Hey guys, great game, really enjoy it! Please continue to support as I think you have something here.
So looking at the boards people seem pretty divided as to the power of the Predator. Whether he’s weak or Op. I think it’s both. Now, accounting for skill progression…
In the beginning my fireteam would spank the Predator. We won probably 98% of matches with a Predator kill. In higher levels however it’s a struggle to stay alive, the Predator wipes the team in about 70% of matches.
So early levels, say 1-40(…hmm, what unlocks at 41? lol) the Predator seems a little underpowered. Now, it could just be that new players are learning how to use him, however I felt that even without changing my strategy once I unlocked certain items the win was much easier.
The combistick and berserker need a nerf I think. Not huge ones, but they need looked at for sure. Maybe the berserker needs more of a weakness, as his lack of speed doesn’t seem much a hindrance.
I’d also like to see the wristblades travel a bit more. It’s hard to hit targets without much reach, and the fireteam can always parry. I think a slight (again, slight!) tracking and a bit more forward travel to close distance on enemies backing up. Now this shouldn’t be too op, as again, the player can parry, which won’t save him but should give him enough time for his team to intervene if they’re smart. And a low level Pred should be softening targets anyway.
The combi sticks reach seems just a bit too long. I know that’s the point but I’ve seen more than one match where the Pred wiped a team by running into a room and flailing wildly. Maybe damage drop off to targets further from center screen? We’re talking direct damage vs AOE. Idk, something.
Basically, low level stuff needs a tiny bump, and high level stuff needs a tiny nerf. I’d also like a slightly easier or more effective parry. Obviously the Marine shouldn’t be able to go toe to toe solo with a Pred, but feeling completely helpless isn’t fun and does nothing to deter a Pred from just rushing in.
Last thing, the major strategy I see for the Predator is to down an opponent, wait for the revive and just spam cannon. Sure it’s a viable option, but I’d like to see more variety. Without taking this out completely I think maybe speeding up the revive? Just creating a shorter window for the Pred, and better options for the fireteam. I see a lot of teams go down because of revives. I mean it becomes a 2v1 for the Pred. 1 down, 1 reviving and only 2 on watch. Of course this would need to be balanced with other tweaks. I see a lot of people calling for health penalties to being downed, and longer reinforcement times. I think these are great solutions. Getting downed and revived should put a cap on max health up to 20%. Maybe -10% max health each time. This allows the Pred to be a little more patient and gives the fireteam a chance to revive after chasing off the Pred.
If the fireteam gets a health cap, maybe the addition of some more strategic items, like an adrenaline shot? Giving a boost to health and damage resistance. This would have to be a one time use item per match. Adding another layer of strategy. Use it in the beginning? You might stop being downed early on, but when your health is capped and your team is struggling you might wish you had it later when the Pred jumps in for an ambush. If each player has a one use shot it creates a whole new layer of tactical options.
Anyway, I’d love to see these balance tweak and maybe new item! Keep up the great work!
Update: I take back the suggestion for an easier parry…already very strong…maybe too strong? Lol, idk, it’s good to have options as the marine, and feeling helpless against a melee onslaught isn’t fun. But it’s also frustrating to get parried as the Pred…feels kinda weak. Don’t really know the solution for this…maybe a parry cooldown? Or maybe parry still takes half damage? That’s probably the way to go. Slow the Pred down instead of stop him completely.