Armor Up - Developer Diary #2

[mikarddo]

A blitzer with 10 stacks is currently without argument a very dominant force in almost every fight. I see noone arguing this.

For blitzers specifically this suggestion will:
- lower the +250% for level 20 to 27 (important for ETRing but not for a max power debate)
- keep the +250% for level 28
- raise the +250% for levels 29 and 30 (this will eventually raise the max power of the blitzer but isnt now so let ignore this for now)
- remove the need to build up 50 stacks before blitzing (partly an annoyance but also a power issue as there isnt always time to build these before the fighting starts)
- change the minimum from +0% to +150% (at level 28).
- change charging stacks from kills to simply hitting mobs (this makes it easier to run multiple blitzers in a group - even 6 blitzers)
- add more damage to effects that are currently not affected by blitz (this raises the max power of the blitzer)

So, the blitzer at level 28 will gain max power from the last bullet though probably not alot AND have practically all the downsides of blitzing removed?
Thats taking the very strongest ability and making it a good deal stronger - and claiming its done in the name of balance?
Please reconsider.

The proposal to add +150% damage to other EDs at level 28 is similarly off the charts wrong. It does not reflex on the fact that some other EDs are already competitive though slightly below the blitzer and would hence get significantly stronger than current blitzers with such a huge boost - nor that others EDs are not so competitive so it fails to bring even internal balance for melee builds.

The idea to boost other melee EDs is good to spread people out - but the scale is entirely wrong and the effect will be to limit choices severely as non-melee builds and mixed melee/ranged builds will be completely overshadowed by constant and risk free blitzer (or even above blitzer) damage on all melee builds.

Unless the plan is one of utilizing a disproportionate pendulum of power and the time has come for melee to outshine anything else a good deal of tempering is needed here to balance the proposal.

[Monkey_Archer]

So, the blitzer at level 28 will gain max power from the last bullet though probably not alot AND have practically all the downsides of blitzing removed?
Thats taking the very strongest ability and making it a good deal stronger - and claiming its done in the name of balance?
Please reconsider.

The proposal to add +150% damage to other EDs at level 28 is similarly off the charts wrong. It does not reflex on the fact that some other EDs are already competitive though slightly below the blitzer and would hence get significantly stronger than current blitzers with such a huge boost - nor that others EDs are not so competitive so it fails to bring even internal balance for melee builds.

The idea to boost other melee EDs is good to spread people out - but the scale is entirely wrong and the effect will be to limit choices severely as non-melee builds and mixed melee/ranged builds will be completely overshadowed by constant and risk free blitzer (or even above blitzer) damage on all melee builds.

Unless the plan is one of utilizing a disproportionate pendulum of power and the time has come for melee to outshine anything else a good deal of tempering is needed here to balance the proposal.

This basically echoes my concerns.

I don't think anybody really believes that blitz needs a buff. I highly doubt that anybody really wants to see divine crusader and fury become twice as powerful as blitz already is on live.

The funny thing, is that these changes still don't address the fact that shadowdancer, GMOF, fatesinger and unyielding sentinel are still just as weak relative to fury and crusader. The only thing this changes for the weak destinies is their dps in relation to blitz (which nobody is even going to use anymore given the absurd power that divine crusader and fury will be at)

[Grace_ana]

After reading through, I have a couple comments/concerns/questions:

1. I am still really uncertain whether I like the idea of melee/ranged power in general. I know you stated that it is just an idea that is already in game and being fleshed out in regards to melee and ranged power. Can you (as in Sev) give us a more detailed explanation with examples of how this is the same as what we have? I get the argument over spellpower being the same, but I don't really think it is the same entirely from a power standpoint, for many reasons, so examples that are melee/ranged based would be great.

2. I do, however, know that I strongly dislike separating melee and ranged power into two different things. My understanding from what has been posted already is that melee and ranged power will be different, in different EDs, and specified on items. I hate that. First of all, it removes some of the flexibility of EDs and funnels all ranged or melee toons into specific EDs. While one can argue they already lean one way or the other, I prefer people be able to be creative and think outside the box. The other huge problem with it is that it hurts those toons that swap back and forth, particularly rangers. Flexibility between ranged and melee is built into the ranger trees and feats. If I have to have two sets of "power" just to keep up with everyone else, why would I choose a flexible build instead of the FotM build? If I have to choose one ED and lose tons of power on the other end, again why would I? It limits our ability to be flexible in our builds, playstyle, and situationally in dungeons, and I don't think that's good for the game. Power using a weapon should not be divided up.

3. Aside from my dislike of the division, is your intention with ranged power to have it apply also to thrown weapons? There is too much in game that applies to ranged and not thrown already, and there isn't much to make up the difference.