New efforts!

[Thirty-Seven]

I have the urge to post "Who's up for a BaF?"

I am!

(Also, first post on page 250!)

[PSI-on]

I would just like to say - please keep the thoughts positive about the purchase of the game. It is sort of freaking out the Devs seeing themselves being picked apart based on speculation.

If you can't keep things positive it will drastically reduce what information I will be getting. Facebook..........yes I am looking at you! Complete speculation on where the game is going when they don't have the game yet - is not wise.

I have tried to treat everyone like adults and give you what I can. There is a lot of pressure on these folks and they are feeling it. To ponder on what ifs and then act as if those what ifs are the truth - is silly.

Let me try and clear all the speculation up:
1. A team is trying to get the game.
2. They are getting closer.
3. They want to get the old game running if it is at all possible with Issue 24.
4. They want to move forward with CoH2 as well.

That is in a nutshell what we have. It is wonderful to think about the future - but we don't have a future - yet. Please pass this on - especially you Facebook folks!

Don't get me wrong, I want this to go through as much as everyone, but this is a realistic concern for me. This level of concern and speculation is completely normal, and frankly pretty much powered by all the cloak and dagger business that it's currently operating under (not knowing who they are, what they plan to do fully, long term goals or anything else) and I find it a little shocking they weren't already expecting that NOR prepared for it. This also makes me think the same thing I thought when you first told us to keep it as quiet as possible to reduce "pressure" on them.....if they are already freaking out from us talking about it, then what makes them think they can handle not only the stresses of running a game and business, while trying to make a new game on the side, but handle dealing with US directly once the time comes. Again I want the game back and all my hope is currently riding on this, but my confidence in the team is a little shaken by statements like this and the suggestion we'd start getting less info if we don't stay positive (which is in no way a good step towards either fixing our negativity nor building the trust of the community) makes it worse...


While I do agree with can't act on or believe any speculation as a fact until they come forth and confirm it, the rest of this now has me worried.

[Golden Girl]

I'm keeping any FB comments on this to a  minimum - it the deal goes through, I'll naturally promote the heck out of the revival across social media.

[Remidi]

I think at this point we need a guidebook with DON'T PANIC on the cover.  New Guys, ignore FB.  Ignore speculation.  Ignore everything but knowing that you have loads of people out here dying to get their hands on the game.  The only reason people are speculating is because we are overloaded with excitement and need somewhere for the Now! Now! Now! to go.  For some, that venting is going to involve negative scenarios. Congratulations, you are official CoH devs now.  You have created  DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!! 

[Super Firebug]

I'm totally gonna go to the AE and play all those Willy Wonka arcs again... uhm, that is, if all the AE content got preserved and was able to be brought back online along with everything else. Sigh.

In AE, I'd want to take each of my Venture Bros. tributes through the Venture Bros. missions that someone wrote (if they're still in there). I really enjoyed having my characters rescue Brock, Hank, Dean and Rusty, and ultimately fight The Monarch. Especially when I ran my Monarch and Dr. Girlfriend tributes.

[ukaserex]

C?  Even better.  I learned C before C++. (And I learned Pascal before C)

I'm an old programmer. Perfect for working on an old game :D

It's been quite some time, but where I studied computer science, we didn't really study code, we studied problem solving. Our professor was more interested in if we knew which data structure to use than the proper syntax of a stack. Essentially, a coder might be great at syntax, which is certainly useful, but if he or she can't understand the problem, then they can't design a solution.

I'll never forget it. I met this guy who had graduated from my school a couple years ahead of me. He came back to be an adjunct professor. I was asking him about this big Corba book he had. I'd never heard of it, but apparently it was something he had to learn for work. He already knew Java and some C++, but he was an excellent problem solver, so whether it was Python, Pascal or even Windows MFC, he could figure it out given enough time with a hefty text and his laptop. I was super impressed when he told me that learning program languages is secondary to being able to problem solve.

Now, things certainly may have changed since then, as that was ..over 10 years ago, now that I think about it. But, I think if you can code and are decent at logical thinking and can think out of the box when you need to, you should be okay. (As in, the folks who are looking to buy CoH should have no problems finding people to make the game work if it doesn't work already.

In my mind, these guys that are trying to buy the game are pretty bright. They're taking a fair risk, hoping that the fan base of CoH will jump to CoH2 (don't give us a choice to stay with regular coh, lol. I'd stay put if I could. At least, I think I would.) And then, CoH2 with all the shininess will bring a slew of other players and hopefully, keep them.

[Serpine]

He already knew Java and some C++, but he was an excellent problem solver, so whether it was Python, Pascal or even Windows MFC, he could figure it out given enough time with a hefty text and his laptop. I was super impressed when he told me that learning program languages is secondary to being able to problem solve.

My wife and I call that knowing "Programming Latin". Program design all has a certain flow and key signposts, so if you can understand that flow the actual language becomes far less relevant. This is sort of how people who know Latin can puzzle out a lot of words and general meaning of sentences in the various languages related to it.

