Post by Pazzolupo on Apr 9, 2011 18:11:15 GMT -5
Not sure if you guys are watching or even care to know...but the Friday that just passed had some interesting information on advanced classes. Particularly the fact that three out of the four classes can opt into healing. Reminds me a bit of Rift...all that flexibility is catching on maybe? Either way...here's an excerpt and a super-duper link.
Improvements through Game Testing
We thought it might be good to give you a peek at some of the recent changes made to each Advanced Class since they were announced. While we’re constantly iterating and balancing each class based on our own objectives, we also pay attention to feedback from internal testing, the (ever expanding) Game Testing Program, and the community.
The following list of changes is by no means complete or definitive for the final game, but it should give you a good idea of where the class you are planning to play is heading.
Bounty Hunter Advanced Classes
Mercenary (Roles: Mid - Long Range Damage Dealing, Healing)
PowerTech (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Tanking)
As previously announced, the Bounty Hunter’s Mercenary Advanced Class now features the ‘Bodyguard’ skill tree, allowing this iconic class to fill the role of a medic if desired.
The ‘Advanced Prototype’ skill tree, shared between both Bounty Hunter ACs, now features an upgrade to the base class flamethrower, which allows the player to rotate while using the ability.
Imperial Agent Advanced Classes
Sniper (Roles: Mid - Long Range Damage Dealing)
Operative (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Healing)
The Sniper’s entire skill tree has been reworked to include PvP feedback from internal and external tests. The Sniper is now able to entrench himself, providing a viable initial counter against attacks that would previously knock him out of cover. The Sniper also gained Cover Pulse, a player triggered pulse mine that can knock an unsuspecting attacker away from the Sniper.
The Operative has received a number of updates aimed at providing an alternative, less cover dependent gameplay option if skilled accordingly. Operatives are now more viable in mid and close range combat, using their stealth field generator to approach the enemy unseen before delivering heavy burst damage with their energy blade.
Jedi Knight Advanced Classes
Jedi Sentinel (Roles: Close Range Damage Dealing. Wields dual Lightsabers)
Jedi Guardian (Roles: Close Range Damage Dealing, Tanking. Wields a single Lightsaber)
Based on feedback from testing and requests from the general community, we reworked one of the skill trees on the Jedi Guardian Advanced Class to be focused on dealing damage while utilizing a single Lightsaber. Previously, the Guardian’s only available role was as a tank.
The Sentinel Advanced Class remains targeted at players that prefer damage dealing gameplay over other roles. The variety between Sentinel skill trees has been increased, allowing players to specialize in several very different ways of dealing damage.
Jedi Consular Advanced Classes
Jedi Shadow (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Tanking)
Jedi Sage (Roles: Mid-Long Range Damage Dealing, Healing)
The Shadow Advanced Class now has a skill tree that allows them to fill the role of a tank effectively, using Lightsaber defense and Force powers.
Based on testing feedback, the Force Slam ability shown in early videos of the class was replaced with Project, which we decided to make more versatile through skill tree abilities (e.g. the ability to project multiple objects at a target). It’s proved more popular with our Game Testers, so it stays in!
Smuggler Advanced Classes
Gunslinger (Roles: Mid - Long Range Damage Dealing, wields dual pistols)
Scoundrel (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Healing, wields scatter gun)
While we demonstrated a healing-focused Scoundrel at PAX East (watch our Developer Walkthrough for details), the scatter gun-centric ‘Scrapper’ skill tree has not been forgotten. Recently, we made several updates aimed at making the Advanced Class more viable in PvP.
The Gunslinger’s Sweeping Gunfire ability has been updated to allow the player to move the cone of fire while the ability is active. While this improves the feel of the attack quite a bit, it also introduces a bit of a risk factor for Smugglers who are not overly concerned with what they are hitting!
Improvements through Game Testing
We thought it might be good to give you a peek at some of the recent changes made to each Advanced Class since they were announced. While we’re constantly iterating and balancing each class based on our own objectives, we also pay attention to feedback from internal testing, the (ever expanding) Game Testing Program, and the community.
The following list of changes is by no means complete or definitive for the final game, but it should give you a good idea of where the class you are planning to play is heading.
Bounty Hunter Advanced Classes
Mercenary (Roles: Mid - Long Range Damage Dealing, Healing)
PowerTech (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Tanking)
As previously announced, the Bounty Hunter’s Mercenary Advanced Class now features the ‘Bodyguard’ skill tree, allowing this iconic class to fill the role of a medic if desired.
The ‘Advanced Prototype’ skill tree, shared between both Bounty Hunter ACs, now features an upgrade to the base class flamethrower, which allows the player to rotate while using the ability.
Imperial Agent Advanced Classes
Sniper (Roles: Mid - Long Range Damage Dealing)
Operative (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Healing)
The Sniper’s entire skill tree has been reworked to include PvP feedback from internal and external tests. The Sniper is now able to entrench himself, providing a viable initial counter against attacks that would previously knock him out of cover. The Sniper also gained Cover Pulse, a player triggered pulse mine that can knock an unsuspecting attacker away from the Sniper.
The Operative has received a number of updates aimed at providing an alternative, less cover dependent gameplay option if skilled accordingly. Operatives are now more viable in mid and close range combat, using their stealth field generator to approach the enemy unseen before delivering heavy burst damage with their energy blade.
Jedi Knight Advanced Classes
Jedi Sentinel (Roles: Close Range Damage Dealing. Wields dual Lightsabers)
Jedi Guardian (Roles: Close Range Damage Dealing, Tanking. Wields a single Lightsaber)
Based on feedback from testing and requests from the general community, we reworked one of the skill trees on the Jedi Guardian Advanced Class to be focused on dealing damage while utilizing a single Lightsaber. Previously, the Guardian’s only available role was as a tank.
The Sentinel Advanced Class remains targeted at players that prefer damage dealing gameplay over other roles. The variety between Sentinel skill trees has been increased, allowing players to specialize in several very different ways of dealing damage.
Jedi Consular Advanced Classes
Jedi Shadow (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Tanking)
Jedi Sage (Roles: Mid-Long Range Damage Dealing, Healing)
The Shadow Advanced Class now has a skill tree that allows them to fill the role of a tank effectively, using Lightsaber defense and Force powers.
Based on testing feedback, the Force Slam ability shown in early videos of the class was replaced with Project, which we decided to make more versatile through skill tree abilities (e.g. the ability to project multiple objects at a target). It’s proved more popular with our Game Testers, so it stays in!
Smuggler Advanced Classes
Gunslinger (Roles: Mid - Long Range Damage Dealing, wields dual pistols)
Scoundrel (Roles: Close - Mid Range Damage Dealing, Healing, wields scatter gun)
While we demonstrated a healing-focused Scoundrel at PAX East (watch our Developer Walkthrough for details), the scatter gun-centric ‘Scrapper’ skill tree has not been forgotten. Recently, we made several updates aimed at making the Advanced Class more viable in PvP.
The Gunslinger’s Sweeping Gunfire ability has been updated to allow the player to move the cone of fire while the ability is active. While this improves the feel of the attack quite a bit, it also introduces a bit of a risk factor for Smugglers who are not overly concerned with what they are hitting!