A never-ending "onslaught" like mode

[Lecto]

I love the idea of the random boss thrown into the mix. This equates (at least in my mind) to the beginning waves starting out with "regular" enemies with the occasional "silver", with the 10th wave including a "gold" level enemy. Depending on group size, the difficulty of each wave could scale up to silvers taking the place of the regular-strength enemies with the occasional gold (or 2+), and a champion/boss spawning in the 10th wave.

 

Yeah, the bosses don't have to be anything special....not even close to being as tough as a raid boss (although I wouldn't be opposed to it either lol). It might be an issue if you didn't have the correct composition, which is why we have all the tactical FP's now. I dono, bosses could be similar to regular enemies.....but have special abilities: knock-backs, could drain your PP, could raise the attack of enemy units, could heal, stealthers, could be like a tank (really big unit, lots of health), could disable turrets, MASSIVE SWARM of weak units, could destroy defenses/barriers, & etc. Some of these are weak (probably more like normal units), but you all get where I'm going. I like your idea of how the strength of the boss would change according to the number of players in the match.

 

I just thought of the name "Killik-Swarm" off the top of my head to give it a Star-Wars-y name, but there are probably so much better names than that. As for the actual enemies that spawn, you could definitely have different planets spawning different groups of enemies. Like I said, you could introduce completely different planets into the mix without investing all the time to completely develop the planet with quests, NPC's, etc. For example, you could create a Geonosis arena and design it exactly that way - as an arena (like the one Obi-Wan, Anakin and Padme were taken to in AotC).

 

Heck, make the whole thing more of a gladiatorial event put on by someone like Baron Deathmark (or some other wealthy and sadistic individual in the galaxy). Wow, the more I think and talk about this, the more I want it to happen! I think it would add such a neat element to SWTOR, and, if implemented well, could be an amazing draw to new players to try and old, un-subbed players to come back to SWTOR!

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one that is excited about this, moreover, I seen it & thought it was gold. This isn't even my thread, but I'm going to try to keep it alive. The only issue I have with an Arena is that there wouldn't be a lot of varying terrain. I think that's needed in regards to building defenses, but I'm sure that could be worked around.

[G_Hosa_Phat]

Yeah, the bosses don't have to be anything special....not even close to being as tough as a raid boss (although I wouldn't be opposed to it either lol). It might be an issue if you didn't have the correct composition, which is why we have all the tactical FP's now. I dono, bosses could be similar to regular enemies.....but have special abilities: knock-backs, could drain your PP, could raise the attack of enemy units, could heal, stealthers, could be like a tank (really big unit, lots of health), could disable turrets, MASSIVE SWARM of weak units, could destroy defenses/barriers, & etc. Some of these are weak (probably more like normal units), but you all get where I'm going. I like your idea of how the strength of the boss would change according to the number of players in the match.

Here's a bit of "clarification" on the idea as well. So, the actual types (regular, "silver", "gold" and Champion) of enemy NPC's, and even the number of enemies changes based on group size. But here's what I'm thinking: players can get into PvP at level 10, right? Why not do the same with this, and scale the enemies based on the level(s) of the participant(s)?

I'm glad I'm not the only one that is excited about this, moreover, I seen it & thought it was gold. This isn't even my thread, but I'm going to try to keep it alive.

I keep watching this thread along with a few others that have interesting ideas and concepts, along with varying degrees of feasibility and/or development difficulty. I try to stay on top of the ones I'm most interested in (like this one), so I'll keep posting here periodically to help ensure that the idea gets seen. Even though this idea still has a long way to go before it could be implemented, it'd be awesome if we were able to draw at least one "offiicial" response/dialog from someone over there.

The only issue I have with an Arena is that there wouldn't be a lot of varying terrain. I think that's needed in regards to building defenses, but I'm sure that could be worked around.

I don't think it's that big of an issue. First the arena can be littered with "junk" (barrels, crates, rocks, etc.). Also, the arena doesn't necessarily have to be outdoors. Like in GoW3 (and a slew of FPS games), you could have maps that are played inside buildings with lots of walls and other "cover" types of items. This would allow for the creation of choke points and other "natural" obstacles. Also, like a huttball map, you can have multi-levelled platforms and such.

