Here are some of my initial thoughts. I’m very excited and it seems IMC knows what they’re doing, and have been listening to feedback.
#1. Log Scale Down Formula
I’d need my old high school math teacher to look this one over, but it’s simplified and makes perfect sense. It stops highly geared players from having an overwhelming power difference, while still giving them the advantage they deserve. It fixes the scaling problem in instances without removing characters ability to feel as if they progressed by just scaling everything within the instance. It clearly solves the Defence extremes, and also provides a needed buff to HP.
#2. Skill Attack & Stat Calculation
2-1. Skill Attack Calculation
I think we’ll need more details, but depending on how the skills are calculated this a VERY welcome change. We only have a little bit of information on it, but it seems promising.
2-2. Stat Changes
The removal of stat allocation bonus is godsent. The change of class hidden modifiers to having stats give bonuses to them is good. It should allow for more variety in picking builds as there won’t be a guaranteed path you are sent down regardless of your goals.
The stat changes themselves seem overall good, but SPR still has me concerned, it may depend on how skills work to see if it’s balanced for non-summoners, which it may be as in the case of Cleric skills.
The Critical rework is very interesting, having it rely less on the stat itself and instead on equipment (which is what I assume it will focus on) allows for people to build for it without having to go all in, while still rewarding those that do.
CON and by extension HP actually receives a buff by the DEF formula rework which is nice, and with hybrid builds becoming more viable we don’t have to worry about Block being overly powerful.
2-3. Attribute Reset & Point Exchange
Perfect, absolutely perfect. Not only is an attribute exchange necessary, but IMC did it correctly. If they just refunded silver we’d have potentially billions of silver flooding into economy, that would be utterly devastating, Under this system you lose nothing, and are still able to rebuild.
2-4. Reset Event Plans
Perfect again, just get hyped on this one.
#3. Item Stats & Enhancement/Transcendence System
3-1. Equipment Production & Maintenance Costs + 3-2. Item Enhancement
The details on the skill formula is very useful in us determining how the balance will be done, right now it looks good. I’m glad to see needed rebalance to items other than from Transcendence, as well as it fixing the 1H/2H problem.
Enhancement cost reduction is good, a bigger reliance on RNG with the potential system isn’t. If there was no potential then just risking silver would be fine, but we’re risking irreversible damage to our equipment with RNG, still though, this is a major improvement.
3-3. Main Armor Stats & Accessories
I’m very glad to see the DEF stats both made primary. It makes a lot of sense, and allows you to actually build to be PATK or MATK resistant. The buff to Leather was desperately needed, and it looks like a viable alternative now.
The Blunt weapon change is fantastic, and seems to encourage PATK/MATK Clerics instead of just focusing on one.
Agny needed a nerf, and it got one, it’s encouraging to see IMC addressing the problem, and confirming that the new ones will follow the same balance.
That last line is so reassuring to hear, they’re not balancing skills around specific items, I’m glad to see a reversal in that idea and correcting their mistakes.
#3-4. Transcendence
I’m still against the Transcendence system as I would prefer more items be added to progress through opposed to getting the best one quickly and investing in it. This however, is the best alternative and one that I have agreed with for a long time as being practical enough to work. It’s not brokenly OP, and while invested players have an advantage, it won’t be overwhelming.
The unification of Blessed Gems is nice, as well as the rebalanced amount required is a good move, especially for 1H players. The extraction process is much better and actually encourages players to invest in new equipment (it also highlights the irrelevance of the potential system).
Compensation for Transcendence is perfectly reasonable, especially with the new refunding system, highly invested players will still have an advantage for a very long, well deserved time.
#4. Field Balance Changes
Recognition of IMC’s mistakes is exactly what’s needed. They have been aware of the problems, and are fixing them.
4-1. Regular Field Difficulty
Good changes, but my only concern is making content too easy. I hope they balance it correctly, the new DEF formula should help with that too.
4-2. Hunting Grounds & New Equipment
Hunting Grounds improvement is nice, and makes it more social which should always be encouraged. New Hunting Grounds for 280 and 330 looks promising, and alternatives for gear variety is desperately needed.
4-3. Monster Skills & Elite Monsters
The Advanced skills system, was honestly just abysmal. I swear I’ve almost gotten aneurysms from all the CC you have to deal with, the Elite Monster addition looks fun, and is great for adding variety in the field. I still encourage IMC to implement an actual CC system but this update is more than enough to keep me satisfied for now.
Overall, these changes are amazing. They fix the fundamental issues TOS has had since creation, and it shows IMC as a company is willing to rework the very basics which is incredibly encouraging. The timeline is understandable but concerning given the population, but I am very optimistic of the future. I hope IMC continues to listen to feedback, and has no fear in changing game concepts like they’ve shown us today. Don’t let us down IMC, I know you have the potential!