1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
No. Only the gold basic so far.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The sheer ammount of AD needed for to buy them.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
It depends, do I realy want a specific companion I will buy it when I get enought spare AD else considering my daily income of AD as a lvl 36 I would not go much further than 30kAD
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not if they where intendet to be bought by people in early/mid/late game w/o purchasing AD with real money. But they are just fine if you got a lvl 60 char and run your daily quest.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
For starters increase the survival ability of non augment champions
Hey ambi, good thread on an issue that needs looking into, IMHO. Also, thank you to those who have already posted in this thread for generally keeping it productive and courteous. As for my own thoughts, they reflect a lot of what has already been said here by others:
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?(Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I purchased a stone of allure for my TR. I also bought an IGN Prime subscription in order to get the account-wide green healer. As far as non-cash purchases, I also purchased a Phoera and a Wererat Thief.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Mostly price. The fact that non-augment companions aren't all that useful is part of it too, but I'm enough of a D&D junkie that I'd probably still buy some purely vanity/RP companions if I felt I wasn't being price-gouged.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
$20 for the augment on my main seemed OK to me, in that I rationalized it as being a $20 pay-gate to playing end game pve, which for a free to play game doesn't seem unreasonable. The price is high enough, however, that I've never considered getting one for any of my alts, even though I actually enjoy my CW more than my TR these days.
I wouldn't pay more than $10 for any non-augment companion.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
The upgrade pricing is so far out-of-whack I don't know where to begin. I absolutely will not upgrade a single companion unless rates are drastically reduced (at least 50%).
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
The ideal answer would be better AI, so that combat companions can actually react to their environment, avoid AoE, etc. However, I don't know how realistic this is, given that it would likely mean A LOT of re-programming. So perhaps starting smaller with something like giving companions a high AoE resistance where they'd still take some damage from the red circles but nowhere near full damage. Or making in-combat companion rezzing easier and quicker. (Rogues can stealth and rez them, but for others it can be a real pain to get them upright during combat).
Additional Comments:
I think the biggest issue for myself and others really is the price. I know a lot of people would like to see companions account-wide, which is one way of approaching it. Personally, I like the idea of having different companions for each of my characters, so I would prefer the current system of individual purchases. I just think the pricing needs to be scaled back by like 70%. As I said above, there is no chance I would ever pay more than $10 for any single companion, no matter how good they are or how cool they look.
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inthefade462Member, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?(Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Yes. I have a Cat on my TR, Ioun Stone of Allure on my CW and GF, Ioun Stone of Might on my cleric.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?I've never nor will I ever purchase a non-augment companion. If they were useless in dungeons that would be an improvement. They are detrimental to dungeons due to their AI, aggro range, etc. In fact I use it as a gauge for the experience of party members. In a pug, the moment you zone in to a dungeon if a player has a non-augment companion I am immediately suspect of their capability. If they do not immediately dismiss non-augment companions they've proven my suspicions correct. Even worse if they do not dismiss it when the entire party starts asking them to in chat. It proves they are either clueless or don't pay attention to party chat or both.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Might stone and Cat were ~1mil ad (including upgrading stone to blue), Allure stones about 600k. That's pretty much the most I would pay.
The most I would pay for a non-augment pet is 2g on low level characters for leveling purposes. 4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?The AD costs to upgrade are a value judgement. Was it worth 500k AD to unlock the 2nd ring slot on the Might stone? In that one particular case, yes. Is it worth 750k AD to get ~100 more stats on all other augment pets? No. I can't think of a single instance where it's worth upgrading any white, green, blue pet for AD.
There are no non-augment pets worth purchasing much less upgrading.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation? Give non-augment pets the same coding as augment pets. Cannot die, cannot aggro anything, etc. They add so little (whether it's healing or dmg or a proc) that it would hardly make a difference. ~2500-3000 more stats is still better than a minor heal or a laughable amount of dmg from the non-augment pets. The direwolf would probably be the most useful companion simply for his prone/knockback proc, and even still it's debatable if you'd give up 3000 stats for knock backs on trash mobs.
You would have to alter the threat coding of the tank companion so that you couldn't use it as an invincible tank for boss mobs, not because that would be really beneficial to defeating a boss, but because of the exploit/glitches it would enable.
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chemboy613Member, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 1,521Arc User
edited September 2013
Man sprite, I'm sorry for ya. Group play is the best part of this game. I did a lot of solo PvE with my DC leveling and it was painful - often asked for help too, but i was leveling with a cat stocked with rank 7s and best in slot items so I had something like 4k recovery at that boss.
Side note on that - i can see a good non-augment companion being essential for solo play, but considering all the endgame stuff in the game is group play, I never saw the point.
saerraelMember, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?(Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
No, but I did grind for certain blue companions (pvp dagger, bone dog), and would grind for other blue/ purple companions.
I'd also buy Zen pets (stone, most probably) when I ever get my epic, account-wide mount. Even if they're, in my opinion, too expensive to not be account-wide, as well.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The price for stones. The lacking AI for battle companions.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
3k Zen for epic, account-wide stone/ good AI battle companion that has CC, tanking ability, solid dps and/ or healing that works well.
Heck, I might even be willing to lay down 5k for something like that. Would be a good thing to work/ farm/ grind/ pull out the wallet for.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not at all, the prices are much too high. Especially for what gets unlocked. Stones get too little extra oomph. Battle companions don't get anything worth mentioning.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Could just make them immune to all damage and only die when their player dies.
Giving a command bar (attack/ switch enemy target, flank selected enemy target, move to their player, use taunt/ certain spell or attack) would greatly improve combat pets usefulness, as well.
Additional Comments:
The combination of augment and battle companions doesn't have my vote, though I can see how it will increase sales for the company. To be honest, if a battle companion did have the correct AI and did a reasonably amount of dps/ cc/ tanking/ healing/ whatever, I'd honestly prefer combat companions over augment ones.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Fire Archon, Stone of Allure, Free Cleric
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Combat pets are simply not viable end game currently
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
2000-2500 ZEN
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
The upgrade prices are too high when compared to the best zen purchasable companions. white to epic is about 1.5 mil or 4500 zen approx
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
DPS and cleric pets could be viable if they would survive. Some bosses may benefit from extra healing, some extra dps. The tank companions may only be viable with solo play or off-tanking if it could be done. If the Cleric, fully upgraded to epic could survive the end content then they would be quite useful.
"If you don't know who I am, then maybe your best course would be to tread lightly" -- Walter White
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mctankypantsMember, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I purchased an Ion Stone of Allure. I chose it because I'm a casual player and didn't see myself getting 900k AD quick enough to get into any decent dungeon groups. Without an augmented companion it's fairly common to be kicked from a group. The fact that you have to advertise that you have one when LFG speaks volumes.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
They're usefulness. I recently got the pig companion and have to say the AI on it is far superior to any of the other companions. It's an aggressive little bugger. The other factor is the cost involved, the value just isn't there end game.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
$20. I spent that on the best companion and wouldn't spend a dime more. I'd love a big old bear but there's no way in hell I'm vain enough to spend what's being asked. Same goes for mounts.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Absolutely not. I'll reiterate my point. If I could upgrade my Boar mount at a reasonable price I'd do it. $35 for an armored bear sure looks neat until I wake up from the daydream where I'm harvesting green ones from my money tree.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?It's been addressed by others. Aggro range is out of control. They don't attack when they should.
Additional Comments:
For me companions go hand and hand with the off the wall pricing that's currently there for mounts. Adjust them both and you'll have a much happier fan base. Not that 3 people is a good indication of something positive, but I have 3 friends that have said they'd spend $20-25 on the armored bear mount. They won't touch it at it's current price. Make some simple changes and watch the money roll in.
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dardoveMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?(Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I have not purchased a single zen companion.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Price. I have been collecting companions, but the only ones I have avoided is the zen store ones because they are far too expensive for what you are getting.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
1000 zen for a purple companion. Less for blue and green.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Again too expensive, especially if I want to upgrade multiple companions as a collector.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Survivability is key, especially versus AoE. They either need to be smart enough to try to avoid and/or have abilities to help reduce the damage. Companions are for the most part fine during solo content, but as soon as you put them into dungeons, they are going to spend the majority of the time dead so are useless.
