Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?t=48604
There is a new patch on the Test Centre. Apparently this is intended to fix the invisible party member bug. No patch notes or direct confirmation from a Flagship/Ping0 employee have been found as of yet.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
HGL 047: Mail and Auction House Update
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?t=38375&page=66
Cellwind has posted saying that he is unaware of anyone currently working on mail or auction house functionality at the moment, and it is unlikely we will see that in-game soon. While you should keep in mind that he is entirely focused on getting certain bugs and crashes fixed, it seems unlikely that something as major as work on the Mail or Auction Houses would have escaped his attention.
Cellwind has posted saying that he is unaware of anyone currently working on mail or auction house functionality at the moment, and it is unlikely we will see that in-game soon. While you should keep in mind that he is entirely focused on getting certain bugs and crashes fixed, it seems unlikely that something as major as work on the Mail or Auction Houses would have escaped his attention.
HGL 046: Invisible Party Bugfix ETA
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=421453#post421453
Cellwind's shed some more light on when the invisible party member bug should be fixed; we should see it sometime next week (after Thanksgiving) if things go well.
Cellwind's shed some more light on when the invisible party member bug should be fixed; we should see it sometime next week (after Thanksgiving) if things go well.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
HGL 045: Skill Respecialisation Confirmed
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=393274&postcount=12
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=420623&postcount=23
LeeDot (Lee Dotson) and OldBrownShoe have confirmed that there will be, at some stage in the future, a respecialisation option implemented for Hellgate: London. The specifics on how it is going to be implemented have not yet been worked out, but the reasoning is "new skills will be released and a person shouldn't have to reroll to get that new lvl 50 skill" which implies that we're going to be seeing more skills requiring level 30 and above.
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=420623&postcount=23
LeeDot (Lee Dotson) and OldBrownShoe have confirmed that there will be, at some stage in the future, a respecialisation option implemented for Hellgate: London. The specifics on how it is going to be implemented have not yet been worked out, but the reasoning is "new skills will be released and a person shouldn't have to reroll to get that new lvl 50 skill" which implies that we're going to be seeing more skills requiring level 30 and above.
HGL 044: Update on 15 minute minigame
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=420484#post420484
OldBrownShoe has clarified the recent 15 minute change to the minigame, letting forum readers know that it is only a temporary solution until the precise cause of the minigame freeze bug is sorted. At that point it is likely that the minigame will no longer cycle every 15 minutes.
OldBrownShoe has clarified the recent 15 minute change to the minigame, letting forum readers know that it is only a temporary solution until the precise cause of the minigame freeze bug is sorted. At that point it is likely that the minigame will no longer cycle every 15 minutes.
HGL 043: Patch 0.5 Tomorrow
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=420488#post420488
Ivan has posted that Patch 0.5 which has been on the Test Centre over the weekend is slated to hit the live servers at 9AM PST on November 20th, with server downtime expected to last until 11AM.
Unfortunately the invisible party member bug was not fully fixed, but Flagship have pinned down the problem and will have the fixes in play for the next patch.
Other points of interest include the removal of the Guy Fawkes event (and fixing of the Fawkes Force 5 quest), better performance and stability along with all players now being able to create up to 24 characters in multiplayer without deleting any.
Full patch notes follow:
Ivan has posted that Patch 0.5 which has been on the Test Centre over the weekend is slated to hit the live servers at 9AM PST on November 20th, with server downtime expected to last until 11AM.
Unfortunately the invisible party member bug was not fully fixed, but Flagship have pinned down the problem and will have the fixes in play for the next patch.
Other points of interest include the removal of the Guy Fawkes event (and fixing of the Fawkes Force 5 quest), better performance and stability along with all players now being able to create up to 24 characters in multiplayer without deleting any.
Full patch notes follow:
General:
All players now have 24 character slots.
Fixed a known issue with the inventory user interface that caused the client to lock up.
Fixed a bug which caused the Mini-game to sometimes become stuck.
Added a /help command to provide assistance using available / commands.
Some new posters have been added to stations, so check them out!
Connection Issues:
Fixed known issues which sometimes caused players to be disconnected and receive an erroneous network error message.
Fixed an issue where some home routers would disconnect a user due to an inactive connection.
Fixed known bugs which sometimes disconnected players during multiplayer quests.
Fixed problems with NetLimiter 1.30 and some older versions of Norton Antivirus and McAfee Antivirus which would make the user entirely unable to connect to the game.
Chat:
Made several chat interface improvements and the text entry more intuitive.
Chat window is now open by default in multiplayer.
Fixed chat window closing when traveling between zones.
Fixed several cases where the chat window would obstruct other UI components.
Chat context (such as Party and Guild) is now more clearly defined in the text entry window, including a color-coded border.
Chat window is now more transparent.
Added /g command. This is equivalent to /gchat command (guild chat).
Whisper text now shows up on all chat tabs.
Whisper messages and admin announcements auto-open the chat panel.
Auto-switch to the appropriate tab (such as Party and Guild) if you type text to that channel and are not in a tab that shows the text.
PageUp/PageDown cycle through chat tabs when text entry is active.
Chat panel now auto-opens if you type text and press Enter while the panel is closed.
Chat text entry deactivates after entering text.
Chat panel no longer closes if you press Enter on a blank line.
Additional miscellaneous bug fixes.
Items:
Fixed known bugs that caused players to sometimes lose items.
Fixed a bug with the Nanoforge that caused it to inaccurately modify the stats of higher-quality items.
Fixed a bug that sometimes caused Unique items to drop without special properties. Old unique items that did not have special properties are not changed by this patch. We are looking into whether we can fix the old items, but we don’t currently have a solution.
Quests:
Fixed various known issues which prevented players from being able to continue interrupted side-quests.
Quest items should no longer remain in the player inventory after the associated quest has been completed. Players with old quest items (such as Train Parts) associated with quests they’ve already completed or no longer have should find these items removed upon logging in.
Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented players from receiving credit for killing the “5 Lies” in The Hellgate quest. Players should now be able to properly advance in this quest.
In order to obtain the Fawkes Force Five item, the player must have completed Stopping Some Guy quest and not have the ‘Blueprints of Fawkes Force Five’ or ‘Fawkes Force Five’ in their inventory or stash. If they completed the quest and don’t have the Blueprints or Fawkes Force Five, then it rewards them with a completed Fawkes Force Five.
Engineers:
Fixed known bugs which prevented Engineer Drones from saving properly.
PvP:
Fixed an incorrect modifier causing Special Effect Attack Strengths in PvP situations to be much higher than intended.
World Movement:
Fixed known issues which occasionally prevented characters from being able to load or switch instances.
Fixed several issues with players getting stuck in the world.
Fixed a bug causing players to become stuck at St. Pauls in Nightmare difficulty.
Portals to party members should now automatically close if the associated party member leaves the game.
Patch Notes Disclaimer: We make every effort to include all upcoming changes in our patch notes, but please be aware that occasionally changes are unintentionally omitted.
HGL 042: Dual Focus Mechanics
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=419182#post419182
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=419751&postcount=5
Clarification regarding dual-wielding focus items from OldBrownShoe; the second focus item (on the left hand) adds all of its special attributes (like any procs, etc) and between 30-60% of its base damage when fired and used for Cabalist spells.
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=419751&postcount=5
Clarification regarding dual-wielding focus items from OldBrownShoe; the second focus item (on the left hand) adds all of its special attributes (like any procs, etc) and between 30-60% of its base damage when fired and used for Cabalist spells.
HGL 041: Minion Health Bonus and Drones
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=418175#post418175
Confirmation from Swinburne that the minion health bonus affix on items is meant to affect the Engineer's drone, but does not at the current time due to a bug.
Confirmation from Swinburne that the minion health bonus affix on items is meant to affect the Engineer's drone, but does not at the current time due to a bug.
HGL 040: Chat Updates
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=417451#post417451
In addition to the chat/UI fixes coming in the 0.5 patch that's currently on the Test Centre server, Erich Schafer (etlich) has posted that it is still a very high priority for multiplayer.
On the list of things soon to come are tab transparency, changes to global chat, custom tabs, interfaces for LFG, party creating and joining.
They are also looking at adding customisation in the medium-term.
In addition to the chat/UI fixes coming in the 0.5 patch that's currently on the Test Centre server, Erich Schafer (etlich) has posted that it is still a very high priority for multiplayer.
On the list of things soon to come are tab transparency, changes to global chat, custom tabs, interfaces for LFG, party creating and joining.
They are also looking at adding customisation in the medium-term.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
HGL 039: Patch 0.5 Notes
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=399402&postcount=1
Ivan's posted the new patch notes for Patch 0.5. Please note that it's only up on the Test Centre server cluster at the moment.
Ivan's posted the new patch notes for Patch 0.5. Please note that it's only up on the Test Centre server cluster at the moment.
We're gearing up to release what we internally refer to as Patch 0.5. We intend this update to resolve many of the issues players are having with Hellgate: London.
In preparation for our 0.5 launch, we'll be...
1) Wiping our Test Center tonight.
2) Placing copies of all US characters into the Test Center tomorrow.
If you'd like to see Patch 0.5 early and help us perfect the update, please login to the Test Center over the weekend. If all goes well, the 0.5 update will be made available to everyone next week.
Curious about what you can expect? Here's a draft of our 0.5 patch notes:
General:
All players now have 24 character slots.
Fixed a known issue with the inventory user interface that caused the client to lock up.
Fixed a bug which caused the Mini-game to sometimes become stuck.
The Mini-game now resets every 15 minutes.
Added a /help command to provide assistance using available / commands.
Some new posters have been added to stations, so check them out!
Connection Issues:
Fixed known issues which sometimes caused players to be disconnected and receive an erroneous network error message.
Fixed an issue where some home routers would disconnect a user due to an inactive connection.
Fixed known bugs which sometimes disconnected players during multiplayer quests.
Fixed problems with NetLimiter 1.30 and some older versions of Norton Antivirus and McAfee Antivirus which would make the user entirely unable to connect to the game.
Chat:
Made several chat interface improvements and the text entry more intuitive:
Chat window is now open by default in multiplayer.
Fixed chat window closing when traveling between zones.
Fixed several cases where the chat window would obstruct other UI components.
Chat context (such as Party and Guild) is now more clearly defined in the text entry window, including a color-coded border.
Chat window is now more transparent.
Added /g command. This is equivalent to /gchat command (guild chat).
Whisper text now shows up on all chat tabs.
Whisper messages and admin announcements auto-open the chat panel.
Auto-switch to the appropriate tab (such as Party and Guild) if you type text to that channel and are not in a tab that shows the text.
PageUp/PageDown cycle through chat tabs when text entry is active.
Chat panel now auto-opens if you type text and press Enter while the panel is closed.
Chat text entry deactivates after entering text.
Chat panel no longer closes if you press Enter on a blank line.
Additional miscellaneous bug fixes.
Items:
Fixed known bugs that caused players to sometimes lose items.
Fixed a bug with the Nanoforge that caused it to inaccurately modify the stats of higher-quality items.
Fixed a bug that sometimes caused Unique items to drop without special properties.
Quests:
Fixed various known issues which prevented players from being able to continue interrupted side-quests.
Quest items should no longer remain in the player inventory after the associated quest has been completed. Players with old quest items (such as Train Parts) associated with quests they’ve already completed or no longer have should find these items removed upon logging in.
Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented players from receiving credit for killing the “5 Lies” in The Hellgate quest. Players should now be able to properly advance in this quest.
Engineers:
Fixed known bugs which prevented Engineer Drones from saving properly.
