell get you (as is correct) or the game screws you (as is just cheating.)

[chimerasplice]

As a cleric, I encounter 4 and 5 very often with my heals. If the target runs out of range after you have begun casting but before you finish casting, your sp are wasted. Same deal if they run behind a wall. And I also get random casts that just fail to function for no reason that I can determine.

[Freeman]

5. Spell casts, target is in range, no damage is done. No dice rolled for damage as damage never shows up in combat log.

Since this occurs with every single spell in the game, I don't really think it is a Magic Missile issue. I've seen the same thing happen with cure wands, buffs, attack spells, etc. It might even be the same problem that ranged attacks get when no dice rolls occur for attacks.

[Missing_Minds]

Since this occurs with every single spell in the game, I don't really think it is a Magic Missile issue. I've seen the same thing happen with cure wands, buffs, attack spells, etc. It might even be the same problem that ranged attacks get when no dice rolls occur for attacks.

While I do agree with you that this is the probably issue that effects every form of combat in the game, to not include it in the issues that effect MM would be wrong.

[Freeman]

While I do agree with you that this is the probably issue that effects every form of combat in the game, to not include it in the issues that effect MM would be wrong.

Wrong? Not exactly the word I would use. However, attributing this to a problem with MM is somewhat misleading, since it has no bearing on whether MM misses the target. It only affects whether or not a spell is actually cast at all. You can include it if you want, I just wanted to make sure others understood that this was a problem for all spells, not a unique problem with MM.

[PurdueDave]

Don't confuse the animation missing with the spell missing. The animation can miss entirely, but the target will still take damage. Check your combat log.

I was dodging the shamans MMs with cover in WW a couple of weeks ago. Combat log confirmed.

[Freeman]

I was dodging the shamans MMs with cover in WW a couple of weeks ago. Combat log confirmed.

Don't people actually read anymore? From my earlier post: "Second, the target can move behind an obstacle. Unless they've changed it, moving behind an obstacle only works if the missiles don't impact something else before they hit their range limit." So yes, you can dodge behind something. If the missiles impact a wall before they hit their range limit, then you still still take damage. If the missiles hit their range limit, they fizzle out without doing any damage.

I've had many occasions where I would dodge behind a wall, then get hit with the magic missile "glow" after I saw them hit a wall where I had been standing before. However, if they just keep going, I don't take damage.

[llevenbaxx]

I think they simply dont work as in PnP. I have actually managed to get very good at dodging MM when it is cast at me. No wall, pillars or any other obstacle. Just good ol tumble. Timed well, you can simply make them miss. Not every time no, just most of the time.:)

[PurdueDave]

Don't people actually read anymore? From my earlier post: "Second, the target can move behind an obstacle. Unless they've changed it, moving behind an obstacle only works if the missiles don't impact something else before they hit their range limit." So yes, you can dodge behind something. If the missiles impact a wall before they hit their range limit, then you still still take damage. If the missiles hit their range limit, they fizzle out without doing any damage.

I've had many occasions where I would dodge behind a wall, then get hit with the magic missile "glow" after I saw them hit a wall where I had been standing before. However, if they just keep going, I don't take damage.

I know that. It was whiffing like the acid splash. You know...where you can watch it go by. Very unusual.

[Ignignokt]

I believe SR works against MM as well.

[KristovK]

4. Target runs out of range. yes, this is possible and damage NEVER shows up in combat log.

5. Spell casts, target is in range, no damage is done. No dice rolled for damage as damage never shows up in combat log.

You needed to complete your list. Either the mechanics of the spell get you (as is correct) or the game screws you (as is just cheating.)

#4, as already pointed out, has nothing to do with MM but is an issue with the spell casting mechanics of the game and works with ANY spell, offense or defense. And it's not actually a problem per se, works the same in PnP, if a target is at the edge of a spells range and moves back as you cast, you'll usually miss the target, just depends on the speed of the spell being cast, the speed of the spell to target and the target's speed. Spells aren't always instant to target in PnP....

