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New Idea

 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:10 am 
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I think that it depends on your view of the development process. Personally, I see development as getting things balanced and set out before variant lists.

Coming up with a number of lists does not always allow you to balance units - it simply allows you to leave them out.

I dont necessarily think that working on a number of sub-lists would get movement towards more balance - particularly since balance is a context sensitive thing - what is balanced in one list may bear no relation to another.

I dont think that the current is too far away from balanced. My own view is that it is pretty close right now. If we were still a long way from a 'final result' then I may be more inclined to split the lists.

As I said, I am very interested in sub-lists as a future expansion, but right now I think that the main result would be a 'left turn' in development.

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 12:14 pm 
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CS, I think what Xisor and others (myself included) are saying is that it is dang near impossible to balance the list with so many options available to it.  So the idea of balancing this list first is IMO something that may never come.  I spent an afternoon reading the Tau threads (some of them very old) and it was illuminating to read them back-to-back.

I hope I'm wrong but as things stand right now I don't see the list balanced.  It isn't grossly imbalanced either, but it has achieved a level of 'somewhat overpowered' and all the changes being proposed seem to push it off in one direction or another: overpriced, underpriced, overpowered, underpowered, matching fluff, not matching fluff, makes it too useful, makes it useless.

Despite the numerous changes to the Tau, thread after thread brings up these same arguments (and most of these arguments are not from me or Xisor :)).  The only thing that hasn't been tried is to pull back something from the list.  If I'm wrong please tell me.  But while all these arguments go on, there are the die-hards who are so adamant that the list is fine and even some people who want NEW units added.

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:17 pm 
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There's only a couple of points I'd make (as Moscovian has elucidated a few thoughts quite nicely):

- I'm not pushing for playtesting or list-analysis by myself, but discussion and thoughts on what direction such a thing would take. What could be left out of one list and put in another?

- As Moscovian says, few people want to rein back options. I certainly suspect it'd be viable, but only when there's lists enough to accomodate all options 'overall' (but not all mutually compatible) like to see.

- My stance isn't helped by being in two of Moscovian's tentatively suggested categories: I both wouldn't mind seeing things pulled from the list and would like to see Vespids, Remoras and Sniper Drones (and Demiurg stuff.... :confuse: ) make an appearance.

- Relating to the last point. Such a stance is, obviousl IMO, a viable and acceptable stance, but it is only really sated with seperate lists.

To draw conversation slightly closer

Assuming that, somewhere between me and Moscovian,
we managed to convey our desire to simply think about it rather than move to playtesting or 'challenge the current system', but to consider what actually could be seperated into smaller lists? What could one list have that'd be viably left out of another yet leave both viable options?

(Interestingly, as a side point, something discussed between CS and Mosc there, the idea of actually being able to attain 'final balance' using the larger list, has cropped up a few times over on the SG BFG boards. Indeed, a thread, started by me, called "BFG Gaming Methods and Ethics" but carried largely by some other posters deals with this idea in some detail. A discussion, essentially on balanceability with lots of options)

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:36 pm 
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The only thing that hasn't been tried is to pull back something from the list.

Are you serious Mosc? So, reductions in weapon stats, removal of weapon types from units and raising prices on unit types(sometimes both of these options being implemented on some units, btw...) are not "pulling back something from the list"?

The recent proposal for adjustment of the Hammerhead main weapons and their cost was heard by CS and he has moved to implement those changes. Do you not see that as "pulling back" something from the list? The whole debate we have been going back and forth with these past few months is pretty much "pulling back" many of the units discussed IMO. Some of those changes are excellent compromises.

The Tau list is a very flexible list, there's no denying it. It has a lot of options. But whether those options are good or bad choices for the player in their army is then totally up to the player to make.

As I've said before a while back, splitting the list up will solve nothing and will only slow the work done on the Tau list. It will not balance the units that are apparently so contentious.

Have you or Xisor even played the Tau recently with the proposed changes? Or are you speculating? I haven't seen a battle report from either of you. It would actually be nice to get some feedback on the proposals for once, before we get calls for "Change this!" or "Change that!".
We cannot possibly hope to balance a list if no one gives any feed back from playtesting. You are kidding yourselves if you believe otherwise.

Try the changes. Write Batreps. Then complain.

