Ranger Archive
Thread: Poll: State of the Profession
Page 1 of 3
Nemo0
Sun Nov 14, 2004 2:33 pm
#1
- I've been a Ranger for a very long time.
- I wanted to be a Ranger before launch. In many other games I've played, I like to go out and explore. Ranger seemed to be the best profession for this.
- Ranger is incomplete. The skills we have do work but they have become less useful since launch (due to changes like speeders and armor/buffs) but they are mostly just upgraded scout skills. We are Super Scouts when we really should be more than that (just like doctors are not just Super Medics--you can't replace a doctor with a medic for many purposes).
- The community. The profession itself does not really add all that much over Master Scout (or even lower Scouts). But logging in to RIN on Eclipse gives me a network of people to work with, making my game play a lot easier and more fun. The same is true of the forums. If I had to list a skill, tracking would probably be it (despite the bugs).
- I enjoy playing a Ranger. Sometimes I get a little annoyed by all the bugs and such but there are some real gems in this game that I wouldn't be able to appreciate as a combat specialist.
- Not really. I do sometimes get the urge to try another profession for a bit but it's usually more to see what the profession is like than because I'm getting tired or Ranger.
- Whether or not the Combat Upgrade negatively affects Ranger, it must happen. Yes, Rangers will probably have a harder time filling orders. But combat is currently a joke in this game. Not having seen the combat documents, I can't comment further (for instance, will having 2 combat professions be more useful than it is now or less so).
- My biggest fear with the Combat Upgrade is what the lack of Ranger changes means for the profession. It is hard to deny that traps at the least are not combat related. It is likely that the Devs are just waiting for the Ranger revamp to spend time working through the traps (as they can be balanced to an equivalent level as the other professions even after the fact--just like would need to be done if they added a droid handler profession) but it is also possible that they plan to completely remove our combat skills and replace them with something else (i.e. move the ranger traps into scout and give us auto harvesters or something).
- I do not currently see my profession choicesas changing due to the Combat Upgrade. I like my professions and I don't expect the Devs to make such significant changes that another profession appeals to me more.
- As it looks now, the profession won't really change. Any hurts are likely to be due to the combat system. I rarely bother using the combat system with my character directly so I don't see why anything should change. I am weak and mostly useless now. If anything, the Combat Upgrade should make me less so.
- The obvious answer here is trapping. Trapping is the Ranger's combat skill. Any other change really would fall more under the scope of a revamp. But small changes (like harvesting increases or some extra defense mods) could help keep Ranger a viable class for hunting oriented players between the upgrade and our revamp. But, again, without seeing the Combat Upgrade documents, it's hard to see what sort of effects will happen and I can't intelligently comment on this.
- A unique set of skills. Small changes (like harvesting amounts) would be nice but the main problem the profession has is the lack of a defining role. If you need harvested goods, hire anyone with Novice Scout or better. If you need to find something, pull out yourspeeder and drive around until it spawns. Yes, people currently come to Rangers for tracking. But the main reason Rangers are usually useful for finding something is not the /areatrack skill. It's because they know how to look. /areatrack just makes it a bit easier to do the looking.
- My fear with the Ranger Revamp is that the Devs might go for too creature centric of a role. With the end game focus becoming the Galactic Civil War (GCW), I don't think any profession should be so obviously (and stupidly) cut out of it. I can understand why certain skills (like creature knowledge or creature harvesting) are limited to creatures only. But things like traps and conceal should be useful in PvP as well as PvE (even creature knowledge can be helpful when dealing with BE pets). It will take work to fairly implement useful skills for Ranger but it needs to be done to keep Ranger viable in the end game.
- That depends on what you mean. If they have some bugs, I don't mind. But if they turn Ranger into a profession for another game (i.e. cut all of our skill set off from most of the content unfairly, turn us into herders/farmers), it might be hard. I can't decide without knowing a lot more about what the future holds but I don't expect to have any problems with the Revamp. As long as they communicate, the profession should turn out better than it is now. And that should be enough. I don't see any reason why I wouldn't stay a Ranger but difficult to see, the future is.
- Not that would easily fit into such a long poll
. Nice job with the questions. It should make good reading.
Nastzguehl
Sun Nov 14, 2004 3:35 pm
#2
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
Since I mastered Scout and that was just a few weeks after launch.
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
I wanted to explore the world and thought that ranger was the right choice for that.
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
That we have to spend so many skillpoints just to be super scout. I'd like to see a more specified role for us, like outlined in the many good posts in this forum about where we think ranger should go to.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
For me it is the fact that ranger perfectly fits my RP. Besides that the great community and the HTFB
not to forget that we are rare.5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Yes, but that doesn't mean that i'd dislike getting some if not most of the ideas outlined in all the great post here.
