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Disappointed with TOS Development - Rant/Feedback/Suggestion thread
pulpsmack
Member Posts: 96 Arc User
TLDR:
It seems after making a promising story arc with the 23C Temporal Captain with budding C-Store opportunities They just dropped the 23C Federation Captain and never looked back
1. I am not aware of any particularly viable TOS starship at present (or if one exists, I need help figuring out which/how to implement what exists).
2. There are no retro Starship weapon/module/Shield-Impulse-Warp-Deflector sets, forcing the decision to abandon retro weapons acquired/developed, or making due with piecemeal retros that have a set bonus.
I have a 23c/TOS Fleet Admiral. In the spirit or role-playing I have performed some painfully repetitive TOS mission grinds to acquire Green and White retro-vintage items (Starship and ground weapons and equipment) along with few small sets. After spending some money and a lot of time I am feeling somewhat frustrated and disappointed with the options. As no TOS/23C sets exist, I have spent WAY too many resources converting a full retro space set (phasers, cannons/torps, engines deflector) to purple XV.
Putting my captain into something role-specific and competitive, I bought the temporal starter pack with T6 Temporal Paladin Class. Disappointed the set it had no vintage ship or skin, I bought the T5 Temporal Ranger Class, and other than the Europa-Class (which does out of place with the 23C/TOS timeline notwithstanding its description) It looks like no other TOS options exist.
More disappointing, the T5 Ranger is NOT upgradable (PS4) unlike the B'rel Retrofit, the D'deridex Retrofit and the Galor T5s. While a standalone ship in the management queue, it merely serves as a skin for the Temporal Paladin, since running a T5-U is difficult enough, whereas a T5 with conventional gear is a suicide mission.
Regarding the Temporal Paladin (with Ranger skin), having achieved the mastery bonuses, seems like the worst of all worlds. I thought it would be a flagship cruiser. It turns out to be small(er) and far squishier than I would expect, without the speed or firepower of the much-smaller escorts. While I like the Phaser platform and the "Temporal Lance", It leaves me with the unsettling impression of a destroyer without teeth.
My first question is whether I am missing something obvious as a 23C Starship/retro gear choice that actually holds its own in the TFOs. The fact that I am asking in the first place suggests choices are few and far between (if others even exist, which is a problem itself).
My second Question is whether there is a better way to play the Temporal Paladin Class/Ranger Skin cruiser (bearing in mind it is running non-set, individually-acquired retro gear.
My third question (Worthy of its own suggestion/feedback thread, IMO) why they don't/won't come up with a skin/visual set for acquired ship weapons/equipment sets) Imagine the C-store opportunity to sell Retro-skins/visuals tokens for that. Well... maybe it would be more appealing if they actually added more 23c content, like T6 Klingon/Romulan options and perhaps a few new missions or a TFO, but I digress.
It seems after making a promising story arc with the 23C Temporal Captain with budding C-Store opportunities They just dropped the 23C Federation Captain and never looked back
1. I am not aware of any particularly viable TOS starship at present (or if one exists, I need help figuring out which/how to implement what exists).
2. There are no retro Starship weapon/module/Shield-Impulse-Warp-Deflector sets, forcing the decision to abandon retro weapons acquired/developed, or making due with piecemeal retros that have a set bonus.
I have a 23c/TOS Fleet Admiral. In the spirit or role-playing I have performed some painfully repetitive TOS mission grinds to acquire Green and White retro-vintage items (Starship and ground weapons and equipment) along with few small sets. After spending some money and a lot of time I am feeling somewhat frustrated and disappointed with the options. As no TOS/23C sets exist, I have spent WAY too many resources converting a full retro space set (phasers, cannons/torps, engines deflector) to purple XV.
Putting my captain into something role-specific and competitive, I bought the temporal starter pack with T6 Temporal Paladin Class. Disappointed the set it had no vintage ship or skin, I bought the T5 Temporal Ranger Class, and other than the Europa-Class (which does out of place with the 23C/TOS timeline notwithstanding its description) It looks like no other TOS options exist.
More disappointing, the T5 Ranger is NOT upgradable (PS4) unlike the B'rel Retrofit, the D'deridex Retrofit and the Galor T5s. While a standalone ship in the management queue, it merely serves as a skin for the Temporal Paladin, since running a T5-U is difficult enough, whereas a T5 with conventional gear is a suicide mission.
Regarding the Temporal Paladin (with Ranger skin), having achieved the mastery bonuses, seems like the worst of all worlds. I thought it would be a flagship cruiser. It turns out to be small(er) and far squishier than I would expect, without the speed or firepower of the much-smaller escorts. While I like the Phaser platform and the "Temporal Lance", It leaves me with the unsettling impression of a destroyer without teeth.
