Game News The Age of Decadence Released

[Ezrite]

it is a joke becaus development took 17 years

Really? I heard 12 years. Well damn, well it is a better game than Duke Nukem forever atleast I love it to be honest. I wish there was more but one cannot get everything. It sailed up as game of the year potentiality with Phantom Pain and Pillars of Eternity (been a shitty year no?) for me.

 

[Irenaeus II]

that was also a joke because that's how long Grimoire is in development, god you are slow

Here, you probably never seen this:

Spoiler

 

[Ezrite]

that was also a joke because that's how long Grimoire is in development, god you are slow

Here, you probably never seen this:

Spoiler

Stuff like this been bit to old school for me until I noticed how bad the shit Bioware and Bethesda threw out some years ago. Grimoire huh, worth a while you think?

 

[Irenaeus II]

Grimoire huh, worth a while you think?

Only if you believe a golden baby can fly.

 

[Zorba the Hutt]

I think it's 17 years since Grimoire's first "release date".

There's still a Codex poll on which will be released first, Grimoire or AoD. Neck and neck at the moment:

http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/index.php?threads/aod-vs-grimoire.40742/

 

[hivemind]

That is like debating “who is the best, the leg or the arm?”. It doesn't make sense because it all amounts to how you make your build. Make a high CON high STR build, with Crafting, and block amounts to zero damage most of the time. You could argue that given the hardness matter associated with block, you will always have to invest in crafting, and this a hindrance if you don’t want to spend SPs in crafting. Which is true, but they are both effective if you know what you are doing.

This is just objectively wrong.
Dodge > Block
in all aspects

If you dodge you have two outcomes:

normal dodge = avoided all damage
super dodge = avoided all damage AND DEALT DAMAGE BACK

if you block you have two outcomes

normal block = avoided some damage depending on your total DR
super block = avoided all damage

Furthermore block doesn't allow you to use a two-hander or two one handers for efficient poison application

Another thing is that dodge benefits directly form dexterity and that's a super useful combat stat because initiative and APs regardless of if you are a dodger

The only advantage blocking has is bonus against ranged but even that is slightly counterplayed by the fact that shields have THC penalties.

Also poison goes through if you block an attack as opposed to if you dodge it

Both Block and Dodge are effective and you can beat the game(tho I have yet to see a blocking build that managed to kill unweakened Agathoth) with them but Dodge is a far more efficient stat

Like you even get free fucking 'mobility bonus' for it most of the time

 

[Ezrite]

Only if you believe a golden baby can fly.

I think it's 17 years since Grimoire's first "release date".

There's still a Codex poll on which will be released first, Grimoire or AoD. Neck and neck at the moment:

http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/index.php?threads/aod-vs-grimoire.40742/

Holy Jeebus.

 

[~*´¨¯¨`*·~-.¸-AIN'T]

If you guys think of some alternate paths for some quests that make sense within the context of the quest/narrative, post them.

Spoiler

I brought this up a little while ago but didn't see any response from you or Vince, so I'll post it again. I think there should be more options at the arch to translate the coordinates to find Al-Akia. Currently it seems like if you don't have the right faction quest that that area is pointless other than a loredump, despite a bunch of buildup to Al-Akia and the fact that to even talk to the alien dudes requires a bunch of different stuff that most characters probably won't have (eye implant + power glove with 3 modules + enough persuasion or streetwise to get zealots to sacrifice themselves + enough INT to realize they are speaking coordinates to you). Just feels like a letdown to do all that, and then have absolutely no options to even mention the coordinates to anyone after that.

I would think you could talk to some mix of loremasters/cartographers to get the location. Maybe talk to Abukar and/or the guy in Ganezzar you get the Hellgate and river locations from? Or if your lore is high enough, you can do it yourself with the astrolabe?

 

[Lurker King]

This is just objectively wrong.
Dodge > Block
in all aspects

If you dodge you have two outcomes:

normal dodge = avoided all damage
super dodge = avoided all damage AND DEALT DAMAGE BACK

if you block you have two outcomes

normal block = avoided some damage depending on your total DR
super block = avoided all damage

Furthermore block doesn't allow you to use a two-hander or two one handers for efficient poison application

Another thing is that dodge benefits directly form dexterity and that's a super useful combat stat because initiative and APs regardless of if you are a dodger

The only advantage blocking has is bonus against ranged but even that is slightly counterplayed by the fact that shields have THC penalties.

Also poison goes through if you block an attack as opposed to if you dodge it

Both Block and Dodge are effective and you can beat the game(tho I have yet to see a blocking build that managed to kill unweakened Agathoth) with them but Dodge is a far more efficient stat

Like you even get free fucking 'mobility bonus' for it most of the time

I don’t buy it.

You are taking things out of context and ignoring the stats and armors associated with different builds.

Which armor you will use with block most of the time? Heavy armor.

Which armor you will use with dodge most of the time? Light armor.

What happens when you fail a block with a heavy armor? You still absorb a lot of damage.

What happens when you fail a dodge attempt with light armor? You take a lot of damage.

That problem will increase when you consider all the additional complications you can get into combat, like enemies hitting your arms and legs, and throwing nets at you.