Geniuses at Work...Great Ranger Ideas are Linked Here!
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
I don't think so.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
If we lose our ability to go out and hunt alone for ressources, than yes. It's fun to hunt in a group, but I also really enjoy to be out there on my own.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
To be unable to hunt alone. Ok hunting Chubas won't be a problem I guess, but there are more things than Chubas out there.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
Yes.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
Yes, but I may start to think about the unthinkable, dropping Ranger.......no I guess I'll more likely leave the game.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Traps, our ability to hide out there from creatures and NPCs and special Ranger weapons.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Again:
Geniuses at Work...Great Ranger Ideas are Linked Here!
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
That we could get a role that doesn't fit into any of the roles wished and expressed by the community.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
Yes, there is no other profession that attracts me.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
No
Vorpaks
Sun Nov 14, 2004 3:37 pm
#3
Phenix1050 wrote:
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
I think, looking back at my posts,since September 2003
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
I was planning on being a Creature Handler and ended up Mastering Scout along the way because I enjoyed it so much. I tried Ranger and ended up mastering it before Creature handler for the same reason.
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
It is unfinished. It came into the game with a "weak skill set" to quote a popular post, and it did not receive the time it needed to become a viable and useful profession.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
a.) The skills you get as a scout and the tracking and arguably the wayfaring lines.
b.) Perception. People assume Rangers must be excellent hunters because of the way their skills are described in the skill tree and manuals. People who play Ranger know that these skills do not make them the best possible resource gatherer, but perception or perhaps misperception, works in our favor.
c.) Our own perception. Being a Ranger, no matter what you think of the actual skills, gives the character of your avatar and the game greater depth. It gives you a sense of identity.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Not really. It rankles that I felt I had to drop Master in order to truly become good at my Rangering skills. If I could remaster Ranger and still be a viable member of a group and useful to my guild then I would be very satified. As a Master Ranger I play for myself, as a 0030 Ranger I play for my community/firends. I won't be satified until I can do both.
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
Difficult question. If there isn't some interation between the community and the developers in the next few months (say end of January) that gives us some idea of where they are going with the profession and what the revamp will entail I will probably drop Ranger on my main. I have other toons with Ranger skills who will not ever drop it however. Hope springs eternal.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
Right now I honestly don't know.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
What I am most afraid of is another inadvertant nerf. I really like player cities, vehicles, and the fact that I dont have to craft a tent everytime I was to call a pet/speeder/droid. However all of these things heavily infringed on the unique capabilities of the Ranger and rendered them obsolete. I am afraid the CU will be another really cool thing that has to happen... but will inadvertantly make us even less useful. But I am a hands on person and will have to wait until I can actually try the system to know if these fears are justified (see answer to number 7). Since it is public knowledge that the Rangers are not considered a combat profession I can say I am also afraid that many will drop Ranger to try out the combat professions that have been enhanced. Including myself.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
I would like to think so.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
I believe I will always have a character with Ranger skills. The question is how often I'll be tempted to use that character.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
--- thinking about this one, maybe I'll edit later if I can think of a generic enough reply ---
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Calculus recently had a thread asking us about our top issues, which is stickied. My reply is in there.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
Mostly excitement andhopes. We don't know enough yet to be afraid.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
If the Ranger revamp does not fix ALL of the problems with Ranger or if it does not fix one or two problems that I feel are important? If after the revamp I am still not useful as a Master Ranger to my guild, and still get told I should drop it and it is a waste of skill point by my firends then I will probably drop on my main. However, I will still have Master on one of my characters I am sure.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
I don't think this poll answered any of my questions so I still have lots. If you mean, are there more questions I would ask the Ranger community about how they feel about this professsion then I think they have been answered many times over in many threads. I have a lot of positive-oriented questions I would ask, but then this would turn into another idea thread (ye gods, another one!) and not a poll. 
Thank you in advance for taking this poll. I think it will help us gauge where we are as a community.
As we all know, there will soon be a change in the correspondant position for the Ranger community. Because of this, I thought it would be good for whoever takes over that position to have an idea of where the Ranger community stands right now. As such, I have developed a short poll for the full-time Ranger community to fill out when they have a chance. The purpose of this would be to give whoever takes over a reliable guage with which to look at the Ranger community. Now before we even begin, I want to begin this by saying that this is not a place for anyone to rant or rave (not that I expect that from the majority of the people here). I am looking for some basic information, not for a rundown of what's wrong with this profession or why we need changes now. This isn't meant to stifile your opinions, but ranting makes a poll such as this harder to get through for everyone. With that said, here's the poll:
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
I think, looking back at my posts,since September 2003
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
I was planning on being a Creature Handler and ended up Mastering Scout along the way because I enjoyed it so much. I tried Ranger and ended up mastering it before Creature handler for the same reason.