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wylderfoxMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 43
edited September 2013
This is too important of a threat NOT to comment on, I have thought long and hard about this:
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Not with zen, however, I farmed for my Lillend, and I bought the Aranea with zen converted to AD- I thought they both had good potential for end-game use
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The one's I can get in the AH are better looking, cheaper, and more useful.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
10-$15 dollars. I was lucky with the Lillend- I spent very little and I am very good at navigating AD->zen conversion to buy all the packs I needed for her low drop rate.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why? Absolutely Not. To transmute a weapon it's around 50k AD, to open a lockbox around 45kAd. Upgrading a companion should not be one of the most expensive things in the game and it is unacceptable since only 2 companions are "accepted" in end game dungeons
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Easy: make ALL *level 30* companions have features that augment the entire team and make them ALL "non-killable"unless the player dies. Also, make companions non-stackable with other companions of the exact same skin The rarer the companion, the more desirable the stat bonus...but do not allow the bonuses to "stack" should more than one companion model be present in the group- this will encourage greater variety in dungeon settings. It does not need to be a "huge" buff...but even a percent or two counts- also, it will give advantages to collecting different skins, Futhermore, make the stats of each companion more or less powerful based on how well gemmed/equipped they are and make it state what % bonus each individual companion brings to the table. up to 3-5%
For instance,
Healer companion, rank 30: Increase the effectiveness of heals on the entire group
Wizard companion, rank 30: Increase the effectiveness of all non-healing spells
Tank companion, rank 30: Increase base deflect stat of all party members
Great weapon fighter, rank 30: Increase base defense power for all party members
Dog, (normal) level 30: Increase the power of all in party marginally
Skeletal dog: increase party immunity to damage from undead targets/increase damage against undead
Dire Wolf: Increase attack power, as well as increase immunity to all non-sentient animal attacks (Think wolf den)
Portal Hound: Increase attack power, increase resistance to dark fey attacks
Blink dog: Increase party movement speed; increase resistance to dark fey attacks
Lillend: Reduce control effects on entire party, increase the effectiveness of healing spells and potions
Orc Wolf: Increase damage to all targets, reduce damage received from Orcish targets
Fire Archon: Increase party resistance to fire damage; buff fire based attacks (making it a desirable cleric companion)
Phoera: Increase party resistance to fire damage; Buff attack stat period.
Mystic Phoera: Increase party resistance to all elemental attacks; increase damage against elementals
Gulab Dur: Increase hit points by 2% for all party members; increase all resistances
Honey Badger: Increase damage on all occasions where a party member attacks before being attacked; buff against damage from attacks from mobs that are not hit first by the party
Dancing Sword: slight attack power increase
Dancing sheild: slight defense increase
Aranea: Resistance against control affects; increased damage to all lycanthropes and spiders.
Pig: Slows the movement speed of incoming mobs slightly
Panther: Increase damage buff greater than all other pets, cannot be stacked.
Ghost: Possesses highest common non-boss in room for a short duration to attack for your side. (Think hulks, Wights, etc)
Cleric of Kelmevor: Increase damage against undead targets, increase life steal for all party members
Hawk: Increase attack power, increase defense slightly against all flying mobs
Boar: increase attack power, increase defense slightly against all ground mobs
Sylph: increase evasion/deflect stat; increase damage against all fey and demonic targets
As for the stone and cat: Nerf them
Cat: shares 1%-5% of it's stats with party
Ioun stone: Shares 1%-5% of its stats with the entire party
Additional Comments:
Okay, so say you bring in 5 "attack" companions- each one different- the attacks would all stack however, if everyone brought out the same companion, only one would count. There are enough companions in the game that this would definately line the pockets of Cryptic and create greater variety in the game. The more generic the companion, the lesser the stat bonus, the rarer or more expensive the companion the greater the bonuses (i.e. the panther having the greatest base attack. the honey badger with it's unique stats for attack vs. attacked first) I likely missed a lot of companions...but that's the thing. If I MISSED a lot of companions, then there is more than enough to implement this change. Encourage variety...and also, when the owner of the companion dies, so does the companion and the stat bonus is lost.
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bioshrikeMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 4,729Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I have only bought companions via the AH or from other players, never with Zen directly.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Their cost, combined with them only being for 1 character, is what is preventing me from buying them.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
I would spend, at most, $5 for a companion for a single character, and perhaps up to $15 for one that was account wide, (augment or not).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
The upgrade prices are not reasonable at all. I would see paying 100K to go from white to green, 200K from green to blue, and 300K for blue to purple. Even at these reduced prices, it'd still be something I'd only do a handful of times. 50K, 75K, 100K is closer to something I'd consider doing for most of my companions.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
If non-augment pets avoided red circles and were perhaps given an "at will" power that didn't have a cooldown, (or only like 1 second), that would help. Making their HP scale w/ the player's level, regardless of their quality, (while having their damage and other effects remain tied to their level), would be a big improvement as well.
Other thought:
Appearances are very important to players. Companions should be able to be dyed. For humanoid companions, simply have their clothing take the color of any dye applied, and for animals, have their coats take the color.
<::::::::::::::)xxxo <::::::::::::::)xxxo <::::::::::::)xxxxxxxx(:::::::::::> oxxx(::::::::::::::> oxxx(::::::::::::::> "Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I've purchased Ioun stones for two out of my five toons. I also got a green healer companion that's account wide. The Ioun stones give stat bonuses that make them worthwhile and they can't be killed so they're actually useful in any fight. The healer companion is handy for leveling up new characters since it's account-wide. It was also nice that it can go up to level 20 instead of only level 15.
I've also purchased a few companions from the AH because I was able to catch them there cheap.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Price: $20 is a lot to shell out for a single level 25 companion and it's really only worth it for the stone. Prices should be cut in half for per-character companions and you should provide the option of account-wide companions for a premium.
Utility: Other than for leveling companions are fairly useless - especially in an epic dungeon where they typically die 3 seconds into a fight. I'd like to see all companions give some kind of augmentation either in the form of stats or buffs that would continue even if the companion is unconscious. I'd also like to see some big increases in hit-points so that they actually contribute in some way to the battle. Oh, and allow us to actually equip them - especially humanoids. I'd love to be able to give a man-at-arms a new shield/sword and have them actually show up. Same goes for armor, clothes, etc. Give us the option to customize them in some way other than the name.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
1000 zen max for a per-character, level 30, non-augment companion. 2000 for account-wide...
2000 for an augment companion. 3000 for account-wide.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
No, they're ridiculous. Not going to elaborate because others have done the math and explained it better than I could. I would absolutely love to upgrade my companions just because I enjoy leveling them up but it's just not worth it.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
The amount of damage or healing a companion contributes in an epic dungeon is miniscule at best - especially since they die so quick. An augment companion is with you throughout the fight, doesn't die, trigger traps, or wander off and draw adds, and gives you huge stat bonuses that make you a much better player. Why would you ever use a non-augment above level 60? Non-augments are really only useful for solo leveling.
To fix:
- Turn all non-augment companions into partial augment companions - giving their owner a percentage of stats by default which can be increased with enchantments
- Give them useful buffs that effect either the owner or the party that will stay in place even if they fall.
- Give companions far more hitpoints so they can survive in epic dungeons
- Give them more utility - have them pick up items on the battlefield when they're out of combat or give them inventory so that you can store items on them (or both - both would be great)
- Teach them to dodge effectively
- Teach them to avoid traps
- Lower prices by 50% or more for purchases
- Lower prices by 50% or more for upgrades (preferably much more for lower level upgrades at least)
- Add premium option for account-wide companions
- Give us some way to customize the look of companions - armor slots, weapon slots, clothing, etc.
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alyanna7Member, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
I don't really have anything new to add to this discussion, but I want to add my voice to the mix so that Cryptic/Perfect World can see how many of us feel the same way. Companions as they stand now are basically broken - the system doesn't work the way that anyone would want it to, and if the developers want to fix it, I'm all for giving them the feedback necessary to do it.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I've purchased one Ioun stone for my main character, but that's it. I'll explain the why in my other answers.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Like others said, it's a combination of cost & utility.
The companions cost far too much for one single-player companion. I understand economics, and that the point of the game is ultimately for the company to make money. But you can't make money selling something that no one's buying. Is it better to sell 10 items at $30 a piece, or 1000 at $5 each (I'll give you a hint - it's not the one that gouges your customers).
As far as utility, most companions are nearly useless, especially in dungeons. They kill themselves on traps, they pull in multiple mobs, they never avoid attacks at all, and they generally die within the first 10 seconds of any fight with more than 2 enemies (and within 5 seconds in a boss fight).
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Honestly, not much. For one single-character non-augment companion, I don't think you should be charging more than $5. I'd say $10 for a single-character augment companion, and around $15-30 for an account-wide companion (depending on the level & whether it's augmenting or not).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not at all. Like others have said, it's the most expensive thing in the game. The idea behind upgrading companions is that we can have a level 30 companion of any type we want so that it fits our character's look/backstory/etc. But why would I pay so much to upgrade a dog, when I can buy a wolf for half (or generally less) in the AH? The cost to upgrade from a level 25 to a level 30, for example, should be no more than half of the cost to buy a level 30 companion. Even upgrading a level 15 to 30 should cost less TOTAL than buying a new level 30 - otherwise, what's the point in doing it (as a player)?
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
There are a few reasons. The bonuses from augment companions are nice. I like being able to raise my stats past the base level 60 numbers, especially for the epic dungeons.