#5 sounds like a lag issue, something I usually only encounter when using wands, usually on the first cast of a wand after first equipping it. Casting an actual spell that my toon has memorized, I rarely get this issue and when I do, my ping and loss are always going nuts.

As for dodging MM...uh...huh? I've tried that doing PvP when bored waiting on the Loot weekend to start, didn't see anyone manage to avoid a single MM, even when they'd drop down inside the lower section in the Lobster's arena, they'd still get nailed. Had people tumbling and jumping and bouncing all over the place, but MM still nailed em like they were standing still. Never managed to dodge one myself, and I've tried, unless I was at the edge of the range and moved back as they were casting, I got nailed. It's why all my toons that can't cast Shield have clickies of Shield :)

Oh, and SR doesn't affect MM in DDO, doesn't affect any damage spell. NOT how it should work, but...*shrug*....you get used to it and realize that SR has it's place in DDO, great for protection from mind affecting spells...but don't count on it for much more than that. Get a shield clicky to protect against MM and Force Missiles, resist pots for elemental damages.

[The_Cataclysm]

I believe SR works against MM as well.

No, it does not.

[Zorth]

We all know that MM should always hit a traget when cast. Thats the big appeal to using it as a spell. Problme is i find it misses quite a bit. The improve forward casting arcs they implemented a while ago did help, but i still find that when I'm running around, and kiting a mob and trying desperatley to kill it before it kills me, alot of my MM's miss.

A possible fix i can think of is speeding up the animation or something, Mkae it TRULY strike its target uneerrringly

Magic missle works fine, Its your processor that is too slow. The only time I see it not hit is when the target is between me and a slope in the ground. It hits the ground just as a heat seaker would in real life.

[chimerasplice]

Sometimes as much as 50% of the time on my ranged attacks nothing happens. The animation goes, the dagger hits the target, but no rolls. Probably is a bug with every ranged attack and spell.

[Missing_Minds]

#4, as already pointed out, has nothing to do with MM but is an issue with the spell casting mechanics of the game and works with ANY spell, offense or defense. And it's not actually a problem per se, works the same in PnP, if a target is at the edge of a spells range and moves back as you cast, you'll usually miss the target, just depends on the speed of the spell being cast, the speed of the spell to target and the target's speed. Spells aren't always instant to target in PnP....

MM in DDO does NOT work the same as in PnP. In PnP, if the MM is cast, given the turn base system, the target IS hit when they are in range. They do NOT get a chance to get out of range. The ONLY exceptions to this is if by use of metamagic feats (or something else) the casting time goes from standard to full action, or the target creature (or creature friend) has a properly formed readied action to avoid MM.

MM in story books also seem to fly, while not as straight as an arrow, but hard and fast to actually impact the target creature. MM in DDO... it is like someone gave them depressants to make them go slow as possible yet still be able to retain flight. It should really fly as fast as lightning bolt, not as fast as feather fall.

[KristovK]

Sorry Missing, but..no, they aren't always hit when it's cast. If the target has initative and moves out of range or behind cover, guess what happens when it's the caster's turn. That's the other side of the turn based system, just because you CAN hit something instantly doesn't mean you'll get the chance to if the target gets to move first.

[Missing_Minds]

Sorry Missing, but..no, they aren't always hit when it's cast. If the target has initative and moves out of range or behind cover, guess what happens when it's the caster's turn. That's the other side of the turn based system, just because you CAN hit something instantly doesn't mean you'll get the chance to if the target gets to move first.

Thank you for proving me correct. When the Arcane is casting, guess what.. It is their turn.
If the target has moved out of range or behind something, the caster can then move in closer to attempt to get into range or get in line of sight and then cast AND HIT said target.
Now, if you want to claim that the target moved/is moved on a readied action, guess what, you are still proving me correct because I covered that scenario already. And yes, in that instance, the target gets to safety and is not hit.

