A More Convenient Combo System

[Andrien]

By setting up a chain combo hotkey, it'll allow the game to let you put all your favorite skills combo in one. Rather than pressing 1,2,3, you can just execute a combo by pressing 1,1,1. The skill icon on the action bar will change to correspond correctly with the combo. Typically, after you use the first chain skill, that icon on your action bar switches to one of the second chain skills, because you can't use it if you don't use the chain start skill first.

This way you can just concentrate on combat without pressing so many skill buttons, and flicking through the action bar. It is not always easy pressing 3-5 icons on the action bar and timing them correctly, especially if you're a PLD. The pace of combat is fast in this game, so players should not be burdened. Comboing should only require correct positioning, and timing. This will also help with PvP.



Edit: since some need more clarification. I think it is safe to assume we'll get more skills and abilities in the future, and at some point in time the action slots wont be able to hold everything.

[NoctisUmbra]

What if I want to use a skill out of combo?

What if I want to use only the first 2 skills in the combo? If the 3rd is on cooldown?

What about the variety of combos that branch out of a single skill?

I dont know. Doesn't seem well thought out. Personally I think the system is fine as is, but the action bar itself can use a facelift. Though 2.0 is giving that isn't it?

[Andrien]

What if I want to use a skill out of combo?

Just set it on your action bar and use it out of combo.

I believe that should answer all your questions.

[Inzoum]

Your whole idea gets torn apart when the first ability gets ready for a second use before the combo timer expires, if the first ability's button gets replaced with the second ability for the duration of the combo, how do you trigger the first one again without pulling a combo? there may be valid reasons, such as preserving the second ability (with a longer recast) for a more appropriate time.

You haven't thought this through.

[Andrien]

Your whole idea gets torn apart when the first ability gets ready for a second use before the combo timer expires, if the first ability's button gets replaced with the second ability for the duration of the combo, how do you trigger the first one again without pulling a combo? there may be valid reasons, such as preserving the second ability (with a longer recast) for a more appropriate time.

You haven't thought this through.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out pal. You're thinking about the current combo system we have now. When I said "chain combo skills" I literally meant that. I'll elaborate more. Skills that branch into a tree, letting you use some skills only after you use a specific one.

I think I'll put this in the OP as well.

[bobbygunz]

Maybe they could have a separate UI popup action-bar that shows you (for quick reference) what possible combo actions are available and you can click on them from the popup menu (if you want to). And then the popup goes away as soon as combo is selected or it times out.

Personally, I just put all my combo actions right next to each other on my combo bar. So I just press (for example) 1,2,3.

[Andrien]

Maybe they could have a separate UI popup action-bar that shows you (for quick reference) what possible combo actions are available and you can click on them from the popup menu (if you want to). And then the popup goes away as soon as combo is selected or it times out.

Personally, I just put all my combo actions right next to each other on my combo bar. So I just press (for example) 1,2,3.

yeah, that is a good addition for mouse users. it'll help prevent switching through action bars when you really need to focus on fighting. also the option to allow it to pop up or not is also good. for instance it'll be great for skills like phalanx, and feint.

[bobbygunz]

yeah, that is a good addition for mouse users. it'll help prevent switching through action bars when you really need to focus on fighting. also the option to allow it to pop up or not is also good. for instance it'll be great for skills like phalanx, and feint.

Well they could assign the popup actions to F1, F2, F3 etc., to accommodate keyboard users also.

[NoctisUmbra]

Honestly, I feel like the current system is fine as is. With proper placement of skills on the action bar, pacing is not an issue at all. I can see this becoming even easier with 2.0's UI which will include an upgraded action bar with greater functionality.

[SynysterBlitz]

The current system is fine, may need a few tweaks but the idea you are proposing seems to me it is pointless, if you have to switch bars consistently to combo then you need to rework your bar, I never have to switch bars.. rarely.. I set up macros for my ALT 1-0.. utilize the current system more before you want to change it..