Fixed a bug which caused Engineers to receive an erroneous “unable to meet requirements” message when entering a new instance with a Drone that has a weapon equipped.
PvP:
Fixed an incorrect modifier causing Special Effect Attack Strengths in PvP situations to be much higher than intended.
World Movement:
Fixed known issues which occasionally prevented characters from being able to load or switch instances.
Fixed several issues with players getting stuck in the world.
Fixed a bug related to St. Paul's Nightmare mode progression.
Portals to party members should now automatically close if the associated party member leaves the game.
World Events:
The Guy Fawkes event has ended. Characters that have completed the NAME Quest that did not receive the Trinket reward should find this item in their inventory.
HGL 038: Patch 0.5 On Test Centre
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=399130#post399130
Bonsai has posted that Patch 0.5 is going up very soon to the Test Centre. "Patch 0.5 which will fix several bugs and issues that we and you have noticed in the game... We are copying over all the North American Character information to the Test Center so you’ll be able to play with your current game characters."
Bonsai has posted that Patch 0.5 is going up very soon to the Test Centre. "Patch 0.5 which will fix several bugs and issues that we and you have noticed in the game... We are copying over all the North American Character information to the Test Center so you’ll be able to play with your current game characters."
Friday, November 16, 2007
HGL 037: Player Models Slider in Patch 1
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=392727#post392727
A slider to control how many player models are shown as full detail will be implemented in Patch 1 (December), according to Amir Ebrahimi, a Graphics Engineer from Flagship.
A slider to control how many player models are shown as full detail will be implemented in Patch 1 (December), according to Amir Ebrahimi, a Graphics Engineer from Flagship.
HGL 036: FF5 Quest
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=391035#post391035
There have been a significant number of people hit by buggy behaviour during the Fawkes Force 5 quest. Kaiser has said that they are planning on giving the appropriate item to players who have completed the quest rather than forcing them to redo it.
There have been a significant number of people hit by buggy behaviour during the Fawkes Force 5 quest. Kaiser has said that they are planning on giving the appropriate item to players who have completed the quest rather than forcing them to redo it.
HGL 035: +Minion Affixes and Drones
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=390975#post390975
OldBrownShoe has clarified that at the moment +Minion affixes (such as +minion health%) do not apply to Engineer drones.
OldBrownShoe has clarified that at the moment +Minion affixes (such as +minion health%) do not apply to Engineer drones.
HGL 034: Patch and Fawkes Event News
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=390253#post390253
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=390338#post390338
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=390988&postcount=11
The patch that I've mentioned a couple of times that should solve a bunch of bugs (but unfortunately not the memory exhausted or the invisible party member bug) is in internal testing now, according to Kaiser. He expects to have patch notes available tomorrow.
The patch should also remove the Fawkes event. Due to the issues and frustrations people have been having with the events, Flagship are examining whether it is feasible to allow subscribers to turn events off once they have had their fill.
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=390338#post390338
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=390988&postcount=11
The patch that I've mentioned a couple of times that should solve a bunch of bugs (but unfortunately not the memory exhausted or the invisible party member bug) is in internal testing now, according to Kaiser. He expects to have patch notes available tomorrow.
The patch should also remove the Fawkes event. Due to the issues and frustrations people have been having with the events, Flagship are examining whether it is feasible to allow subscribers to turn events off once they have had their fill.
HGL 033: PvP Clarifications
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=389970#post389970
TaylorBalbi's shed some light on how Flagship is approaching PvP balancing. Apparently the goal is to work on PvP balancing separate from PvE so that the skills you use to stomp monsters won't get affected by anything that needs to be done to make PvP more balanced and fun.
TaylorBalbi's shed some light on how Flagship is approaching PvP balancing. Apparently the goal is to work on PvP balancing separate from PvE so that the skills you use to stomp monsters won't get affected by anything that needs to be done to make PvP more balanced and fun.
HGL 032: Next Patch Update
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=389303&postcount=490
Cellwind's posted that the patch notes for the TestCentre are currently being worked on. Whether that means the patch might be put up before the weekend is anyone's guess at this point, however.
Cellwind's posted that the patch notes for the TestCentre are currently being worked on. Whether that means the patch might be put up before the weekend is anyone's guess at this point, however.
HGL 031: Nightmare Developer Response
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=388072#post388072
Maledon has posted in a thread regarding Nightmare mode concerns. Apparently from Flagship's point of view, everything is fine and balanced. No real information was given as to how they tested it (whether characters were brought up from Normal and straight into Nightmare, character levels, equipment, whether they played through the entirety of Nightmare in consecutive playsessions), so it is suspect as to whether they have an accurate picture that is comparable to how the playerbase is experience that mode at the moment.
He did say that QA will take another pass over it, but you've got to be wondering whether anything would be different if they did it right the first time. If there are significant changes brought on by this new pass through Nightmare by QA, then why didn't they test it properly first time?
Maledon has posted in a thread regarding Nightmare mode concerns. Apparently from Flagship's point of view, everything is fine and balanced. No real information was given as to how they tested it (whether characters were brought up from Normal and straight into Nightmare, character levels, equipment, whether they played through the entirety of Nightmare in consecutive playsessions), so it is suspect as to whether they have an accurate picture that is comparable to how the playerbase is experience that mode at the moment.
He did say that QA will take another pass over it, but you've got to be wondering whether anything would be different if they did it right the first time. If there are significant changes brought on by this new pass through Nightmare by QA, then why didn't they test it properly first time?
HGL 030: Homing Shot Bug
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=387994#post387994
OldBrownShoe has confirmed that there is a bug with Homing Shot at the moment where it will not trigger more than once. There is a workaround (swap your weapon sets back and forth), but it should be fixed in the next patch (due sometime next week).
OldBrownShoe has confirmed that there is a bug with Homing Shot at the moment where it will not trigger more than once. There is a workaround (swap your weapon sets back and forth), but it should be fixed in the next patch (due sometime next week).
HGL 029: Beneficial Phasing Bug
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=387397#post387397
OldBrownShoe has confirmed that there is a bug with the phase debuff applied from shields. Apparently instead of increasing damage dealt by 50% (like it would with Prayer of Retribution), it increases it by around 150%.
OldBrownShoe has confirmed that there is a bug with the phase debuff applied from shields. Apparently instead of increasing damage dealt by 50% (like it would with Prayer of Retribution), it increases it by around 150%.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
HGL 028: Invisible Party Member and Memory Crash Updates
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=382492&postcount=424
Cellwind hasn't conclusively fixed the Out of Memory crash bug yet, so that fix will not be making it into the patch coming out at next week (hopefully on the TestCentre on Monday/Tuesday). He has also mentioned that the invisible party member bug has not yet been completely fixed, so that too will not be hitting in the next patch. However, due to the importance being placed on the Out of Memory bug, once that is fixed it will be released in its own patch that will likely include the invisible party member bug, which should itself be sorted by then.
Cellwind hasn't conclusively fixed the Out of Memory crash bug yet, so that fix will not be making it into the patch coming out at next week (hopefully on the TestCentre on Monday/Tuesday). He has also mentioned that the invisible party member bug has not yet been completely fixed, so that too will not be hitting in the next patch. However, due to the importance being placed on the Out of Memory bug, once that is fixed it will be released in its own patch that will likely include the invisible party member bug, which should itself be sorted by then.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
HGL 027: TestCentre Delayed
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=374424&postcount=366
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=373940&postcount=347
Cellwind's posted that the new TestCentre build will probably not go live until Monday/Tuesday at this stage. However, that build has hopefully fixed the invisible party members bug. If it hasn't, Cellwind's given personal assurances that he'll squash it flat.
In related news, in the second post he mentioned the fact that he's been working for 36 hours straight.
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=373940&postcount=347
Cellwind's posted that the new TestCentre build will probably not go live until Monday/Tuesday at this stage. However, that build has hopefully fixed the invisible party members bug. If it hasn't, Cellwind's given personal assurances that he'll squash it flat.
In related news, in the second post he mentioned the fact that he's been working for 36 hours straight.
HGL 026: Nanoforge Bugs Addressed
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=373093#post373093
The issue where magical items downgrade in quality when put into the nanoforge rather than being upgraded has been noted by QA and should soon be fixed. To be more specific, the problem is when a magical item has higher than base attributes (say damage on a weapon), but when it gets put into the nanoforge, it drops down to what the base attribute actually is, rather than adding to its boosted attribute.
The issue where magical items downgrade in quality when put into the nanoforge rather than being upgraded has been noted by QA and should soon be fixed. To be more specific, the problem is when a magical item has higher than base attributes (say damage on a weapon), but when it gets put into the nanoforge, it drops down to what the base attribute actually is, rather than adding to its boosted attribute.
HGL 025: Erich Schaefer Addresses Some Bugs/Issues
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=373048#post373048
Erich's clarified some bug/issues in the player-created "Known Issues" thread.
To begin with, the current problem with other player models rendering in low res/poly is a bandaid fix to prevent the Out of Memory crashes from occurring as often.
The second point was in regards to lag issues affecting sniper weapons. While he sympathises, there is currently nothing that he knows of that can really be done to make this any better from Flagship's end as the problem is generally caused by high client latency.
The third point was to clarify a misconception that Flagship would be reworking current tilesets. Instead, Flagship is working on entirely new tilesets which should be easily recognised as totally new and different from current ones.
His last point was to confirm that they are looking to have some sort of in-station portalling so that people looking to trade do not need to group up while in-station to find each other.
Erich's clarified some bug/issues in the player-created "Known Issues" thread.
To begin with, the current problem with other player models rendering in low res/poly is a bandaid fix to prevent the Out of Memory crashes from occurring as often.
The second point was in regards to lag issues affecting sniper weapons. While he sympathises, there is currently nothing that he knows of that can really be done to make this any better from Flagship's end as the problem is generally caused by high client latency.
The third point was to clarify a misconception that Flagship would be reworking current tilesets. Instead, Flagship is working on entirely new tilesets which should be easily recognised as totally new and different from current ones.
His last point was to confirm that they are looking to have some sort of in-station portalling so that people looking to trade do not need to group up while in-station to find each other.
HGL 024: Ivan Details Future Plans
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372863&postcount=153
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372889&postcount=155
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372911&postcount=156
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372943&postcount=158
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=373112&postcount=165
Ivan has released a decent flow of information in a short period of time in the thread "EA should be blamed."
- They're working towards having all text narrated for quests from Patch 2 onwards.
- Additional tilesets will not be coming before December, but they are firmly set for delivery then. Of note, they actually have to make each tileset twice, once for low poly/res and once for high poly/res.
- There may be something in Patch 1 that lets you play as a demon temporarily.
- The 'long lost' transformation set of skills for the Cabalist will be making a return if Flagship's plans come to fruition with new classes.
- Ivan avoided the question of a rising level cap in a rather clumsy fashion, but did let on that after Patch 1 each of the quarterly patches is aimed to have as much content as an average storyline Act with "new classes, skills, weapons, items, monsters, tile sets, quests, features, and tech. Then you can look forward to more patches and an expansion(s)."
- There is hope yet for an NPC which analyses items for you. Ivan thinks the idea of having Murmur as an identifying NPC is "cool".
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372889&postcount=155
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372911&postcount=156
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372943&postcount=158
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=373112&postcount=165
Ivan has released a decent flow of information in a short period of time in the thread "EA should be blamed."
- They're working towards having all text narrated for quests from Patch 2 onwards.
- Additional tilesets will not be coming before December, but they are firmly set for delivery then. Of note, they actually have to make each tileset twice, once for low poly/res and once for high poly/res.
