Combos - Theory vs. Reality

[Gidonoidon_Sur]

Although this is quite speculative given the patch has yet to arrive, however, I would like to hear your thoughts on combos.

In theory, combos seem like a great idea. More user input, debuffs, strategy, etc. However, in reality, I could see combos making a mess of an already shaky battle system. For one, I picture seeing parties (particularly 8-person) constant running around mobs in a nauseating mosh pit. Second, hate already bounces around without combos, I can't imagine how it will work with combos. For example, if one person pulls hate it could screw up combos for everyone else. Finally, the way mobs are now, very few monsters last long enough to even get off 1 or 2 skills for. In that regard, combos seem to have limited utility (i.e., solo, NMs).

Am I wrong? What are your thoughts/concerns?

[Fiosha_Maureiba]

I think the combos heavily hinge on the TP factor.

Not only will a successful combo grant you the bonus indicated; TP cost will also be waived for the weaponskill used to execute it. For a combo to be valid, however, the weaponskill in question must be used with the class or job to which it belongs.

Has been interpreted as your opening weapon skill costs TP. Your combo weapon skill does not cost any TP and can be used immediately. But I don't see this being the case. Otherwise, a 1500 TP move chains into a powerful two to three hit combo. At 3000 TP, one could execute two combos in quick succession, which would certainly make battles more fast paced in many senses.

Others have interpreted as, your opening weapon skill costs TP. You need to rebuild TP to use the combo weapon skill. After execution, you retain the TP.

And we're wondering about the time limit between combos, especially now that there's reduced TP generation from auto-attacks and overall higher TP costs. I'm thinking there will be an indefinite amount of time between weapon skills as long as the mob is alive ~ engaged.

My thoughts on the combos are that some folks are gonna try them out, see that some of the effects aren't quite worth it, and sometimes go for that "finisher" move first to end the battle instead of everyone trying to go for their individual combos.

[Llewelyn]

I think combos may have been intended more for solo.

In any case, I'm not too worried about hate distribution, because I'm sure they kept that in mind.

What I am concerned about is that this further restricts which skills people are going to use, and pigeonholes classes more and more towards a certain playstyle. Of course... it remains to be seen whether that is true. But when you can use a combo to do 3 weaponskills for the cost of one, i can't see much reason to use weaponskills from another class, unless you equip the entire chain, which likely wouldn't be worth the action cost.

[Tango]

If you are bouncing hate around that much, get a new tank, cause yours sucks.

[Firon]

You can do combo's without moving around just wont get the bonus effect, but getting free ws is a + anytime.

[Estellios]

@Llewelyn: There's no action cost anymore and out-of-class abilities don't get combo bonuses.

[Krausus]

Although this is quite speculative given the patch has yet to arrive, however, I would like to hear your thoughts on combos.

In theory, combos seem like a great idea. More user input, debuffs, strategy, etc. However, in reality, I could see combos making a mess of an already shaky battle system. For one, I picture seeing parties (particularly 8-person) constant running around mobs in a nauseating mosh pit. Second, hate already bounces around without combos, I can't imagine how it will work with combos. For example, if one person pulls hate it could screw up combos for everyone else. Finally, the way mobs are now, very few monsters last long enough to even get off 1 or 2 skills for. In that regard, combos seem to have limited utility (i.e., solo, NMs).

Am I wrong? What are your thoughts/concerns?

I think Im fine with combos really only being for solo play and NMs if im in a group killing normal mobs I dont want it to last long enough to use combos. Then again its also good practice for people to learn hate management, there is a hate meter people really dont have any excuse anymore.

[zaviermhigo]

combos will be most useful in two cases: soloing, and endgame. both of those situations are when mobs last longer. Partying, yeah, there might not be enough time to experiment with combos, which is a bummer, sometimes I hate that everything has to be learned at 50 now, there's no time to learn it while leveling.

[Firon]

all you need to know is that combo's = free dmg, even if you don't move to the right spot to use the ws.

[buritoslicer]

If you are bouncing hate around that much, get a new tank, cause yours sucks.

It looks like they fixed the gladiator issues, with aoe enmity skills and such. So I'm sure tanks could possibly be reliable now.