Where is the progression?

[Darrow]

So - I upgraded a gun maybe once since creating this character. I upgraded my shield once. No other gear exists outside of the weapons and shields. As far as I can see, the EGO system provides negligible boosts, but nothing really to strive for - more like "oh hey I got another EGO point (or whatever) without realizing it, I'll just toss it in [x] perk. It's not like I have an open slot to equip anyways." Correct me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem like there is much difference between a low level character and a level 5000 character. If that is truly the case - why would I push to get to 5000? What am I missing?

Now, I'm not trying to be antagonistic here - I'm not demanding that Trion change anything to suit me (except bugs that should be fixed and BASIC PC features that are missing). If the game's not for me, it's not for me and I'll move on. I just want to ask - what keeps you playing? Is there really enough story to keep you engaged? In every game I've played, the story is consumed a LOT faster than it can be released. Is it fun to just continue to run around and shoot things, completing contracts and gaining rep? I would like to hear from both long-time satisfied players, as well as those of you who are not content with the game.

Thanks - and I hope those of you who are enjoying yourselves continue to do so for a long time. This game is a great idea, but unfortunately it doesn't look like it will be a long term thing for me.

[Rincewind]

I still enjoy the game. I play almost everyday. My ego
is not 5000 yet, but that's not why i play so much. The
game has a fun factor that suits my playing wants. It sucks
that some have had problems with the game. Bugs and
glitches will be dealt with in time.

The game will grow. It's young right now.

[Arran]

Being ego 5000 for me means my nade will ALWAYS 1 hit people due to the 4100 max damage & my shield has a 2300+ cap so anytime I bump into a newbie I can just stand there & realy take my time killing him as its gna take him 4ever to strip my shields & health. Also all my weapons to lvl 20 means time to smash any1 who comes my way
Its not much progression tbh but it does make a difference.

[PTR47]

There is a progression on gear from what I can tell.

A level 3000 gun will be better than a level 150.

But yeah, progression in Defiance is different than traditional "leveling".

[Bonehead]

There is a progression on gear from what I can tell.

A level 3000 gun will be better than a level 150.

But yeah, progression in Defiance is different than traditional "leveling".

no damage progression on guns for ego level. bonus is for rarity.
White=0
Green=3%
blue=6%
Purp=10%
Oj=15%
Overall it is a very horizontal game.

Edit;
ya know what I think I remember something about rolls getting better as ego rate gets up there too.
My bad.

[mutharex]

This game is based (or at least, it tries to) horizontal progression, not vertical progression (aka 'gear grind' or 'gear threadmill). It's just a different kind of progression.

[Tekrunner]

If you're used to games like, say, Borderlands 2, with an exponential curve of progression and skills granting huge bonuses (money shot anyone?), then yeah, you're initially going to feel like most bonuses are worthless in this game. But if you stick around a little, you may realize that the difference between random trash and fully modded orange with good rolls is actually quite significant. Horizontal progression doesn't mean a total lack of progression, merely that it's not as steep and as automatic as simply levelling up.

The same goes for perks. You might not think that 3% health regen per second is a big deal, but it actually makes a big difference in your ability to survive (especially when used with the right shield).

This is especially true if you play PvP. Every bit helps there, and even a 10% DPS difference between you and your opponent is a big advantage.

With all that said, the lack of impact on progression that your EGO has past the first couple thousands is a common complaint. Once you're past that point, the real progression is in finding guns with better bonus rolls. Getting a higher EGO won't bring you much, except for the satisfaction of seeing a bigger number in the top left corner of your screen.

[Liquidacid]

I rather like the mostly horizontal progression... while I do enjoy traditional leveling MMOs after a while the whole "crap I played for a few hours and leveled now every piece of gear I own is complete crap and needs to all be replaced" can wear on me

[hardy83]

This game would absolutely be ruined if there was gear progression similar to other MMOs in this game.

It would just completely unbalance PvP unless they normalized stats.

It would also ruin the idea that a player right out of the tutorial can do everything the game can offer and isn't "gated" by bad gear.

[crasher]

This game would absolutely be ruined if there was gear progression similar to other MMOs in this game.

It would just completely unbalance PvP unless they normalized stats.

It would also ruin the idea that a player right out of the tutorial can do everything the game can offer and isn't "gated" by bad gear.

All my opinion. I have no real need to be the most popular guy on the intertubez...

MY main objection to that is that you have the guys who don't have a clue what they're actually doing, or how to do it, (and the game engine knows they have no XP on the weapon so doesn't allow aim enhancement, as it does for 'toons that have higher weapon level) showing up in all the places they have no purpose being as far as the story line is concerned, they skip all the actual story progression, and then they rush thru to kill Nim and whine about how there's nothing to do.

It's a free country, they bought the game, they can do what they want, great.
But leveling weapons actually CAN teach you the skills of aiming, leading, patience, weapon selection, conservation of ammo, and the ability to be efficient without having to carpet bomb EVERYTHING all the time with a constant barrage from a rebounder or grenade launcher because your ammo won't ever run out.

I have little problem with small arms ammo being available, but 'rocket and grenade launcher' type ammo should be a little more restricted in supply which would cause players to *plan* when to use weapons, so they don't bomb all the skits and have no explosives left for the boss.

But those also tend to be the ones that (in my experience) have a higher tendency than regular players who invest the progression time, to drive vehicles around AFalls, and exploit glitches, and follow you around spoiling your sniper shots... all those things that they have no understanding of or respect regarding other players for because there is no actual investment for some when they buy a game for $5 or $10 and have free reign to everything start to finish.

There are a lot of ppl who just want to kite Volge or monarchs or what-have-you, and some kind of progression does kind of keep them a little more restricted to earlier areas. Not always, but sometimes just enough that they get bored and go away before they annoy the snot out of the players with time invested who just want to play.

Am I an Elitist?
Not according to some people, if you listen to their comments about my skills and abilities

But I do think that there CAN be games, or areas in games, that require you to pay dues in the form of time/effort acquiring abilities, demonstrating proficiency, or skill, to access.

tl;dr
I do think that there CAN be games, or areas in games, that require you to pay dues in the form of time/effort acquiring abilities, demonstrating proficiency, or skill, to access.