So after playing quite a few matches post v1.06, I actually think the game is getting there. Of course there are still things to be adjusted, optimization is still sub par (we need at least a solid 60 fps to smooth out those parries and nail those head shots), but overall it’s better than I initially thought.
I think the damage resist buffs to Predator classes are actually pretty good. Much better than I initially thought. I think the Scout should stay where she is. The Hunter is good as well, much more viable in melee combat. The Zerker is the only one I think needs toned down. He was already strong before the buff, now he’s a little too tough. Bring him down just a bit. Maybe half of the increase he got. Honestly if he’s only a little stronger than the Hunter that’s fine. But if the Hunter needs to come down a bit for the sake of differentiating play styles that’s fine as well, just not too much. He’s pretty good where he is. But the Zerker can steamroll the team a little too easily once he’s taken down one of them. And I don’t want the fireteam to have to rely only on parry to push away a Zerker. A 3v1 shouldn’t be quite so stressful, and the zerker seems almost guaranteed against 2. Again, not a huge nerf, just reign him in a touch.
So to summerize, keep the Scout buffs, maybe ease back the Hunter (25% less than the recent buff, or none at all) and Zerker (50% less than the buff he got, or maybe less).
The changes in v1.06 force the fireteam to rely more on teamwork to bring down the Pred/Keep him at bay. It can be a little frustrating playing with randoms who aren’t watching your back, but ultimately we can’t cater to players who don’t understand the game. I was getting wrecked earlier today because my fireteam wouldn’t stick together, but once I got in with some decent players we had a much better time of keeping the Pred back, but he still seemed able to get some good shots in. We still had trouble with the Zerker but overall it seems much more balanced now.
I’d still like to see the fireteam relying less on the Parry mechanic. I’d like to see the stamina cost raised. No more than 2 parrys in a row before depleting stamina.
Some fireteam weapons still need damage buffs. The minigun stinks. Maybe tighten up the spread and increase the effective range ever so slightly. And the CS-12 shotgun is still really underwhelming.
Overall it’s good. I think moving forward the changes need to be small to really hone in one the perfect balance. Little tweaks can start to show us whats really working and whats not.