the Combat system bites big Ones

[Kamikazade]

Will someone anyone explain to me why the enemy does Between 23- 27 point every attack round melee or firearms it doesn't seem to matter and I am lucky to mange 4 points an attack it means combat is basically worthless. I can do 4 or 5 points of damage and with the same weapons they're doing 5 or 6 times that? Why?

[Vince]

Both you and the enemies use the exact same system. They have the same stats, skills, limitations, armor, weapons, etc. We don't assign them accuracy or damage and you can loot their entire equipment after a fight (vs games where you only got some random loot).

So if anything, learn from them. See what weapons and attack types the use (see the combat log on your right), etc.

[Vince]

PS. You can also post your character screen and I or other players will be happy to help you.

[Kamikazade]

Speaking of which why can they shoot while standing next to me and I cannot do so?

[Hesmah]

You can. Snap shot is usable if you're adjacent.

And for what it's worth, I've had no troubles with combat. My character has 10 int and 6 cha so not completley combat focused.

[Vince]

Most shotguns can be used point blank. Pistols - snap shots only. Rifles can't be used at all. Medium size SMGs - short bursts.

The combat log will show which attacks the enemies used, whether it was a critical, regular hit, or graze, damage, your armor resistance, even rolls.

[hauau]

Your character starts with no armor, make sure to buy some.

[neo2157]

Originally posted by Vince:

PS. You can also post your character screen and I or other players will be happy to help you.

I think a better alternative would have been to explain to the players in-game some of the combat basics, like I didn't know armor only protected certain areas because the game just shows you a general DR number when targeting an enemy. Its also frustrating to get into a fight and have to spend points reloading your guns because your characters don't auto reload after a fight.

[Dwarkan]

It's a pity the game doesn't offer any tutorial at all.... I feel totally lost !!

[Vince]

Originally posted by Dwarkan:

It's a pity the game doesn't offer any tutorial at all.... I feel totally lost !!

We'll add a tutorial when we have a bit more time. Is there anything I can explain in the meantime about the combat system?

[neo2157]

Originally posted by Vince:

Originally posted by Dwarkan:

It's a pity the game doesn't offer any tutorial at all.... I feel totally lost !!

We'll add a tutorial when we have a bit more time. Is there anything I can explain in the meantime about the combat system?

I'd be interested to know if there is any "flat footed" bonus like in allot of table top rpg's. (Basically when combat starts everyone is is considered off-guard until there turn comes up) to simulate the faster characters acting before the slow one's have a chance to react and as a result for that one combat round they don't get an evasion based defence until they can act. Im also wondering what "penetration" actually does as I took a perk that gave me +10 pen on aimed shots.

[Vince]

No. The only difference is the initiative bonus: whether or not you start shooting first like Han Solo or talk long enough for someone else to start shooting first.

[William Shakesman]

Are evasion and armor mirroring the dichotomy of Block and Dodge from AoD? Do I want just one of them or do they have more synergy?

[neo2157]

Originally posted by Vince:

No. The only difference is the initiative bonus: whether or not you start shooting first like Han Solo or talk long enough for someone else to start shooting first.

I feel like currently shooting first isn't THAT big of a difference as enemies typically can't be killed that same turn without serious combat investment, you offer allot of chances to shoot first and ask questions later in the game but in doing so you give up the chance to improve your skills. I think if you made getting initiative at the start of a fight more deadly like table top games it would be a more appealing options for players. like take for example the first fight to get evens on your team, as a non combat heavy character i would have been much more tempted to start that fight because my character had a burst weapon and it was a small fighting space but talking to them is much better because even if you fail the skill check it still increases your skill for attempting.

[Vince]

Originally posted by William Shakesman:

Are evasion and armor mirroring the dichotomy of Block and Dodge from AoD? Do I want just one of them or do they have more synergy?

Since it's a learn by using system, you'll evade some attacks and take some hits (unless you're staying far back with a rifle) so you'll develop both skills without having to sacrifice anything. Which skill will be the highest depend on your playstyle. For example, if you'd use distortion field and smoke grenades to avoid getting hit, or use cover a lot your Evasion will develop faster while Armor will lag far behind. If you're more of an in-your-face guy you'll get hit a lot and your armor skill will go up faster.

[Vince]

Originally posted by neo2157:

I feel like currently shooting first isn't THAT big of a difference as enemies typically can't be killed that same turn without serious combat investment...

That depends. With Fast Draw and a good revolver you can easily kill someone on the first turn. If you have a friend and you both go first, you can kill one sure and get the second evildoer half way there.

Let's say 2 v 4:

They start first, they can do some serious damage and kill you on their second turn. You start first and kill one and weaken another (penalties), they will do less damage and you'll have a better chance to make it to the third turn. Etc.

... you offer allot of chances to shoot first and ask questions later in the game but in doing so you give up the chance to improve your skills.

It's a trade off and the exact effect depends on your character. Maybe you're a silent, mean-looking b*stard who doesn't care about small talk. Maybe you're a quick, fast talking pistolero who can talk and still shoot first after.