- There may be something in Patch 1 that lets you play as a demon temporarily.
- The 'long lost' transformation set of skills for the Cabalist will be making a return if Flagship's plans come to fruition with new classes.
- Ivan avoided the question of a rising level cap in a rather clumsy fashion, but did let on that after Patch 1 each of the quarterly patches is aimed to have as much content as an average storyline Act with "new classes, skills, weapons, items, monsters, tile sets, quests, features, and tech. Then you can look forward to more patches and an expansion(s)."
- There is hope yet for an NPC which analyses items for you. Ivan thinks the idea of having Murmur as an identifying NPC is "cool".
HGL 023: Fawkes Event Extended
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=372014&postcount=51
In news that will be disappointing to some and elating for others, Kaiser has posted that apparently the Fawkes event has been extended due to popular demand. Instead of the event being removed during the server downtime, they performed some general server maintenance. No further information on when the event will actually end or how long the maintenance will be then.
In news that will be disappointing to some and elating for others, Kaiser has posted that apparently the Fawkes event has been extended due to popular demand. Instead of the event being removed during the server downtime, they performed some general server maintenance. No further information on when the event will actually end or how long the maintenance will be then.
HGL 022: Minigame Frozen Bug
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=371887#post371887
Etlich has replied to a thread, letting everyone know that while there's no ETA for a fix to the frozen minigame bug, he has made it a priority and will try to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Etlich has replied to a thread, letting everyone know that while there's no ETA for a fix to the frozen minigame bug, he has made it a priority and will try to get it fixed as soon as possible.
HGL 021: Combat Log/Damage Numbers
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=371948&postcount=144
For those of you wanting a WoW-style combat log window, you're out of luck. The decision's been made that at this stage it doesn't add very much to the game aside from clutter, and considering the current state of the chat windows you might just have to agree.
However, Ivan followed that up by saying there is a possibility of over-the-head damage numbers, as this is still under consideration by the designers.
For those of you wanting a WoW-style combat log window, you're out of luck. The decision's been made that at this stage it doesn't add very much to the game aside from clutter, and considering the current state of the chat windows you might just have to agree.
However, Ivan followed that up by saying there is a possibility of over-the-head damage numbers, as this is still under consideration by the designers.
HGL 020: Omnipedia in Patch 2?
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=371902&postcount=139
Ivan's posted some information on something we may see in Patch 2, called the Omnipedia. Part achievement, part lore/universe reference guide, it will apparently unlock information and perhaps even some kind of upgrades to your character.
His examples are below:
Ivan's posted some information on something we may see in Patch 2, called the Omnipedia. Part achievement, part lore/universe reference guide, it will apparently unlock information and perhaps even some kind of upgrades to your character.
His examples are below:
Basically, kill a monster type, content gets added. Keep killing a monster type, more content gets added. Same thing with NPCs – do their quests and you get content adds. And carry that over to levels and weapons, too. Hit up an area and get text. The more you adventure there, the more you unlock. Use a weapon, get fiction. Etcetera.
Hopefully we can do something a bit more with it, too. Like, the more you learn, the more effective you are. Maybe if I learn all there is to know about an area, I might get better drops there. Or, if I learn all there is to know about a Demon type, I might be more effective against it. Stuff like that.
HGL 019: Upcoming Content
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=371485#post371485
Ivan's posted two bits of information about upcoming updates (hopefully Patch 1). First of all, PvP fuctionality is currently being worked on. Second, end-game raid content is planned and may even make it into Patch 1.
Ivan's posted two bits of information about upcoming updates (hopefully Patch 1). First of all, PvP fuctionality is currently being worked on. Second, end-game raid content is planned and may even make it into Patch 1.
HGL 018: To Minimise Crashing
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=365803&postcount=291
Cellwind's made some suggestions to try and decrease crashes until the patches hit the TestCentre (and then go live for everyone).
- Increase your page file size
- Run in Windowed mode
- Reduce graphics settings
- Set process affinity to one core if you are running a multi-core CPU
If you're unsure of the particulars of any of these troubleshooting methods, read up at the official Hellgate forums; search around and you should find threads with detailed instructions on each method.
Cellwind's made some suggestions to try and decrease crashes until the patches hit the TestCentre (and then go live for everyone).
- Increase your page file size
- Run in Windowed mode
- Reduce graphics settings
- Set process affinity to one core if you are running a multi-core CPU
If you're unsure of the particulars of any of these troubleshooting methods, read up at the official Hellgate forums; search around and you should find threads with detailed instructions on each method.
HGL 017: Inventory Crash Bug Fixed Internally
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=365094&postcount=269
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=365364&postcount=282
In these couple of posts, Cellwind explains the cause of the inventory-related crashes and also lets us know that it has been fixed internally. This apparently was "a multithreading bug due to a ping message calling into some UI code that isn't multi-thread safe". Based on his post, it looks like the upcoming patch for Wednesday/Thursday for the TestCentre should contain this fix.
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=365364&postcount=282
In these couple of posts, Cellwind explains the cause of the inventory-related crashes and also lets us know that it has been fixed internally. This apparently was "a multithreading bug due to a ping message calling into some UI code that isn't multi-thread safe". Based on his post, it looks like the upcoming patch for Wednesday/Thursday for the TestCentre should contain this fix.
HGL 016: Developer priorities
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=371240&postcount=56
Etlich, a Flagship Studios staffer, has posted a bunch of information regarding issues and priorities that Flagship Studios shares with the playerbase. They are as follows:
Etlich, a Flagship Studios staffer, has posted a bunch of information regarding issues and priorities that Flagship Studios shares with the playerbase. They are as follows:
1) Item trading...
Linked items is a high priority. Auction is a lot of work, so right now bugs and easier fixes are delaying this feature.
2) Landscape Variety
A very high priority for ongoing work. We understand everyone's desire to shake up the settings. You won't have to wait long.
3) Uniques
Fixed in testing here
4) We should have the ability to auto set the map to be on.
The map going away on death is a known bug that isn't that high a priority, frankly, but the map should stay up/down while zoning. It works for me on my dev build. I'll look into it.
5) Chat box
Many chat improvements coming shortly, and many more on the medium term list.
6) Inspecting others gear...
Again, not a high priority (sorry) but on the agenda
7) dropping items
Dropping items causes a lot of performance issues, so its worrisome. Why do you want to do this?
8) Make it easier for players who arent in parties to find each other!
Ideally we want to have a "warp to"-type button accessible from chat or buddy and guild lists. It would only work for players in a town. Its proving to be technically tricky, but we're working on it.
9) A shared portion of the stash
Pretty high priority. In our first big content patch, I hope.
10) I've fallen through an environment object several times and it has placed me back at the beginning of the zone.
Off-hand I can't remember where we are on this. I'll track it down.
11) Run/sprint speed...
I actually like it the way it is, but I'll bring it up to the team
HGL 015: List of Known Issues
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?t=41103
A forum member has put together a list of some known issues/requests and the relevant developer responses, covering some information that's already been posted here and also some new items.
A forum member has put together a list of some known issues/requests and the relevant developer responses, covering some information that's already been posted here and also some new items.
HGL 014: Forum Developer List
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?t=34436
A forum member has put together a post containing a list of all active Flagship/Ping0 posters, matching them up to the biographies on the official Flagship Studios website.
A forum member has put together a post containing a list of all active Flagship/Ping0 posters, matching them up to the biographies on the official Flagship Studios website.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
HGL 013: Multithread Crash Fix on TestCentre Wednesday
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=364410&postcount=249
Cellwind has, amongst all his other posts, let people know that there will be a new patch going up to the TestCentre hopefully this Wednesday. The patch has some modifications to the client that should deal with one of the more annoying crash bugs that is primarily plaguing people with multi-core CPUs.
Cellwind has, amongst all his other posts, let people know that there will be a new patch going up to the TestCentre hopefully this Wednesday. The patch has some modifications to the client that should deal with one of the more annoying crash bugs that is primarily plaguing people with multi-core CPUs.
Monday, November 12, 2007
HGL 012: Some UI Updates
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=350124&postcount=72
Ivan's let slip some information regarding improvements to the UI. Lee Dotson apparently has some designs for a new chat window and UI ideas prepared, and someone referred to as "Plunkett" is focused on the chat window itself.
Ivan's let slip some information regarding improvements to the UI. Lee Dotson apparently has some designs for a new chat window and UI ideas prepared, and someone referred to as "Plunkett" is focused on the chat window itself.
HGL 011: Avoid Invisible Party Members
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showpost.php?p=344643&postcount=53
In the previous HGL post, I mentioned a thread started by Cellwind, (apparently) a core engine programmer from Flagship.
One of the posts in that thread actually got a little off-topic, but like his other posts thus far, Cellwind delivered a ray of light for those suffering from disappearing party members.
The particular bug is apparently related to the holiday event content, and it is suggested that you remove all recipes and recipe items from your inventory to prevent you or your party members from disappearing.
In the previous HGL post, I mentioned a thread started by Cellwind, (apparently) a core engine programmer from Flagship.
One of the posts in that thread actually got a little off-topic, but like his other posts thus far, Cellwind delivered a ray of light for those suffering from disappearing party members.
The particular bug is apparently related to the holiday event content, and it is suggested that you remove all recipes and recipe items from your inventory to prevent you or your party members from disappearing.
HGL 010: Memory Leaks Addressed
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=340744#post340744
Cellwind, who appears to be a core engine programmer at Flagship, has made a thread addressing one of the biggest issues plaguing HGL players; the dreaded memory exhausted error.
Rather than the wishy-washy platitudes you might be expect, Cellwind gets down into the nitty gritty, detailing the exact cause of the problem from a memory fragmentation perspective, pointing out why the old system is flawed, why the new system still needs testing and hopefully how his new approach will resolve the problem and pave the way for more accurate and swifter targetting of any future problems.
The thread has quite a lot of participation from Cellwind, so check it out if you're a) affected by the bug, b) interested in memory management, c) just like to see Flagship talking to the folks.
Cellwind, who appears to be a core engine programmer at Flagship, has made a thread addressing one of the biggest issues plaguing HGL players; the dreaded memory exhausted error.
Rather than the wishy-washy platitudes you might be expect, Cellwind gets down into the nitty gritty, detailing the exact cause of the problem from a memory fragmentation perspective, pointing out why the old system is flawed, why the new system still needs testing and hopefully how his new approach will resolve the problem and pave the way for more accurate and swifter targetting of any future problems.
The thread has quite a lot of participation from Cellwind, so check it out if you're a) affected by the bug, b) interested in memory management, c) just like to see Flagship talking to the folks.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
HGL 009: Founders' Offer Extended
Source: http://www.hellgatelondon.com/underground/founder-s-offer-update
The Founders' Offer for Hellgate: London has been extended until December 31st, 2007. PayPal, PayByCash and debit card payment options are in the works as well.
The Founders' Offer for Hellgate: London has been extended until December 31st, 2007. PayPal, PayByCash and debit card payment options are in the works as well.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
HGL 008: Pesky Quest Items
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=317181#post317181
Flagship have a fix that's going through internal testing and checking for the pesky quest items that won't leave your inventory. Not only that, but they've also made some modifications which mean that it shouldn't be even happen in the future.
Until then, you can use the crafter to get rid of those indestructible items. Fill your inventory as much as possible, then go to a crafter, put some materials into the crafter (to make a separate stack), and then put your unwanted item into the crafter. Now, pick up the separated stack of materials and use it to block out the space where you had your unwanted item. Close the crafter and walk away, your item should stay there.
