Post by Morreion on Dec 28, 2009 10:59:05 GMT -5
Interesting Mechanics - Multirole Classes (Psychochild's Blog)
Good article about hybrid classes, which I love to play! Variety is the spice of gameplay for me, and having lots of utility for a group to take advantage of is a big plus.
I think the point about having a unique ability as a hybrid is a very desirable feature- being wanted for a particular reason in a group rather than being a second-string choice is a plus.
The author touches on skill-based systems too, and when I think about it, multirole play is probably why I like skill-based systems a lot.
The multi-role (aka "hybrid") class is often looked at as an aberration in MMOs. One character able to fill multiple roles has the problem of being properly balanced against other classes. Make a hybrid class too strong and specialists feel left out. Make the hybrid class too weak and the hybrids feel like they have no place in the game. Trying to balance things properly is very difficult for an average designer to do.
In my experience, there is one multi-role class that was designed very well: LotRO's Captain...
The trick is to let the multi-role class be less powerful, but let them combine abilities with ease...
The other trick is to give the hybrid class some unique aspect. Early Druids had the innervate ability which helped other classes out tremendously, and made the class worth bringing along to a raid even if they couldn't heal as well as a Priest. This probably works better with abilities that wouldn't be a focus for a single class.
The other trick is to give the hybrid class some unique aspect. Early Druids had the innervate ability which helped other classes out tremendously, and made the class worth bringing along to a raid even if they couldn't heal as well as a Priest. This probably works better with abilities that wouldn't be a focus for a single class.
Good article about hybrid classes, which I love to play! Variety is the spice of gameplay for me, and having lots of utility for a group to take advantage of is a big plus.
I think the point about having a unique ability as a hybrid is a very desirable feature- being wanted for a particular reason in a group rather than being a second-string choice is a plus.
The author touches on skill-based systems too, and when I think about it, multirole play is probably why I like skill-based systems a lot.