But what I consider the main reason is the issues with non-augment companions. Right now they're basically useless (see my answer to question #2). Just about the only time they're not actively causing problems for you (& a lot of times, your party as well) in a dungeon, it's because they're dead. And at level 60, dungeons are 99% of what we do. So having a non-augment companion is just making everyone's jobs harder, and possibly alienating your teammates.
I'm not sure what the fix is, but something definitely has to be done to the non-augment companions if they're ever going to be desirable.
These are some of the ideas I've seen mentioned by other people on this thread that I think could really work well:
- Remove companions' hit points altogether & link them to their owner (aka: if you're alive, so is your pet. period.)
- Alternatively, make companions more survivable. Have them avoid traps (even better, have a thief companion that actually disables traps), as well as dodging attacks (or in the case of guardian companions, shielding). Make the humanoid companions fit their classes better - a healer or wizard can be squishier, but they also shouldn't be running up to enemies to smack them over the head. A guardian should shield himself (& possibly nearby allies) when an attack hits.
- Allow us to arm our humanoid companions with actual weapons that show. For example, a CW companion could be given an interesting looking orb, which would change both his look & his stats, just like on an actual CW. And it should work the same way for guardians' shields. I'm willing to give up 1-2 of their current equipment slots for items that actually show (as long as they still gain the stats from the items as well). Worried about people making their companions overpowered with T2 gear? Just limit the levels the same as on a playable character - a level 30 CW, for example, can only use orbs up to level 30.
- Similarly, allow us to dye our companions. A dye pack could work more or less like normal, and the single dye would change their primary color. Allow us to see it before committing, and we're good. It would allow for a lot more customization of pets without a lot of work for anyone.
- Give all non-augment pets a basic group augmentation. I really like the idea of each one having a different augmentation, so that parties are encouraged to have a good variety of companions between them. It would spark conversations among friends of "should I bring my wolf or my pig" similar to the current "should I play my thief or my wizard".
- PLEASE give companions the ability to pick up items. Even if it's just the stuff that I'd normally auto-pick-up (like money), it would be a help. It's really annoying to see my CW companion walk on top of some copper & completely ignore it. Theoretically, that's a man with enough brains to cast spells - he should be able to process that money is worth grabbing when he's standing right on top of it.
I personally like having multiple companions, especially on my main alt, but until they're fixed all but my stone are just for show around PE & other non-combat (or low-combat, like Midsummer) areas. If you take the time to get them working properly, they can become assets, and more people will be willing to spend money on them.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I have bought the Kelemvor Priestess (cause she was cute) and the Nevermeber Guard (cause he was what I needed).
I also own The wolf that came with the Guardian of the North Pack, the fairy that came with the Knight of Feywild Pack, and the Agressive warrior from the Emporium
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
They are bugged.
My priestess keeps on making a "Zing!" noise every two seconds as she keeps healing me whether I need it or not. This drives me nuts after a short while and makes her not usable. My Neverember guard is level 30 and it still has a wooden shied. Come on, how hard is it to make its shield evolve like the rest of the armor.
I'll consider buying some other companion when these two are fixed.
They are not very useful. Apart from the Neverember guard which correctly does his job (he takes aggro and takes some foes out of my back), and the big wolf which has decent attacks, the others are just vanity.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Depends on what kind of companion and what are the specs.
I'm sure you could sell one pretty high if you'd make a Sune Priestess in skimpy outfit that actually heals and then performs sensual dances after the fight...
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Lol. Are you kidding ?
It costs 1.5 million AD to upgrade a white companion to purple. It's totally insane for something that is purely vanity.
I only did it because I'm somewhat insane and I have a job that gives off a comfy payroll.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
I don't know that... Non Augment pets can be useuful (well, at least my Neverember Guard) when you level up and when you solo.
When you play in a group, they just get in the way. You don't need someone to take off aggro, you have players who do that way more efficiently. So all you need when you play in groups is to be top geared, and that means having an augment stone.
This being said, if you'd allow more spaces for more active companions, this could perhaps lead some people to put some more vanity on their wallet.
Additional Comments:
Companions are mostly vanity. Treat them like such. Allow their appearance to be changed (body, face, hair, through a change appearance ticket, and clothes changeable or at least dyable).
I think I'd pay a few Zens to have a companion which stands out in a crowd.
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wylderfoxMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 43
edited September 2013
Can this thread get a "sticky" please, so we know that Cryptic is reading it?
I don't really have anything new to add to this discussion, but I want to add my voice to the mix so that Cryptic/Perfect World can see how many of us feel the same way. Companions as they stand now are basically broken - the system doesn't work the way that anyone would want it to, and if the developers want to fix it, I'm all for giving them the feedback necessary to do it.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I've purchased one Ioun stone for my main character, but that's it. I'll explain the why in my other answers.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Like others said, it's a combination of cost & utility.
The companions cost far too much for one single-player companion. I understand economics, and that the point of the game is ultimately for the company to make money. But you can't make money selling something that no one's buying. Is it better to sell 10 items at $30 a piece, or 1000 at $5 each (I'll give you a hint - it's not the one that gouges your customers).
As far as utility, most companions are nearly useless, especially in dungeons. They kill themselves on traps, they pull in multiple mobs, they never avoid attacks at all, and they generally die within the first 10 seconds of any fight with more than 2 enemies (and within 5 seconds in a boss fight).
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Honestly, not much. For one single-character non-augment companion, I don't think you should be charging more than $5. I'd say $10 for a single-character augment companion, and around $15-30 for an account-wide companion (depending on the level & whether it's augmenting or not).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not at all. Like others have said, it's the most expensive thing in the game. The idea behind upgrading companions is that we can have a level 30 companion of any type we want so that it fits our character's look/backstory/etc. But why would I pay so much to upgrade a dog, when I can buy a wolf for half (or generally less) in the AH? The cost to upgrade from a level 25 to a level 30, for example, should be no more than half of the cost to buy a level 30 companion. Even upgrading a level 15 to 30 should cost less TOTAL than buying a new level 30 - otherwise, what's the point in doing it (as a player)?
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
There are a few reasons. The bonuses from augment companions are nice. I like being able to raise my stats past the base level 60 numbers, especially for the epic dungeons.
But what I consider the main reason is the issues with non-augment companions. Right now they're basically useless (see my answer to question #2). Just about the only time they're not actively causing problems for you (& a lot of times, your party as well) in a dungeon, it's because they're dead. And at level 60, dungeons are 99% of what we do. So having a non-augment companion is just making everyone's jobs harder, and possibly alienating your teammates.
I'm not sure what the fix is, but something definitely has to be done to the non-augment companions if they're ever going to be desirable.
These are some of the ideas I've seen mentioned by other people on this thread that I think could really work well:
- Remove companions' hit points altogether & link them to their owner (aka: if you're alive, so is your pet. period.)
- Alternatively, make companions more survivable. Have them avoid traps (even better, have a thief companion that actually disables traps), as well as dodging attacks (or in the case of guardian companions, shielding). Make the humanoid companions fit their classes better - a healer or wizard can be squishier, but they also shouldn't be running up to enemies to smack them over the head. A guardian should shield himself (& possibly nearby allies) when an attack hits.
- Allow us to arm our humanoid companions with actual weapons that show. For example, a CW companion could be given an interesting looking orb, which would change both his look & his stats, just like on an actual CW. And it should work the same way for guardians' shields. I'm willing to give up 1-2 of their current equipment slots for items that actually show (as long as they still gain the stats from the items as well). Worried about people making their companions overpowered with T2 gear? Just limit the levels the same as on a playable character - a level 30 CW, for example, can only use orbs up to level 30.
- Similarly, allow us to dye our companions. A dye pack could work more or less like normal, and the single dye would change their primary color. Allow us to see it before committing, and we're good. It would allow for a lot more customization of pets without a lot of work for anyone.
- Give all non-augment pets a basic group augmentation. I really like the idea of each one having a different augmentation, so that parties are encouraged to have a good variety of companions between them. It would spark conversations among friends of "should I bring my wolf or my pig" similar to the current "should I play my thief or my wizard".
- PLEASE give companions the ability to pick up items. Even if it's just the stuff that I'd normally auto-pick-up (like money), it would be a help. It's really annoying to see my CW companion walk on top of some copper & completely ignore it. Theoretically, that's a man with enough brains to cast spells - he should be able to process that money is worth grabbing when he's standing right on top of it.
I personally like having multiple companions, especially on my main alt, but until they're fixed all but my stone are just for show around PE & other non-combat (or low-combat, like Midsummer) areas. If you take the time to get them working properly, they can become assets, and more people will be willing to spend money on them.
Well said. The price point issue is critical(35 dollars for a PET?? Thats the price of a new game!! with thousands of man hours of development).
I just got to 60 after playing very casually for the last 3-4 months and I want to enjoy collecting pets. As of now, I will not purchase anymore until some sanity in sues with the publishers. I bought a epic fire bird and epic spider for a combined total of 600k AD~ 20 bucks worth of zen. I would love to get the honey badger, but not at 35 bucks. Now I realize its mandatory for me get a frackin stone just so I can beg to get into a decent group. ARRRGH.