My first question is whether I am missing something obvious as a 23C Starship/retro gear choice that actually holds its own in the TFOs. The fact that I am asking in the first place suggests choices are few and far between (if others even exist, which is a problem itself).
My second Question is whether there is a better way to play the Temporal Paladin Class/Ranger Skin cruiser (bearing in mind it is running non-set, individually-acquired retro gear.
My third question (Worthy of its own suggestion/feedback thread, IMO) why they don't/won't come up with a skin/visual set for acquired ship weapons/equipment sets) Imagine the C-store opportunity to sell Retro-skins/visuals tokens for that. Well... maybe it would be more appealing if they actually added more 23c content, like T6 Klingon/Romulan options and perhaps a few new missions or a TFO, but I digress.
Post edited by baddmoonrizin on
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Comments
try temporal light cruiser. It's the best versatile ship ingame.
You don't agree with any of this... why?
The Paladin is fantastic... In what way?
The rest of my assumptions are baseless... Explain?
Ironically, your simple contrarian post count enhancement of a response is the very essence of baseless.
I stated my position and I specifically asked for guidance for anything I might be missing. Mere contradiction adds little to nothing to the discussion, especially when invited to provide feedback or guidance on how best to use what is available. It is certainly your right to decline that invitation and not participate in actual discussion, but perhaps the pot had best keep its criticisms of the kettle's assumptions under its lid.
I will look into that. Thank you.
Fair point regarding the story arc (at least my wording of that part in the OP). I think my point was trying to address a separate and distinct character that focuses upon some of the retro aspects of the game as opposed to a glorified Delta Recruit, particularly when time and money is invested on the role and equipment of the character and more money can be had at minimal cost or hassle in supporting that pursuit.
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No. And yet another reason to become educated on fleet play (something I have been rather hands-off dealing with the learning curve and personal builds).
K-13 also has bridge officers.
The T1 Connie is another source of beam arrays, though the white quality ones from the TOS era (or the exchange) can be a better choice: get them at mark 1-3, level them up, see if they reach UR or Epic quality. Superior Experimental tech upgrades or Omega tech upgrades are good choices for that.
I see. So you literally disagree that there are no 23C-Specific Starship weapon/equipment sets in game (Campaign/Reputation-earned)?
You literally disagree that the Temporal Ranger does not upgrade to a T-5U on console?
Moreover, you are so averse to keep looking at a post so full of wrong that you visit multiple times to read and post multiple contrarian quips rather than take the same amount of time you have invested/wasted on said quips and actually spend making actual constructive commentary with someone who is ready to be convinced or willing to be corrected.
I don't even mind the terse rudeness so much when it comes with someone willing to set everything straight in addition to the quips, but seriously, what does that add to the discussion or even participating on a discussion oriented subforum if no actual knowledge is exchanged?
Thank you for the link!
Shorthand on Fleets.
Look for one that doesn't 'demand' the Earth.
If they charge you for the privilege of being in a fleet, stay away.
Expect to help out in someway towards Fleet Projects (usually donating Fleet Marks, EC, Doff's, Dil). Even it's if just a small amount, it is appreciated in most fleets.
But the benefit of being in a Fleet (and Armada) outweighs the above.
You'll get bonuses to XP and Dilithium and Fleet Credit based Store Discounts.
Depending on the fleet projects, 5 day XP, Combat or Dilithium Boosts.
Ability to purchase a vast plethora of Ships, Items, Equipment, Personnel etc that you can't access otherwise, although none of it is essential due to the variety available in-game.
There is a fleet out-there for everyone, and sometimes it can take a couple of tries to find the one for you, but there is no reason to not be in one.
I'll give you some info you'll probably like.
The Paladin with the ranger skin is a great ship, put a bit more effort into it, it'll pay off. If you're super space-rich, the Temporal Light Cruiser is as great as everyone says. For mine, I use the K13 retro beam arrays, which you have the option of getting them with the "twin beam" visuals you see in TOS & remastered TOS.
These aren't retro sets per se, but I use them on my Temporal Light Cruiser:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Protonic_Arsenal
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Quantum_Phase_Catalysts#Quantum_Phase_Beam_Array
I use all three pieces of the Protonic Arsenal, proton beam and the photon torpedo on the front.
For quantum phase, the beam and torpedo on the rear for the 2-piece bonus.
Cosmetically, they blend in with the TOS beam arrays great.
::Spoilers:: Star Trek: Discovery
They're about to put out a Discovery-themed reputation system into the game, and if you've seen the two-part season finale of Discovery, you'll see that the Enterprise and the Discovery are fitted with blue beam arrays that looks and sound identical to their TOS counterparts, so maybe more of what you and I both want are on the way.