Till then, leave the calls of "Split the army up into separate lists" out. Please? It only hampers the work we've been trying to get done for ages now and it is one of the reasons there is so much arguing going on in the Tau forums.

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:25 am 
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Dobbsy,

Empirical playtesting will not demonstrate some of the things we are discussing. The idea that balance may simply be unachievable in present form is unlikely to arise as a direct result of playtesting. It is, however, quite likely to be raised through speculation (relative to the likely impossibility via playtesting).

Did you read my post? I would draw attention to my having said:
- "I'm not pushing for playtesting or list-analysis by myself, but discussion and thoughts on what direction such a thing would take. What could be left out of one list and put in another?"
- "consider what actually could be seperated into smaller lists? What could one list have that'd be viably left out of another yet leave both viable options?"

Why are you encouraging us to write battle reports when we're freely admitting (as if it were some sort of abominable crime) that we are still thinking about the ideas, not making solid proposals but discussing what, if any, they would be?

I am afraid that either you are misinterpreting what we're pushing at, or that we are not conveying our point well. I heartily apologise if the latter is the case. It is certainly not our business or intent (again, an apology if I'm speaking out of turn on Mosc's behalf) to be rocking the boat. Simply considering what possible changes could be, and why they'd be a problem.

The great thing about speculation and 'pseudo-theorising' is that you can rule out options without ever playtesting them. To put a very concise example (I know this isn't what you think I'm suggesting, but the principle is similar...I think): I could suggest raising the Manta's price to 5000pts with no other change. It would not require playtesting to reject, would it?

Simply put: Playtesting things and battlereports aren't at all necessary ?for what we're discussing (or, at least, trying to discuss).

Finally, Dobbsy it is immensely insulting that you consider us to be simply attempting to complain. I find that quite disheartening for this forum, and, to be frank, an undeserved insult (and simply an inappropriate comment).

Xisor





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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:34 am 
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Xisor,

Dobbsy isn't trying to be insulting, he is just being a Tau loyalist. :)

Dobbsy,

Perhaps I was not as clear as I should have been.  I meant pulling back (removing/restricting) on the formations available (namely AMHC).  By restricting the frequency and in some cases the availability of certain formations, you restrict the list and make it more difficult to play.  If you are clever you can restrict several types of formations that would be more prevalent in other spin-off lists, setting up things for the next person to develop an armored list or other type of variant.

As for my play with the Tau, I have not played with this most recent iteration.  The reason?  My main playtesting opponent received such a thrashing the last times I played the Tau (4.3.3?) that he swore them off.  He absolutely refuses to play against them now, declaring the list as broken.  Now I am not that great of a player and ePilgrim is one of the playtesters actually credited in the Epic: Armageddon book (Steve Rogers) and he is no slouch.  For me to best him so brutally and consistently told me the list needed work.

The changes to 4.4 IMO didn't address the prevalent balance issues.  The flexibility of the list is the balance killer and I don't think point/stat changes are going to do it at this point.  This is why it has become so frustrating for many.  Xisor and I are only the most recent to bring these points up.  I have seem the same themes brought up over and over but were 'shouted down' over and over.

Does that answer your questions?

I am still willing to try to balance the list if I could find somebody willing to play against it.

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:29 am 
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Did you read my post? I would draw attention to my having said:
- "I'm not pushing for playtesting or list-analysis by myself, but discussion and thoughts on what direction such a thing would take. What could be left out of one list and put in another?"
- "consider what actually could be seperated into smaller lists? What could one list have that'd be viably left out of another yet leave both viable options?"

I did read your post mate. And I would say that perhaps these sorts of things can be left for when the current list is finalised. Go nuts after that. :D

Why are you encouraging us to write battle reports when we're freely admitting (as if it were some sort of abominable crime) that we are still thinking about the ideas, not making solid proposals but discussing what, if any, they would be?
Well because at the present time, I haven't seen one batrep recently and as I mentioned we are trying to finalise this current list. Making theories is great, excellent even, but again, it seems to distract us from current discussion as it stands - that being the current list design - and my point was could we please avoid it for now?

Finally, Dobbsy it is immensely insulting that you consider us to be simply attempting to complain. I find that quite disheartening for this forum, and, to be frank, an undeserved insult (and simply an inappropriate comment).
sigh... Xisor, my comment wasn't an insult. It's a turn of phrase, a simple word in a sentence. The word wasn't even directed at you personally(or anyone else for that matter). I simply typed the word "complain" as that is what people do when they are unhappy about something. You make a complaint. Simple as that.

