RPGDot Network    
   

 
 
Gothic 3
Display full image
Pic of the moment
More
pics from the gallery
 
 
Site Navigation

Main
   News
   Forums

Games
   Games Database
   Top 100
   Release List
   Support Files

Features
   Reviews
   Previews
   Interviews
   Editorials
   Diaries
   Misc

Download
   Gallery
   Music
   Screenshots
   Videos

Miscellaneous
   Staff Members
   Privacy Statement

FAQ
Members
Usergroups
Observations on the mechanics from my 4th time through....
  View previous topic :: View next topic
RPGDot Forums > Wizardry 8

Author Thread
Bilbo
High Emperor
High Emperor




Joined: 12 Mar 2002
Posts: 1620
Location: New York
Observations on the mechanics from my 4th time through....
   

My latest party has turned the corner and is at level 15-16. I have made a bunch of observations this time through that I want to pass on to others:

1) Saving levels (i.e. don't level characters up past level 5 until you reach Arnika or Mt. Gigas, depnending on what way you go). Definitely makes for an easier trip down the road. But it comes at a price. Since you're fighting easier monsters, you wind up with less XP when you reach your destination. Previously my 6 person party was level 7-8 when they hit Arnika; this time they were only level 6.

2) Training the bard as a tank: I've done it well, if I do say so myself. I did not put a single point into L&T or music, and did those all by training. My L&T is up at 94, and music is 82. My points on level up went to close combat, sword, etc. Out of my 4 sword using tanks (+1 monk), my bard has the best sword skill, better than a lord, samurai & ranger! [Note: 5 man front formation, with the bard on the left flank.] I put my money where my mouth is and proved it can be done. [My second party proved it with the gadgeteer. My third party disproved the idea of the thief as tank.]

3) On training L&T: I used Otter's method, which works great. L&T, as with all skills, takes more work to improve the higher it goes. For me to gain 1% in L&T requires about 1/2 hour real time now (it used to be about 2 minutes per 1%, when I first started timing it, which is when it was already in the 40s). It's not worth it. But just to prove a point to myself, I probably will train the last 6% at some point.

4) When you're trying to unite the Umpani & T'rang the T'rang turning hostile: I think I figured out a new key to avoid it. Don't bring anyone or anything obviously Umpani into Marten's Bluff (other than the Umpani flag and the IUF cards). I made that mistake this time , and promptly got nailed for it. (Fortunately, I know the work around.) Walriblades, muskets & balls, rocket launchers & rockets, a dead Umpani.... I wish I had a save game to test it further with this party, but I don't. I may revert to an old save from an old game to try and figure out some triggers.

5) To get some extra practice for your spell casters, set up 2 portals in safe places in the same area (ex: He'li's and the temple). Bounce back and forth between them for a while, rest, and repeat as desired. The reason I suggest the same area is to avoid loading times.

6) I've made some observations on the auto-retargeting algorithm. It's too complicated for me to try to explain in detail in a short post, but I have figured out how the programmers designed it to work, and why it doesn't so we get frustrated at times. Without going to detail, the algorithm considers in this order: currently equipped weapon (autoswap), the order of the monster groups, distance, and blockage (one monster in front of another & obstacles). While it works, it's not necessarily the smartest way to do it.

7) The EWAXX computer serves 2 purposes. First, you're required to access it before you visit Yamir. Secondly, it is a wealth of information if you ask it the right questions. I never new about this second purpose until now. It provides answers to puzzles that other people here have expressed frustration about solving (How am I supposed to know...?).
_________________
The world itself shifts and changes and fades to mist like the strings of a minstrel's harp, and mayhap the dreams we forge are more enduring than the works of kings and gods.-Robert E. Howard
=Member of the RPGDot Shadows, The Nonflamers' Guild, and The Alliance of Middle Earth=
Post Sun Dec 14, 2003 3:02 pm
 View user's profile
dteowner
Shoegazer
Shoegazer




Joined: 21 Mar 2002
Posts: 7570
Location: Third Hero of Erathia
Re: Observations on the mechanics from my 4th time through..
   

quote:
Originally posted by Bilbo
3) On training L&T: I used Otter's method, which works great. L&T, as with all skills, takes more work to improve the higher it goes. For me to gain 1% in L&T requires about 1/2 hour real time now (it used to be about 2 minutes per 1%, when I first started timing it, which is when it was already in the 40s). It's not worth it. But just to prove a point to myself, I probably will train the last 6% at some point.
I read somewhere that going from 95 to 100 is practically impossible. I guess the formula they used to determine when skill usage would give increases gets screwy at 95 and causes you to have to invest real world days in training to get them.
_________________
=Proud Member of the Non-Flamers Guild=
=Benevolent Dictator, X2/X3 and Morrowind/Oblivion Forums=
Sorry. No pearls of wisdom in this oyster.
RIP Red Wings How 'Bout Dem Cowboys!
Post Sun Dec 14, 2003 3:21 pm
 View user's profile
Bilbo
High Emperor
High Emperor




Joined: 12 Mar 2002
Posts: 1620
Location: New York
   

I didn't know about that. Maybe I won't train the rest of the way then.
_________________
The world itself shifts and changes and fades to mist like the strings of a minstrel's harp, and mayhap the dreams we forge are more enduring than the works of kings and gods.-Robert E. Howard
=Member of the RPGDot Shadows, The Nonflamers' Guild, and The Alliance of Middle Earth=
Post Sun Dec 14, 2003 4:09 pm
 View user's profile
dteowner
Shoegazer
Shoegazer




Joined: 21 Mar 2002
Posts: 7570
Location: Third Hero of Erathia
   

Well, I think we've documented just how sound my memory is-- you might give it a try at least. I think it was Brenda that wrote that, probably at that other board that "died" a year or two ago.
_________________
=Proud Member of the Non-Flamers Guild=
=Benevolent Dictator, X2/X3 and Morrowind/Oblivion Forums=
Sorry. No pearls of wisdom in this oyster.
RIP Red Wings How 'Bout Dem Cowboys!
Post Sun Dec 14, 2003 4:33 pm
 View user's profile
mron
Village Dweller
Village Dweller




Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3
   

Would anybody detail me how to train L&T? Just crazily click the pins of locked door?
Post Mon Jun 07, 2004 7:29 am
 View user's profile
_gator
High Emperor
High Emperor




Joined: 28 May 2003
Posts: 530
Location: Kentucky
   

Here is a link to a good discussion on raising locks & traps skills:

http://www.rpgdot.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=256773&highlight=train+locks+traps#256773
_________________
=Member of The Nonflamers' Guild=
Post Mon Jun 07, 2004 1:15 pm
 View user's profile
mron
Village Dweller
Village Dweller




Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3
   

Eight million thanks.
Post Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:12 am
 View user's profile



All times are GMT.
The time now is Wed Apr 10, 2019 5:40 am



Powered by phpBB © 2001 phpBB Group
 
 
 
All original content of this site is copyrighted by RPGWatch. Copying or reproducing of any part of this site is strictly prohibited. Taking anything from this site without authorisation will be considered stealing and we'll be forced to visit you and jump on your legs until you give it back.