And let’s not forget that a good blocker build in general has good CON, which prologue your survival (how many fights did you survive with 1 HP?) and diminish the effects of poison.

Two-handers are powerful, but can’t be used with nets, bolas, liquid fire, bombs or what else.

The importance of dexterity is overrated because you can make a heavy armor build with low APs.

Moreover, it is important to note that the only way to benefit from a heavy armor with a dodger build is if you spend a lot of SPs in crafting to diminish the armor penalties and absorb the damage, but then again, it’s advisable to spend more SPs in attack than dodge, which goes against your idea of dodge build. The logical optimized conclusion of this build is that zero defense exterminator that was purposed as a challenger.

 

[Elhoim]

Spoiler

I brought this up a little while ago but didn't see any response from you or Vince, so I'll post it again. I think there should be more options at the arch to translate the coordinates to find Al-Akia. Currently it seems like if you don't have the right faction quest that that area is pointless other than a loredump, despite a bunch of buildup to Al-Akia and the fact that to even talk to the alien dudes requires a bunch of different stuff that most characters probably won't have (eye implant + power glove with 3 modules + enough persuasion or streetwise to get zealots to sacrifice themselves + enough INT to realize they are speaking coordinates to you). Just feels like a letdown to do all that, and then have absolutely no options to even mention the coordinates to anyone after that.

I would think you could talk to some mix of loremasters/cartographers to get the location. Maybe talk to Abukar and/or the guy in Ganezzar you get the Hellgate and river locations from? Or if your lore is high enough, you can do it yourself with the astrolabe?

Spoiler

We have something planned, but will be related to the temple, not Al-Akia.

Yeah, mostly the stuff mentioned here: http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/index.php?threads/bugs-and-issues-spoilers.104037/page-4#post-4184532

Did a fast AG run, and got the proper slides... Anyway, will check your save and see what happened there.

EDIT: It was that I mixed the rank of being a Carrinas templar with the cellular regeneration one, triggering his ending. Fixed for the next update.

 

[~*´¨¯¨`*·~-.¸-AIN'T]

Spoiler

We have something planned, but will be related to the temple, not Al-Akia. Go

Spoiler

I suppose that would be better, because it will make there be some kind of reward for doing all that stuff, but unless you're going to stop giving the coordinates there I don't see how it solves the "awesome, I just got these coordinates to this place! Time to go find out how to get there....oh wait my character can't even mention to anybody that he has these cool coordinates" issue. Just seems like the game is not letting your character do exactly what you would expect they would want to do in that scenario. You go there, your character says "I want to find Al-Akia", they give you a crucial piece of information on how to get there, and then...you just no longer want to find Al-Akia? Despite being closer to it? It's, at best, strangely abrupt.

 

[Jaedar]

If you guys think of some alternate paths for some quests that make sense within the context of the quest/narrative, post them.

Spoiler

In assassin/praetor questlines, you should add an option to attack meru on his throne. I don't care if this just makes faelan instagib you, but it feels like it should be an option. Preferably he wouldn't and it would engage a sequence similar(or equal) to the real faelan fight. On success, just skip to the state where "meru disappears without a trace during the siege" ?

I've mention elsewhere but thiaf stuff in ganezzar is very weak. The "talky thief" archetype stops being supported at all. I think there should be a talky and stealy way to get a key to the stuff in the tunnels somewhere in the city. And add a talky check to the faelan fight to command your ally thiefs to also close their eyes leading to a sequence of easier blind fighting?

Adding an option to wait until after the raiders are leaving the monastery and then attacking them for the loot would also be nice.

 

[groke]

>tfw no gnu/linux version

 

[likaq]

VD, any increase in sales after Larian's shoutout?

 

[Tigranes]

I don’t buy it.

You are taking things out of context and ignoring the stats and armors associated with different builds.

Which armor you will use with block most of the time? Heavy armor.

Which armor you will use with dodge most of the time? Light armor.

What happens when you fail a block with a heavy armor? You still absorb a lot of damage.

What happens when you fail a dodge attempt with light armor? You take a lot of damage.

That problem will increase when you consider all the additional complications you can get into combat, like enemies hitting your arms and legs, and throwing nets at you.

And let’s not forget that a good blocker build in general has good CON, which prologue your survival (how many fights did you survive with 1 HP?) and diminish the effects of poison.

Two-handers are powerful, but can’t be used with nets, bolas, liquid fire, bombs or what else.

The importance of dexterity is overrated because you can make a heavy armor build with low APs.

Moreover, it is important to note that the only way to benefit from a heavy armor with a dodger build is if you spend a lot of SPs in crafting to diminish the armor penalties and absorb the damage, but then again, it’s advisable to spend more SPs in attack than dodge, which goes against your idea of dodge build. The logical optimized conclusion of this build is that zero defense exterminator that was purposed as a challenger.

Basically, yes. Dodge can be excellent when your defense skill sufficiently outstrips that of your enemies at any given time - e.g. if you're running around Teron with 4 or 5 dodge. Without that investment to stay competitive you just die a lot.