Right now, a brain dead, non customizable, non augmented pet should cost no more than 500 zen. 1000 ZEN for an augment.
Why not have Zen store sales and test out various pricing structures, I think you will see huge increase in overall profits by lowering the price and increasing sales volume.
Get your !@#$ in one bag before the next two massive MMOs release.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?(Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Yes, for the power they add to my character. Mostly I have Augments, but I also have an Acolyte of Kelemvor that works quite well with the GF that uses it.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
N/A
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
$20
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
They're fine. For most the increase in power isn't all that extreme, so there is little point to boosting them. For those that do grant a significant boost it gives another goal to work toward.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
The main issue with non-Augments is survivability. Also, many of them have poor AI, with ranged companions often coming into melee range of monsters, making them take more damage than they should.
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fongsoloMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded) No. The one stone I have was given to me by a friend to buy my companionship in Neverwinter. He has since stopped playing save for the few odd log-ins. Pretty much the reason I haven't is value and it will be described in #2. Even though the question discounts it, I did buy the Hero pack and the Knight pack and the reason was value so it is relevant.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most? Value. As everyone else has said, the cost when paired with the fact that they are single character items is just horrible. As I mentioned above, have bought 2 of the packs, but that was because everything there was across all characters. When I look at the gaming market there are amazing Indy games out there that cost less than a green pet for one character. I can buy a full game for the price of some of the pets in this game. Just doesn't make sense. At least mounts are account wide.
The reason my friend from #1 quit playing as much was that he bought the stone for his toon early and found he hated the character class. Guess who is screwed?
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
In their current state: $0/zen. There is a lack of value. If they were account wide: 3000-4000 zen.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why? I find them kinda steep. The price to turn one pet from blue to purple should not be more the cost of a purple pet to start with when doing the $/AD/Zen exchange. For the cost, you might as well buy the dang purple.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation? Honestly as long as min-maxers exist, it will always be a case of you needing the most stats available to get a group. Even if you buffed the damage from Non-Augment Companions or gave them a slight bit of Augment, it would just make a new flavor of the month or just tip the scales in the other way. Perhaps if all pets were designed to do a certain amount of augment and a certain amount of dps it would smooth out. I get tired of seeing chat require "stone or cat" to get a group. It just points at a broken game mechanic.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Except for the white companion you get for free I only got the Ioun Stone by trading AD to Zen and some very easily collectable companions like the Wererat Thief and the Jagged Dancing Blade. The reason to get the stone was that I felt the need for an augmentive companion to increase my characters strength and the Stone was cheaper than the cat while also offering better slot options.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The bad AI system. When I got the Jagged Dancing Blade it basically never attacked and when it did attack (maybe once every 10 minutes) it stood in red AoE dots and died. Additionally it pulled aggro from mobs, so I figured out that non-augmentive companions at that time we're not helpful at all and buying one would be a total waste of currency. As of now I use the Wererat sometimes on my alt and AI seems better than in the past and the AoE knockback skill is quite ok, but still it stands in red circles and pulls mobs.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Account wide I would buy an epic(!) Ioun Stone for 4000-5000 zen
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
No. I upgraded my stone to epic, but I felt it was not really worth it. Unfortunately it didnt even get a new skin.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Non-augment companions have very bad AI. They die all the time and pull aggro and deal basically no damage and use their skills in bad situations and fall off edges etc etc.
They should AT LEAST:
- take 90% less AoE damage
- auto-respawn when dying because of fall damage / lava
- be unable to pull a mob group that is not in aggro range of a party member
- deal more damage (which ofc should account for the player in the dmg meter)
A huge bonus would be:
- having a button to make the companion use his skill
- having a button to change the companion between "passive, defensive and offensive" mode
When I heard that every non-augmentive companion was getting a lvl 30 ability I was thinking that this would have been an augmentive ability for sure. So that a lvl 30 Wererat would passively give you +3% crit chance, or that an epic acolyte of kelemvore would increase healing effects on you for 10% or that Galem Dur would give you +2% damage resistance and deflect. You know, something like that. Maybe the ghost increasing control effect duration by 8%, the Cantankerous Mage increasing AP gain by 5%, a useful passive ability which gives less use than a fully augmentive pet but which kind of makes you spend 750k with a smile and wont make you mad when your companion falls down a ledge the 101st time again. Instead the lvl 30 abilities kind of suck.
Additional Comments:
What you said about companions and mounts as a means of customization is true. They should be that. But there are no options currently. When I bought my wolf mount I would have liked a normal wolf without armor, but hey I had to take the ugly looking armor as I am not free to choose which skin to use. If you ask me most of the 80% mounts look the nicest, but unfortunately you have to stick with the armored ugly mounts if you want max riding speed.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
I've been thinking about this some more. Wanted to add this to my previous answers.
The non-augment pets need to:
1. Self-heal to full between fights
2. Self-rez after a short while when downed
3. Come back from being down with full health
4. Be completely ignored by enemies if their owner isn't in combat
5. Take way less damage from red zones and any AOE attack not directly targetted at them
6. Do more damage and use their abilities more often
Basically they need a huge overhaul. They need to look and be overpowered. Augment pets let you customize and buff your own stats. Anything that follows you around has to seem pretty darn great to compare to that.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?(Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Via the auction house I have purchased the Jagged Dancing Blade, Wererat Thief, Ioun Stone of Might, and green limited time drop version Cleric Disciple. I also acquired the Faithful Initiate, which I consider a purchase as it required a $7 IGN Prime account. I purchased the Cave Bear on a spur of the moment impulse from the Zen store, but then promptly thought better of it and sold it for profit on the auction. The Initiate and Disciple were acquired for having a "healer" for soloing (especially the Initiate since it is account wide), the Stone so my 60 wouldn't be hindered by companion death in the end game, and the other purely for amusement.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Price and that that they are single character only. Spending $20-35 on a pet for a single pet for a single character is extremely difficult to justify considering that is 2-3 times the price per month of what I'm used to paying for subscription MMOs.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
In real world money, $5 for a single character pet, $10 for account wide. Astral (which I mostly earn by playing the auction rather then spend real money for Zen to convert) the most I would see dropping is 750k but it would have to be something dearly wanted.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
They are more then double what I would consider reasonable. Upgrading a fun lower quality pet to borderline usability ends up costing significantly more then just grabbing the standard epic ones directly, and if you want to support a variety of pets on multiple characters the required outlay would be prohibitive considering with few exceptions having a it would not significantly improve character power.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Better non-combat pet AI for one thing: Their habits of standing in damage zones, falling off cliffs at inappropriate times, and avoidance of good threatening position opposite yours makes them very problematic. Their general fragility and the trouble of locating them to wake them up when fallen is also a problem: Perhaps if when you consume a healing potion it automatically would apply some healing to them and/or wake them if unconscious (regardless of proximity) that issue would be mitigated somewhat?
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ambisinisterrMember, Neverwinter ModeratorPosts: 10,462Community Moderator
edited September 2013
Thanks for the feedback everybody!
And truly, thanks for keeping this so heartfelt yet respectful. You've all done a stand up job.
Keep the feedback coming.
The more people who post the better. The more opinions expressed the better.
I can't promise change but I can say that this is the exact type of feedback marketing would be interested in reading and the more voices they hear the better!
chaoscourtesanMember, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Three stones of allure and a cat. All augments, and because I want my characters to be as effective as possible.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Too expensive, an unwillingness to spend any more money at all until game picks a proper direction, and inability to customize companion. Sorry, they are all equal factors. (Proper direction- It's my own opinion, and don't care to discuss it- just answering the question.)
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
At this point nothing at all. My new toons are restricted to default companions and dropped companions. Have fully loaded Orc Wolf, but use Default Cleric when it matters. Orc Wolf is just for coolness sake, as it is worse than worthless once I hit 60 on that character.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not even close. Upgrading a free companion should cost a bit, but upgrading a purchased one should be considerably cheaper. I -already- paid plenty for it, and the benefits for upgrading are minimal, especially for Augment Pets.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Make the Non-Aug companions out of something other than wet tissue paper. If I had four of them active at once, it should be a semi strong team.. not saying it should be able to do epics, but really they should count for a bit more than just something you have to re-summon after every encounter. Oh, and give them an AI that is a bit better than that of a geranium, so they know when they are standing in RED and that standing in RED means apply boot leather liberally. A proper respect for gravity and a sense of vertigo when facing a long plummet would probably help to stop the suicidal tendencies a bit as well. =P
Rhyon Cawdorian GWF | Opa Loka TR | Cormac Argentus III DC | Annika Thornblade GF | Aerys Skydark HR | Bartin Findlor TR | Aellia Baalthrall CW | Lucan Hawkmoon CW | Opa Brahk GWF | Korzbyrk DC | Den Kruk GWF | Jherek Skarsin CW |
Roland Mac Sheonin GF | Tarron Direheart SW |
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badpanda69Member, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 2Arc User
edited September 2013
Can I request that this be made a sticky on the forums.
