A quick update on the Enhancements

[SqueakofDoom]

Thank you for all of your feedback so far, and please keep telling us what you think! I am excited to have so many people contributing to this effort. This is a HUGE change to the game, so your comments are important. There are many ways to give us your feedback: The forums, Surveys, and Bugs (please remember to list Lamannia as the server when reporting bugs).

I would like to comment on some feedback I have observed:

• Yes, the restrictions currently in place are limiting. We need your feedback to help us determine what needs to be adjusted. Obviously finding the correct balance of freedoms and restrictions is important, and we want you to help us find that balance. Go here to view the current restrictions (I will keep this page updated as things get adjusted). Let us know which particular restrictions are the most painful for you! I am using these surveys to compare your feedback on the restrictions from week to week.

• While you probably will not be able to re-create the build you currently have on live, I know you can make AWESOME builds with this new system. Please take the time to see what you can create with what is currently available. I know you have spent a lot of time building your characters on Live. I would appreciate it if you would take the same care and effort while testing out this new system.

• We know that the new Enhancements change many things for you. You should receive a Free Lesser Reincarnation when the old Enhancements are automatically reset so that you can respec your character. We wanted to verify that this system works, so characters on Lamannia (those with old Enhancements that got reset) should have a Free LR.

• BUG the BUGS! We have a BRAND NEW SYSTEM! It does not eat bugs like the old one. You should be burying Gazebo in bugs. Your bugs are very important to us and will help us make the Enhancements better! A few additional notes on bugs:

• All Racial Core Enhancements SHOULD NOT require any points spent in the tree to obtain them (ie: at level 20 you should be able to spend points on all Racial Core Enhancements). If your Racial Tree Core Enhancements do require points spent in the tree, please bug it!
  
• If a particular Enhancement is giving you a much larger bonus on live please bug it!
  
• If a particular Enhancement seems too expensive, please bug it!
  
• Essentially, If you think it could possibly be a bug PLEASE BUG IT! Sure, some things may be working as intended, but it is far better for us to look into a bug and make that decision than for us to never hear about the bug that is really a bug.

Smiles,
Squeak

[Systern]

• BUG the BUGS! We have a BRAND NEW SYSTEM! It does not eat bugs like the old one. You should be burying Gazebo in bugs. Your bugs are very important to us and will help us make the Enhancements better! A few additional notes on bugs:
[list]
...
Smiles,
Squeak

I'm presuming that the new Bug reporting system is why I keep getting the "Down for Maintenance" page every third page view...

This makes forum posting and bug submission frustrating.

[Kilbar]

I'm presuming that the new Bug reporting system is why I keep getting the "Down for Maintenance" page every third page view...

This makes forum posting and bug submission frustrating.

Indeed. The bug submission system is a subsystem of the billing system.

[Ganolyn]

Indeed. The bug submission system is a subsystem of the billing system.

So you are saying that they are trying to figure out a way to charge us for reporting bugs?

[Gratch]

• We know that the new Enhancements change many things for you. You should receive a Free Lesser Reincarnation when the old Enhancements are automatically reset so that you can respec your character. We wanted to verify that this system works, so characters on Lamannia (those with old Enhancements that got reset) should have a Free LR.

Would this happen to be a LESSER+5 (or more) to help with class changing lines now that 18/12/6 levels are no longer as magical numbers for multiclass lines as they used to be?

[kingfisher]

• We know that the new Enhancements change many things for you. You should receive a Free Lesser Reincarnation when the old Enhancements are automatically reset so that you can respec your character. We wanted to verify that this system works, so characters on Lamannia (those with old Enhancements that got reset) should have a Free LR.

a lr does no good. its worthless. you know this. im sure you will make a tidy profit on +5 and TR hearts after this massive cluster hits live. we know this. also, please remember the last time you gave out free LR people lost all of their ED xp. pardon me for not giving a flying frogs fat ass about your free lr.

[SqueakofDoom]

I'm presuming that the new Bug reporting system is why I keep getting the "Down for Maintenance" page every third page view...

This makes forum posting and bug submission frustrating.

The new bug tool should not interfere with the Forums. However, I believe we are updating our forums.

[rdasca]

<snip>
• While you probably will not be able to re-create the build you currently have on live, I know you can make AWESOME builds with this new system. Please take the time to see what you can create with what is currently available. I know you have spent a lot of time building your characters on Live. I would appreciate it if you would take the same care and effort while testing out this new system.

• We know that the new Enhancements change many things for you. You should receive a Free Lesser Reincarnation when the old Enhancements are automatically reset so that you can respec your character. We wanted to verify that this system works, so characters on Lamannia (those with old Enhancements that got reset) should have a Free LR.

