Originally Posted by Gambit7

I noticed on my newb Demo that I cant lay waste to more than a few mobs at a time anymore. Definitely takes more thought on combat; using the demon, the proper debuffs/buffs, roots, etc.

The problem I've got is that they havent lowered the casting time for spells have they? From what I've seen I dont think so. If they were going to nerf the dmg. they should've lowered the casting time a bit.

In playing my Conqueror, I can undoubtedly say he's even MORE fun to play now (he was fun before though). He moves faster, he's more flashly, and for a CONQ. who lives off buffs/debuffs this new system actually makes him a force to be reckoned with. I can throw out all my best debuffs,buffs, and bleeds in 1 or 2 combo presses... and then hit my big hitters in 3 (whirlwind is now only 3 buttons). This also has the benefit of maximizing the effect time. Before the patch it took so long to get in place and throw a combo that most of your buff/debuff time was wasted. NOW, you can get in a few good licks while it's active. Overall, the math makes me more powerful when you calculate the timing on buff/debuff and combo presses. It's up to the player to maximize this though or they're gimped.

That being said, it's definitely a bit harder... but more exciting, cerebral, and quicker IMO.

The real problem lay with the casters though. They need to be re-balanced now. Honestly, I'd always thought casters should've had a combo system just like melee did. There are a few RPGs out there that rely on a "gestured" combo system to cast mage spells and they've always worked out well... they should've used the same mentality for the casters.

As for HoX play... just like Conq, you've gotta maximize your buff/debuff combos. Use em constantly now that the combos are much shorter.

Lastly, what many people need to realize is that this combat patch was largely to help prevent circle-strafing combo buildups. Since combos are shorter and damage is less, it doesnt pay to use the latter tactic. You're better off playing your combos, shields, and positioning (the way the game was meant to be played).

Overall, I like the patch. They just have to tweak the squishies.

p.s.
For group play this patch is also more relevant when you take all of the above into account... making it more complex and perhaps even more tactically engaging. Alas, our group is low on numbers

Conq is a lot more fun to play i agree.

I had a guy circle strafing me last night and i could not keep him from doing it and still do damage since the combo's weren't hitting for decent damage. I would have had to counter circle to stop it which defeats the purpose. They really killed damage if their not right in front of you and I see circling becoming more apparent which sucks.