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
It is unfinished. It came into the game with a "weak skill set" to quote a popular post,
and it did not receive the time it needed to become a viable and useful profession. 4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
a.) The skills you get as a scout and the tracking and arguably the wayfaring lines.
b.) Perception. People assume Rangers must be excellent hunters because of the way their skills are described in the skill tree and manuals. People who play Ranger know that these skills do not make them the best possible resource gatherer, but perception or perhaps misperception, works in our favor.
c.) Our own perception. Being a Ranger, no matter what you think of the actual skills, gives the character of your avatar and the game greater depth. It gives you a sense of identity.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Not really. It rankles that I felt I had to drop Master in order to truly become good at my Rangering skills. If I could remaster Ranger and still be a viable member of a group and useful to my guild then I would be very satified. As a Master Ranger I play for myself, as a 0030 Ranger I play for my community/firends. I won't be satified until I can do both.
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
Difficult question. If there isn't some interation between the community and the developers in the next few months (say end of January) that gives us some idea of where they are going with the profession and what the revamp will entail I will probably drop Ranger on my main. I have other toons with Ranger skills who will not ever drop it however. Hope springs eternal.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
Right now I honestly don't know.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
What I am most afraid of is another inadvertant nerf. I really like player cities, vehicles, and the fact that I dont have to craft a tent everytime I was to call a pet/speeder/droid. However all of these things heavily infringed on the unique capabilities of the Ranger and rendered them obsolete. I am afraid the CU will be another really cool thing that has to happen... but will inadvertantly make us even less useful. But I am a hands on person and will have to wait until I can actually try the system to know if these fears are justified (see answer to number 7). Since it is public knowledge that the Rangers are not considered a combat profession I can say I am also afraid that many will drop Ranger to try out the combat professions that have been enhanced. Including myself.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
I would like to think so.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
I believe I will always have a character with Ranger skills. The question is how often I'll be tempted to use that character.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
--- thinking about this one, maybe I'll edit later if I can think of a generic enough reply
---12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Calculus recently had a thread asking us about our top issues, which is stickied. My reply is in there.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
Mostly excitement andhopes. We don't know enough yet to be afraid.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
If the Ranger revamp does not fix ALL of the problems with Ranger or if it does not fix one or two problems that I feel are important? If after the revamp I am still not useful as a Master Ranger to my guild, and still get told I should drop it and it is a waste of skill point by my firends then I will probably drop on my main. However, I will still have Master on one of my characters I am sure.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
I don't think this poll answered any of my questions so I still have lots. If you mean, are there more questions I would ask the Ranger community about how they feel about this professsion then I think they have been answered many times over in many threads. I have a lot of positive-oriented questions I would ask, but then this would turn into another idea thread (ye gods, another one!) and not a poll. Thank you in advance for taking this poll. I think it will help us gauge where we are as a community.
Message Edited by Vorpaks on 11-14-2004 05:43 PM
Message Edited by Vorpaks on 11-15-2004 10:47 AM
Eufack
Sun Nov 14, 2004 4:02 pm
#4
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
a few months
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
For the great communtiy and the coolness of it
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
the lack of a clear roll
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
The different skill sets
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
ye, but there can be alot changed to make it better
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
not really, i enjoy the idea of the ranger but the issues can be ignored
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
Positively, rangers will hopfully be wanted in hunting groups from their skills in the wild
8) What are your biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
Nerfing traps
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
you bet!
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
You bet!
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Traps working correctly
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
all of them, even if that will never happen
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
No, the devs can't make our camps even moreusless
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
You bet!
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
How do you define Questions?
Rhyeal
Sun Nov 14, 2004 4:12 pm
#5
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
Basically all of my time on SWG. I started as a Marksman, and took up Scout shortly thereafter. Only really got invovled in the Ranger community about 1 year ago. Basically since NRaas.
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
Loved the idea of it. Loved the camps, loved the lifestyle.
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
See: Whatever Owen wants is generally what I feel. However, camp usefullness and harvest rates. Then /track.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
The ability to survive in the wild. I want to see this used mroe to our advantage and pushed more.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Yes, I do. Sometimes i wish I had more abilities at my fingers, but what I have is great.
