Loading... Hybrids and Thoroughbreds

[Ethec]

"Pure" classes typically make for cleaner role assignments and and more coordinated group tactics, but "hybrid" classes allow you to play the character you want to play. Which approach should developers cater to, and how is the next generation of MMOs handling the issue? That's the topic of discussion in today's Loading... Hybrids and Thoroughbreds.

[Maegwynn]

the game is playing you, you're not playing it. Ideally, players should be able to choose between several good and interesting choices at every turn, not be constantly confronted with the opportunity to gimp their character.

That so describes Blizzards micro-management/control. They seem determined to remove any individuality from the game via their nerfs, homogenization of classes, etc.

[Sabaticus]

I've never had the dilemma. I've always been lucky enough to be able to have two accts in all the games I've played. One would be a tank-type (was never into any of the Druids/Burglers -- think that comes from the early days of EQ - dam druids charging me to port.) Even in games that you can't two box that well, it gives some variety. Right now in LotRO it's a Guardian/Hunter and EVE it's Industrialist/Solider. Sometimes you do have to learn the hard way that you chose the wrong traits or career path, but I just suck it up and start an alt. So I want strength and variety in both types.

[OneEyeRed]

I love the option of having both styles available. For instance, In DAOC I played all 3 realms and my Hero was a blast. I would go Celtic Spear and then hybrid with shield slam. In RvR it was an awesome combo as you would shield slam to stun, then get behind them and Celtic spear with a back stun blow and rinse/repeat. It took some getting used to of course but was a lot of fun.

I feel that when you leave as many options open for people to play you create a happier community. The only problem is that in every single MMO that seems to allow cross hybrid spec's, they never do as well as a "pure" class. I would say it depends on the class as well. The thing with the hero hybrid spec in DAOC for instance was that in RvR you needed to carry a shield any way you spec'd. Trying to take a keep with no defense against rangers and arrows was certain death. So if you did spec full Celtic Spear or Large Weapons (both 2 hand spec) you still carried a shield (if you were smart and played right) in RvR situations.