 

Lastly, an arena doesn't necessarily have to be a flat area. Perhaps I chose a bad example. Think more like "The Hunger Games" than AotC. The kids are basically in an "arena" of sorts, although it's a VERY large arena.

 

Anyway, I'm getting way too tired right now to expound any further, but I've been thinking about this idea quite a bit lately. I really hope we can catch someone's attention.

[Elementlord]

I'd be all for this. I just finished the Alderaan Consular storyline and there was one part where you had to defend an area with some NPCs backing you up, and it was great fun.

[Lecto]

Here's a bit of "clarification" on the idea as well. So, the actual types (regular, "silver", "gold" and Champion) of enemy NPC's, and even the number of enemies changes based on group size. But here's what I'm thinking: players can get into PvP at level 10, right? Why not do the same with this, and scale the enemies based on the level(s) of the participant(s)?

 

Why not, Bolster is in everything else these days lol! Just the other day I think they said Bolster was coming to some of the normal Raids too. I can't see how it would hurt, epically with disciplines taking the forefront in 3.0 giving everyone their abilities earlier in the game. All Bolster could do is help the player count, kinda like how you can play GSF at LvL 1!!

 

Even though this idea still has a long way to go before it could be implemented, it'd be awesome if we were able to draw at least one "official" response/dialog from someone over there.

 

Glad to have you on board! How do you feel about GSF? There's a thread linked to this one pretty early on about a co-op GSF PvE mode -- kinda like star fox.

 

PS: Hey Mods, pay attention to us -- hint hint lol.

 

I don't think it's that big of an issue. First the arena can be littered with "junk" (barrels, crates, rocks, etc.). Also, the arena doesn't necessarily have to be outdoors. Like in GoW3 (and a slew of FPS games), you could have maps that are played inside buildings with lots of walls and other "cover" types of items. This would allow for the creation of choke points and other "natural" obstacles. Also, like a huttball map, you can have multi-levelled platforms and such.

 

I get that you're saying, & I really like the idea of choke-points being worked into the game. That would really play into the back pocket of tanks (CC) & DPS with lots of AoEs. Honestly, I had thought of that least scene in Attack of the Clones as well, but I didn't bring it up because I thought it was too far ahead in the time-line.

[Lecto]

I'd be all for this. I just finished the Alderaan Consular storyline and there was one part where you had to defend an area with some NPCs backing you up, and it was great fun.

 

I remember that bit, moreover, I thought it was fun. THAT's exactly the kinda game-play we're talking about. Considering the fact that this sort of game-play is already in the game it can't be that hard to program. Thanks for pointing that out ElementLord!!

[Chicktopus]

I've not seen any nay-sayers try to shoot this idea down for an ill-conceived and poorly supported reason yet, which is in stark contrast to my theory that "people are bastards". Rather than admit my theory may have some holes, I'm going to make like every secondary school science student and fudge the results to support my thesis:

 

"OMG wot about repare bills ill run out ov money if i keep dyng an i dnt want to keep havin to repare everyting and i dnt liek loosing because i havc cripplin self-confidense issues in reel life. "

 

There, that should do it.

Edited November 5, 2014 by Chicktopus

[G_Hosa_Phat]

Why not, Bolster is in everything else these days lol! Just the other day I think they said Bolster was coming to some of the normal Raids too. I can't see how it would hurt, epically with disciplines taking the forefront in 3.0 giving everyone their abilities earlier in the game. All Bolster could do is help the player count, kinda like how you can play GSF at LvL 1!!

Exactly! I think it would be good to wait for level 10 to provide the player with enough of their class abilities to be at least a little effective and survive more than one wave, but letting a player get used to the game-play in this mode would only help them at higher levels.

 

Glad to have you on board! How do you feel about GSF? There's a thread linked to this one pretty early on about a co-op GSF PvE mode -- kinda like star fox.

 

PS: Hey Mods, pay attention to us -- hint hint lol.