Flagship have a fix that's going through internal testing and checking for the pesky quest items that won't leave your inventory. Not only that, but they've also made some modifications which mean that it shouldn't be even happen in the future.
Until then, you can use the crafter to get rid of those indestructible items. Fill your inventory as much as possible, then go to a crafter, put some materials into the crafter (to make a separate stack), and then put your unwanted item into the crafter. Now, pick up the separated stack of materials and use it to block out the space where you had your unwanted item. Close the crafter and walk away, your item should stay there.
HGL 007: Server status page
There's a new page specifically to highlight server status messages on the official HGL site that's available here: http://www.hellgatelondon.com/serverstatus
HGL 006: Bugfix priorities
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=316083#post316083
Flagship have updated players on their official forums with their current list of top level bugfix priorities. They are:
* Resolving any remaining problems related to billing and subscriptions.
* Fixing two known bugs which cause players to sometimes lose items (one related to dual focus/dual melee, and one related to loading issues).
* Making improvements to memory usage in order to reduce "Memory Exhausted" crashes.
* Fixing a known issue with the user interface which causes the application to lock up intermittently.
* An issue which occasionally prevents characters from being able to load or switch instances.
* General chat interface improvements. (Many improvements are in the works).
* Random disconnects and lag.
* Allowing higher resolution textures and models for other players.
* Various known problems with being able to continue interrupted side quests.
* Remnant quest items not getting destroyed and "clogging" up inventory.
* Continued problems with saving / loading Engineer Drone items.
* Invisible party members.
* The nanoforge not correctly improving rare and better armors.
* Getting stuck on collision.
Flagship have updated players on their official forums with their current list of top level bugfix priorities. They are:
* Resolving any remaining problems related to billing and subscriptions.
* Fixing two known bugs which cause players to sometimes lose items (one related to dual focus/dual melee, and one related to loading issues).
* Making improvements to memory usage in order to reduce "Memory Exhausted" crashes.
* Fixing a known issue with the user interface which causes the application to lock up intermittently.
* An issue which occasionally prevents characters from being able to load or switch instances.
* General chat interface improvements. (Many improvements are in the works).
* Random disconnects and lag.
* Allowing higher resolution textures and models for other players.
* Various known problems with being able to continue interrupted side quests.
* Remnant quest items not getting destroyed and "clogging" up inventory.
* Continued problems with saving / loading Engineer Drone items.
* Invisible party members.
* The nanoforge not correctly improving rare and better armors.
* Getting stuck on collision.
HGL 005: Billing Problems Resolved
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=315985#post315985
Flagship believes that the billing problems are now resolved, with all overcharges being refunded over the next couple of days. They surprisingly also revealed the percentage of subscribers affected by this; 3%. Approximately the same number also attempted to subscribe successfully, but were not charged until the billing problems were resolved.
Flagship believes that the billing problems are now resolved, with all overcharges being refunded over the next couple of days. They surprisingly also revealed the percentage of subscribers affected by this; 3%. Approximately the same number also attempted to subscribe successfully, but were not charged until the billing problems were resolved.
HGL 004: Shared stashes
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=315511#post315511
Shared stashes are still coming.
Shared stashes are still coming.
Shared stash will be coming in an upcoming patch. As soon as I have a firm date on it, I'll let you all know. This will be a shared stash between your game accounts, btw.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
HGL 003: Shacknews Interview with Roper
Source: http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=649
So, a summary for those people who can't read the article:
- December is when they're targetting Patch 1 for
- Patch 1 is around 300mb as opposed to Patch 0 which is about 30mb
- Patch 1 will have a new hub: Stone Henge.
- Stone Henge will serve as the launching point for the new areas in post-release content
- "new monsters, items, quests, and even potentially new classes; the latter has been promised to come to subscribers in content patches, though it is not clear if Patch 1 will include new classes"
- Flagship is already hiring new staff, and have used the Guy Fawkes content to figure out how long it takes them to produce content
- They're planning on having major patches every quarter, in addition to their smaller stuff like Halloween
- Auction houses and mail are a high priority and won't wait until a quarterly patch
- As we've seen they've changed how the environments work to make them less repetitive and more in line with the division of the acts
- They're trying to fix the weapon rating thing, but it's really complex to try and find a way that accurately represents all the relevant data about a weapon
- "If someone comes up with a better way to do it, we'll look at it." in reference to game mechanics
- "Even as the game goes on after months and years, we want to make sure the free players don't get forgotten but on the flip side, we want the subscribers to feel like they have a reason to be paying, getting the cool new areas and monsters and everything."
- "both tiers of users will be getting broader game-wide features such as PvP duel and free-for-all combat, guild support, auction houses, and mail"
- "These achievement points will eventually be able to be spent on special rewards; Flagship is toying with the idea of having two tiers of available rewards, one for subscribers and one for non-subscribers."
- "I think we would consider a retail expansion," Roper said. "I think it would be geared towards some kind of entirely new experience, some completely new story or something. We might look into other new locations."
- "Still, Roper clarified that one reason Diablo II had a traditional expansion was simply because there was no real mechanism to update the game and add originally planned features--indeed, longtime fans may remember that guild support, promised before the game was released, never even made it into the expansion. Hellgate's capability to be updated extends patch content, and will be used for regular class and weapon balance post-release."
- "A fairly simply repeatable "trick or treat" quest will grant players randomly selected treat items."
- "Others are entirely visual: ghost candy gives players the translucent glowing effect seen when retrieving your corpse, and dragon's breath candy douses your character in flame."
- "The best part: Zombot features a Thriller-like dance animation."
- On November 5, in recognition of the foiling of Guy Fawkes and the other members of the 17th-century Gunpowder Plot that attempted to blow up England's Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James, Flagship will be launching a week of Fawkes-themed content.
For the duration of the celebration, players will have a chance to acquire Fawkes' Flame Guards, a set of rare flaming gloves. The Fawkes property, which gives weapons or armor an increased chance to ignite and which adds a visible smoldering effect to the equipment, also has a chance of spawning on drops. When entering non-hub areas, there is a chance that levels will spawn as "bonfire" versions of themselves, featuring fiery skies and higher chances to spawn Fawkes-related items.
Flagship has created some 30 to 40 in-game recipes for a number of candies traditionally eaten on Guy Fawkes Night (some call it "Guy Fox Day," apparently), including bonfire toffee and toffee apples. They seem to be more varied and useful than the Halloween candies, with a tiering system that sees some rarer recipes combining multiple common recipes to create particularly powerful consumables. One of the more easily-obtainable recipes produces grenades; Roper explained that the team wanted to give non-Marksmen the opportunity to hurl grenades from time to time.
So, a summary for those people who can't read the article:
- December is when they're targetting Patch 1 for
- Patch 1 is around 300mb as opposed to Patch 0 which is about 30mb
- Patch 1 will have a new hub: Stone Henge.
- Stone Henge will serve as the launching point for the new areas in post-release content
- "new monsters, items, quests, and even potentially new classes; the latter has been promised to come to subscribers in content patches, though it is not clear if Patch 1 will include new classes"
- Flagship is already hiring new staff, and have used the Guy Fawkes content to figure out how long it takes them to produce content
- They're planning on having major patches every quarter, in addition to their smaller stuff like Halloween
- Auction houses and mail are a high priority and won't wait until a quarterly patch
- As we've seen they've changed how the environments work to make them less repetitive and more in line with the division of the acts
- They're trying to fix the weapon rating thing, but it's really complex to try and find a way that accurately represents all the relevant data about a weapon
- "If someone comes up with a better way to do it, we'll look at it." in reference to game mechanics
- "Even as the game goes on after months and years, we want to make sure the free players don't get forgotten but on the flip side, we want the subscribers to feel like they have a reason to be paying, getting the cool new areas and monsters and everything."
- "both tiers of users will be getting broader game-wide features such as PvP duel and free-for-all combat, guild support, auction houses, and mail"
- "These achievement points will eventually be able to be spent on special rewards; Flagship is toying with the idea of having two tiers of available rewards, one for subscribers and one for non-subscribers."
- "I think we would consider a retail expansion," Roper said. "I think it would be geared towards some kind of entirely new experience, some completely new story or something. We might look into other new locations."
- "Still, Roper clarified that one reason Diablo II had a traditional expansion was simply because there was no real mechanism to update the game and add originally planned features--indeed, longtime fans may remember that guild support, promised before the game was released, never even made it into the expansion. Hellgate's capability to be updated extends patch content, and will be used for regular class and weapon balance post-release."
- "A fairly simply repeatable "trick or treat" quest will grant players randomly selected treat items."
- "Others are entirely visual: ghost candy gives players the translucent glowing effect seen when retrieving your corpse, and dragon's breath candy douses your character in flame."
- "The best part: Zombot features a Thriller-like dance animation."
- On November 5, in recognition of the foiling of Guy Fawkes and the other members of the 17th-century Gunpowder Plot that attempted to blow up England's Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James, Flagship will be launching a week of Fawkes-themed content.
For the duration of the celebration, players will have a chance to acquire Fawkes' Flame Guards, a set of rare flaming gloves. The Fawkes property, which gives weapons or armor an increased chance to ignite and which adds a visible smoldering effect to the equipment, also has a chance of spawning on drops. When entering non-hub areas, there is a chance that levels will spawn as "bonfire" versions of themselves, featuring fiery skies and higher chances to spawn Fawkes-related items.
Flagship has created some 30 to 40 in-game recipes for a number of candies traditionally eaten on Guy Fawkes Night (some call it "Guy Fox Day," apparently), including bonfire toffee and toffee apples. They seem to be more varied and useful than the Halloween candies, with a tiering system that sees some rarer recipes combining multiple common recipes to create particularly powerful consumables. One of the more easily-obtainable recipes produces grenades; Roper explained that the team wanted to give non-Marksmen the opportunity to hurl grenades from time to time.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
HGL 002: Special Effect attack chances
Source: http://forums.hellgatelondon.com/showthread.php?p=190860#post190860
Peter Hu's explained the way the chance to land a special status effect works below. Note that LCS apparently stands for Lying Character Sheet.
Peter Hu's explained the way the chance to land a special status effect works below. Note that LCS apparently stands for Lying Character Sheet.
the sfx defense is applied to the chance you have of being affected by a sfx attack. it's compared to the attacker's sfx attack rating, which draws from their level (for monsters), monster type, weapon, magic properties, and their skills.
the formula used is: chance = sfx_attack / (sfx_attack + sfx_defense).
this is further modified by various weapon properties, such as weapon speed (a fast-attacking or area weapon has its chance reduced per hit, for example).
we are evaluating whether or not the amount of damage done vs. the amount of damage mitigated (by shields/armor/etc.) should factor into this calculation.
on the to-do list is to add a more informative display to the sfx_defense field on your character sheet (possibly showing something along the lines of the actual % chance vs. the last attack that hit you or the average monster of that level or some such ).
also, the LCS will eventually show you your sfx_attack ratings with similar information.
Mythos 036: First level 50 character after Zone 2
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=41855#post41855
Hobbit has managed to hit level 50 in about a week after the release of the Zone 2 patch. Here's the proof:
Hobbit has managed to hit level 50 in about a week after the release of the Zone 2 patch. Here's the proof:
HGL 001: Max Schaefer on the payment system/ads
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=41741#post41741
Max steps in to explain how Flagship sees what they are providing with Hellgate: London's free/pay play models.
Max steps in to explain how Flagship sees what they are providing with Hellgate: London's free/pay play models.