[Fanta]

Don't get me wrong, I want this to go through as much as everyone, but this is a realistic concern for me. This level of concern and speculation is completely normal, and frankly pretty much powered by all the cloak and dagger business that it's currently operating under (not knowing who they are, what they plan to do fully, long term goals or anything else) and I find it a little shocking they weren't already expecting that NOR prepared for it. This also makes me think the same thing I thought when you first told us to keep it as quiet as possible to reduce "pressure" on them.....if they are already freaking out from us talking about it, then what makes them think they can handle not only the stresses of running a game and business, while trying to make a new game on the side, but handle dealing with US directly once the time comes. Again I want the game back and all my hope is currently riding on this, but my confidence in the team is a little shaken by statements like this and the suggestion we'd start getting less info if we don't stay positive (which is in no way a good step towards either fixing our negativity nor building the trust of the community) makes it worse...


While I do agree with can't act on or believe any speculation as a fact until they come forth and confirm it, the rest of this now has me worried.

I'd guess the closer they get to finalizing any deal, they'd have to start thinking about an announcement. Until they know for sure, how can they say anything. They don't know. How often do you promise something you can't follow up on. People want this. They get that. At this point it may have been better if we had no hope. Give them a break!

[Super Firebug]

Ironwolf and Team: Once this deal is finalized, and we're back in Paragon City, my character will treat yours to an all-you-can-eat dinner at any in-game restaurant you like! Eat yourselves comatose; it's on me!

(If it were me, I'd probably choose El Super Mexicano. Yes, even over InFront Steakhouse. I LOVE enchiladas, but they've gotten awfully expensive for what little you get. The chance to have someone else foot the bill while I stuff myself with enchiladas would be worth passing up steak!)

[blacksly]

The thing is with the best and fastest programmers on it porting the original over would take 18-24 months. In the meantime we will have the original running - but likely with no development. After 2 years of no new releases - the population will start to drift away.

If they can fill that void with excitement for CoH2 - with the same gameplay, advanced graphics and have it more easily developed in the future....everyone wins.

I really do not think that CoH would be put into complete "maintenance" mode in any case.
Consider Radiation Melee... if you load up Icon, you can see that they already have graphics for the set. It's clearly already designed, in concept. Final power balance may require the usual new Issue testing on the Test Server, but otherwise it looks to me like it's pretty ready to go.

As far as I know, there are several sets like that, ready to put out there: Rad Melee & Rad Armor, Psy Melee, Savage Melee, Wind Control, and a Martial Arts-style set for Blasters and one for Dominators.

That doesn't count the possibility of making another XXX Assault set for Dominators, which are basically union sets of a Blast set and a Melee set. I think that they could, at that point, do another Psy set based off the new Psy Melee set, and a Rad Assault set, and a mixed Martial Arts/Pistols set.

Add in one graphic designer to put in some reasonably simple power additions and re-texturing, and you can probably come up with several new sets:
Gadget Control (grenades, Taser, a drop like Acid Mortar)
Whip Assault (Doms) / Whip Manipulation (Blasters)

That's a lot of new stuff in the game. It wouldn't be new coding, and it wouldn't be new zones, but it also wouldn't require a large development staff, either. And since you'd be keeping CoH running anyhow, there's no reason why you wouldn't keep updating it like this, with new powersets (and, actually, making new enemy groups is probably not all that hard anyhow).

[PSI-on]

I'd guess the closer they get to finalizing any deal, they'd have to start thinking about an announcement. Until they know for sure, how can they say anything. They don't know. How often do you promise something you can't follow up on. People want this. They get that. At this point it may have been better if we had no hope. Give them a break!

I don't think you understood the point of my post.

[ukaserex]

You forgot, "And we LIKED IT!"

This makes me think of The Debt Junkies, one of the more happening SG's on Liberty. Cracks me up everytime I read the name.

[CoyoteSeven]

It's been quite some time, but where I studied computer science, we didn't really study code, we studied problem solving. Our professor was more interested in if we knew which data structure to use than the proper syntax of a stack. Essentially, a coder might be great at syntax, which is certainly useful, but if he or she can't understand the problem, then they can't design a solution.

On a MUCK I used to play on, there was a problem with regards to using "w" as a shorthand for either the "whisper" command, or a "go west" command. Sometimes it got confused and performed one command instead of the other, when it should have been the other way around. I used a Karnaugh map to figure out how to make it so it always picked the right one, took the resulting Boolean algebraic algorithm and wrote a one-line MUF program (MUF is a MUCK derivative of Forth, hence 'MUCK Forth', or MUF). After getting permission to do so, I locked one of the commands to it and the other command against it. Worked like a charm!

And that's my story.

[Arnabas]

Honestly--as unpopular as this opinion may be-- I don't think you should tell us anything until a final decision has Bern made. The next update should be either "the deal is done and the game is coming back" or "sorry guys, the deal fell through and we aren't getting the game." Until one of those things can be said, there should be no more updates.