Honestly, I haven't played much GSF. I've tried it a couple of times, but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. It seems fun, but I'd really need to get more experience with it to make a well-informed decision.

 

I vaguely remember Star Fox. Wasn't that for the SNES? I seem to remember trying to pilot through a bunch of rings and such, but I don't remember much of the game other than that.

 

I get that you're saying, & I really like the idea of choke-points being worked into the game. That would really play into the back pocket of tanks (CC) & DPS with lots of AoEs. Honestly, I had thought of that least scene in Attack of the Clones as well, but I didn't bring it up because I thought it was too far ahead in the time-line.

Not only player tanks and DPS, but NPC allies as well. As I said, I play mostly a healer, and if a solo mode were available, I'd want to "hide" behind a choke point where my allies could take on the horde (forgive the pun) while I stand back and heal like crazy to keep them alive.

[G_Hosa_Phat]

I've not seen any nay-sayers try to shoot this idea down for an ill-conceived and poorly supported reason yet, which is in stark contrast to my theory that "people are bastards". Rather than admit my theory may have some holes, I'm going to make like every secondary school science student and fudge the results to support my thesis:

 

"OMG wot about repare bills ill run out ov money if i keep dyng an i dnt want to keep havin to repare everyting and i dnt liek loosing because i havc cripplin self-confidense issues in reel life. "

 

There, that should do it.

LOL. Fair enough. Other than the intentional blatant disregard for grammar, it is a somewhat valid point (at least with regards to the repair bill).

 

However, I believe this concern (if anyone out there is monitoring this thread and agrees with this argument) can be adequately addressed and mitigated by the credit rewards provided upon failing a wave. Perhaps that reward for the first wave is just barely enough to cover the cost of the repair bill incurred by participating. Of course, the higher you progress, the greater the reward, so you are not only able to pay your repair bill, but actually able to make a tidy profit. After the first "round" of waves, you start accumulating Basic Commendations as well as credits, which can then translate into purchasing better gear, and so on and so forth.

 

Unfortunately, though, I can't help with the self-confidence issues. Perhaps I can refer you to a local therapist? Maybe that's another thing we can suggest: "SWTOR Therapy Sessions" that can be paid for with Cartel Coins...

Edited November 5, 2014 by G_Hosa_Phat

[Chicktopus]

LOL. Fair enough. Other than the intentional blatant disregard for grammar, it is a somewhat valid point (at least with regards to the repair bill).

 

However, I believe this concern (if anyone out there is monitoring this thread and agrees with this argument) can be adequately addressed and mitigated by the credit rewards provided upon failing a wave. Perhaps that reward for the first wave is just barely enough to cover the cost of the repair bill incurred by participating. Of course, the higher you progress, the greater the reward, so you are not only able to pay your repair bill, but actually able to make a tidy profit. After the first "round" of waves, you start accumulating Basic Commendations as well as credits, which can then translate into purchasing better gear, and so on and so forth.

 

Or the death penalty could just be ignored for the purposes of these "horde modes".

 

Unfortunately, though, I can't help with the self-confidence issues. Perhaps I can refer you to a local therapist? Maybe that's another thing we can suggest: "SWTOR Therapy Sessions" that can be paid for with Cartel Coins...

 

Maybe, my current therapist *does* keeps saying things like "Perhaps you should seek alternative psychological support" and "Whoa there buddy! Just put the knife down."

[Lecto]

Honestly, I haven't played much GSF. I've tried it a couple of times, but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. It seems fun, but I'd really need to get more experience with it to make a well-informed decision.

 

I vaguely remember Star Fox. Wasn't that for the SNES? I seem to remember trying to pilot through a bunch of rings and such, but I don't remember much of the game other than that.

 

I think the first one was on the SNES, but it didn't get really good till the N64 & Game Cube versions. Check out the thread below for more details -- Co-Op GSF. GSF is tricky, but with some practice & upgrades it's doable. I sucked when I first started.

PS: What server are you on?

[Lecto]

I'm going to make like every secondary school science student and fudge the results to support my thesis:

 

"OMG wot about repare bills ill run out ov money if i keep dyng an i dnt want to keep havin to repare everyting and i dnt liek loosing because i havc cripplin self-confidense issues in reel life. "

 

There, that should do it.

