First off, this is an impressive bit of teasing. It seems ambitious but I hope like hell you can pull it off, and I'm betting you can.
That said, here's question regarding paths and respecs (and fully understanding that we're quite a ways out here and nothing is written in stone). It seems like paths will be a bit like powersets in the sense that there will be a certain number at launch and then more can and will be added with updates, and also in the sense that they help define your character and the way that character interacts with the world.
So here's the question: Can a path be changed later on? I don't mean 'can I get off the path I'm on and turn a different direction' as it seems you've already said 'yes' to that. I mean more like 'I started with this path because it was the closest I could find to my character-concept, but now you've released a new path thats much closer, so I really wish I had chosen that one instead'.
What's the initial thinking in how to handle that?
I have an idea for a path that could be used (it would actually be an IC path my main character would be on if it was possible), His background is that of the son of a large mega-corp who's family has been killed and the corporation taken over by hostile forces (in CoX, it was Arachnos). His goal is to deal with the evil-doers and regain his rightful seat. Could that be something you could use? In CoX, I created a Villian who was his personal nemesis as well (though I couldn't put them against each other, sadly).
Being able to create your personal nemsis would be awesome, by the way :)
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I noticed that voice-overs were briefly mentioned, and I have to say, if you guys ever want to do that, PLEASE, contact me. I would love it.
FWIW...my interpretation is that the storylines/alignment meta-systems will provide a web of highways (paths) with multiple, interconnected on/off ramps. And I think there will be no concept of going "backwards". Any step will evolve your character forward as you change your path.
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([i]Currently developing the Sapphire 7 Initiative[/i])
Will one character be able to play as many of those arcs as she wants to?
For instance, would Amerikatt be able to do the Paragon, Protector, and Adventuress arcs, as well as any new ones which toddle along later?
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I gotta say that's an interesting question. I'd wonder on the other side of the spectrum, if you could access anything from any path at any time, if paths still exist at that point.
Although it sounds like part of paths are how contacts respond to you rather than which missions are available. IE.. they'd speak to a renowned hero differently than a petty 'ex'-criminal vigilante. At least.. that is the impression I get.
Longtime City of Heroes player, longtime writer. :) Working in Nebraska.
COT: Mission tips writer, studying Cinema 4D animation program
Thinking in CoH terms: Paths are just arcs. But like the arcs of Praetoria where there is a consequence to choices within the arcs. Whether you can switch at will between arcs is undetermined. Remember, in CoH, until there was side-switching, you couldn't switch between heroic arcs and villainous arcs. So, if there are two paths/arcs that deal with the same event but on different sides... it's unlikely (though not saying impossible) you can do both paths for those particular arcs unless there is some analogous mechanic to side-switching or flashbacking... which we're discussing... no promises.
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Thanks, Zombie Man, that helps.
The thing I was worried about... no, 'worry' is too strong, its way to far away and unformed for worry, 'questioning' then, was the idea of very long term consequences from the initial place the character started, as in: "But that start as a gang boss will mark you forever." Any thoughts on that one point?
See, I like the idea of the world really engaging with my character. But one of the great things about CoX was your almost completely freeform ability to create your own background. Sure, the stories didn't work with those very much (exceptions being the VEATS and Kheldians, I suppose), but neither did they work against them. So lets say I come up with 'fallen politician' as a background, 'once a great leader of the city, taken down in a scandal and now plotting a return to power any way he can', or something of the sort. Now lets assume that there are a couple, maybe a handful, of paths available at launch for a villain. Maybe Gang Leader is the closest one he can find at that point. Oh but THEN issue 5: You Can't Fight City Hall comes out and there's a new path thats just perfect! What then?
Great to hear!
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([i]Currently developing the Sapphire 7 Initiative[/i])
A part I'm curious about would be how much of this applies to those who tend to choose the same morality point for characters - how much potential variety my first Adventurer would have from my second, for example. City of Heroes started off with ten potential paths, two per origin, but later replaced it with a singular, more comprehensive story starter. As much as I liked it, I kind of missed the ten starter arc. To the point I thought about requesting the ability to somehow choose the old storylines for those who were interested in doing so.
I'm almost positive you'll have enough variety not related to paths early on; I main hope there'll be enough variety early on that doesn't rely on the paths system. Even City of Heroes, with the ten arcs, only offered two per origin, after all.
Longtime City of Heroes player, longtime writer. :) Working in Nebraska.
COT: Mission tips writer, studying Cinema 4D animation program