#1 - March 14, 2013, 1:03 p.m.
- Kit Refinement nerfs towards utility. “… more utility and less damage output.” 100 Nades and Super Elixir were too good compared to the rest. 100 Nades mentioned specifically, in that a 10 point trait isn’t meant to be that powerful. 24k damage mentioned, which while up in the top end of possible damage is still possible. “…we wanted to normalize how this works and make it useful for all kits.”
- Turret buffs such as Thumper gaining AoE Cripple (3s every 5s) and Rifle Turret getting more damage. “… and some other cool stuff that you’ll see.”
- Overall a lot of changes planned, mostly buff-centric. “…couple pages worth of notes…” It appeared it was data for the next patch, but isn’t necessarily the case. “… pretty heavy focus [on the Engineer]…” Globally some changes are planned in increasing the strength of the weaker utilities, so perhaps that may be addressed here as well.
- Described as mid-range skirmishers that can control battlefield in various ways such as with turrets, control skills, AoE, and other ways. “…they are going to be impactful in close range fights and have the ability to control space…” Intended on buffing the things that aren’t used as often so that they do get used as different playstyles.
- RNG toned down, but not necessarily removed. Example is Elixir U only has Frenzy and Haste variants and the Toss lacks Veil now so it always blocks projectiles in some fashion. Not much done in the March patch yet though. “… smaller subsets [of RNG].”
- Condition buffs, non-specific. Mentioned offhand during the Thief discussion, but it was in reference to Engineers and Thieves in particular.
Also, remember not to hate on their comments. Don’t overreach into what they say and take it negatively. Discussion is great and it gives us insight into their thoughts. The only negative thing here I find is Kit Refinement, but I think nerfing the effects towards utility is a better option then going through with the ridiculous internal cooldown fiasco for example.
I very much liked this State of the Game, especially in regard to Engineers. Things take time, and I think they are on the right path.