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wylderfoxMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 43
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I've gotten two of the pheoras off AH for my roomate so he'd have an epic companion to level with him - one for myself after the boxes were changed out. I have 12 of the undead dogs banked (just in-case I decide I actually want to use them some day). I traded off coal wards for them.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Cost and they die too quickly. I won't buy from the zen store because each of those companions is per-character and costs far too much for what they are.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
I only spent 90k AD max for each of my pheora, and simply exchanged coal wards for the dogs. I won't pay much for either augment or non-augment pets. Augment pets are simply there to boost stats - dont like them, think they should be more useful (maybe one day I'll get one - maybe.) Non-augment ones from the store are fairly worthless and I'd only be willing to spend current cost if they became account wide like the mounts (or had an account wide and character specific option w/acct wide option to allow people to sell and thus keep money rolling in for PWE).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
I can buy a companion that's already epic off AH for around 90-400k right now depending on what it is. There's no reason for me to spend 300k for an upgrade to simply hit level 20 on one of the white companions. Costs too much and most companions dont survive even as epics..
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Give non-augment companions enough damage to be comparable to what the augment pets add to a PC. Give non-augment companions a reduction to AoE damage they take (would suggest 90% for any dps/heal companions) or... have them move out of the red stuff/AOE for all companions/block when it's going to hit for tank NPCs. Give non-augment companions an AI that actually detects and moves out of the red/aoe rather than standing there and getting stomped.
Additional Comments:
Grumpy about certain promo companions (IE the Merc from Action CD) being country specific. Please make all promo companions available in all countries without having to jump through tons of hoops. I get needing a sub or needing to buy a magazine w/e for it, but at least make them easily available to all players.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
/Channel_Join NW_Legit_Community to run Dungeons without the exploits
Just curious, but is this thread being viewed by the Dev's? I have not seen the usual "Thanks for the feedback" post from the CM. It would be shame if this useful input was being ignored.
Definitely not an Arc User.
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khimera906Member, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 898Arc User
edited September 2013
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why?
Bought the Stone of Allure from the zen store because it's the most useful companion for my class as it is now. 2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The cost is very high considering what the companion can actually do to help you in your fights. The Cleric companion I got for free is about the only Non-Augment companion that remains somewhat useful. 3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Depends on how much I want it and how good it is.,, not too much, though. 4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why? Absolutely not. Whenever I look prices you guys set for upgrading pets, transmuting gear or the AD store items, the same question comes to my mind: are the developers so out of touch with the reality of the game? 300K AD for upgrading a common companion to an uncommon one? By the time I have that much AD, I will no longer have use for that companion. You must want to see those level 20 and 30 skins really bad to be willing to spend that much on it because, in terms of usefulness, I don't think there will be much of a difference between the level 15 Cleric and the level 30 one... maybe it would last 2 seconds more on the battlefield :rolleyes: 5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Improve the Non-Augment companions so the tanks and healers last longer, the strikers do actual damage, and the controllers are actually disruptive. But for that, they don't need just better stats, they need better AI as well. Also, let the player have some control over the actions of the companion. Additional Comments:
Add a bit of customization to the companions, have them say more things as they grow in level, as if they would get friendlier and more attached to the player's character. Let us make them look and feel like they our companion, not just another one of the identical clones running around.
I hate dancing with Lady Luck. She always steps on my toes.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Yes, but only the blue stone. Whilst the others are cool they just don't offer the same benefits.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
First of all the cost is absurd. Secondly, they're per character rather than account. Thirdly, they offer no tangible benefit except being slightly different to other combat pets.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Augment was obviously for the stone, even that I felt to be too high but it seemed like it was needed as a stat boost for endgame dungeons. Not something I'd pay for again though. For a non-augment probably between
Just curious, but is this thread being viewed by the Dev's? I have not seen the usual "Thanks for the feedback" post from the CM. It would be shame if this useful input was being ignored.
The devs don't actually get to make decisions about what things cost. Note ambisinisterr's post about how marketing will be interested in the feedback.
Comments
No. Only the gold basic so far.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The sheer ammount of AD needed for to buy them.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
It depends, do I realy want a specific companion I will buy it when I get enought spare AD else considering my daily income of AD as a lvl 36 I would not go much further than 30kAD
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not if they where intendet to be bought by people in early/mid/late game w/o purchasing AD with real money. But they are just fine if you got a lvl 60 char and run your daily quest.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
For starters increase the survival ability of non augment champions
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I purchased a stone of allure for my TR. I also bought an IGN Prime subscription in order to get the account-wide green healer. As far as non-cash purchases, I also purchased a Phoera and a Wererat Thief.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Mostly price. The fact that non-augment companions aren't all that useful is part of it too, but I'm enough of a D&D junkie that I'd probably still buy some purely vanity/RP companions if I felt I wasn't being price-gouged.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
$20 for the augment on my main seemed OK to me, in that I rationalized it as being a $20 pay-gate to playing end game pve, which for a free to play game doesn't seem unreasonable. The price is high enough, however, that I've never considered getting one for any of my alts, even though I actually enjoy my CW more than my TR these days.
I wouldn't pay more than $10 for any non-augment companion.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
The upgrade pricing is so far out-of-whack I don't know where to begin. I absolutely will not upgrade a single companion unless rates are drastically reduced (at least 50%).
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
The ideal answer would be better AI, so that combat companions can actually react to their environment, avoid AoE, etc. However, I don't know how realistic this is, given that it would likely mean A LOT of re-programming. So perhaps starting smaller with something like giving companions a high AoE resistance where they'd still take some damage from the red circles but nowhere near full damage. Or making in-combat companion rezzing easier and quicker. (Rogues can stealth and rez them, but for others it can be a real pain to get them upright during combat).
Additional Comments:
I think the biggest issue for myself and others really is the price. I know a lot of people would like to see companions account-wide, which is one way of approaching it. Personally, I like the idea of having different companions for each of my characters, so I would prefer the current system of individual purchases. I just think the pricing needs to be scaled back by like 70%. As I said above, there is no chance I would ever pay more than $10 for any single companion, no matter how good they are or how cool they look.
Yes. I have a Cat on my TR, Ioun Stone of Allure on my CW and GF, Ioun Stone of Might on my cleric.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?I've never nor will I ever purchase a non-augment companion. If they were useless in dungeons that would be an improvement. They are detrimental to dungeons due to their AI, aggro range, etc. In fact I use it as a gauge for the experience of party members. In a pug, the moment you zone in to a dungeon if a player has a non-augment companion I am immediately suspect of their capability. If they do not immediately dismiss non-augment companions they've proven my suspicions correct. Even worse if they do not dismiss it when the entire party starts asking them to in chat. It proves they are either clueless or don't pay attention to party chat or both.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Might stone and Cat were ~1mil ad (including upgrading stone to blue), Allure stones about 600k. That's pretty much the most I would pay.
The most I would pay for a non-augment pet is 2g on low level characters for leveling purposes.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?The AD costs to upgrade are a value judgement. Was it worth 500k AD to unlock the 2nd ring slot on the Might stone? In that one particular case, yes. Is it worth 750k AD to get ~100 more stats on all other augment pets? No. I can't think of a single instance where it's worth upgrading any white, green, blue pet for AD.
There are no non-augment pets worth purchasing much less upgrading.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation? Give non-augment pets the same coding as augment pets. Cannot die, cannot aggro anything, etc. They add so little (whether it's healing or dmg or a proc) that it would hardly make a difference. ~2500-3000 more stats is still better than a minor heal or a laughable amount of dmg from the non-augment pets. The direwolf would probably be the most useful companion simply for his prone/knockback proc, and even still it's debatable if you'd give up 3000 stats for knock backs on trash mobs.
You would have to alter the threat coding of the tank companion so that you couldn't use it as an invincible tank for boss mobs, not because that would be really beneficial to defeating a boss, but because of the exploit/glitches it would enable.
Side note on that - i can see a good non-augment companion being essential for solo play, but considering all the endgame stuff in the game is group play, I never saw the point.
Everything you need to know about CW:
http://nw-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?780981-Chem-s-CW-Compendium-Everything-you-need-to-know
No, but I did grind for certain blue companions (pvp dagger, bone dog), and would grind for other blue/ purple companions.
I'd also buy Zen pets (stone, most probably) when I ever get my epic, account-wide mount. Even if they're, in my opinion, too expensive to not be account-wide, as well.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The price for stones. The lacking AI for battle companions.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
3k Zen for epic, account-wide stone/ good AI battle companion that has CC, tanking ability, solid dps and/ or healing that works well.
