Feedback:User/TheValeyard/merge Mesmer leap skills to one attack
merge Mesmer leap skills to one attack | |
|---|---|
| User | TheValeyard |
| Categories | Mechanics |
It would seem that in comparison to some of the other class' abilities the Mesmer's leap ability is somewhat troubling. The idea of having two skills functionally create a shell game with your opponent is a brilliant design. However, I feel that this design does not need to be split into two separate skills. With the current in-game examples of the Guardian's "Orb of Light" and the Thief's "Cluster Bomb", to suggest that it be changed to a fast chain skill attack does not seem particularly imprudent.
To facilitate the original shell game, would it not be possible for the skill to initially function as, in this example, "Leap"? When or if the player decides to utilize "Illusionary Leap" they would press the second skill in the chain to swap places with their clone. This option would end with the initial charge. To facilitate the deception mechanic during this short transition period, why not allow the clone to have a short split second window wherein it is not possible to be destroyed? While charging, the player could take damage as normal but, the clone would not be able to be destroyed until it takes damage after the charge animation has completed.
A second idea would be to simply delay the entire attack for a short period of time to allow the player to make their decision. After this short period, the avatar would perform the skill based on whether the player in on the first or second skill in the chain. Unfortunately, I do foresee that there would be those individuals that would be extremely unhappy with the delayed method of attack.
As it stands now, the current split attack allows the main-hand sword to have a powerful opener. The problem, however, lies after that initial attack. Once the Mesmer has closed to melee range the two leap skills become rather drab. Both skills simply become an identical burst damage skill that applies cripple and summons a clone. While this is nice in that it allows for a large amount of clones to be summoned for shatter, it does not seem to lend itself to the sleight-of-hand that seems to be the class theme.
By combining the attack to a single chain skill it would allow the main-hand sword extra room to have a new utility that would help this light scholar survive being in melee range with the more melee-centric classes. Take for example the "Clone Swap" ability theorized by Bearheals, by having an ability that would randomly swap the player with one of the active clones the Mesmer would have a powerful skill for both attack and defense. He or she would be able to quickly swap out of the way of an enemies attack or swap into range of an enemy that was focusing you and not paying attention to the relatively harmless clone next to them.
Thank you for taking a look at these suggestions and I look forwards to the new class changes in the next upcoming beta.