Hellgate: London's payment method is much misunderstood. Here's how it really works: People liked the D2 model where you get a box and play online for free. So we made it like that. People also want content added over time, like in WoW, so there isn't a static world. For people who want that, there is a very fair subscription fee, and we have a large team dedicated to making that content (no we haven't already made it, we've spent the last four years making what's in the box). It's that simple. We packed a box with a heck of a lot of gameplay, and gave it a free, secure online model. As long as there is a Hellgate, you don't have to pay a dime more than the box cost. Like GW. And ther's a subscription for those that want additional content over time.
The ads issue is also kinda overblown. Have you played HG:L in beta or demo? That's it. That's what the ads look like. We wanted to add realism by having actual realistic posters and ads on the walls. You can't make London without it. So our choice was to make up fake companies, which can look cheesy and contrived, or contract with an add provider to stream in real ones. They will be weathered and torn just like they are in game now. We don't expect to make much money from it, and honestly it all came from the background department's request to have realistic posters and things so it would look like London. Check it out - look at screenshots or whatever. Judge for yourself!
You can't please everyone, but we're trying to do all the cool things that are possible with our business models and our continued development.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Mythos 035: New classes
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=41119#post41119
What we REALLY want to do is have more classes, rather than even more differentiation in the ones we have -
So if we do other elemental classes, we want to do each element fully, sort of thing - a Frost Mage, or what have you.
Mythos 034: Mythos Roadmap
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40977#post40977
This is a big one! Travis lists out the priorities they have for ongoing development of Mythos.
This is a big one! Travis lists out the priorities they have for ongoing development of Mythos.
a) More content ( new zones, more bosses, more unique quests, more uniques, more items, more interesting stuff to do ) - we aren't even close really to what we'd consider a 'critical mass' of content. I don't think we'll have that until we have at LEAST 4 completed zones - and Zone 2 isn't really complete yet.
b) PVP - dueling, as well as various group PVP modes
c) An Achievement system for getting various bonuses or benefits for completing special far-reaching goals
d) Crafting, for a sideline to advance
e) More races and classes, so that after we have all this content, you'll be able to play through it again for a decent period of time and have a pretty different experience.
f) An Auction house, so that crafting is worth doing
g) Guilds, and guild rankings
h) Hardcore mode, as well as an Elite difficulty option
That's where we're heading right now anyway, so we're hard at work on Zone 2 love, Zone 3, PVP, and crafting at present. We'll squeeze anything that we can into the next big drop. Hopefully it will be as significant to you as this patch was to the previous beta.
Mythos 033: Future Hireling Changes
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40967#post40967
I really want a more interesting pet/hireling system overall, more like what we had in Fate - not only equippable slots, but variable inventories so that you can use pets/hirelings as packmules that can go sell your stuff - and that different inventory sizes, skills, and equipment slots and attack bonuses makes for some interesting and fun choices in what you choose to be your hireling/pet.
Mythos 032: Tier-Unlock Skill Bar Possibilities
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40963#post40963
Yeah, we've been talking about having passive bonuses for investment in the Skill Bar, ala Titan Quest for exactly this reason. I think we'll probably do it. We just need to hammer out exactly what they are and do a lot of balance checking - enough so it's meaningful, but not so much that it's ridiculous.
And we need to decide whether it'll be custom per-class, or just a general bonus that everybody gets - either way, if it affects stats to any appreciable degree, we just need to be careful what we pick to do.
Mythos 031: Shields
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40570#post40570
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40957#post40957
Travis confirms what was touched on before in regards to how defense rating and then shields work:
He then follows up with a post noting that shields can block spells and AoE as well, with a ceiling of 95%, just so you can't be a 1-HP invincible machine of destruction.
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40957#post40957
Travis confirms what was touched on before in regards to how defense rating and then shields work:
The primary benefit of a shield is the %chance to block - but the chance of it might not be high enough, perhaps ( later shields have a much better chance )
Basically, if a monster actually gets past your defense ( attack roll vs defense rating ) THEN it rolls against your shield's %chance to block. If you're successful, all damage is mitigated -
He then follows up with a post noting that shields can block spells and AoE as well, with a ceiling of 95%, just so you can't be a 1-HP invincible machine of destruction.
Mythos 030: Development of Zone 3
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40553#post40553
Travis has expanded on what Marsh said earlier regarding how the next few months are going to go leading up to the release of Zone 3.
Travis has expanded on what Marsh said earlier regarding how the next few months are going to go leading up to the release of Zone 3.
Don't worry, we've got plenty left to do on Zone 2 -
a slew of bosses, quests, and a bunch of monsters we have the art for and didn't have time to do AI and skills for. Some more tilesets. Better AI and skills for the monsters that ARE in Zone 2. And some better spawnclasses - I'm not really happy with the monster spawns or dungeon setups in zone 2 yet. We've got a lot left we want to do.
We're going to have to try and work on 'em in parallel though, I think. A good bit of that Zone 2 goodness will happen in smaller bumps before Zone 3. I think we're going to TRY to leave Zone 1 mostly alone, except for maybe 1 or 2 perma-dungeons. We've retrod that ground enough I think. Apart from better spreading out the level ranges on the quests in Zone 1 - that still needs to be done, but shouldn't take long.
Mythos 029: Payment plans for Mythos
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40551#post40551
Travis has posted up some insight into how Flagship plan to support Mythos financially once they reach enough content to 'release':
Travis has posted up some insight into how Flagship plan to support Mythos financially once they reach enough content to 'release':
The aim with Mythos is to do a dual-currency system. There'll be the copper/silver/gold you earn now, and a 'bought' currency. You can actually see that icon in the bottom-left of the inventory panel.
Some items will require both currencies, or one or the other. ( Not ALL items - just some, certain kinds, partially TBD )
Ingame, there'll be an exchange rate, and a way to trade copper/silver/gold for 'bought' currency, and vice versa. People who don't have any time and just want to buy stuff won't be able to necessarily just buy it - they'll have to trade for ingame currency. And certain items will require people who play and earn their cash to trade for bought currency.
In that way, people who want to play a lot and never ever pay a dime can still get access to EVERYTHING that a 'paying' individual could. And people with no disposable time whatsoever or short attention spans can trade for ingame currency with their bought currency to buy certain items.
Anyway, the core idea is that we really do want people to be able to play the whole thing without having to pay actual money. But we still need to make some. So we've been looking at the models that Three Rings uses for Bang! Howdy, and Yo-Ho-Ho : Puzzle Pirates as an interesting way to do that.
I probably didn't explain that right at all. It's sort of wierd.
Mythos 028: Future development
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=40444#post40444
Marsh has posted on the forums letting testers know how they plan to release patches from now on. Patches will be smaller, with all kinds of content like bosses, quests and items, leading up to the patch that includes Zone 3. These patches should happen relatively regularly, and nothing like the 2 month gap between updates just recently. Internally, they're trying to get Zone 3 out the door before 2008 swings around.
Marsh has posted on the forums letting testers know how they plan to release patches from now on. Patches will be smaller, with all kinds of content like bosses, quests and items, leading up to the patch that includes Zone 3. These patches should happen relatively regularly, and nothing like the 2 month gap between updates just recently. Internally, they're trying to get Zone 3 out the door before 2008 swings around.
Mythos 027: Dual wielding mechanics
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39932#post39932
Each weapon DOES swing at its own rate - it's just that the rate of the offhand weapon is improved by 25%.
So, for instance, just theoretically, if you had a club in your right hand that took .5 seconds to swing, and an axe in your left hand that took 1 second to swing, then your axe would ACTUALLY swing at .75 seconds instead - because you're dual wielding, the offhand weapon gets a little speed benefit during the changeover of hands.
if you had 2 identical swords in each hand, then you would attack faster than having just 1.
Mythos 026: Blood phase changes
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39923#post39923
Blood phase at the moment needs a bit of tweaking and there's a bit of discussion going on as to exactly how the final product will end up. There's some indication that it will have a Shift-key functionality that changes how the transport aspect of the skill works, to cater to the different playstyles that have turned up in testing.
The following is from Travis' post:
Blood phase at the moment needs a bit of tweaking and there's a bit of discussion going on as to exactly how the final product will end up. There's some indication that it will have a Shift-key functionality that changes how the transport aspect of the skill works, to cater to the different playstyles that have turned up in testing.
The following is from Travis' post:
My initial thought was that we could have a SHIFT modifier for the skill - SHIFT modifying it would make it always shoot to max range or something, otherwise it would skip to the targeted location. Because me, personally - I like going where I click. John likes it better to blast quickly through things and not have to move his mouse away from his target to do so, which I understand.
Mythos 025: Uniques and balancing
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39923#post39923
The uniques that are currently in the game apparently need a bit more polishing before Travis and co are happy with them. In the thread linked above, he also asks for suggestions from testers for new unique weapons with the promise that they'll be included if they aren't too overpowered.
The uniques that are currently in the game apparently need a bit more polishing before Travis and co are happy with them. In the thread linked above, he also asks for suggestions from testers for new unique weapons with the promise that they'll be included if they aren't too overpowered.
Mythos 024: Priorities for the next big patch
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39921#post39921
The key priorities for the next big patch are PvP, Crafting and Zone 3.
The key priorities for the next big patch are PvP, Crafting and Zone 3.
Mythos 023: Damage reduction/negation in combat
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39884#post39884
Travis provides some insight into the way defense works in Mythos.
When you are attacked, your defense rating is the first thing to kick in. Dexterity and armour both contribute to this. It is intended to be a measure of avoiding damage either by moving yourself out of the way for a lighter impact or by having so much armour that it barely hurts.
Should you actually get hit after the defense rating calculation, that is when your block/parry comes into play for a chance to completely negate the attack.
Travis is of the view that "if Gadgets can tank better than Bloodletters, then I think our Strength armor needs to provide more of a bonus. My main issue with incremental damage mitigation from various pieces of armor is that it heavily devalues Vitality, and can make combat a bit more grind-y - but that's just my opinion."
Travis provides some insight into the way defense works in Mythos.
When you are attacked, your defense rating is the first thing to kick in. Dexterity and armour both contribute to this. It is intended to be a measure of avoiding damage either by moving yourself out of the way for a lighter impact or by having so much armour that it barely hurts.
Should you actually get hit after the defense rating calculation, that is when your block/parry comes into play for a chance to completely negate the attack.
Travis is of the view that "if Gadgets can tank better than Bloodletters, then I think our Strength armor needs to provide more of a bonus. My main issue with incremental damage mitigation from various pieces of armor is that it heavily devalues Vitality, and can make combat a bit more grind-y - but that's just my opinion."
Mythos 022: Hireling Exploits!
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39802#post39802
No way to heal them with Pots yet ( desperately want one, but haven't had time ) - but here's a dirty secret. If you change levels ( going up or down stairs even ) they'll heal to max. *shhhh*
Mythos 021: Future plans and some Flagship Seattle background
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39798#post39798
In regards to a question about when remappable keys will be available, Travis explains:
In regards to a question about when remappable keys will be available, Travis explains:
Our internal schedule for exact times on features shifts wildly, because there's so few of us, and small bumps in the road, ( or things like having to move offices at the end of the month ) can really throw them out of whack. Then I feel like a dork when we don't make them on time.
At present, there's only 2 of us programming on this, so there's only so many things we can hammer on at once ( apart from features we get from down south that happen on Hellgate ).
Right now it's on the plate with PVP, Crafting, an improved chat system, and any coding we have to do with Zone 3, so it's mostly just balancing act. We're trying hard to get another programmer on board so that things won't be so wild and crazy.
Mythos 020: Lucky shirts
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39594#post39594
Travis makes note that it is intended that you can enchant your shirts (I don't mean chest armour) in Zone 2. Apparently QA very much like their lucky shirts.