Heck, I might even be willing to lay down 5k for something like that. Would be a good thing to work/ farm/ grind/ pull out the wallet for.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not at all, the prices are much too high. Especially for what gets unlocked. Stones get too little extra oomph. Battle companions don't get anything worth mentioning.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Copy/ paste from 'How would you make combat companions useful?' (http://nw-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?476211-How-would-you-make-combat-companions-useful&p=5945141#post5945141 )
Could just make them immune to all damage and only die when their player dies.
Giving a command bar (attack/ switch enemy target, flank selected enemy target, move to their player, use taunt/ certain spell or attack) would greatly improve combat pets usefulness, as well.
Additional Comments:
The combination of augment and battle companions doesn't have my vote, though I can see how it will increase sales for the company. To be honest, if a battle companion did have the correct AI and did a reasonably amount of dps/ cc/ tanking/ healing/ whatever, I'd honestly prefer combat companions over augment ones.
[/mytwocoppers]
[SIGPIC]http://nw-forum.perfectworld.com/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=98570189&dateline=1372572330[/SIGPIC]
NW-DCJV53UTU
[Open for play, link to spotlight thread]
Fire Archon, Stone of Allure, Free Cleric
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Combat pets are simply not viable end game currently
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
2000-2500 ZEN
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
The upgrade prices are too high when compared to the best zen purchasable companions. white to epic is about 1.5 mil or 4500 zen approx
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
DPS and cleric pets could be viable if they would survive. Some bosses may benefit from extra healing, some extra dps. The tank companions may only be viable with solo play or off-tanking if it could be done. If the Cleric, fully upgraded to epic could survive the end content then they would be quite useful.
I purchased an Ion Stone of Allure. I chose it because I'm a casual player and didn't see myself getting 900k AD quick enough to get into any decent dungeon groups. Without an augmented companion it's fairly common to be kicked from a group. The fact that you have to advertise that you have one when LFG speaks volumes.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
They're usefulness. I recently got the pig companion and have to say the AI on it is far superior to any of the other companions. It's an aggressive little bugger. The other factor is the cost involved, the value just isn't there end game.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
$20. I spent that on the best companion and wouldn't spend a dime more. I'd love a big old bear but there's no way in hell I'm vain enough to spend what's being asked. Same goes for mounts.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Absolutely not. I'll reiterate my point. If I could upgrade my Boar mount at a reasonable price I'd do it. $35 for an armored bear sure looks neat until I wake up from the daydream where I'm harvesting green ones from my money tree.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?It's been addressed by others. Aggro range is out of control. They don't attack when they should.
Additional Comments:
For me companions go hand and hand with the off the wall pricing that's currently there for mounts. Adjust them both and you'll have a much happier fan base. Not that 3 people is a good indication of something positive, but I have 3 friends that have said they'd spend $20-25 on the armored bear mount. They won't touch it at it's current price. Make some simple changes and watch the money roll in.
I have not purchased a single zen companion.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Price. I have been collecting companions, but the only ones I have avoided is the zen store ones because they are far too expensive for what you are getting.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
1000 zen for a purple companion. Less for blue and green.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Again too expensive, especially if I want to upgrade multiple companions as a collector.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Survivability is key, especially versus AoE. They either need to be smart enough to try to avoid and/or have abilities to help reduce the damage. Companions are for the most part fine during solo content, but as soon as you put them into dungeons, they are going to spend the majority of the time dead so are useless.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
Not with zen, however, I farmed for my Lillend, and I bought the Aranea with zen converted to AD- I thought they both had good potential for end-game use
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The one's I can get in the AH are better looking, cheaper, and more useful.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
10-$15 dollars. I was lucky with the Lillend- I spent very little and I am very good at navigating AD->zen conversion to buy all the packs I needed for her low drop rate.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why? Absolutely Not. To transmute a weapon it's around 50k AD, to open a lockbox around 45kAd. Upgrading a companion should not be one of the most expensive things in the game and it is unacceptable since only 2 companions are "accepted" in end game dungeons
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Easy: make ALL *level 30* companions have features that augment the entire team and make them ALL "non-killable"unless the player dies. Also, make companions non-stackable with other companions of the exact same skin The rarer the companion, the more desirable the stat bonus...but do not allow the bonuses to "stack" should more than one companion model be present in the group- this will encourage greater variety in dungeon settings. It does not need to be a "huge" buff...but even a percent or two counts- also, it will give advantages to collecting different skins, Futhermore, make the stats of each companion more or less powerful based on how well gemmed/equipped they are and make it state what % bonus each individual companion brings to the table. up to 3-5%
For instance,
Healer companion, rank 30: Increase the effectiveness of heals on the entire group
Wizard companion, rank 30: Increase the effectiveness of all non-healing spells
Tank companion, rank 30: Increase base deflect stat of all party members
Great weapon fighter, rank 30: Increase base defense power for all party members
Dog, (normal) level 30: Increase the power of all in party marginally
Skeletal dog: increase party immunity to damage from undead targets/increase damage against undead
Dire Wolf: Increase attack power, as well as increase immunity to all non-sentient animal attacks (Think wolf den)
Portal Hound: Increase attack power, increase resistance to dark fey attacks
Blink dog: Increase party movement speed; increase resistance to dark fey attacks
Lillend: Reduce control effects on entire party, increase the effectiveness of healing spells and potions
Orc Wolf: Increase damage to all targets, reduce damage received from Orcish targets
Fire Archon: Increase party resistance to fire damage; buff fire based attacks (making it a desirable cleric companion)
Phoera: Increase party resistance to fire damage; Buff attack stat period.
Mystic Phoera: Increase party resistance to all elemental attacks; increase damage against elementals
Gulab Dur: Increase hit points by 2% for all party members; increase all resistances
Honey Badger: Increase damage on all occasions where a party member attacks before being attacked; buff against damage from attacks from mobs that are not hit first by the party
Dancing Sword: slight attack power increase
Dancing sheild: slight defense increase
Aranea: Resistance against control affects; increased damage to all lycanthropes and spiders.
Pig: Slows the movement speed of incoming mobs slightly
Panther: Increase damage buff greater than all other pets, cannot be stacked.
Ghost: Possesses highest common non-boss in room for a short duration to attack for your side. (Think hulks, Wights, etc)
Cleric of Kelmevor: Increase damage against undead targets, increase life steal for all party members
Hawk: Increase attack power, increase defense slightly against all flying mobs
Boar: increase attack power, increase defense slightly against all ground mobs
Sylph: increase evasion/deflect stat; increase damage against all fey and demonic targets
As for the stone and cat: Nerf them
Cat: shares 1%-5% of it's stats with party
Ioun stone: Shares 1%-5% of its stats with the entire party
Additional Comments:
Okay, so say you bring in 5 "attack" companions- each one different- the attacks would all stack however, if everyone brought out the same companion, only one would count. There are enough companions in the game that this would definately line the pockets of Cryptic and create greater variety in the game. The more generic the companion, the lesser the stat bonus, the rarer or more expensive the companion the greater the bonuses (i.e. the panther having the greatest base attack. the honey badger with it's unique stats for attack vs. attacked first) I likely missed a lot of companions...but that's the thing. If I MISSED a lot of companions, then there is more than enough to implement this change. Encourage variety...and also, when the owner of the companion dies, so does the companion and the stat bonus is lost.
I have only bought companions via the AH or from other players, never with Zen directly.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Their cost, combined with them only being for 1 character, is what is preventing me from buying them.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
I would spend, at most, $5 for a companion for a single character, and perhaps up to $15 for one that was account wide, (augment or not).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
The upgrade prices are not reasonable at all. I would see paying 100K to go from white to green, 200K from green to blue, and 300K for blue to purple. Even at these reduced prices, it'd still be something I'd only do a handful of times. 50K, 75K, 100K is closer to something I'd consider doing for most of my companions.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
If non-augment pets avoided red circles and were perhaps given an "at will" power that didn't have a cooldown, (or only like 1 second), that would help. Making their HP scale w/ the player's level, regardless of their quality, (while having their damage and other effects remain tied to their level), would be a big improvement as well.
Other thought:
Appearances are very important to players. Companions should be able to be dyed. For humanoid companions, simply have their clothing take the color of any dye applied, and for animals, have their coats take the color.
"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" -Tony Stark
Official NW_Legit_Community Forums
I've purchased Ioun stones for two out of my five toons. I also got a green healer companion that's account wide. The Ioun stones give stat bonuses that make them worthwhile and they can't be killed so they're actually useful in any fight. The healer companion is handy for leveling up new characters since it's account-wide. It was also nice that it can go up to level 20 instead of only level 15.
I've also purchased a few companions from the AH because I was able to catch them there cheap.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Price: $20 is a lot to shell out for a single level 25 companion and it's really only worth it for the stone. Prices should be cut in half for per-character companions and you should provide the option of account-wide companions for a premium.