I'd say one other thing that makes dodge attractive, though, is the ability to use two-handers.

 

[Lurker King]

Basically, yes. Dodge can be excellent when your defense skill sufficiently outstrips that of your enemies at any given time - e.g. if you're running around Teron with 4 or 5 dodge. Without that investment to stay competitive you just die a lot.

I'd say one other thing that makes dodge attractive, though, is the ability to use two-handers.

But even with high dodge you can take some real damage from time to time, due to chance. Two-handers are really powerful, that is undeniable, but light weapons can provide more THC bonus and can be used with more acessories. I think that the only thing we can say for sure, concerning comparisons, is that the axe is the best weapon - but crossbows are not bad either.

 

[Vault Dweller]

VD, any increase in sales after Larian's shoutout?

Not yet. I think these shoutouts work best for KS projects (i.e. a KS backer is gently pushed toward backing another project). Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful to Swen, but for me it's more of a friendly nod not a sales booster.

 

[Ezrite]

Not yet. I think these shoutouts work best for KS projects (i.e. a KS backer is gently pushed toward backing another project). Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful to Swen, but for me it's more of a friendly nod not a sales booster.

May I ask, from where is you guys and your studio based? Europe somewhere I presume.

 

[Irenaeus II]

May I ask, from where is you guys and your studio based? Europe somewhere I presume.

You can see Elhoim location on his profile. VD lives in Toronto. Nick I don't have a clue, as the others.

 

[Mustawd]

That is about realism. .. The first impressions of most players is like this: "I invested in the skills X and Y. Therefore, they should be present every time I want to reveal content". But this is a egocentric way of seeing things.

Exactly. This is the best evidence of decline on the dex. It's like getting mad you can't get a girlfriend because you've invested all your time watching anime and being a basement-dwelling nerd instead of being in shape, having good hygiene, and being able to hold a conversation Mustawd.

The world doesn't revolve around you mate.

 

[Elhoim]

You can see Elhoim location on his profile. VD lives in Toronto. Nick I don't have a clue, as the others.

Nick is in Ukraine, same for Ivan and Eugene. Mazin is in the US.

 

[Ezrite]

You can see Elhoim location on his profile. VD lives in Toronto. Nick I don't have a clue, as the others.

Well I be damned, I was pretty sure this was a small central european studio from the esthetics and looks. It do not feel like an American game in my prejudice. EDIT Ah so it is a mix, I see. Tanks Elhoim.

 

[Excidium II]

Well I be damned, I was pretty sure this was a small central european studio from the esthetics and looks. It do not feel like an American game in my prejudice.

VD is immigrant and Elhoim is argentinian so in his heart and mind he is european, so there's that.

 

[Irenaeus II]

VD is immigrant

VD is Russian or Ukrainian, I think. That and those others explain the good non-pozzed writing of the game.

 

[hivemind]

Lurker King

What you don't understand is that blockers are getting heavy armour and dodgers are getting light armour because BLOCK IS SHIT.

Blockers NEED heavy armour since they still take damage even if they successfully defend.

The opportunity cost of low defense penalties(light armour) is higher for BLOCK because they are giving up DR that they need ALL THE TIME AND NOT ONLY IF THEY DEFEND and dodgers only need it if they fail to defend, also because for them the value of increased defense chance is lower than for a dodger since a successful dodge is simply better than a successful block.

Whereas dodgers couldn't be arsed to get armour with high penalties and higher DR because their DEFENSE SKILL IS ACTUALLY GOOD.

What happens when you fail a block with a heavy armor? You still absorb a lot of damage.

What happens when you fail a dodge attempt with light armor? You take a lot of damage.

The thing is that dodgers can wear heavy armour and still be better off compared just to blockers in heavy armour since the penalties for both of those skills are equal and one skills has a simply better SUCCESS state and their FAILURE states are equal.

And let’s not forget that a good blocker build in general has good CON, which prologue your survival (how many fights did you survive with 1 HP?) and diminish the effects of poison.

literally(literally) nothing stopping a dodger form having high con
It's almost the same thing as with the armour:
Dodger can have low con because they survive with low con
Blockers CAN'T have low con because they would just die

But a Dodger with high con is in a better position when compared to a Blocker with high con because dodge is inherently better than block.

That problem will increase when you consider all the additional complications you can get into combat, like enemies hitting your arms and legs,

The fact that blockers can't get fucked by aimed legs is the only good argument so far. But I still don't think that makes up for all the rest.

Two-handers are powerful, but can’t be used with nets, bolas, liquid fire, bombs or what else.

sure
but dodging still allows you to have two open hands to better utilize those as opposed to blocking

The importance of dexterity is overrated because you can make a heavy armor build with low APs.

???????????
The fact that heavy armor low dex builds can work doesn't in any way diminish the comparative usefulness of dexterity.

but then again, it’s advisable to spend more SPs in attack than dodge

not with the introduction of purchasable 20% + THC bonus weapons in Maadoran


your shield can also get DR'd during a fight

Block also gets free 15 base value on it's rating but I'm fairly certain this gets nullified by dodge mobility bonuses in most situations.