various questions for a2 testers

[Aiex]

Unfortunately I didn't get into the alpha, so I was hoping some of you could know the answers to some basic questions.

1. Are there class bonuses like PSO? I'm thinking specifically of tech boosts for certain force classes. FOnewm used to get a boost on Gi or Ra techs or something, FOmar had a shifta/deband boost, FOneweral had a simple tech bonus I think...

2. Do casts still have traps?

3. In PSO techs could be assigned to the number keys. In PSU they were linked to weapons. In the gameplay videos I see a bar along the bottom that resembles the one in PSO, but the way it's divided up sort of gave me the impression that techs / PAs are bound to weapons. How's it work?

4. What's the dodge move I keep seeing?

5. Do they classes seem balanced well?



I hope I can get into the Beta.
My Japanese is pretty good, so if there are any translation projects in the works look me up. Granted, I don't have the client.

[Kanashimi]

3. You can put techs on the bar; they aren't linked to your weapon.

4. Double tap a movement key to gtfo when something wants to punch you in the face.

5. I've only played force, but I can say that I don't feel underpowered or inefficient at all thus far.

[Aiex]

3. That's the best news I've heard yet.

4. Can you cancel out of techs to gtfo? lol

5. That's basically what I was thinking about. I'm glad to hear that too.

Thanks for your input.

[Kanashimi]

Dodge seems to take priority over other animations. No matter what I was doing at the time, I never had an issue dodging when I needed it.

[DoubleCannon]

I also have a question.. about the spawn for pso 2. Is it finally Random and not set? like challenge mode on pso1 was random but the main game was always set. How does this game handle replay value when it comes to this stuff?? please let me know!

[Kanashimi]

@DoubleCannon: I didn't pay attention to this specifically, but in my forest wanderings, I can say that I never managed to recognize where I was or what was coming next.

But given my memory, that doesn't mean much, lol.

EDIT: Actually, I can think of one concrete example. I failed my first arrest quest and had to do it again, and I expected more wolves than actually showed up. The only thing I remember being explicitly the same was the rappies at the end, which fits with what Zaix said.

[Zaix]

1 + 2. I think both are rather unknown or nonexistent in the Alpha.

3. That also means you can cast with any weapon, not just rods.

4. I don't care about the dash, haven't tried rolling yet, but the mirage escape was amazing.

4b. Yes you can interupt attacks and techs to GTFO.

5. I've used hunter and force so far. They both feel really solid. Hunter doesn't feel like the only class worth using for now. Force is so fun now with charge techs.

I also have a question.. about the spawn for pso 2. Is it finally Random and not set? like challenge mode on pso1 was random but the main game was always set. How does this game handle replay value when it comes to this stuff?? please let me know!

Spawn is extremely random since random events and random map layouts exist everywhere. Enemies even respawn if you backtrack. The only semi-scripted spawns are for quests, even then it doesn't seem to apply to non quest enemies that also spawn with them.

[DoubleCannon]

very nice. i figured with quests there is going to be the obvious always the same ending kinda since its a quest. since there is free play i was unsure how that would be but random layouts and spawns makes me a happy person. and the special sudden cut in quests i wasnt sure how random they are like if you get 2 attack ones would same number of same enemies would show up or if its completely different each time.

[Aiex]

Random maps and spawns are going to make the mechanics of hunting a specific rare different eh? Both pros and cons I suppose, but I'd say I cautiously I'm in favorof it.

[Vent]

1 + 2:
I think the idea of the skill trees for each class (hunter, ranger and force) are the modern replacements for the unique abilities each class has in PSO as well as in PSU. The tech bonuses you mention are there in a different form. The usage of traps are in the ranger skill tree if I'm not mistaken and is thus not exclusively available for casts.

If I remember correctly, there is no character level in PSO2. So your level is solely based on your class level. The problem with this is how 'unique' your skill choices eventually will be. If one can just max all skills at max level, then eventually, there will be no difference from player to player.

4:
The dodge move for any class is kind of too powerful if you ask me, especially Mirage Escape for forces. It is kind of too easy to use that to escape big attacks from bosses. You can even Mirage Escape into flames, then Mirage Escape again without getting hit.

5:
@xMarle In PSO forces died in 2-3 hits by normal monsters too. It's nothing new. In fact, getting one-hit by bosses was kind of normal if you are not over-leveled.
Hunters seem to be very strong in just whacking around, dodging and spamming PAs. They just rampage around the battlefield non-stop. Some find that a bit too much. Rangers do not do that much damage, but they have very high mobility and range, making them very versatile. Forces seem to be the most balanced one, but uncharged techs are kind of useless compared to charged ones at the moment.