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New Combat System may not be best idea

Billius8Billius8 Member Posts: 574
in Ultima X: Odyssey

In reading previews of this game, it appears that Ultima X: Odyssey will utilize the "twitch play" combat style of play over the "sandwich" style.  "Twitch play" is clicking with your mouse each time you make an attack.  "Sandwich style" play is clicking to attack once, and literally being able to leave the room (i.e., to get a sandwich or a soda or something) and come back.

"Twitch play" is generally more engaging, but can be hard on the fingers (carpal tunnel symdrome, anyone?)  "Sandwich style" play is not as engaging, but is easier on the fingers (not to mention equalizing folks with fast or slow computers and connections).

For solo RPG style play, I think "twitch play" is the way to go.  For MMORPG style play, "sandwich style" play is best.

Interestingly enough, folks playing bards in Everquest were often thought to be anti-social.  Since they "twisted spells" (constantly hitting keys to turn on/off one spell, followed by another) they didn't really have time to chat.

So carpal tunnel and less time to chat and socialize seems to be what we get out of "twitch play."  Probably too late for the developers to change, but I wish they had surveyed their players a year ago about this.  I do not look forward to repeatedly clicking a mouse.

 

 

 

Comments

  • TaskyZZTaskyZZ Member Posts: 1,476

    The way I understand it is:

    It is not "twitch" based combat.  The reason you have to click in combat is because the longer you wait between attacks, the better your defense will be and the better chance you have for your attack to succeed.  The faster clicker is not going to be the better player.  This allows for a person to actually have an intelligent combat style.

    I hate the "click attack and wait for the outcome" style of combat in EQ.

     

  • Billius8Billius8 Member Posts: 574
    Makes sense.  I just hope I can reconfigure the keyboard so that a number key and not the mouse button will allow me to do this.  Spent too many years clicking mouse buttons repeatedly.

  • Calandryll_Calandryll_ DeveloperMember Posts: 43


    Originally posted by Billius8
    Makes sense.  I just hope I can reconfigure the keyboard so that a number key and not the mouse button will allow me to do this.  Spent too many years clicking mouse buttons repeatedly.


    Yes, you can configure it to a key. You'll also be able to hold down the mouse button if you want your character to attack at his/her fastest rate. Keep in mind you don't just click like crazy. The rate at which you click affects your chance to hit (slower clicks = greater chance to hit) and you'll be using abilities. So the clicking is broken up by other actions.


    -Jonathan "Calandryll" Hanna
    Lead Designer, Ultima X: Odyssey

    -Jonathan "Calandryll" Hanna

  • KiamdeKiamde Member CommonPosts: 5,820

    Games with the unreal engine like X always turn out fun. Anyone whos has played a game with the unreal engine can tell you how great it is.

    Open your eyes, close your mouth, and make a fist.

    "Whoever controls the media controls the mind..-'Jim Morrison"

    "When decorum is repression, the only dignity free men have is to speak out." ~Abbie Hoffman

  • AdminAdmin Administrator RarePosts: 5,623

    I think that the combat in UX:O was engaging and a lot of fun.  Nothing like the click-fest that one has to go through in games like Diablo...but just enough to make you feel like you actually have a little personal skill to credit to your victory.  I didn't fight but a few battles, but what I did do was a blast.

    I think the level of dynamics this will add will be amazing.  No longer will you just be able to assume that all lvl 50 (or whatever) characters are equal...being a master at combat is going to require some real world skills. 

    This is why us gamers play games and don't read novels or watch TV...because we like to actually DO stuff image

    And regarding the Unreal engine...all I can say is WOW...great decision by the EA team.image

    - MMORPG.COM Staff -

    - MMORPG.COM Staff -

    The dead know only one thing: it is better to be alive.

  • neschrianeschria Member UncommonPosts: 1,406

    But...but...but... Most of the TV I have watched in the last few years has been while in combat. image

    This system, as I understand it, sounds great to me.  It sounds like it will bring out a diversity of play styles, and make the action seem a little more exciting.  As long as folks skirting the lower end of the sys reqs and lower connection speeds aren't disadvantaged too much, this sounds like it will be fun.

    ...
    This is where I draw the line: __________________.

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