Travis makes note that it is intended that you can enchant your shirts (I don't mean chest armour) in Zone 2. Apparently QA very much like their lucky shirts.
Mythos 019: Clearer identification of high quality/rarity items
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39563#post39563
Travis mentions that he's thinking of using icons like the stars in Hellgate: London to indicate the item level to supplement the rather confusing scale of colours that are used by Mythos at the moment.
Travis mentions that he's thinking of using icons like the stars in Hellgate: London to indicate the item level to supplement the rather confusing scale of colours that are used by Mythos at the moment.
Mythos 018: Removal of armour level requirements
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39559#post39559
Travis explains why armour had the level requirements removed, specifically pieces like shoulders and capes. As you might have guessed, he wants to give the players the flexibility to get really good equipment that requires high strength/wisdom/dexterity if they focus their stat points specifically into one stat.
Travis explains why armour had the level requirements removed, specifically pieces like shoulders and capes. As you might have guessed, he wants to give the players the flexibility to get really good equipment that requires high strength/wisdom/dexterity if they focus their stat points specifically into one stat.
Mythos 017: "Bladed weapon" skill requirements
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39167#post39167
Travis has cleared up the point regarding "bladed weapon" skill requirements. Any weapon combination that includes a bladed weapon of some kind (basically one that does slashing damage) should get the benefits of such skills as Deep Wounds and Parry.
Travis has cleared up the point regarding "bladed weapon" skill requirements. Any weapon combination that includes a bladed weapon of some kind (basically one that does slashing damage) should get the benefits of such skills as Deep Wounds and Parry.
Mythos 016: Two-handed weapons
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39161#post39161
Apparently what is currently slowing down the addition of more two-handed weapon types is the different animation sequences that need to be built (running, walking, attacking, casting). Now that they've fixed up all the existing animations, this is something that's more likely to happen in the near future.
Apparently what is currently slowing down the addition of more two-handed weapon types is the different animation sequences that need to be built (running, walking, attacking, casting). Now that they've fixed up all the existing animations, this is something that's more likely to happen in the near future.
Mythos 015: Future plans for levelling and permanent dungeons
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39149#post39149
Right now I think we need to do level range adjustment on a lot of the quests. We sped up progression overall but there's some work we need to do, going back through the quest chains and smoothing them and ramping up the levels on them to better fit current leveling progression.
We also really want to do more 'on-map' dungeons ( like Morag's Rest )that are just fun to go do - ideally, these will generally be higher than the level at which you first get to them, probably substantially so - but for advanced players or those that want a challenge, they should be fun and rewarding to run off and tackle. We hope.
Mythos 014: Supression Widget Buggy Behaviour
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=39013#post39013
There's a known issue with multiple Supression Widgets targetting the same mob, and as the effect does not stack, it's considered a bug by the developers that's going to be worked on.
There's a known issue with multiple Supression Widgets targetting the same mob, and as the effect does not stack, it's considered a bug by the developers that's going to be worked on.
Mythos 013: Item Rarity Colour Progression
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38861#post38861
The scale for item quality/rarity in Mythos is Blue -> Purple -> Green -> Orange -> Yellow -> Teal
The scale for item quality/rarity in Mythos is Blue -> Purple -> Green -> Orange -> Yellow -> Teal
Mythos 012: Intended use of Pyromancer melee skills
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38807#post38807
Blazing Blade is intended as a bread-and-butter, low cost, all the time use skill, that hits multiple targets in front of you to multiply your damage, while Burning Arc is intended as a higher-cost escape or trash-mob killer.
Fiery Weapon is intended to just make normal melee more potent, at no mana cost -and later investment provides a free chance of explosion with radial fire damage.
Mythos 011: Next patch
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showpost.php?p=38816&postcount=3
Marsh has indicated that there should be another patch sometime in the next two weeks.
Marsh has indicated that there should be another patch sometime in the next two weeks.
Mythos 010: Weapon type differences
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38801#post38801
For the Polearms, because you are investing in dexterity as well, you automatically get a defense benefit.
Polearms have been ratcheted up in damage and speed, and given their increased range, as you go on down the line HOPEFULLY they give you a nice damage return for your point investment. But we'll see - please let me know how they work out for you!
Crossbows have the additional ability to pierce multiple enemies automatically
Scepters - I think the main advantage of scepters is that for a caster their damage is better than most of the alternatives. I hope I'm not lying here, that's what I seem to remember, and I'm a bit groggy - and you can dual wield with a ranged ( pistol or wand ). The intent was for these to supplement a melee-caster class.
Mythos 009: Gambling Merchant
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38797#post38797
Several factors go into the 'bargain hunter' price - the item's quality, enchantments, and sockets, as well as a random range that allows you to get a good bargain, or a crummy one.
Mythos 008: Sockets on non-weapons
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showpost.php?p=38565&postcount=2
We want sockets on more stuff. Also a larger variety of gems.
Mythos 007: Hardcore Mode
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showpost.php?p=38555&postcount=4
We're definitely going to have some kind of hardcore option -
and possibly a difficulty setting. We're discussing the difficulty setting, but Hardcore I think is pretty much definite.
Mythos 006: Stats on Red Hand Summons
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38384#post38384
Bloodling and Imp stats follow their own level progression based upon your level, so they should keep pace with you without being mirrors of your actual stats. Hope that helps!
Mythos 005: Character Sheet Damage Display
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38379#post38379
Meaning that right now, if you are dual-wielding, your character display is showing you your possible damage range when taking into account the minimum and maximum of both your weapons.
Right now it shows the min and max dmg range taking both weapons into account, ( as opposed to the damage from just one )
Meaning that right now, if you are dual-wielding, your character display is showing you your possible damage range when taking into account the minimum and maximum of both your weapons.
Mythos 004: Chance to hit
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showpost.php?p=38458&postcount=6
You never have a 100% chance to hit - I believe that no matter what, there's a slight chance to fumble.
Your chance to strike is just a baseline calculation though - various monsters have better ( or worse ) armor classes that mean you are still more ( or less ) likely to fumble against them.
Mythos 003: Keyboard Mapping
Source: http://ww2.mythos.com/mythostavern/showthread.php?p=38280#post38280
We were hoping to get keyboard remapping in for this build, but it just didn't quite make it, and those are usually a bear to test all the corner-cases with. We're still committed to doing it though!
Mythos 002: Beta Update
Soon after the major Zone 2/skills revamp patch, a minor one was released to clear up the following issues. Travis Baldree's original post is available here.
Priority 1
*Goods for Goldenrod quest broken - (fixed)
*2 players report getting to town and being unable to turn in Damon's quest (fixed )
*Medium Level shaders causing mesh distortions ( fixed )
*Reports of a crash when spamming Boom Zippers from one player ( fixed )
*Fixed Consult an Expert quest
*Fix for minions spawning after their parent dies being unattackable by special attacks
* Fixed wierd 'secret' hive boss room
* Fixed Low quality shader glow issue in partial-screen modes
Priority 2
*Friends list close button doesn't work, you have to use F or the initial toggle ( fixed )
*Text in buddy list is clipped oddly, and the Whisper button starts out visually activated ( fixed )
*Icons over heads are extremely difficult to click on in certan zoom modes in widescreen - need to fix zoom placement ( fixed )
*Names in vanity view should get disabled ( fixed )
*Starting bloodlings might be a touch weak HP-wise ( fixed )
*Reduce Blood Phase cost a touch? ( fixed )
*Traveling Merchants still refresh too often. ( fixed - they now never refresh )
*'stuck at loading screen but can hear sounds' issue( fixed? )
*Fixed Rally happening from destructibles
*Fixed homing shot attacking destructibles
*Fixed Blood Command attacking destructibles
*Fixed all widgets not maintaining proper counts ( only destroying other widgets of the same type now when they go over the limit ) - same for turrets
*Fixed Rally stacking off of accrued values, instead of base
*Hirelings heal to full health after level transitions
*Tuning on Focused Shield and Blood Might
*Gadget Noxious Grenade is no longer insanely powerful
*Meteor does proper damage, and displays correct range
*Flaming Serpents nerfed, and using the actual mana costs ( instead of the wrong ones ) - damage ranges are a little wider, and you only get up to 6 bonus projectiles at the second tier. ( It's still amazing damage )
*Blood Rage times out properly for attack speeds on Bloodlings/Imps
*Footstep sounds tuned down
*If the character screen closes because there are too many other screens open, and stat point buttons were visible, they won't come back without a logout ( fixed - only code fix )
*Thermal Screen max damage absorption tuned down a little bit
*Urax Shaman green fire walls shouldn't hit you when you aren't near them ( ditto for Morag )
*Dexterity modified damage ( for bows, rifles ) should show properly in the character sheet
*Foe Reaper should not gain benefits from destructibles
*Hireling HP and armor/tohit boosted
*Vampiric Strike health draw improved
Priority 3
*Traveling Merchants now have more to sell
*Too much bass on Flaming dart sound? ( fixed )
*Blood Mist for Blood Boil not working properly? ( was working, just needed effect - fixed )
*Damage Resist affixes are improperly represented - was showing as damage effect resistance, but is really resistance to special effects( catching on fire, etc. ) ( was a display issue, fixed )
*Pistols now properly positioned in hands
*Tinker now starts in increments of 10%, instead of starting you at 20 and bumping up by 5-s
*Satyr female pistols now fire at the appropriate time
*Fixed tracker's shoulders positioning
*Fixed human male leather cap smoothing
*Wisp now 'bobs'
*Fixed bloodletter targeting rings not showing up at long distance
*Made rifle-only skills display the requirement
*Blade Breaker no longer falls back to regular attack, so you won't go running up to targets when you're out of mana
*Fixed some of the names in random quests
*Can summon a full 6 imps and 6 bloodlings, instead of getting capped at 10
* Skills that require rifles tell you so
* Bauble Traps can now reflect missiles
* Leather Boots have a requirement now
* Item counts don't clip in the bottom area of the stash
* Ravens aren't so dumb
* 'inventory full' messags play only for you ( not everybody! )
* Damage enhanced by Dexterity displays properly in character sheet
* Spiked caps properly show ears
* Blood Phase has a little larger hitradius
* Napalm and Noxious Grenade procs won't get the benefit of Black Powder
* Locked chests appear a little more, keys a little less
* Wands should not miss characters standing right up in your face
* Gold should autopickup from its original range again
* Keys can now stack to 10
* Gorestain Dagger quest text now says 'five' statues instead of 'ten'
* Meteor mana cost reduced a little bit
* Deafening Explosion can't be cast in town
* Reversed race/class order in create pane to line up with the descriptions on the left.