No need to get upset, mate. Really, no reason to be getting upset at all. I think you're reading my post as if I wrote with my angry hat on. try reading it with my calm blue ocean hat on :D

If I was trying to insult you, you'd know it, as I would just say it in a more direct way :D






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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 12:45 am 
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im interested in this, what could it hurt to see what xizor comes up with?  im all for fun alternate play, the tau i can see having different fleets.

on another note, xizor, clear your message box! i have something i wanna discuss with you regarding new fleetlists.:)


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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 4:44 pm 
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*looksatthecalendar* Oh yes, time to get into the revitalisation cycle of this thread :;):

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 10:01 am 
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Something to consider is the more universal the core list is, the less chance for sub lists, I mean if everything is here why go with a reduced sub list that will have little to offer?

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 11:27 am 
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I think that it depends on your view of the development process. Personally, I see development as getting things balanced and set out before variant lists.


If you balance the core list with everything, it will undoubtely be true that there will be many 'crutches' in the list, which hide the poor performance of other units.

Thus the list as a whole will be balanced, but there will be quite a few over/underpowered units.

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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 11:03 pm 
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I have only recently joind the forum but I have played Tau ever since the list came out and I've recently withing the last few weeks been playing the updated one which is 4.4.1/2?

I have played epic for the last 12 years in multiple incarnations and I am pretty good but the Tau always give me fits when playing them. I find that they are fragile and have little staying power. I bring Fire Warriors and really like them in the latest incarnation with 2 x AP5+ guns. Before that I thought that they served no purpose other than hold an objective.

I played 2 games yesterday and lost to a Black Legion army and crushed a marine army.

What do people bring that makes Tau overpowered and unbalanced? I look at the Tau and see the lack of barrage weapons as a weakness that allows other armies to just crowd in and crush in a either close combat or a firefight. Barrage weapons tend to make people at least stay apart a little.

The support craft are very fragile as well. For almost even points a warhound has better survivability than a moray and a warlord has alot better survivability than a manta. The only thing the manta has going for it is range and its line of sight can't be blocked but that is a double-edged sword.

Just a little rant....


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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 6:16 am 
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The reason people consider them overpowered is quite often how some of their rules combine as well as the fact that they complain that some formations in the Tau list are underpriced. Human auxilleraries being the best example. I tried powergaming the list a couple of days ago using a battle suit and guided missile army. My opponent spent the game chasing my crisis and stealth formations only managing to bring one of them to bear while my HH's, Scorpion fish, Moray's and Stingrays systematically destroyed his formations. It was decidedly brutal he fought hard to bring the game to a fourth turn bu ended up loosing by about 2000 victory points.

We decided after the game that a number of Special rules in the Tau list combined too well. Those being Jet Packs, Marker lights and co-ordinated fire. I was using 2 formations of crisis suits backed up by stealth suits giving them the marker lights, and scouts special rule I activated one of them essentially destroyed one of his infantry companies with 19 AP4+ and MW4+ shots painted another formation with markerlights which got hit with 8 AP3+ shots which ignore cover. Then in his turn he had lost two important activations and could do very little to retaliate due to the Jet pack rule.

That is one of many reasons why I am currently convinced the Tau list is over powered.


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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:52 pm 
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I'm with bama on this one.  Maybe it's because I use a balanced list and don't try and break things into the best possible combos, but I stand behind everything bama is saying.  I'm about 50/50 with my Tau and have been playing them off and on for a couple years now, and my opponents are all good, experienced players.

I like the idea of variant lists, but I think we should concentrate on the one main list, and getting that approved, than throwing out the baby with the bathwater and starting 3 new lists.

However, if someone wants to start making them up and what not, I'd be up for trying them out.  There's no reason we can't do up some alternates, but I think we should focus.






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 Post subject: New Idea
PostPosted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:06 pm 
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Note: I was Jstr's opponent, and he brutalised my army something rotten.

Maybe it's because I use a balanced list and don't try and break things into the best possible combos


Quite possible.

The Tyranid list went through a similar stage in development when everyone was playing 'fluffy' lists and reporting the list as balanced.

NealH's group came along, spotted an abusive combination, and proved that the Tyranid list was literally unbeatable when that type of list was used.

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