On "Hardcore"

[Reiterpallasch]

I don't get how 'skill' comes in when all you need to play efficiently is the ability to read, research, and listen. imho anyways. guess it is a skill to some folks, but I like to think most humans enjoy learning, s'why we've came far enough to play crazy ass games with each other around the world...

Anyone can research a fight before hand; that's what they should be doing anyways. Whether or not that can utilize that knowledge to properly execute a proper strategy is where the skill comes into play. Not all fights as simple as "stand here, mash buttons, don't stand in the fire", though MMOs have their fair share of that as well. Obviously, these would require little skill since all you really need to know is FIRE BAD. Then there are some that have immensely complex mechanics, such in that a single mistake means you're going to lose.

[Shurrikhan]

Anyone can research a fight before hand; that's what they should be doing anyways. Whether or not that can utilize that knowledge to properly execute a proper strategy is where the skill comes into play. Not all fights as simple as "stand here, mash buttons, don't stand in the fire", though MMOs have their fair share of that as well. Obviously, these would require little skill since all you really need to know is FIRE BAD. Then there are some that have immensely complex mechanics, such in that a single mistake means you're going to lose.

Yet many of the fights that cause you to lose off a single mistake or non-ideal decision are thereby just as mind-numbing as the fire-fleeing ones. Though it may be hardcore rather than casual, inevitably neither will have either much choice or effect in player ingenuity.