Utility: Other than for leveling companions are fairly useless - especially in an epic dungeon where they typically die 3 seconds into a fight. I'd like to see all companions give some kind of augmentation either in the form of stats or buffs that would continue even if the companion is unconscious. I'd also like to see some big increases in hit-points so that they actually contribute in some way to the battle. Oh, and allow us to actually equip them - especially humanoids. I'd love to be able to give a man-at-arms a new shield/sword and have them actually show up. Same goes for armor, clothes, etc. Give us the option to customize them in some way other than the name.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
1000 zen max for a per-character, level 30, non-augment companion. 2000 for account-wide...
2000 for an augment companion. 3000 for account-wide.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
No, they're ridiculous. Not going to elaborate because others have done the math and explained it better than I could. I would absolutely love to upgrade my companions just because I enjoy leveling them up but it's just not worth it.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
The amount of damage or healing a companion contributes in an epic dungeon is miniscule at best - especially since they die so quick. An augment companion is with you throughout the fight, doesn't die, trigger traps, or wander off and draw adds, and gives you huge stat bonuses that make you a much better player. Why would you ever use a non-augment above level 60? Non-augments are really only useful for solo leveling.
To fix:
- Turn all non-augment companions into partial augment companions - giving their owner a percentage of stats by default which can be increased with enchantments
- Give them useful buffs that effect either the owner or the party that will stay in place even if they fall.
- Give companions far more hitpoints so they can survive in epic dungeons
- Give them more utility - have them pick up items on the battlefield when they're out of combat or give them inventory so that you can store items on them (or both - both would be great)
- Teach them to dodge effectively
- Teach them to avoid traps
- Lower prices by 50% or more for purchases
- Lower prices by 50% or more for upgrades (preferably much more for lower level upgrades at least)
- Add premium option for account-wide companions
- Give us some way to customize the look of companions - armor slots, weapon slots, clothing, etc.
1. Have you purchased a Companion? Why? (Gold Currency and Content Pack Companions Excluded)
I've purchased one Ioun stone for my main character, but that's it. I'll explain the why in my other answers.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Like others said, it's a combination of cost & utility.
The companions cost far too much for one single-player companion. I understand economics, and that the point of the game is ultimately for the company to make money. But you can't make money selling something that no one's buying. Is it better to sell 10 items at $30 a piece, or 1000 at $5 each (I'll give you a hint - it's not the one that gouges your customers).
As far as utility, most companions are nearly useless, especially in dungeons. They kill themselves on traps, they pull in multiple mobs, they never avoid attacks at all, and they generally die within the first 10 seconds of any fight with more than 2 enemies (and within 5 seconds in a boss fight).
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Honestly, not much. For one single-character non-augment companion, I don't think you should be charging more than $5. I'd say $10 for a single-character augment companion, and around $15-30 for an account-wide companion (depending on the level & whether it's augmenting or not).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not at all. Like others have said, it's the most expensive thing in the game. The idea behind upgrading companions is that we can have a level 30 companion of any type we want so that it fits our character's look/backstory/etc. But why would I pay so much to upgrade a dog, when I can buy a wolf for half (or generally less) in the AH? The cost to upgrade from a level 25 to a level 30, for example, should be no more than half of the cost to buy a level 30 companion. Even upgrading a level 15 to 30 should cost less TOTAL than buying a new level 30 - otherwise, what's the point in doing it (as a player)?
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
There are a few reasons. The bonuses from augment companions are nice. I like being able to raise my stats past the base level 60 numbers, especially for the epic dungeons.
But what I consider the main reason is the issues with non-augment companions. Right now they're basically useless (see my answer to question #2). Just about the only time they're not actively causing problems for you (& a lot of times, your party as well) in a dungeon, it's because they're dead. And at level 60, dungeons are 99% of what we do. So having a non-augment companion is just making everyone's jobs harder, and possibly alienating your teammates.
I'm not sure what the fix is, but something definitely has to be done to the non-augment companions if they're ever going to be desirable.
These are some of the ideas I've seen mentioned by other people on this thread that I think could really work well:
- Remove companions' hit points altogether & link them to their owner (aka: if you're alive, so is your pet. period.)
- Alternatively, make companions more survivable. Have them avoid traps (even better, have a thief companion that actually disables traps), as well as dodging attacks (or in the case of guardian companions, shielding). Make the humanoid companions fit their classes better - a healer or wizard can be squishier, but they also shouldn't be running up to enemies to smack them over the head. A guardian should shield himself (& possibly nearby allies) when an attack hits.
- Allow us to arm our humanoid companions with actual weapons that show. For example, a CW companion could be given an interesting looking orb, which would change both his look & his stats, just like on an actual CW. And it should work the same way for guardians' shields. I'm willing to give up 1-2 of their current equipment slots for items that actually show (as long as they still gain the stats from the items as well). Worried about people making their companions overpowered with T2 gear? Just limit the levels the same as on a playable character - a level 30 CW, for example, can only use orbs up to level 30.
- Similarly, allow us to dye our companions. A dye pack could work more or less like normal, and the single dye would change their primary color. Allow us to see it before committing, and we're good. It would allow for a lot more customization of pets without a lot of work for anyone.
- Give all non-augment pets a basic group augmentation. I really like the idea of each one having a different augmentation, so that parties are encouraged to have a good variety of companions between them. It would spark conversations among friends of "should I bring my wolf or my pig" similar to the current "should I play my thief or my wizard".
- PLEASE give companions the ability to pick up items. Even if it's just the stuff that I'd normally auto-pick-up (like money), it would be a help. It's really annoying to see my CW companion walk on top of some copper & completely ignore it. Theoretically, that's a man with enough brains to cast spells - he should be able to process that money is worth grabbing when he's standing right on top of it.
I personally like having multiple companions, especially on my main alt, but until they're fixed all but my stone are just for show around PE & other non-combat (or low-combat, like Midsummer) areas. If you take the time to get them working properly, they can become assets, and more people will be willing to spend money on them.
I have bought the Kelemvor Priestess (cause she was cute) and the Nevermeber Guard (cause he was what I needed).
I also own The wolf that came with the Guardian of the North Pack, the fairy that came with the Knight of Feywild Pack, and the Agressive warrior from the Emporium
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
They are bugged.
My priestess keeps on making a "Zing!" noise every two seconds as she keeps healing me whether I need it or not. This drives me nuts after a short while and makes her not usable. My Neverember guard is level 30 and it still has a wooden shied. Come on, how hard is it to make its shield evolve like the rest of the armor.
I'll consider buying some other companion when these two are fixed.
They are not very useful. Apart from the Neverember guard which correctly does his job (he takes aggro and takes some foes out of my back), and the big wolf which has decent attacks, the others are just vanity.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Depends on what kind of companion and what are the specs.
I'm sure you could sell one pretty high if you'd make a Sune Priestess in skimpy outfit that actually heals and then performs sensual dances after the fight...
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Lol. Are you kidding ?
It costs 1.5 million AD to upgrade a white companion to purple. It's totally insane for something that is purely vanity.
I only did it because I'm somewhat insane and I have a job that gives off a comfy payroll.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
I don't know that... Non Augment pets can be useuful (well, at least my Neverember Guard) when you level up and when you solo.
When you play in a group, they just get in the way. You don't need someone to take off aggro, you have players who do that way more efficiently. So all you need when you play in groups is to be top geared, and that means having an augment stone.
This being said, if you'd allow more spaces for more active companions, this could perhaps lead some people to put some more vanity on their wallet.
Additional Comments:
Companions are mostly vanity. Treat them like such. Allow their appearance to be changed (body, face, hair, through a change appearance ticket, and clothes changeable or at least dyable).
I think I'd pay a few Zens to have a companion which stands out in a crowd.
Well said. The price point issue is critical(35 dollars for a PET?? Thats the price of a new game!! with thousands of man hours of development).
I just got to 60 after playing very casually for the last 3-4 months and I want to enjoy collecting pets. As of now, I will not purchase anymore until some sanity in sues with the publishers. I bought a epic fire bird and epic spider for a combined total of 600k AD~ 20 bucks worth of zen. I would love to get the honey badger, but not at 35 bucks. Now I realize its mandatory for me get a frackin stone just so I can beg to get into a decent group. ARRRGH.
Right now, a brain dead, non customizable, non augmented pet should cost no more than 500 zen. 1000 ZEN for an augment.
Why not have Zen store sales and test out various pricing structures, I think you will see huge increase in overall profits by lowering the price and increasing sales volume.
Get your !@#$ in one bag before the next two massive MMOs release.
Sorry for being out of format.
Yes, for the power they add to my character. Mostly I have Augments, but I also have an Acolyte of Kelemvor that works quite well with the GF that uses it.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
N/A
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
$20
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
They're fine. For most the increase in power isn't all that extreme, so there is little point to boosting them. For those that do grant a significant boost it gives another goal to work toward.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
The main issue with non-Augments is survivability. Also, many of them have poor AI, with ranged companions often coming into melee range of monsters, making them take more damage than they should.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most? Value. As everyone else has said, the cost when paired with the fact that they are single character items is just horrible. As I mentioned above, have bought 2 of the packs, but that was because everything there was across all characters. When I look at the gaming market there are amazing Indy games out there that cost less than a green pet for one character. I can buy a full game for the price of some of the pets in this game. Just doesn't make sense. At least mounts are account wide.