 

Welcome to the fold Chicktopus! I think you have to have repair bills, moreover, if you didn't you'd be able to stack credits like crazy. Check out the following video by the "extra Creditz" team for more details --

. It's really not all that different than how Raids are currently set up.

[Lecto]

NEW IDEA:

Horde mode should also have a Reputation Vendor with gear you can earn. That would drive people in as well!! Defeating higher rounds could net you different levels of reputation trophies (one trophy per match). That would make it a very slow grind, which over all is a good thing.

[anonnn]

Oh there are some serious possibilities for something like this.

 

I think it'd be fun if your team has to defend a central fortified position that has a few obstacles to help obstruct the onslaught, and as enemies are defeated, their corpses pile up and act as an impediment of movement for the next waves of attackers, forcing them to climb over the pile to get to you.

 

Before the battle starts, each person gets to choose one item from a list of "Special Weapons" that goes into their Mission Items, and they can use that during the battle. The item would have a small cool-down and has some kind of significant effect like AOE damage, AOE stun, large-AOE slowdown, brainwash (to turn the attacker to fight for your side), etc. The fun part would be if combinations of items can be thought up that would be highly advantageous if used together in strategic teamwork against the same enemy or group of enemies.

[Darth__Reaver]

Oh ya you people like his idea but when I came up with the same thread and even said gears of war 3 horde style waves + nazi zombies i got flamed to death by you guys. I'd search for a quote but your not worth it so off the top of my head its was "we have a rakgoul event" thanks for the support btw

[Darth__Reaver]

Ok so maybe I jumped the gun on that last post you guys are in fact worth researching for my old thread http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=764106 my bad

[Darth__Reaver]

Once again not checking dates makes me look like an idiot ill go into my corner... Did I say my bad?

[Lecto]

Oh there are some serious possibilities for something like this.

 

I think it'd be fun if your team has to defend a central fortified position that has a few obstacles to help obstruct the onslaught, and as enemies are defeated, their corpses pile up and act as an impediment of movement for the next waves of attackers, forcing them to climb over the pile to get to you.

 

Hemmm, part of me likes this idea....but another part of me does not. This could turn into a massive pile of bodies that enemies could not get over eventually lol. Maybe they would clear out after every round? I'm also not sure Bioware would put money into a hit detection system either.

 

Before the battle starts, each person gets to choose one item from a list of "Special Weapons" that goes into their Mission Items, and they can use that during the battle. The item would have a small cool-down and has some kind of significant effect like AOE damage, AOE stun, large-AOE slowdown, brainwash (to turn the attacker to fight for your side), etc. The fun part would be if combinations of items can be thought up that would be highly advantageous if used together in strategic teamwork against the same enemy or group of enemies.

 

I like this idea, but I don't like the idea just being given out either. To make this really unique, perhaps your "special weapon/skill" could be advanced class specific? Like a Commando could have a lazer cannon/bazooka, whereas, a Vangaurd could call in a support squad of NPCs? Sages could have battle meditation!! Just make it different for every class, & one use per pick-up? Saving them up for a boss round, or to use in tandem with another class might be useful.

 

That brings me to my original point, the item/skill should be a pick up attached to an optional "Bonus mission" during a wave. Like having to go behind enemy lines to escort a npc to your camp (mind you while still having to defend it), or having to retrieve resources around the map....just anything that has risk & is slightly more difficult than normal. This would be more & more difficult as waves increased .

[Lecto]

Oh ya you people like his idea but when I came up with the same thread and even said gears of war 3 horde style waves + nazi zombies i got flamed to death by you guys. I'd search for a quote but your not worth it so off the top of my head its was "we have a rakgoul event" thanks for the support btw

 

You're welcome to join our cause if you'd like Reaver, just subscribe & help us keep this thread alive. You're thread (although posted later than ours) is very similar & I think we are looking for about the same thing.

 

Ps: I read your thread, & I didn't see that anyone had flamed you.