Priority 1
*Goods for Goldenrod quest broken - (fixed)
*2 players report getting to town and being unable to turn in Damon's quest (fixed )
*Medium Level shaders causing mesh distortions ( fixed )
*Reports of a crash when spamming Boom Zippers from one player ( fixed )
*Fixed Consult an Expert quest
*Fix for minions spawning after their parent dies being unattackable by special attacks
* Fixed wierd 'secret' hive boss room
* Fixed Low quality shader glow issue in partial-screen modes
Priority 2
*Friends list close button doesn't work, you have to use F or the initial toggle ( fixed )
*Text in buddy list is clipped oddly, and the Whisper button starts out visually activated ( fixed )
*Icons over heads are extremely difficult to click on in certan zoom modes in widescreen - need to fix zoom placement ( fixed )
*Names in vanity view should get disabled ( fixed )
*Starting bloodlings might be a touch weak HP-wise ( fixed )
*Reduce Blood Phase cost a touch? ( fixed )
*Traveling Merchants still refresh too often. ( fixed - they now never refresh )
*'stuck at loading screen but can hear sounds' issue( fixed? )
*Fixed Rally happening from destructibles
*Fixed homing shot attacking destructibles
*Fixed Blood Command attacking destructibles
*Fixed all widgets not maintaining proper counts ( only destroying other widgets of the same type now when they go over the limit ) - same for turrets
*Fixed Rally stacking off of accrued values, instead of base
*Hirelings heal to full health after level transitions
*Tuning on Focused Shield and Blood Might
*Gadget Noxious Grenade is no longer insanely powerful
*Meteor does proper damage, and displays correct range
*Flaming Serpents nerfed, and using the actual mana costs ( instead of the wrong ones ) - damage ranges are a little wider, and you only get up to 6 bonus projectiles at the second tier. ( It's still amazing damage )
*Blood Rage times out properly for attack speeds on Bloodlings/Imps
*Footstep sounds tuned down
*If the character screen closes because there are too many other screens open, and stat point buttons were visible, they won't come back without a logout ( fixed - only code fix )
*Thermal Screen max damage absorption tuned down a little bit
*Urax Shaman green fire walls shouldn't hit you when you aren't near them ( ditto for Morag )
*Dexterity modified damage ( for bows, rifles ) should show properly in the character sheet
*Foe Reaper should not gain benefits from destructibles
*Hireling HP and armor/tohit boosted
*Vampiric Strike health draw improved
Priority 3
*Traveling Merchants now have more to sell
*Too much bass on Flaming dart sound? ( fixed )
*Blood Mist for Blood Boil not working properly? ( was working, just needed effect - fixed )
*Damage Resist affixes are improperly represented - was showing as damage effect resistance, but is really resistance to special effects( catching on fire, etc. ) ( was a display issue, fixed )
*Pistols now properly positioned in hands
*Tinker now starts in increments of 10%, instead of starting you at 20 and bumping up by 5-s
*Satyr female pistols now fire at the appropriate time
*Fixed tracker's shoulders positioning
*Fixed human male leather cap smoothing
*Wisp now 'bobs'
*Fixed bloodletter targeting rings not showing up at long distance
*Made rifle-only skills display the requirement
*Blade Breaker no longer falls back to regular attack, so you won't go running up to targets when you're out of mana
*Fixed some of the names in random quests
*Can summon a full 6 imps and 6 bloodlings, instead of getting capped at 10
* Skills that require rifles tell you so
* Bauble Traps can now reflect missiles
* Leather Boots have a requirement now
* Item counts don't clip in the bottom area of the stash
* Ravens aren't so dumb
* 'inventory full' messags play only for you ( not everybody! )
* Damage enhanced by Dexterity displays properly in character sheet
* Spiked caps properly show ears
* Blood Phase has a little larger hitradius
* Napalm and Noxious Grenade procs won't get the benefit of Black Powder
* Locked chests appear a little more, keys a little less
* Wands should not miss characters standing right up in your face
* Gold should autopickup from its original range again
* Keys can now stack to 10
* Gorestain Dagger quest text now says 'five' statues instead of 'ten'
* Meteor mana cost reduced a little bit
* Deafening Explosion can't be cast in town
* Reversed race/class order in create pane to line up with the descriptions on the left.
Mythos 001: Beta Update
On October 18th, Mythos was taken down for a major update. Primarily known for the introduction of Zone 2 and a revamped skills system, it was followed shortly after by a small patch fix update to sort out some of the issues reported by testers soon after the major update went live.
Following is a list of the patch notes posted by Travis Baldree which are also available here.
SKILL SYSTEM
* The Skill System underwent a massive overhaul. Quite a few of the old skills exist, but they have all been modified in some fundamental ways. The Skill Trees themselves are structured much differently, and Skill advancement has changed entirely.
* In combination with this, the leveling rate has nearly doubled. Mythos is intended to be a fast and rewarding game, and the previous rate of advancement was simply too slow, and too unenjoyable for us.
* Each of the 3 Skill Panes is divided into 6 Tiers, one of which is unlocked at the outset. By investing in the Tier bar on the right of the screen, you can unlock later Tiers and abilities. Unlocking a Tier unlocks it for ALL Skill panes, so your point is never wasted.
* At each level you will receive 2 Skill Points to invest. You may spend them on improving Skills you know, learning new Skills, or by advancing in the aforementioned Tier bar to unlock new Skills, or new abilities for existing Skills.
* Many more of the Skills in all of the Skill Trees are now active in nature. Instead of advancing along a linear path of improvement in a given skill, you can usually invest in different aspects of the skill by unlocking later nodes linked to it. As an example, the Bladebreaker skill in the Bloodletter's Marialist tree ( a ranged ground attack that may pierce multiple enemies ) has 3 primary nodes. Investing in the initial node improves the range and damage bonus of the skill. Investing in the second node ( Blade Splinter ) causes the primary missile to splinter on impact, striking more foes, while the third tier ( Blade Fan ) allows you to fire a set of shockwaves, and improves damage for all effects.
* This has two primary benefits - it lets you customize skills more completely to your style of play and encourages more uniqueness in builds, and allows late-game investment to be a lot more interesting than just incrementally improving damage on a skill you've had for ages. As a Bloodletter, you could have a short-ranged, high-damage fan of deathdealing, or an extremely long-range blast that fractures into many devastating splinters along the way – or both, if you’re willing to spend the points and that build meets your needs.
* The Gadgeteer no longer has a passive toggle pane - it has been replaced with the Grenadier pane, focused on tossable devices.
* Gadgeteer skills may now be tossed to specific locations, like grenades. Not only are the devices better and more interesting than before, but having the ability to explicitly place them adds immeasurably to their usefulness.
* The Skill Tree no longer scrolls - all nodes are visible onscreen at once.
Hopefully you'll find lots of nice surprises playing with the new skill system. We've tried very hard to bang it into a reasonable range of balance for this initial re-release of it, but I'm sure we've missed things, and we count on your feedback to help us continue the balancing process - ideally, it'll be a lot of fun to explore!
THE WORLD
* A new zone has been added - Bloodbristle Heath - as well as a new primary city, Tulin's Hope. The smaller town of Wethyn Cross can be found in the second zone, as well as a small Goblin shrine in the northeast.
* Each zone also has 'intermediate' hubs, that serve as stopping off points for meeting other players on the road, or for branching off to new locations. These intermediate hubs will serve to help fill out the landscape, and provide lore, NPCs, and later quests.
* Roads have been added - when moving between primary locations, you'll walk along actual paths in the direction of the destination, rather than randomly oriented wilderness. This helps anchor the world a lot more, and even though these paths are a little different each time you travel, they feel much more persistent.
* You can now run a full loop, exit to exit, after leaving a major city without ever seeing a map screen. Exits lead to the appropriate road in that direction, and heading to locations off the beaten path is done by using a Signpost. This also helps the world feel more coherent.
* The beginning of some 'flavor' content - NPCs with stories or information to give you that just add lore and interest to the world.
* Wilderness areas to all map locations now orient in the direction of the destination relative to the starting point. This makes a bigger difference than it has any right to.
* Dungeons and other areas now have a much higher degree of granularity in orientation, rather than just 90 degrees. This sounds a little silly, but it oddly makes the locations feel much more distinct.
* Various new outdoor tilesets have been added, from farmlands, to autumnal forests, to the deserts and heaths of the second zone
* Weather has been added, including rain, lightning, the shadows of passing clouds, and windstorms and dustdevils. Different areas are prone to different types of weather.
* An improved Vanity camera allows you to view your surroundings more thoroughly - outdoor areas also have skies. When in the Vanity camera, you do not see characters and monsters render behind objects, nor can you select or move around. This allows for a nice 'aquarium' view when in town. Because of the nature of a lot of our original artwork, a lot of the props are missing faces on the bottom which becomes readily apparent in this view ( and was before ), but we'll be addressing this shortly.
* You can now find locked chests. Keys may be found or purchased to unlock them. Locked chests usually have slightly better loot than their regular counterparts.
* Master Chests can now be found in many dungeons. Master Chests may only be opened by a Master Key, which is carried by one monster randomly placed within the dungeon. This encourages a certain amount of dungeon clearing, and we think is a fun little side diversion.
* There are some permanent dungeon locations on the map. We don't have too many yet, but we will be adding many, many more. These locations generally contain a Boss who has a chance to drop specific magical items, and may be revisited at any time.
* Stonehill got a small facelift, as did the intro splash screen
* Skyships are available at the skyship docks for instant travel between the large cities
* New Hive dungeon tileset
* New level layouts for more variety
* A whole new set of questlines in Zone 2 ( we'll be adding many more )
* New random questgivers in Zone 2
BOSSES
* There are ACTUAL bosses now - not just randomly renamed slightly bigger versions of normal monsters. Bosses have custom artwork, animations, weapons, and skills, and their own special lairs. Boss battles are much more of an event than they ever were before. We'll be adding a LOT more of these too. Tinus is no longer a Green satyr wandering around in a hallway.
BASE GAMEPLAY
* We have refocused on having a fast and enjoyable game. As a result, players now move 20% faster than before, and the pace of combat has increased as well.
* To balance this speed and still allow for some tactical play, the viewpont has been pulled farther out, affording you a better view of faraway monsters, and giving you time to plan and react before they descend upon you.
* Many animations and sounds have been improved to make combat more visceral.
* Some client-side predictive work has been done so that melee combat provides immediate feedback, rather than always feeling 'laggy' - this makes melee combat much more enjoyable, we think.
* All monsters are now interruptable, which again contributes to a more visceral and satisfying play experience.
* Item drops and qualities have been HEAVILY rebalanced, and should be much more satisfyingly plentiful. Higher-level magical items should have more appropriate rates of appearance.
* Normal items may now have varying qualities - Broken, Rusty, Superior, and Legendary. These modify the basic statistics, and provide a little more variety in item drops.
* A large number of interesting new magical effects have been added to be found on items.
* Over 200 unique items have been added to the game ( more will be coming )
* Hirelings have been added. In Tulin's Hope you may hire an Archer or a Warrior to lend a hand.
* Items may now be Enchanted - you can find 2 Enchanters in the world, and pay to have random magical effects added to your weapons and armor.
* Armor sets for the Pyromancer and Gadgeteer have been added to fill them out to match the Bloodletter - Shoulders, belts, gloves, boots, pants, armor, helms, and capes.
* A Character Details tab shows your resistances, and your chance to strike and dodge. We'll be adding more interesting stats to this pane ( it's gonna have to scroll, we know )
* There should be less 'popping' of monsters as they become desynched, as we mask and smooth the transition.
* No confirmation on exiting areas, and there is now a glow effect for all exits to make them easier to find and click on.
* Gems are generally not purchaseable, but must usually be found in the world. But they will be found a lot more OFTEN in the world.
* New and better quest rewards
* Warden Tigh is back at dungeon clearings, and can be paid to warp you to the deepest visited level
* Merchants now have proper level ranges, and the merchants in Zone 2 will be higher than those in Zone 1. This also makes Bargain Hunters a bit more interesting.
* Higher level map vendors
* Crossbow bolts pierce enemies.
* Load of weapon and armor balancing
* Shoulders and Helms no longer have level requirements.
* Ring level requirement lowered to 10
MONSTERS
* Zone 1 is no longer about slaying wolves and bears and bugs. All of the monsters have been reworked, with a focus on more interesting and nasty things to kill, with more enjoyable tactics and variety. Encounters with monsters should ideally be much more enjoyable, and less same-y. We continue to work on this, and have lots more to do, but we think this is a pretty good start.