[downix]

Don't get me wrong, I want this to go through as much as everyone, but this is a realistic concern for me. This level of concern and speculation is completely normal, and frankly pretty much powered by all the cloak and dagger business that it's currently operating under (not knowing who they are, what they plan to do fully, long term goals or anything else) and I find it a little shocking they weren't already expecting that NOR prepared for it. This also makes me think the same thing I thought when you first told us to keep it as quiet as possible to reduce "pressure" on them.....if they are already freaking out from us talking about it, then what makes them think they can handle not only the stresses of running a game and business, while trying to make a new game on the side, but handle dealing with US directly once the time comes. Again I want the game back and all my hope is currently riding on this, but my confidence in the team is a little shaken by statements like this and the suggestion we'd start getting less info if we don't stay positive (which is in no way a good step towards either fixing our negativity nor building the trust of the community) makes it worse...


While I do agree with can't act on or believe any speculation as a fact until they come forth and confirm it, the rest of this now has me worried.

As it should.

Consider what I'd heard at a point - that one of the reasons why the second attempt to buy it out failed is that we as a community did make a large noise. Our capes, costumes, masks, FB postings, videos, hurt the effort instead of helped it.

[Tubbius]

I have the urge to post "Who's up for a BaF?"

Brings to mind lines from The Wall.

"Look at this tub!  Wanna take a baaaaaath?  Whatcha watchin'?  Whoa.  You feelin' ok?"

Ah, Pink Floyd.

[Optimus Dex]

To be honest, I liked the older power sets better.  I don't like having to do powers in a particular sequence to get max benefit or having to build up power to enable a power.     I have no problem with them trying new mechanics with new power sets, but hopefully they'll also add a few new sets that are done the 'old' way.  I tried Dual Blades, Staff Fighting,  and Water Blast - all of them just left me feeling "meh".

I like the older power sets  but I also liked Water Blast , dual blades was ok ,staff fighting more than dual blades less than water blast. I would not  want to play another style than COH . Blocking or elaborate power set strings are not my forte at 60. I want to play to have fun not have to memorize a system or have fast twitch reflexes decide fights.

[Fanta]

I don't think you understood the point of my post.

So put it in a nut shell for me :D I take it you want all information at your disposal and all assurances you get what you want?

Not gonna happen.

[PSI-on]

As it should.

Consider what I'd heard at a point - that one of the reasons why the second attempt to buy it out failed is that we as a community did make a large noise. Our capes, costumes, masks, FB postings, videos, hurt the effort instead of helped it.

Which is why my friend with a weekly internet show has been asked to keep it quiet until I've told him otherwise, and why hearing that it's spread past here to Facebook so soon has me bothered about that part. I'm not saying we shouldn't  keep it quiet, I fully expected it to stay here, but expecting nothing but positivity is kind of unrealistic especially given the situation and I would have thought they'd be prepared (at least expecting) to find a mix of both positive and negative, which is what is going on.

The real issue here shouldn't be "They're freaking out and getting nervous, ya'll stay positive or they won't tell us anything anymore." But should be, "Speculation and concern is understandable, but try to remain realistic as we don't know anything, and everything (more or less) discussed here is just ideas, not facts, so no need to panic."

[Felderburg]

  Personally, I think they'll have to skip ahead of the storylines planned for COX for COH2, simply because I'm willing to bet the dev notes that aren't available to help answer questions in the AMAs wouldn't be available to the new devs, either.    So personally, I'd hope to see homages set up to the old game in COH2, maybe along the lines of a Freedom Phalanx Museum, Vindicators Plaza, something along those lines.  I do hope that they find a way to include potential EATs like the Rikti EAT as well as the Peacebringers/Warshades and the SoAs.  But I think the storyline should focus after the Battalion and other assorted threats.

It was brought up earlier that comics are set in the modern day (barring time travel stories) and CoH shouldn't lose that. I agree. A CoH2 story jump would have to carefully balance bringing old characters back, describing what happened off-screen, and allowing for both new player characters as well as "continuations" of old ones.

  As for power sets...there were many things that I seem to recall the old engine just couldn't support.  The ability to grab and pound your opponent into the group, for instance.  Stretching powers.  A new engine could potentially allow for that.  Personally, I want to dive-bomb an invulnerable opponent with my super-strong scrapper/tank/brute/whatev, pound him through the pavement, and continue the fight inside the sewer line under the street.  We can keep the existing playstyles, but opening up to new things could bring Awesome we hadn't considered back in the day.

That's all true. Another thing that would be cool is super speeding up buildings. I had a TON of fun doing that in DCUO.

I'll never understand the logic behind that question. I mean, its like asking why a normal human would play a yellow sliced pie looking thing that eats dots, or a muscle bound gun toting super-soldier, or a squad of pig-hating angry birds armed with giant slingshots. Its not like people expect you to actually be an Italian plumber to play Mario, or to resemble Link to play Legend of Zelda.

Brilliant response!