[KristovK]

Missing...if the target has init and moves after the caster has moved(you CAN do that ya know) then the caster is going to be out of luck when he starts to cast. Been there, done that, used it to my own advantage more then once and had smart DMs use it on me.

In a real time enviroment, like DDO, a target moving as you hit the button on your screen means the target has X seconds to get out of range or behind cover before your spell goes off. You CAN move while casting you know, so if the target is dodging around or running away...take action to counter that, move around/toward the target, easy solution.

14th Wiz, don't have any problems getting my MM to hit the target, never have unless there's a serious lag issue going on, at which point I tend to stop doing anything until it passes or reconnect. If you consistantly get issues with MM or any spell for that matter not hitting the target, check your ping and loss, you may just have a really bad connection. Could be your provider, could be your machine, could be any one of the nodes you have to pass through on the way from you to the Turbine servers, could even be a bad router at Turbine. Run some traceroutes and find out. If it's a bad node somewhere between you and Turbine, contact your provider and see if they can do something about it, they'll usually at least try and often can fix such issues(usually means someone has a bad router somewhere and aren't aware of it yet). If the problem exists at Turbine's end(tr will show that), then you may want to check again after the hardware updates next week, could fix it.

[Missing_Minds]

Missing...if the target has init and moves after the caster has moved(you CAN do that ya know) then the caster is going to be out of luck when he starts to cast. Been there, done that, used it to my own advantage more then once and had smart DMs use it on me.

Near as I know from the rules you can NOT move when it is not your turn unless there is a readied action in the wait. Feel free to point out where I'm wrong in the SRD. Far as I can tell, you've been there, and been had, or your DM house ruled you.



In a real time enviroment, like DDO, a target moving as you hit the button on your screen means the target has X seconds to get out of range or behind cover before your spell goes off. You CAN move while casting you know, so if the target is dodging around or running away...take action to counter that, move around/toward the target, easy solution.
Not so easy, honestly. The game's positioning code does not correspond to game display code. I've tested this out many a time, and it is probably why MM is out run more times than not by NPCs. I can hit the orc rangers out in the purple hills all the time because they circle, but kobolds run away from you and out of range.



14th Wiz, don't have any problems getting my MM to hit the target, never have unless there's a serious lag issue going on, at which point I tend to stop doing anything until it passes or reconnect. If you consistantly get issues with MM or any spell for that matter not hitting the target, check your ping and loss, you may just have a really bad connection. Could be your provider, could be your machine, could be any one of the nodes you have to pass through on the way from you to the Turbine servers, could even be a bad router at Turbine. Run some traceroutes and find out. If it's a bad node somewhere between you and Turbine, contact your provider and see if they can do something about it, they'll usually at least try and often can fix such issues(usually means someone has a bad router somewhere and aren't aware of it yet). If the problem exists at Turbine's end(tr will show that), then you may want to check again after the hardware updates next week, could fix it.

As a 14th lvl wiz, I tend to use many other spells besides MM. Heck, I don't bother with MM now. (I've started to play with FM currently as I'm spected for healing WF, and I've not lost any of those at targets, but I have lost MM still.) I'd check my ping and such if I could. The game got bugged with oen of the last few patches to where the ping and packet loss counter will NOT show up at all anymore. I can't copy and paste now either. I'm also not the only one. (Yeah, I've bug reported this.)

I've also lost MM on targets before that were right in my face. But I know this to be an error of the code in checking for location via conical at close distance. To make it fair, they need to keep the conical check, but also add in a 6 foot radius circular check as well. NPC casters have it, so why shouldn't we?

As for the traceroute method, I've done so in the past, and its always the darn AT&T servers mid way through that are the bottleneck. Lately they have been decent, but who knows at this moment.

And now that you bring it up, that is a bright thought on the hardware upgrades. Hopefully that will solve a lot of lost shots/attacks/spells issues that have been coming up more and more.