<snip>

Smiles,
Squeak

I like my AA ranger on live right now, he has been built up over many years to my play style within the rules that Turbine provided, now you are not only changing the rules but making sure that I have zero choice in keeping my toon the way I like it.

Ok fine, games change and all that, but do not for one second think that people are simply going to be able to use a LR and fix their toons, a number of people are going to be forced to TR to "fix" their toons. As for myself, I hate TRing I always have, I have done so because it is the only way to get a 36 point build, but frankly I am infuriated that Turbine thinks that giving me a "choice" between TRing or keeping a now mediocre toon is any choice at all. So unless you are offering a LR +20 or something of the like do not presume that people will be happy with this offer.

[smatt]

Yes, please PAY to test our stuff for us... Even though it's goign to completely destroy what you've spent the last 5-6-7 years building... Powered by our suckers....

In edit: Soory if this sounds insulting.. But this is what it is... I know some of the Devs work hard ont his stuff.. But just looking at what's up right now, the basis on this enhancement change is so poorly thought out.... Start over... Not worth testing... Work harder on keepign the good you've built into the game, while enhancing it and making it easier, as oppossed to stripping it all away, and creating a newer dumber version of DDO. I cannot possibly forsee even in it's raw 1st Alpha forum these changes drawing new poeple to the game, let alone avoiding chasing a good number of current players away. Creating a newer more concise, simpler enhancement tree is one thing. Destroying a good number of the current builds while doing so is another.

[Ovrad]

• We know that the new Enhancements change many things for you. You should receive a Free Lesser Reincarnation when the old Enhancements are automatically reset so that you can respec your character. We wanted to verify that this system works, so characters on Lamannia (those with old Enhancements that got reset) should have a Free LR.

I just wanted to chime in on this. A free LR is great for pure class characters, however a lot of multiclass are also gonna need to change their split with the new enhancements, because their old split simply won't work. Any chance that free LR could include a few pluses to switch our classes around or are multiclasses characters doomed to TR and get all their xp back?

[smatt]

So you are saying that they are trying to figure out a way to charge us for reporting bugs?

LOL... Yes coming to a DDO store near you ... Stone of bugs.... Only 35 Tp's each. For this small price you can report 1 bug.....

[Kilbar]

SqueakOfDoom? Yes, you. I'm talking to you personally now since I know you're watching this thread. Maybe you'll get lucky and delete this before anyone sees it, but I doubt it.

Is it Managerial Mandate? "Oh hey, look at that new MMO with the DnD license! It's attracting attention! We should be more like them!"

Is it some in-house hatred towards the multi-classing and multi-tasking culture we've built up over the years? C'mon, Squeak, I'm not too wild about it myself, you can tell 'ol Kilbar!

Is it just that you guys really DON'T actually play the game very much as some have suggested?

What is it? After thousands, nay! TENS of thousands of man-hours of feedback you've managed to create something so horrid I genuinely think that if anything much like it hits live it will be more hated than that abortion of a collectibles revamp you foisted upon us a short time ago. Only this will be far, far worse. The collectibles we could ignore. THIS?

Let me suggest some historical research for an idea of what will happen in the wake of this going live. Google everything you can find involving Star Wars Galaxies and the New Game Enhancement.

[SqueakofDoom]

We recognize that one of DDO's strengths is character diversity. We do not intend for this change to remove the viability of Multi-Classing or character diversity. I understand that the current restrictions make Multi-Classing more difficult. This is actually the main reason why I made this thread. I wanted to let you, the players, know that we are asking for your feedback about what adjustments would be most beneficial for you. We want you to help us find the balance where Pure Classed and Multi-Classed characters can thrive side by side.

As for what sort of Lesser Reincarnation will accompany the Enhancement change: I am only a QA tester - unfortunately, I do not get to make those decisions. However, I will pass that recommendation on to the proper departments. I am writing up feedback reports every Monday morning during this Enhancements pass, and I will make sure to include that suggestion!

[mystafyi]

We want you to help us find the balance where Pure Classed and Multi-Classed characters can thrive side by side.

What can I say, but this whole system is bad. There will be no thriving.

[Ganolyn]

We want you to help us find the balance where Pure Classed and Multi-Classed characters can thrive side by side.

I think that many would agree that the first step to that would be to take a hard look at the capstones and give people a hard choice between multiclassing and staying pure. There is a reason multiclassing is so popular.

[kingfisher]

We recognize that one of DDO's strengths is character diversity. We do not intend for this change to remove the viability of Multi-Classing or character diversity. I understand that the current restrictions make Multi-Classing more difficult. This is actually the main reason why I made this thread. I wanted to let you, the players, know that we are asking for your feedback about what adjustments would be most beneficial for you. We want you to help us find the balance where Pure Classed and Multi-Classed characters can thrive side by side.