Can hold it's own with any ship in the game and look cool doing it.
I am also glad to hear some good reception over its (the Paladin/Ranger's) capabilities. It still feels squishier than I'd like given my experience with it and the size/maneuverability/power makeup, but perhaps that's tweakable with different equipment. Speaking of equipment, I am glad to hear there is at least something more to explore with K-13 (thanks to those pointing this out), though I really wish they could just find an option to "Skin" contemporary gear or offer a simple set or two on their terms.
I agree that the best compromise is likely the adaptation to modern sets with the visuals disabled and will probably explore that sometime. It just makes me sick thinking how much was spent and sacrificed grinding and building a full set... but for every 3 moves I have made in the game, 2 were counterproductive. Such is the joy and the pain of having so much to consider and develop.
And rather pricey....TWICE as much as those ugly Vengeance dreadnoughts
Personally, I like to fly beam boat cruisers loaded up with sets with synergy, and this game is definitely lacking a weapon set with a TOS theme. OP, are you using an engine set? If so, which one? I will give you my three favorites, in order. My favorite is the Solanae Hybrid Technologies set. It gives all of your beam weapons a chance to heal your own hull when you do damage, no matter what beam type you use. If you're not using this thing yet, it will boost your survivability. You wanted your ship to be less squishy, right? The only problem is, if you are doing the missions in order, it shows up kind of late in the game. It's a mission reward, and you have to do the same mission three times to get it. Technically, it's a four piece set, but you can't get the warp core unless you win the Phoenix box lottery. But don't worry about that. I don't own the warp core, and you don't need it for it to work as a three piece set. My second choice is the Quantum Phase Applications set. This is an engine set that can be used with any ship, however, it goes quite well with the Quantum Phase Catalysts set, which is a phaser beam set that was metioned above. The Quantum Phase sets are good for a phaser drain build. Both sets are easier to get than the Solanae set. My third choice would be the Aegis Technological Research set. This set will provide some survivability, but I must say that there are better sets you can get than this one. However, there are a couple of cool things about this set. First, you can buy it on the exchange, if you have about six million credits lying around. Second, once you equip it, it's bound to account, not bound to character. This means you can use the Aegis set until you get something better, and then give it one of your other characters. I hope that helps, and let us know what you use for a final build.
The TOS skins work fine for that and other then modern torp and phaser for a set bonus, I use DSC weapons on him and it works just fine and TOS gear is easier to find as it can be bought instead of relying on loot boxes or random drops.
Cryptic made the same poor decision with the Discovery era content booting that new faction character into the 2409/2410 era, which was utterly unnecessary. That faction should have remained in its own era, until the whole storyline ran its course. Frankly I fail to understand why Daniels "Temporal Observatory" could not simple be a MacGuffin that allowed such toons to travel into the future when they chose to and thus experience all of the 2410 era events?
Some players that select A Discovery Captain or a TOS Temporal Agent might like to play more content, but here I concede that the TOS faction did in fact end and that toon was bounced into the future. It made sense that no additional original era content was forthcoming, however the TRIBBLE poor decision to do that with the Discovery era captains before all of that content had run its course was baffling and there is no justification possible to explain it away other than lip service.
Again, Daniels could just as easily have intervened for whatever reason and told DISCO toons that the observatory was at their disposal .... for the time being, but that they would need to go back to finish off loose ends.
But if there's a perspective shift that allows DSC players to engage with the bulk of STO content (key for DSC-start to be viable) why not write it as a significant point of transition for the character rather than a heavily contextualized shift (ie. Daniels is letting you mess about with timelines as a substitute for you naturally progressing through your own era...as if Daniels doesn't understand how time works from even an empirical perspective) to then be followed up with the proper shift to 2409/2410. It diffuses the impact of the big moment, restricts the incorporation of DSC content in the 2409/2410 setting (see. Pahvo, Killy/J'ulas continuing arcs), and introduces unnecessary complexity to the core premise.
Basically with the condition that AOD part 1 cannot be made into a full expansion with an arc-long tutorial the necessary compromise is an immediate time jump as opposed to a "well you're in the future but not really" conceit while waiting for any eventual retroactive additions or temporal adventures to the AOD arc. Both would work in a mechanical sense but while the former messes with causality (whenever a new episode is introduced) the latter makes it more difficult to immerse yourself in the game as a character with stakes and motivations in the setting (while waiting for new episodes, which occupies a lot more of the calendar by necessity.)
I think Cryptic opted for the less disruptive of the two, it's not the cleanest faction start possible but it does function adequately under present limitations. There's less emphasis on the start of your character but a much more direct run into what they become and why that matters to the rest of the STO story.
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