1) Are the powers available to players innovative like the powers in CoH/CoV? I've been going over the ability list and they don't seem to be that interesting compared to mastermind powers or defender powers from CoH.

2) I've noticed that even though you are free to build your character any way you want, I notice most builds don't - it seems like there are artificial "restraints" and most people tend to stay within the archtypes when building a toon. Thoughts? 

3) Do the powers have animation times like CoH/CoV - one thing I hate about CoH/CoV is that is for instance when you are playing a fire tanker, when you use his sword power it "draws" the weapon - is CO the same?

Thanks all. 

Originally posted by zigmund

 

1) Are the powers available to players innovative like the powers in CoH/CoV? I've been going over the ability list and they don't seem to be that interesting compared to mastermind powers or defender powers from CoH.

They do have some interesting powers, but keep in mind CoX or CO an attack is an attack, and a defence is defence. You wont find anything that blows your head off your shoulders, but they all look good and play nice with small differences from each other.

2) I've noticed that even though you are free to build your character any way you want, I notice most builds don't - it seems like there are artificial "restraints" and most people tend to stay within the archtypes when building a toon. Thoughts? 

The lower level players will tend to stay in the lines, but there isnt a big reason to do this. There are some restraints, but they are very generous and for the most part are invisible.

3) Do the powers have animation times like CoH/CoV - one thing I hate about CoH/CoV is that is for instance when you are playing a fire tanker, when you use his sword power it "draws" the weapon - is CO the same?

This I dont know, sorry.

Thanks all. 

Originally posted by zigmund

 

1) Are the powers available to players innovative like the powers in CoH/CoV? I've been going over the ability list and they don't seem to be that interesting compared to mastermind powers or defender powers from CoH.

2) I've noticed that even though you are free to build your character any way you want, I notice most builds don't - it seems like there are artificial "restraints" and most people tend to stay within the archtypes when building a toon. Thoughts? 

3) Do the powers have animation times like CoH/CoV - one thing I hate about CoH/CoV is that is for instance when you are playing a fire tanker, when you use his sword power it "draws" the weapon - is CO the same?

Thanks all. 

1. They are not innovative, though far more dynamic and entertaining than CoX. Range, CC, AoE, etc.

2. There are no restraints except the tiered powers. You must have so many powers before getting to select tier two, three for example. Some powers are pretty much mandatory if you don't want to be gimp. This is magnified for PvP play of course. For example, without a passive defensive power, you will die far more than someone who has one. A block enhancer, and a self heal are a good idea to. You can build within archetypes, but most players are built to solo, meaning good dps, defense, and heals.

This is a result of the game being very solo orientated, much more than most MMOs.

3. No. CO is much faster, more action paced. The draw times are very minimal, endurance is pretty much a non-issue, and movement during combat is easy and fun Exception are the sill self root added to many melee powers, bad design there IMO. You can fire off powers very quickly with a tap, or charge many to increase the tap effect.