Does WildStar combat have too much hand-holding?
In this week’s WildStar Wednesday, a tester took questions from the community regarding Carbine Studios’ MMORPG. In one of his answers, the anonymous tester explained how the telegraphing system impacts WildStar combat.
While many have praised the telegraphing system used in WildStar, others are skeptical WildStar combat does too much to guide the player. When I first saw the system, I liked the elaborate visual effects of the telegraphs, but I was worried it would make combat too thoughtless.
The mysterious tester says it isn’t so. He explains the telegraphing system only shows the area an ability will affect, not what the ability will do. In groups, this is particularly important because telegraphed spells from allies can be beneficial. In the more complicated group situations, the tester claims coordinating telegraphs is crucial to mastering WildStar combat.
If it’s true that telegraphs can get complicated enough to keep a group on the edge, then that does alleviate some of my concerns about WildStar combat. Part of me will still miss the more traditional days, when a game was more about getting familiar with the physics of my own movements, an enemy, and an enemy’s attacks. But there is an element of intrigue to a more complicated telegraphing system.
However, the problem can swing in the other direction. What if the telegraphing system makes WildStar combat too complicated? What if the screen ends up being filled with red shapes, making it nearly impossible to tell what’s good and what’s bad?
It’s something I’ll have to experience myself to know for sure. For now, I’ll give Carbine Studios the benefit of the doubt, and the telegraphing system certainly has my interest. If it’s pulled off correctly, WildStar combat could set a new standard.
The full WildStar Wednesday post, which also sheds some light on classes and paths, can be read here. The previous WildStar Wednesday covered community outreach and the extra steps Carbine Studios’ community team is taking to gather feedback, and it can be read here.
What do you guys think? Does WildStar combat do too much to guide players? Will the telegraphing system make WildStar combat too chaotic? Make sure to comment below.
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