The reason my friend from #1 quit playing as much was that he bought the stone for his toon early and found he hated the character class. Guess who is screwed?
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
In their current state: $0/zen. There is a lack of value. If they were account wide: 3000-4000 zen.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why? I find them kinda steep. The price to turn one pet from blue to purple should not be more the cost of a purple pet to start with when doing the $/AD/Zen exchange. For the cost, you might as well buy the dang purple.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation? Honestly as long as min-maxers exist, it will always be a case of you needing the most stats available to get a group. Even if you buffed the damage from Non-Augment Companions or gave them a slight bit of Augment, it would just make a new flavor of the month or just tip the scales in the other way. Perhaps if all pets were designed to do a certain amount of augment and a certain amount of dps it would smooth out. I get tired of seeing chat require "stone or cat" to get a group. It just points at a broken game mechanic.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
They should AT LEAST:
- take 90% less AoE damage
- auto-respawn when dying because of fall damage / lava
- be unable to pull a mob group that is not in aggro range of a party member
- deal more damage (which ofc should account for the player in the dmg meter)
A huge bonus would be:
- having a button to make the companion use his skill
- having a button to change the companion between "passive, defensive and offensive" mode
When I heard that every non-augmentive companion was getting a lvl 30 ability I was thinking that this would have been an augmentive ability for sure. So that a lvl 30 Wererat would passively give you +3% crit chance, or that an epic acolyte of kelemvore would increase healing effects on you for 10% or that Galem Dur would give you +2% damage resistance and deflect. You know, something like that. Maybe the ghost increasing control effect duration by 8%, the Cantankerous Mage increasing AP gain by 5%, a useful passive ability which gives less use than a fully augmentive pet but which kind of makes you spend 750k with a smile and wont make you mad when your companion falls down a ledge the 101st time again. Instead the lvl 30 abilities kind of suck.
Additional Comments:
I've been thinking about this some more. Wanted to add this to my previous answers.
The non-augment pets need to:
1. Self-heal to full between fights
2. Self-rez after a short while when downed
3. Come back from being down with full health
4. Be completely ignored by enemies if their owner isn't in combat
5. Take way less damage from red zones and any AOE attack not directly targetted at them
6. Do more damage and use their abilities more often
Basically they need a huge overhaul. They need to look and be overpowered. Augment pets let you customize and buff your own stats. Anything that follows you around has to seem pretty darn great to compare to that.
Price and that that they are single character only. Spending $20-35 on a pet for a single pet for a single character is extremely difficult to justify considering that is 2-3 times the price per month of what I'm used to paying for subscription MMOs.
In real world money, $5 for a single character pet, $10 for account wide. Astral (which I mostly earn by playing the auction rather then spend real money for Zen to convert) the most I would see dropping is 750k but it would have to be something dearly wanted.
They are more then double what I would consider reasonable. Upgrading a fun lower quality pet to borderline usability ends up costing significantly more then just grabbing the standard epic ones directly, and if you want to support a variety of pets on multiple characters the required outlay would be prohibitive considering with few exceptions having a it would not significantly improve character power.
Better non-combat pet AI for one thing: Their habits of standing in damage zones, falling off cliffs at inappropriate times, and avoidance of good threatening position opposite yours makes them very problematic. Their general fragility and the trouble of locating them to wake them up when fallen is also a problem: Perhaps if when you consume a healing potion it automatically would apply some healing to them and/or wake them if unconscious (regardless of proximity) that issue would be mitigated somewhat?
And truly, thanks for keeping this so heartfelt yet respectful. You've all done a stand up job.
Keep the feedback coming.
The more people who post the better. The more opinions expressed the better.
I can't promise change but I can say that this is the exact type of feedback marketing would be interested in reading and the more voices they hear the better!
Three stones of allure and a cat. All augments, and because I want my characters to be as effective as possible.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Too expensive, an unwillingness to spend any more money at all until game picks a proper direction, and inability to customize companion. Sorry, they are all equal factors. (Proper direction- It's my own opinion, and don't care to discuss it- just answering the question.)
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
At this point nothing at all. My new toons are restricted to default companions and dropped companions. Have fully loaded Orc Wolf, but use Default Cleric when it matters. Orc Wolf is just for coolness sake, as it is worse than worthless once I hit 60 on that character.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Not even close. Upgrading a free companion should cost a bit, but upgrading a purchased one should be considerably cheaper. I -already- paid plenty for it, and the benefits for upgrading are minimal, especially for Augment Pets.
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Make the Non-Aug companions out of something other than wet tissue paper. If I had four of them active at once, it should be a semi strong team.. not saying it should be able to do epics, but really they should count for a bit more than just something you have to re-summon after every encounter. Oh, and give them an AI that is a bit better than that of a geranium, so they know when they are standing in RED and that standing in RED means apply boot leather liberally. A proper respect for gravity and a sense of vertigo when facing a long plummet would probably help to stop the suicidal tendencies a bit as well. =P
Roland Mac Sheonin GF | Tarron Direheart SW |
I've gotten two of the pheoras off AH for my roomate so he'd have an epic companion to level with him - one for myself after the boxes were changed out. I have 12 of the undead dogs banked (just in-case I decide I actually want to use them some day). I traded off coal wards for them.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
Cost and they die too quickly. I won't buy from the zen store because each of those companions is per-character and costs far too much for what they are.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
I only spent 90k AD max for each of my pheora, and simply exchanged coal wards for the dogs. I won't pay much for either augment or non-augment pets. Augment pets are simply there to boost stats - dont like them, think they should be more useful (maybe one day I'll get one - maybe.) Non-augment ones from the store are fairly worthless and I'd only be willing to spend current cost if they became account wide like the mounts (or had an account wide and character specific option w/acct wide option to allow people to sell and thus keep money rolling in for PWE).
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
I can buy a companion that's already epic off AH for around 90-400k right now depending on what it is. There's no reason for me to spend 300k for an upgrade to simply hit level 20 on one of the white companions. Costs too much and most companions dont survive even as epics..
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Give non-augment companions enough damage to be comparable to what the augment pets add to a PC. Give non-augment companions a reduction to AoE damage they take (would suggest 90% for any dps/heal companions) or... have them move out of the red stuff/AOE for all companions/block when it's going to hit for tank NPCs. Give non-augment companions an AI that actually detects and moves out of the red/aoe rather than standing there and getting stomped.
Additional Comments:
Grumpy about certain promo companions (IE the Merc from Action CD) being country specific. Please make all promo companions available in all countries without having to jump through tons of hoops. I get needing a sub or needing to buy a magazine w/e for it, but at least make them easily available to all players.
Bought the Stone of Allure from the zen store because it's the most useful companion for my class as it is now.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
The cost is very high considering what the companion can actually do to help you in your fights. The Cleric companion I got for free is about the only Non-Augment companion that remains somewhat useful.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Depends on how much I want it and how good it is.,, not too much, though.
4. Do you feel like the upgrade prices are appropriate? Why?
Absolutely not. Whenever I look prices you guys set for upgrading pets, transmuting gear or the AD store items, the same question comes to my mind: are the developers so out of touch with the reality of the game? 300K AD for upgrading a common companion to an uncommon one? By the time I have that much AD, I will no longer have use for that companion. You must want to see those level 20 and 30 skins really bad to be willing to spend that much on it because, in terms of usefulness, I don't think there will be much of a difference between the level 15 Cleric and the level 30 one... maybe it would last 2 seconds more on the battlefield :rolleyes:
5. Most players feel that Augments are far superior to Non-Augment Companions, what could be done to improve this situation?
Improve the Non-Augment companions so the tanks and healers last longer, the strikers do actual damage, and the controllers are actually disruptive. But for that, they don't need just better stats, they need better AI as well. Also, let the player have some control over the actions of the companion.
Additional Comments:
Add a bit of customization to the companions, have them say more things as they grow in level, as if they would get friendlier and more attached to the player's character. Let us make them look and feel like they our companion, not just another one of the identical clones running around.
Yes, but only the blue stone. Whilst the others are cool they just don't offer the same benefits.
2. What factor prevents you from buying companions the most?
First of all the cost is absurd. Secondly, they're per character rather than account. Thirdly, they offer no tangible benefit except being slightly different to other combat pets.
3. What is the most you would spend on a companion? Augment and Non-Augment.
Augment was obviously for the stone, even that I felt to be too high but it seemed like it was needed as a stat boost for endgame dungeons. Not something I'd pay for again though. For a non-augment probably between
The devs don't actually get to make decisions about what things cost. Note ambisinisterr's post about how marketing will be interested in the feedback.
Neverwinter Census 2017
All posts pending disapproval by Cecilia