If we got actual XP (experience points) we would not need a skill cap. The max level could be set for whatever and then people could gain and spend skill points as they wished without it ever causing issues with what level they became, much as they already gain BO skill points and merits.
We already get two kinds of skill points and merits when we complete a mission - why not one more stat? It would solve so many problems.
I think this would help with game design and balance going forward, and since we're still so new this is a good time to implement it.
For backwards compatibility, I would suggest crediting all existing players with enough XP to cover their current rank and grade and possibly to half of their current grade.
Going to a lvl and a sort of talent tree specialization? That would work, and it would simplify things.
However, they could accomplish the same thing with simply changing the currently skill tree to something that fits a skill cap. The current tree was not designed with that in mind.
But yes, I agree 100% a change is needed to the current skill tree / skill gain / skill setup.
then what would be the point of leveling any further?
exp is a good thing yes, but in this system it has no place
so you get to 45 with exp, and cap every skill
when they raise the cap to 50, what do you have to go with? you have no incentive to actualy level because you have everything
I actually wrote a thread about it (in the wrong forum probably). Why SP = XP is bad that is. I agree with the Op, they need to implement proper XP so that they can balance the level curve separately from the power curve.
then what would be the point of leveling any further?
exp is a good thing yes, but in this system it has no place
so you get to 45 with exp, and cap every skill
when they raise the cap to 50, what do you have to go with? you have no incentive to actualy level because you have everything
No, they add more skills concurrently. The point is that XP takes the pressure off using skill points as the levelling system, thus giving them freedom to design more as they wish.
We already have a level-tier system for skills, i.e. lieutenant commander skills are for levels 11 through 20; you can train them later, but not prior - this matches the method by which most MMO's operate.
I can see absolutely no downside to this, and it would resolve problems we can't even see yet - although getting rid of the skill cap, which was never intended to exist when they designed the current skill system, is a huge plus already.
Comments
However, they could accomplish the same thing with simply changing the currently skill tree to something that fits a skill cap. The current tree was not designed with that in mind.
But yes, I agree 100% a change is needed to the current skill tree / skill gain / skill setup.
exp is a good thing yes, but in this system it has no place
so you get to 45 with exp, and cap every skill
when they raise the cap to 50, what do you have to go with? you have no incentive to actualy level because you have everything
http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=114451
No, they add more skills concurrently. The point is that XP takes the pressure off using skill points as the levelling system, thus giving them freedom to design more as they wish.
We already have a level-tier system for skills, i.e. lieutenant commander skills are for levels 11 through 20; you can train them later, but not prior - this matches the method by which most MMO's operate.
I can see absolutely no downside to this, and it would resolve problems we can't even see yet - although getting rid of the skill cap, which was never intended to exist when they designed the current skill system, is a huge plus already.