[KristovK]

You pointed out the readied action yourself :)

The position of objects on your screen and where the server says they are isn't a code issue, it's a latency issue, and that doesn't mean ping only. Your system might be sub-optimal, so your screen shows things out of sync with the server's positioning of things beyond any ping issues. Might have your graphics turned up beyond the optimal for your system, sound might be causing issues, ram isn't enough, whatever the cause, what you see and what the server sees are different due to your own system. And in your case, there's obviously been an issue with routers between you and Turbine, and that will always screw you in any online realtime game.

As for the ping not showing...no idea on that one, nor the cut/paste, works fine for me and I don't know anyone ingame who has that problem, but that would seriously suck on both things. I use cut/paste a lot when recruiting for a PUG and I watch my latency all the time, especially when running my casters, lag is a spell killer.

And my wiz still uses MM, it's a useful spell, no resistance, no defense except Shield and I can strip that without a problem unless it's a red/purple named. Always hits, always does good damage(have some force/repair spec because I have WF myself and know how useful a critical repair can be) and it's just a staple of the D&D game..every arcane caster should have it! Think it's in the rules somewhere..or it should be :) Besides..it's fun to every now and again **** off the tanks with their vorpals and paralyzers and so on by popping a mob with no hp showing with a MM and steal that kill...lot cheaper then tossing a Finger at em and ever so satisfying :)

[Missing_Minds]

You pointed out the readied action yourself :)

YOU really need to READ more then. I've pointed out that readied actions were one of the two things that could cause this in PnP at the START of this. *sigh*



The position of objects on your screen and where the server says they are isn't a code issue, it's a latency issue, and that doesn't mean ping only.
*****snip*****


Wrong and again, wrong. My system is FAR from sub optimal, and were latency the issue for such things, other players would not be able to reproduce the same setup time and time again who were not having issues. This is a code issue, introduced with the new AI with 4.0. Aka I should not be able to trip trolls that are 30 feet from me that are coming towards me, and by the same token they should not be able to hit me. Now 30 feet is an extreme case I'll admit. The standard average seem to be that NPCs are about 5 -10 feet ahead of the direction that they are running. If they fix this issue with the AI I'd be very happy.
Now when the At&t routers are acting up, it won't be just my computer but my fiance's comp as well as we often play together. (and luckly she doesn't have the c/p bug. So I'm thinking it must be an issue of keyboards. She doesn't use a USB keyboard and I do. We use the same type of mouse.) Between using her's as a baseline and the fact when server lag hits bad (aka monsters popping around all over the place as we all hate) we both start to complain.

As for MM for the kill steal, I have found that scorching ray does more damage even creatures with resist to fire. Granted on those that are immune it looses. The Rays also hit a heck of a lot faster than MM. So it is a matter of preference here.

[KristovK]

Missing, if your system is obviously behaving differently than your fiance's, guess what...its your SYSTEM that is at fault, not the game or it's code. She's not having problems unless lag gets bad, you are having them regardless...gee, I don't know, it MUST be the code!

Sounds like your USB keyboard needs to be replaced, either with another USB or with a standard, I know which I'd go with, USB, faster interface meaning less latency from keystroke input. I use a USB mouse and joystick for that very reason in my FPS/sim games, better reaction times.

I'd also suggest you check your ram, make sure that if you have multiple sticks that they are the same brand, timing and latency. I'd also suggest you check your vidcard and power supply and motherboard, make sure the PSU puts out enough power for the vid and that your mb can handle it. Make sure your cpu and gpu aren't overheating. Drivers updated, and last but not least, hit the Optimal Setting button on the Options Panel, it'll set all the graphics and sound to suit your actual hardware instead of what you think it should be able to do. No offense, but that's often the biggest cause of the sort of problems you describe, mobs being over THERE but hitting you HERE and spells not hitting targets that look like they are in range/LoS but aren't and so on.