As for what sort of Lesser Reincarnation will accompany the Enhancement change: I am only a QA tester - unfortunately, I do not get to make those decisions. However, I will pass that recommendation on to the proper departments. I am writing up feedback reports every Monday morning during this Enhancements pass, and I will make sure to include that suggestion!

take out the tree limit, multiclassers are already limited by class level they do not need further limitations. period. lower the cost or push some abilities down. stop shoehorning general class enhancements into pre trees just to fill up space. also stop tying useless abilities to the good stuff just to make people spend points in a tree.

forget about the lr, just change the system. coming up with a solution to a problem that you havent created yet is dumb, just dont create the problem.

in a general sense:
listen better.
actually change things that you get negative feedback on.
stop saying you support something and then turn around and nerf it.
eat your vegetables.

[slimkj]

I think that many would agree that the first step to that would be to take a hard look at the capstones and give people a hard choice between multiclassing and staying pure. There is a reason multiclassing is so popular.

I would like to voice an opposing view to this - nothing to do with the topic at hand but generally about multiclassed vs. pure builds - it is not all about power. Frankly, the capstones could be much more powerful than they are on Live and I would still be unlikely to play a pure class most of the time. For some, working with complexity is its own reward. It brings gratification in excess of simplicity when felt to be "done right".

[Ganolyn]

I would like to voice an opposing view to this - nothing to do with the topic at hand but generally about multiclassed vs. pure builds - it is not all about power. Frankly, the capstones could be much more powerful than they are on Live and I would still be unlikely to play a pure class most of the time. For some, working with complexity is its own reward. It brings gratification in excess of simplicity when felt to be "done right".

For the record, me too probably, but I know many would like to have pure toons and don't because they can get so much more with a splash of this or that.

[Kilbar]

We recognize that one of DDO's strengths is character diversity. We do not intend for this change to remove the viability of Multi-Classing or character diversity. I understand that the current restrictions make Multi-Classing more difficult. This is actually the main reason why I made this thread. I wanted to let you, the players, know that we are asking for your feedback about what adjustments would be most beneficial for you. We want you to help us find the balance where Pure Classed and Multi-Classed characters can thrive side by side.

As for what sort of Lesser Reincarnation will accompany the Enhancement change: I am only a QA tester - unfortunately, I do not get to make those decisions. However, I will pass that recommendation on to the proper departments. I am writing up feedback reports every Monday morning during this Enhancements pass, and I will make sure to include that suggestion!

So what you're saying is, and I'm not trying to insult you but let's not mince words here, you're a stuffed shirt sent to placate the piranhas while the people with the power to ACTUALLY do anything sit back and have themselves a gigglefit.

[rdasca]

We recognize that one of DDO's strengths is character diversity. We do not intend for this change to remove the viability of Multi-Classing or character diversity. I understand that the current restrictions make Multi-Classing more difficult. This is actually the main reason why I made this thread. I wanted to let you, the players, know that we are asking for your feedback about what adjustments would be most beneficial for you. We want you to help us find the balance where Pure Classed and Multi-Classed characters can thrive side by side.

As for what sort of Lesser Reincarnation will accompany the Enhancement change: I am only a QA tester - unfortunately, I do not get to make those decisions. However, I will pass that recommendation on to the proper departments. I am writing up feedback reports every Monday morning during this Enhancements pass, and I will make sure to include that suggestion!

BOLD

The U.S. government tried this, it was called "no child left behind", check and see how that is going.

I have a radical idea, leave DDO as is, simplify the enhancements and use your shiny new interface if you like but let us the players play what we want.

Just because a few power gamers are building multi-class amalgamations with 37 past lives or whatever, and crushing your content, most are not, most just want to have fun playing DDO, not have their favorite toon nerffed every other update.

I have many "pure" toons, why because I like them, I play them because of my D&D days, and let's face facts the majority of your player base is here because of D&D, not because they are looking for a WoW clone.

Let me build what I want within the D&D framework, translated into DDO (because some PnP stuff does not work in an MMO, I get that) if I want a 12/6/2 class split toon let me, heck if I want a gimp 10/9/1 toon why do you the devs care? It is my time, my money, stop trying to pigeonhole us into your (and I mean Turbine's) idea of "balance" it is annoying and frankly condescending.

So far this Alpha enhancement preview has left a bad taste in my mouth. Over the years Turbine has nerffed some stuff and changed the rules on us more than once, this has the potential to outstrip all previous changes to finally surpass the TWF nerf as the worse thing to happen to DDO.

Personally I hope I am wrong, but as history shows, I doubt I am.

So Turbine, prove me wrong, make the new enhancement pass something that while might make us redo our toons a bit, it will leave us with the same choices as before, allow us the ability to make actual choices not be forced to take the ones you think are the right ones or "balanced".

Come on;
I
TRIPLE
DOG
DARE
YOU!