Force Powers Update

If you follow this blog, then you know that I very recently posted an update about Force Powers, specifically about the Light Side Force Power called Whirlwind. One of our Officers, Winter Vos, not only invested in Whirlwind, but also contributed a post to describe it. This is only the beginning of the story.

Whirlwind is a Force Power that uses the lightsaber to stun all nearby enemies and, in turn, inflict some damage to add injury to the insult. Winter invested in this Force Power thinking that it would stun all nearby enemies, including Bosses who are generally immune to stun. He was wrong. And he posted about this on the forums, which, at last count, had 700 views. 

As it turned out, Winter also sent in a ticket to Kabam about this issue. To make a long story short, he asked the Kabam representative to pass along a note to the infamous Game Team. Thanks to Winter for sending his note to me as well, which I reprint here:

Dear Game Team, 

I have a concern about Force Powers that stun enemies. If a player invests 26 6* electrum in the following Light Side build, they will be practically helpless against Bosses who are immune to stun: Whirlwind 2, Cloud Mind 2, Force Pull 2, and Debris Barrier 2. While this example is hyperbolic, it certainly isn't beyond the realm of possibility. 

The player might as well use a Standard Ability build, e.g., Berzerk 3, Holographic Decoy 3, Durasteel 3, and Think Fast 3. This build requires no electrum, arguably works as effectively against most enemies, and unquestionably works more effectively against Bosses. 

Given the cost, why invest in any Force Power that stuns? This is a particularly important question when it comes to a Directional Force Power. Should Bosses be immune to Force Power effects? 

Thanks for listening! 

Humph. Good point, Winter. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so, either. The Kabam representative had a very interesting -- if not worrisome -- reply. I reprint this reply in part:

They [the Game Team] are reviewing all of the information that you have provided. They have also indicated to us here in Support that they are reviewing all Abilities within the game. I would also recommend that you consider keeping an eye out for in-game announcements as more information about changes to the game should be coming soon.

I'm not sure if I should jump for joy, or cringe in terror at the phrase "reviewing all Abilities," which usually means "we're gonna nerf everything." One thing is clear, however. Kabam listened Winter's issue. I truly do hope that the change to which they refer has to do with general Boss immunity to Force Power effects, such as stun.

While I can  imagine that they'd make Standard Abilities weaker to make Force Powers seem  stronger and, thus, more attractive, that would turn out to be yet another move that distances their long-term player base. And I'm pretty sure Kabam knows they can't afford such a move. So, for now, we can only speculate about what changes are in the near future. Let's hope against hope that these changes help make Uprising the coolest Star Wars game ever.