Since I don't experience these problems except under specific circumstances(my ping being over 200 and my loss being 5% or more), I would have to say it's NOT a code issue, it's a hardware/network issue. I do occasionally have keystrokes ignored, but I know that's because it's time to either clean my keyboard or replace it, keystrokes get ignored OUTSIDE the game as well, so I don't blame the code, I blame the hardware responsible.

On that vidcard/powersupply bit...I replaced my old vidcard in December with a new one, an ATI xt1600, 512ddr2. Got it cheap on a promo deal with a dealer discount(build these things). I also picked up 2 new PSU's, as the card itself requires a 420watt PSU and a mb capable of handling that, so I grabbed a 450 and a 500. The 450 functioned but I got odd issues at odd times, tearing, artifacts, box suddently rebooting itself, even connection issues online. Put in the 500 and everything runs fine, no issues at all. The draw from the vid combined with the draw from various other pieces of my hardware was over 450 but under 500 watts and that caused the problems, luckily I knew this could occur from previous experience and was watching for the problems and replaced the PSU before I blew something. Common problem, people putting in new vid and not upgrading the PSU, vidcards require a lot more juice then they used to and boxes don't come with higher wattage PSU's off the shelf or even special ordered unless you specifically order it. If you have a branded box and have upgraded your video...you probably fall in this catagory.

[FlyinS]

And that's a huge problem, MM should hit unerringly. Heck even in Baldur's Gate the game would unerringly hit if a mob teleported! In DDO all you have to do is duck behind a blade of grass and you're fine.

[SneakThief]

Yep ... if the spell goes off, it means the server says the target is in range and not blocked, so they should be taking damage. All this readied action and cover BS is irrelevant because in many of the situations given the mob was CHASING the caster, not running away or ducking for cover. I've seen it too ... not just on MM, but its the most instulting on MM because there not supposed to be a save or dodge for it. Its supposed to strike "unerringly" per the SRD.

[Missing_Minds]

Lets see what I can remeber... ocz platinum dual channel ram 2 gig, tested for 24 hours straight (no errors at all), nvida 7900gt, amd 4200 dual core, emerax liberty 600 W psu, microsoft natural keyboard 4000, abit kn8 sli mobo.

Yeap, my system is ****. Now, my keyboard does need replacement regardless as I've worn out a few of the keys, but not the keys re relation to C/P. If it were hardware, then notepad couldn't copy and paste at all, but low and behold, it has no issues at all with C/P but DDO DOES. Yes, running at the same time. That tells me it is SOFTWARE.

Many other people have complained about trying to hit mobs as they are running. Are you saying all of us have hardware issues? Hardly. It is my hardware at fault that mobs can't be hit or are hit when they shouldn't be? Guess what decides this, the server, where I have no control at all. Yeap, my hardware is at fault.

Simply put, you've been very lucky with not having the issues that SEVERAL other players have been dealing with, regardless of their hardware. Be greatful.

BTW, if you can actually type fast enough on a PS2 keyboard such to where the computer beeps at you because you are over filling the buffer, sweet. You are a heck of a lot more speedier than I am, other wise, claiming that a USB makes you twitch faster is just about all in your head. How much time could it save you? The value is probably measured in nano seconds, possibly microseconds all because USB has a higher interrupt priority than PS2. (and just so you don't get confused again, this is in relation to the keyboard only. USB on the mouse will be better for your twitch gaming.)

[KristovK]

Sounds like a good system Missing, shouldn't be any issues there except for the USB keyboard which you already know about. I'm NOT trying to be condenscending, but I don't know you and I have no idea what your computer knowledge may or may not be. For all I know, you bought a Dell. I build and fix these things, have for 20 years, and I've seen far more people without a clue then I have with a clue, so I never ever assume someone has one, it's safer. Although why you'd get an SLi mb with only a single SLi vidcard is bugging me :)