[Darth__Reaver]

You're welcome to join our cause if you'd like Reaver, just subscribe & help us keep this thread alive. You're thread (although posted later than ours) is very similar & I think we are looking for about the same thing.

 

Ps: I read your thread, & I didn't see that anyone had flamed you.

 

Ya I know... I read it too but I fully support this /signed

 

P.s. I really need to get used to these necro threads that pop up I think this is my 3rd mistake...

[Darth__Reaver]

But for real they could do a rakgoul one or dark Jedi one or storm the Jedi temple and fight Jedi one... I'm having flash backs to when I watched the first awesome video of Malgus storming coruscant in high school. So much to do with this idea and does not have to be pvp which means they could do it.

[Lecto]

But for real they could do a rakgoul one or dark Jedi one or storm the Jedi temple and fight Jedi one... I'm having flash backs to when I watched the first awesome video of Malgus storming coruscant in high school. So much to do with this idea and does not have to be pvp which means they could do it.

 

Actually, those are perfect examples of what we're getting at. You could be defending the Jedi Temple/Sith Academy from invasion, & "Bonus missions" could change completely depending on the theme of the level. Defending a alternative site on the map while citizens were evacuated (Rackghoul), You might have to collect samples from special enemies for research (Rackghoul), or escort Padawans/Acolytes to safety (Temple/SA). The possibilities are endless & random, but that's the charm of this kind of game-play.

[Darth__Reaver]

Actually, those are perfect examples of what we're getting at. You could be defending the Jedi Temple/Sith Academy from invasion, & "Bonus missions" could change completely depending on the theme of the level. Defending a alternative site on the map while citizens were evacuated (Rackghoul), You might have to collect samples from special enemies for research (Rackghoul), or escort Padawans/Acolytes to safety (Temple/SA). The possibilities are endless & random, but that's the charm of this kind of game-play.

 

No dont do this to me this is awesome you are correct it is endless. Ill bump this when I can sort thu my head of ideas I mean even droids can be used but I hate droid they feel bland.

[Darth__Reaver]

Thing people will get the wrong idea like in my thread where they feel it would be trash mobs but no. Think about the speed boost traps all in warzones that can be used. I'm think of mansion in gears 1 style where rakgouls are chasing you and then you blast the walls and have pieces of the house cave in on them in to turn around and there is a huge boss fight. Jeez you could even do a story and add in indoor planets which I always wanted.

[Darth__Reaver]

Ok this will be my last post cuz I feel like I'm getting excited... But... They could even use the whole dark room thing like the rakgoul flashpoint make it scary. Sorry just thoughts I never got to when my thread died.

[anonnn]

... This could turn into a massive pile of bodies that enemies could not get over eventually lol. Maybe they would clear out after every round?

...

I suppose it would indeed need to clear out after every round (a round being approximately 2-3 minutes in duration).

 

... could call in a support squad of NPCs ...

An excellent idea!

 

I guess my main concept I'm trying to add to this is for there to be a special ability that has a short cooldown of perhaps 2 minutes, that's designed to be used against large mobs of smaller enemies (since this is the theme of onslaught). Commando is my favorite advanced class, and for Commando I imagine something like a Brutal Warrior Yell that lets out a

as the commando fires his assault cannon while turning in a full circle, knocking back all enemies a considerable distance and doing moderate damage to any that are very close.

 

Perhaps also add a Sage's Halt Onslaught ability that drops a large donut-shaped force ring that slows enemies already at a distance from advancing much closer for a moderate amount of time (giving the group a chance to get the upper hand), and you can see how it could be extremely advantageous for the 2 skills to be used together (first Commando, then Sage immediately afterwards) to give the group a chance to either heal to full, or just do lots of ranged DPS.

 

Any mixture of skills like this that would be fantastic when used together would be AWESOME for onslaught mode battles. Each advanced class could have 3 abilities of extremely varied purpose, so that given any two advanced classes, at least 1 of their abilities would be extremely useful with an ability of the other advanced class. And combos of 3 or 4 abilities is perhaps possible! . . .

 

The concept for me is to ensure that the abilities are designed so that using teamwork makes all the difference.