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Post by Danielle Cassley on Aug 11, 2008 14:31:33 GMT -5
Hi Guys,
There has been some stir about the new difficulty of Aurora. Please participate in this poll so we can gauge what people think. Once I determine where people feel about this I will let you know what we have decided to do and ask for suggestions on how to do it!
Get voting!
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Post by jacobtgaines on Aug 11, 2008 14:35:21 GMT -5
I've always liked where this game was going until now...it's not like i've lost faith because that's not it at all, it's just quite hard. I've only been able to get maybe 70% finished at best on a stage 7 blueprint.
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Post by Danielle Cassley on Aug 11, 2008 14:37:44 GMT -5
We will work with you guys to get it to a comfy level. I am working on the next update and will adjust it again then! With the beta testing program we should have a better chance at getting it right the first time. We appreciate the patience!
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Post by thod on Aug 11, 2008 14:39:47 GMT -5
Thanks
This is appreciated.
Thod
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Post by painkiller on Aug 11, 2008 14:41:10 GMT -5
Same as above. All of a sudden I now find myself unable to finish ANY blueprints. I was wondering what had happened!!! Also, anytime I've EVER tried to do a blueprint, the 3 tools that I select off of the smith screen, NEVER appear when trying to mine the blocks to make the blueprint.
Is there some trick to getting the 3 tools that we put in the tool boxes, to actually appear when mining the blueprint??
Anyhoo...it's impossible now for me to make any blueprints. With the difficulty ramped up, and the inablilty to use any of the tools that are supposed to help mine the blueprint, I'm at an impass. Sucks...especially since I think this is a d**n fine game.
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Post by thod on Aug 11, 2008 14:44:00 GMT -5
Painkiller
Look at the FAQ - page 5 - or follow link on page 1. There is a step by step guide with screenshots how to use the tools in the blueprints.
I seem to have two 'doable' ones left (managed 90+% - in one case 99%) - but they are still lower levels. Once they are done I will be stuck.
Thod
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Post by eliu87 on Aug 11, 2008 15:10:49 GMT -5
Definitely think that these new ones are too hard, but mainly I think because of the uneven resource distribution (ie: 140 of two essences and only 10 of other resources). However, the old ones were way too easy, finished a Level 8 at a slow and relaxed pace with thirty seconds to spare.
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Post by aardWolf on Aug 11, 2008 15:41:46 GMT -5
I reset my character again, and I feel like the early levels are still way too easy. Having like 200 seconds to get 10 of two different elements is far too long. The higher levels however are insanely hard...
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Post by Avaia Carasel on Aug 11, 2008 15:42:53 GMT -5
I won't answer the poll, because I think the problem is there is a fundamental flaw in the way the challenges are designed.
They are both too easy and too hard at the same time, and it's making for unsatisfying game play. That is to say, if you play the game as a game is meant to be played, you will find the challenges practically impossible to complete as they stand. On the other hand, if you use the "technique" (or really, lack thereof) that I discovered, which really just amounts to "spray and pray", you will breeze through all the challenges without really even trying that hard.
I'm not sure there's a easy solution to this problem.
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Post by jacobtgaines on Aug 11, 2008 16:38:01 GMT -5
Yes...the uneven resource distribution is driving me up a wall...on the one that needs only 10 i end up with 70 and the one that needs 140 i'll get like 38 lol.
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Post by eliu87 on Aug 11, 2008 16:43:23 GMT -5
I would suggest three possible solutions: 1) increase the time limit 2) change how multipliers work 3) even out the resource requirements so that instead of like 140 of two stats and 10 of the other ones, have like 40 for three essences and 60 for the others
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Post by painkiller on Aug 11, 2008 18:06:49 GMT -5
Thod - thanks for the link man! That definitely helps but, I'm still incabable of beating the challenges at this new difficulty level. I'm playing at my absolute best, AND now using the helping tools but, best I've been able to do so far is 80%. That was to master dreameater (my fave! LOVE seeing all those blocks bust).
Prob is like some others have mentioned: not enough of certain block types that you need, being available to be mined during a challenge.
I physically can't flip the phone around, and flick combos together, any faster than I'm currently going. Just need more block types avail and a slight massaging on the difficulty level, towards a little easier.
Completing a challenge to master something, as I am with Dreameater, should be a challenge but, it's an impossibility for me at this point.
Still an awesome game though, and prob my fave so far. Kind of grew on me. Keep the support going!!!!
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Post by fourchons on Aug 11, 2008 18:14:08 GMT -5
I'm afraid what Avaia Carasel alluded to just ruined my enjoyment of the game, but it needs to be addressed if the game is to progress (and I sincerely hope it does).
After finding the blueprint tasks impossible, I spent around 10 seconds figuring out what he/she meant by 'spray and pray.'
edit: removed some of this and PM'd admins instead :3
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kiku1
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by kiku1 on Aug 11, 2008 19:19:52 GMT -5
I completed the strategist at level 8 but I don't feel like I accomplished anything. I rotated around when I had a chance, then simply stroked across the rows as fast as I could and it seemed to give me some multipliers. I used the tools when I was too close to the top to destroy a bunch to give me some room.
I tried some of the others which required 250 of two different resources. Using the above technique I could get to about 160 of each but there is no "skill" involved and no thinking about any strategy.
I think that the challenge has to be one that requires both technique and speed to beat. I am not sure how the different tools work to "help" me achieve more points so I do not think I win through skill.
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Post by celticcat on Aug 11, 2008 20:23:11 GMT -5
I agree with some of the others - yes it has become too difficult. As far as ease goes in the early stages I think the very first couple of challenges in each group (ie, 1st couple of times you mine, first couple of blueprints, and first couple of Tower puzzles) need to be simple. It allows new players to get used to the game and try all different ways of manipulating their device and fiddling with combinations so that they feel at ease with the game - otherwise you may lose your newbies - especially younger and much older players. You need to tease these people in so that the "addictive" element of the game hits before it gets more challenging.
Personally I love the Tower puzzle "Black Nothingness" - it's not impossible but you really have to think about it and I know I got a huge sense of pride when I completed that one. IMO it's the most difficult intellectually of all the Tower puzzles - the last five levels of all the elements needs to be more like that one I feel. For example now that Molten Lava has been changed it's way to easy for a final Tower level.
I like the way the Blueprints and the Tower puzzles are more balanced re the amount of crystals you need for each element - now you are having to mine each equally rather that always running out of wind or fire, etc. But I have to admit that some of the Blueprints are almost impossible to finish in the time limits. Perhaps increase the time more or pull back a little on the amount of elements needed. One suggestion might be to have an ultimate BOSS level once you've finished each section, ie, Once you have completed all the Tower Puzzles at say Level 1, there could be a single challenge where you need say (I'm thinking out loud here) 100 (increasing with the completion of each level of course) of each element before you can do it. Then repeat this "challange" for each of the subsequent Tower and Blueprint Levels - does that make any sense??? Then at the very end have a really difficult final BOSS which is aimed at the most experienced player - perhaps they have to complete 3 Tower puzzles and 3 Blueprints to get a "Certificate of Master Player" or something like that. Again thinking out loud - perhaps the BOSS puzzles could be something completely different again to add variety to the game.
I can see that the game, even as it is, is a winner - very polished and well put together - in time I think it can hit the top. Kudos to the developers who are so willing to work with the community on this - I will stick with you guys while you work out all the kinks - bugs and crashes won't deter me!!!!!!
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