I never said the cut/paste bug wasn't happening, I said I haven't seen it or know anyone that has had it and I do feel for you on that, obviously there's a glitch somewhere. Personally I would wipe DDO off my system and do a complete clean re-install and see if that fixes it. Since it happened after an update and it's not a playerbase-wide problem, it could indicate an incomplete download and install of an update causing some code corruption. If you've done that and are still having the problem, then there's something going on somewhere and I'd be looking at the player database on the server you use, provided you don't use more then one and have this problem on all servers you use. Speaking of, have you tried going to another server and seeing if that cut/paste problem happens there? If it doesn't, then it's possibly an error in the character database on the server, if it does and you've already wiped and re-installed DDO, it would indicate something else is going on, possibly key settings in DDO overriding the normal Windows shortcuts(it happens, I've done it in DDO and other games, sometimes to disable the WinKey and other times to disable Alt-F4 as that's a key combo used ingame for one of my games) or the Windows shortcuts themselves being disabled by the OS inside games(an often overlooked user setting).

And no, I don't type quite that fast anymore, arthritis setting in, but using some of the more advanced gaming keyboards with macro commands tied to a single keystroke, yes that USB is better then the PS2. Myself, I don't worry about it on the keyboard, I go through a keyboard once every 6 to 10 months, so I buy cheap PS2 models. My mouse and joystick on the otherhand..high end USB devices because them I don't break so much(costs too **** much to replace them to break em). I'm hard on keyboards, ashes and tobacco get dropped in them, occasionally the cherry off a cig, drinks...and I type hard, big hands and fingers...not uncommon to pop a key right off the board when I'm excited/****ed.

The lag type issues you are discussing with MM and other spells and combat..no I don't see those unless my ping/loss is high, and that would indicate it's NOT a code issue it's a user issue. If the problem exists for only some users and it's not something that can be replicated by ANY user at any time under the same conditions, it's the user who's the issue, your system or your connection, it's something the devs can't fix because it's NOT in the code. Like I said, I see people in GH all the time complaining about lag and not being able to move when their ping is under 100 and 0 loss, that's not lag, that's not bad coding, that's a computer being overtaxed. I see people complaining about the bad code because their PING is all over the place, yes, seriously, people say that. Couldn't possibly be a network issue, no, it's got to be bad coding because they can still chat on MSN while they are gaming! Reminds me of the idiot who called me when I did ISP support...'my computer won't turn on' 'have you checked the power cords?' 'I can't' 'why can't you?' 'because the power is off and I can't see behind the desk, it's too dark'....yes, real call that I took and I still wonder about the human race as a viable species because of it. And doing support for ISPs and computer companies for 2 decades HAS made me rather suspect of users and their claims about the product being defective, more often then not by a huge amount, it's the user who's the problem, not the product. Combine that with online gaming for the past 2 decades as well and seeing the same issues in that userbase...yeah...I'll give odds it's a PEBKAC over product defect any day. There are too many things that affect what the user sees/experiences in an online game that are all caused by non-code issues that anything that can't be replicated by anyone under the same circumstances is bound to be a non-code issue.

For all I know, you are running multiple progs in the background while you game and that's the problem, voice chat with friends, text chat with other friends, webcam going or watching a webcam or tv on the pc...I don't know and I don't care. Your problems aren't happening to me or the majority of the player base, I can't even force what you are experiencing to happen on my computer without screwing around with MY end of the game by overloading my own system, and that would definately indicate it's a PEBKAC. Lag issues aren't bad coding unless they affect everyone playing the game, and this isn't the case, so that leaves one other option, and that can't be fixed by code changes.

[GoldyGopher]

Magic missle works fine, Its your processor that is too slow. The only time I see it not hit is when the target is between me and a slope in the ground. It hits the ground just as a heat seaker would in real life.

Is my processor fast enough? I have a Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 Processor with 4 GB of RAM.

When my wizard casts MM I miss one out of three casts for no reason. The animation goes no where near the target and it does not appear in the combat log, not even as a miss, yet I am still charged MP. And its not like I miss the target on my first attempt, which I never seem to miss, rather it will be my second cast so I'll hit the target, I'll MISS, and than hit again. And it matters not what the target is doing.

Jeff