The upcoming MMORPG Ashes of Creation does not rely solely on the previously shown action combat system. Instead, it aims to cater to fans of tab-targeting as well. The solution lies in a so-far unique hybrid system that is intended to appeal to all MMORPG fans.
Tab-targeting or action? At PAX West 2018, the upcoming online role-playing game Ashes of Creation impressed with videos of its combat gameplay. In them, the heroes dashed across the battlefields like in the shooter Warframe and fought enemies in an action-packed manner into the virtual beyond. There was much praise, but also some critical voices from players who had envisioned the MMORPG differently.
The problem: Some players therefore expected a completely action-oriented combat system. However, old-school MMO fans of classic tab-targeting systems like World of Warcraft or Everquest found this less appealing.
Developers plan unprecedented hybrid system of action and tab-targeting
Hybrid combat system, but different: The combat system of Ashes of Creation is meant to be a hybrid of both versions: tab-targeting and action. According to an interview with the developers on the site MMORPG.com, it will not function like in Guild Wars 2. They aim to offer something completely new.
This is how the combat system works: In the final version of Ashes of Creation, both combat systems will be used simultaneously. For example, a tank is mentioned who has a charge skill and a protection buff equipped.
Both combat systems at once: The charge is an action skill that allows the tank to rush forward in the direction of view at the press of a button. Meanwhile, he selects his buddies with the tab-target buff skill and grants them the shield buff even during the charge.
Combat system for all types of MMORPG fans
Choose your combat system: Depending on how you select your skills, you can focus on tab-target or action. However, there will only be one version of each skill, not a charge for tab and one for action.
This is how skill balancing between tab and action works: In a skill description, it might sometimes appear that an action skill causes more damage. After all, you can completely mess them up with poor aiming. Tab skills, which always hit, might do a bit less damage. In the end, it is important to create a good balance here. A combo system should also help with this.
Combo system unites both types: To get the maximum out of your class, it will be necessary to use both systems. They will condition each other to a certain extent and trigger important combos that provide advantages. Those who only use action skills will have to forgo bonuses like extra damage or group buffs.
The reason for all this effort: The developers want to create a game with Ashes of Creation that appeals to every fan of online role-playing games. This applies to both WoW and Ultima fans, as well as lovers of Tera or WildStar.
Transparency is a double-edged sword
Open developer work leads to misunderstandings: After the last trailer, some players were under the impression that Ashes of Creation would be a purely action MMORPG. And back when the classic part of the combat system was shown, it was exactly the opposite.
The developers describe their transparency as a double-edged sword. They reveal their work early in a modular way to work together with the community on the game.
This is very fruitful, but it also has its downsides.
The downside of their approach: Those who only occasionally pick up small pieces of information, such as the action gameplay trailer, can easily get a wrong impression of the game, and these are usually the loudest. According to the developers, this is the downside of their open approach.
Because players who actively participate in development already know how things are progressing. Others, who only occasionally watch a video, unfortunately do not. That leads to a completely different perception.
If the community hates a feature, then they are not married to it either, clarifies lead designer and former Everquest employee Jeff Bard.