* No more Bandits - they've been replaced with the Hollow.
* All the new Zone 2 monsters, including the reintroduction of the Goblins, who are a significant part of the questlines in Zone 2, and have their own hub.
* Lots of new and improved/fixed monster art.
FIXES
* Really, there are just too many fixes to mention. We've still got a big list of things to do, but we're plowing through just as fast as we can, and the number of things we’ve repaired is fairly formidable.
FLUFFY STUFF
* Class and race descriptions during character creation
* Improved character artwork ( less texture distortion at necks, fixed various problems with the meshes, fixed or improved many animations )
* New face and skintone art
* Many new hairstyles for everyone
* Selectable accessories( Satyrs and Male Gremlin right now, more coming! ) - you can select various combinations for the Gremlin's face, and different sets of Satyr horns
* Lots of art and polish changes throughout. Little things like being able to see Satyr hooves through their boots.
OTHER
* Options menu is available at the start menu.
* Lots of nice new music tracks
* Cartographer map display changed to only show the minimum level, and to color-code it for its range, to help you more easily parse them.
* Item reward icons are bigger, so you can actually see the darn things.
* Tips during loading screens ( and a new loading screen )
* Better display of Health/Mana regeneration stats on potions
* Health and Mana regenerate smoothly, rather than in chunks
* Destructibles now properly drop loot for the level of the area
* The download client now includes the level artwork. This means you won't have to wait so much for things to patch, and your play experience should be much more immediate.
* Skill and item tooltips shouldn’t be so flaky, popping and repositioning all over the place all the time.
* Anisotropic and Trilinear filtering options, for nicer textures ingame
* A bunch of stuff I'm forgetting.
Following is a list of the patch notes posted by Travis Baldree which are also available here.
SKILL SYSTEM
* The Skill System underwent a massive overhaul. Quite a few of the old skills exist, but they have all been modified in some fundamental ways. The Skill Trees themselves are structured much differently, and Skill advancement has changed entirely.
* In combination with this, the leveling rate has nearly doubled. Mythos is intended to be a fast and rewarding game, and the previous rate of advancement was simply too slow, and too unenjoyable for us.
* Each of the 3 Skill Panes is divided into 6 Tiers, one of which is unlocked at the outset. By investing in the Tier bar on the right of the screen, you can unlock later Tiers and abilities. Unlocking a Tier unlocks it for ALL Skill panes, so your point is never wasted.
* At each level you will receive 2 Skill Points to invest. You may spend them on improving Skills you know, learning new Skills, or by advancing in the aforementioned Tier bar to unlock new Skills, or new abilities for existing Skills.
* Many more of the Skills in all of the Skill Trees are now active in nature. Instead of advancing along a linear path of improvement in a given skill, you can usually invest in different aspects of the skill by unlocking later nodes linked to it. As an example, the Bladebreaker skill in the Bloodletter's Marialist tree ( a ranged ground attack that may pierce multiple enemies ) has 3 primary nodes. Investing in the initial node improves the range and damage bonus of the skill. Investing in the second node ( Blade Splinter ) causes the primary missile to splinter on impact, striking more foes, while the third tier ( Blade Fan ) allows you to fire a set of shockwaves, and improves damage for all effects.
* This has two primary benefits - it lets you customize skills more completely to your style of play and encourages more uniqueness in builds, and allows late-game investment to be a lot more interesting than just incrementally improving damage on a skill you've had for ages. As a Bloodletter, you could have a short-ranged, high-damage fan of deathdealing, or an extremely long-range blast that fractures into many devastating splinters along the way – or both, if you’re willing to spend the points and that build meets your needs.
* The Gadgeteer no longer has a passive toggle pane - it has been replaced with the Grenadier pane, focused on tossable devices.
* Gadgeteer skills may now be tossed to specific locations, like grenades. Not only are the devices better and more interesting than before, but having the ability to explicitly place them adds immeasurably to their usefulness.
* The Skill Tree no longer scrolls - all nodes are visible onscreen at once.
Hopefully you'll find lots of nice surprises playing with the new skill system. We've tried very hard to bang it into a reasonable range of balance for this initial re-release of it, but I'm sure we've missed things, and we count on your feedback to help us continue the balancing process - ideally, it'll be a lot of fun to explore!
THE WORLD
* A new zone has been added - Bloodbristle Heath - as well as a new primary city, Tulin's Hope. The smaller town of Wethyn Cross can be found in the second zone, as well as a small Goblin shrine in the northeast.
* Each zone also has 'intermediate' hubs, that serve as stopping off points for meeting other players on the road, or for branching off to new locations. These intermediate hubs will serve to help fill out the landscape, and provide lore, NPCs, and later quests.
* Roads have been added - when moving between primary locations, you'll walk along actual paths in the direction of the destination, rather than randomly oriented wilderness. This helps anchor the world a lot more, and even though these paths are a little different each time you travel, they feel much more persistent.
* You can now run a full loop, exit to exit, after leaving a major city without ever seeing a map screen. Exits lead to the appropriate road in that direction, and heading to locations off the beaten path is done by using a Signpost. This also helps the world feel more coherent.
* The beginning of some 'flavor' content - NPCs with stories or information to give you that just add lore and interest to the world.
* Wilderness areas to all map locations now orient in the direction of the destination relative to the starting point. This makes a bigger difference than it has any right to.
* Dungeons and other areas now have a much higher degree of granularity in orientation, rather than just 90 degrees. This sounds a little silly, but it oddly makes the locations feel much more distinct.
* Various new outdoor tilesets have been added, from farmlands, to autumnal forests, to the deserts and heaths of the second zone
* Weather has been added, including rain, lightning, the shadows of passing clouds, and windstorms and dustdevils. Different areas are prone to different types of weather.
* An improved Vanity camera allows you to view your surroundings more thoroughly - outdoor areas also have skies. When in the Vanity camera, you do not see characters and monsters render behind objects, nor can you select or move around. This allows for a nice 'aquarium' view when in town. Because of the nature of a lot of our original artwork, a lot of the props are missing faces on the bottom which becomes readily apparent in this view ( and was before ), but we'll be addressing this shortly.
* You can now find locked chests. Keys may be found or purchased to unlock them. Locked chests usually have slightly better loot than their regular counterparts.
* Master Chests can now be found in many dungeons. Master Chests may only be opened by a Master Key, which is carried by one monster randomly placed within the dungeon. This encourages a certain amount of dungeon clearing, and we think is a fun little side diversion.
* There are some permanent dungeon locations on the map. We don't have too many yet, but we will be adding many, many more. These locations generally contain a Boss who has a chance to drop specific magical items, and may be revisited at any time.
* Stonehill got a small facelift, as did the intro splash screen
* Skyships are available at the skyship docks for instant travel between the large cities
* New Hive dungeon tileset
* New level layouts for more variety
* A whole new set of questlines in Zone 2 ( we'll be adding many more )
* New random questgivers in Zone 2
BOSSES
* There are ACTUAL bosses now - not just randomly renamed slightly bigger versions of normal monsters. Bosses have custom artwork, animations, weapons, and skills, and their own special lairs. Boss battles are much more of an event than they ever were before. We'll be adding a LOT more of these too. Tinus is no longer a Green satyr wandering around in a hallway.
BASE GAMEPLAY
* We have refocused on having a fast and enjoyable game. As a result, players now move 20% faster than before, and the pace of combat has increased as well.
* To balance this speed and still allow for some tactical play, the viewpont has been pulled farther out, affording you a better view of faraway monsters, and giving you time to plan and react before they descend upon you.
* Many animations and sounds have been improved to make combat more visceral.
* Some client-side predictive work has been done so that melee combat provides immediate feedback, rather than always feeling 'laggy' - this makes melee combat much more enjoyable, we think.
* All monsters are now interruptable, which again contributes to a more visceral and satisfying play experience.
* Item drops and qualities have been HEAVILY rebalanced, and should be much more satisfyingly plentiful. Higher-level magical items should have more appropriate rates of appearance.
* Normal items may now have varying qualities - Broken, Rusty, Superior, and Legendary. These modify the basic statistics, and provide a little more variety in item drops.
* A large number of interesting new magical effects have been added to be found on items.
* Over 200 unique items have been added to the game ( more will be coming )
* Hirelings have been added. In Tulin's Hope you may hire an Archer or a Warrior to lend a hand.
* Items may now be Enchanted - you can find 2 Enchanters in the world, and pay to have random magical effects added to your weapons and armor.
* Armor sets for the Pyromancer and Gadgeteer have been added to fill them out to match the Bloodletter - Shoulders, belts, gloves, boots, pants, armor, helms, and capes.
* A Character Details tab shows your resistances, and your chance to strike and dodge. We'll be adding more interesting stats to this pane ( it's gonna have to scroll, we know )
* There should be less 'popping' of monsters as they become desynched, as we mask and smooth the transition.
* No confirmation on exiting areas, and there is now a glow effect for all exits to make them easier to find and click on.
* Gems are generally not purchaseable, but must usually be found in the world. But they will be found a lot more OFTEN in the world.
* New and better quest rewards
* Warden Tigh is back at dungeon clearings, and can be paid to warp you to the deepest visited level
* Merchants now have proper level ranges, and the merchants in Zone 2 will be higher than those in Zone 1. This also makes Bargain Hunters a bit more interesting.
* Higher level map vendors
* Crossbow bolts pierce enemies.
* Load of weapon and armor balancing
* Shoulders and Helms no longer have level requirements.
* Ring level requirement lowered to 10
MONSTERS
* Zone 1 is no longer about slaying wolves and bears and bugs. All of the monsters have been reworked, with a focus on more interesting and nasty things to kill, with more enjoyable tactics and variety. Encounters with monsters should ideally be much more enjoyable, and less same-y. We continue to work on this, and have lots more to do, but we think this is a pretty good start.
* No more Bandits - they've been replaced with the Hollow.
* All the new Zone 2 monsters, including the reintroduction of the Goblins, who are a significant part of the questlines in Zone 2, and have their own hub.
* Lots of new and improved/fixed monster art.
FIXES
* Really, there are just too many fixes to mention. We've still got a big list of things to do, but we're plowing through just as fast as we can, and the number of things we’ve repaired is fairly formidable.
FLUFFY STUFF
* Class and race descriptions during character creation
* Improved character artwork ( less texture distortion at necks, fixed various problems with the meshes, fixed or improved many animations )
* New face and skintone art
* Many new hairstyles for everyone
* Selectable accessories( Satyrs and Male Gremlin right now, more coming! ) - you can select various combinations for the Gremlin's face, and different sets of Satyr horns
* Lots of art and polish changes throughout. Little things like being able to see Satyr hooves through their boots.
OTHER
* Options menu is available at the start menu.
* Lots of nice new music tracks
* Cartographer map display changed to only show the minimum level, and to color-code it for its range, to help you more easily parse them.
* Item reward icons are bigger, so you can actually see the darn things.
* Tips during loading screens ( and a new loading screen )
* Better display of Health/Mana regeneration stats on potions
* Health and Mana regenerate smoothly, rather than in chunks
* Destructibles now properly drop loot for the level of the area
* The download client now includes the level artwork. This means you won't have to wait so much for things to patch, and your play experience should be much more immediate.
* Skill and item tooltips shouldn’t be so flaky, popping and repositioning all over the place all the time.
* Anisotropic and Trilinear filtering options, for nicer textures ingame
* A bunch of stuff I'm forgetting.
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