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
Yes, if the profession was deleted, then I would leave. Otherwise, nope.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
I think that it will negativelyEFFECT Rangers for a while until we get our own revamp to bring us back up to par.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
That we will be nerfed beyond recognition...but I doubt that this will happen. Other than this, I jsut dont know how it will effect the Rifle side of my Ranger.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
Yes, well, on my alt. My main is going Jedi.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
Yes. I will keep on pushing my art (which will be done soon...had a Jedi grind to take care of) so as to give the Devs an idea of waht we as the Ranger community are thinking.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Traps. Make them work universally, and more types.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Traps, Tents, harvest rates, hunting cabin (biggie for me), true wilderness survival.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
Not that I would openly express to the community
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
Geez...splitting hairs here. Well, no, I will most likely quit if the Revamp does not do what we want it to do.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
Nope.
MadLeprechaun
Sun Nov 14, 2004 5:13 pm
#6
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
MadLeprechaun
Sun Nov 14, 2004 5:18 pm
#7
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
unfortunately i am not yet, but im getting there fairly fast
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
I like wandering around aimlessly, and the cool people on the forums convinced me to
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
Usefullness
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
Fast crawling
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Yes
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
If it came to the point where i couldnt defend myself in the wild then i MIGHT try something else
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
I don't think it will affect rangers at all unless buffs and armor are nerfed, then we would be more useful
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
none
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
yes
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
most likely
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
giving us better combat skills, maybe stronger traps, damage mitigation, something
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
see above
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
no
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
yes
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
uh......lemme think.......oh crap nvm my brain hurts already
yes, i know i am not a ranger yet.....but I answered these the best I could with the knowledge i have
PS: sorry about the double post thing......freaky stuff
Message Edited by MadLeprechaun on 11-14-2004 04:20 PM
WildBil2Me
Sun Nov 14, 2004 5:20 pm
#8
Phenix1050 wrote:
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
Picked up the Novice Box around September of last year. Haven't looked back.
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
Well, I went scout because it was "the most versatile of professions." I enjoyed it so much I went on to Ranger as a natural continuation.
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
The best part about being Master Ranger is the community. The people who regularly post on the Boards do much more to define the profession than its skillset. The majority of our skills seem lumped together to form a basic profession which lacks a true definition within the game mechanics. Ranger as it is defined by its skills, is a profession withouta definite direction.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
First and foremost the community on the forums! From within the skillset I'd say that most of Ranger's greatest assets come from the scouting tree. The bonuses gained in TN from the Scout tree are the best thing a Ranger has going. After that I'd say maskscent. Anything gained from Novice Ranger up is good, but is lacking in its implementation. (camo breaks too often for a crafted item, /areatrack can be bypassed with a good speeder, creature-to-hit is hard to gauge, etc.)
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
I enjoy playing the profession and have learned to make my skills work to my advantage. Is that fair?
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
There's a part of me that really wants to start exploring PvP. It's my hope that the Ranger profession can gain some benefits that might make PvP more viable. If the implementation were to stay PvE centered and continued to lack significant bonuses over combat heavy novice scout templates I might consider re-evaluating my template.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
Due to NDA restrictions I'll comment on this in the future.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
5th again.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
Yes.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
I don't forsee our profession being hurt by the CU. I think our concentration should be more centered on our profession being hurt by a misdirected Revamp.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Traps.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Finding a use for camps. Making Trapping better. Making Tracking better. Making Camo more effective.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
Being designated PvE and loosing a strong viability in PvP combat.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
If the Ranger Revamp forces the profession out of PvP viability then I think I would have to. I'm really interested in seeing the GCW become a major part of the game, being left to Creature combat would drastically hurt my ability to participate in what I consider to be a key aspect of the game.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
No great poll!
Thank you in advance for taking this poll. I think it will help us gauge where we are as a community.
You're welcome
sanca
Sun Nov 14, 2004 5:43 pm
#9
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
A little over six months.2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
I thought it would allow my character to be more self-sufficient than most others.3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
It is essentially a one-tree profession with little incentive to master.4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
It seems to attract a mature, constructive and friendly player group - any Ranger i've talked to has displayed these traits. As for in-game i suppose it would have to be the slightly higher harvest rate, even if it can be offset by being a faster killer with lower scout skills, it allows me to make money without having to put up with the repetitive grind of mission running. (which will become worse after the group mission changes are live - increasing the need for professions to have a way of generating income with the use of their skills)5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Not anymore satisfied at master than i would be as a Tracker or even just Master Scout.6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
The fact that 3 trees are just a waste of skillpoints has caused me to drop master (down to xx4x) briefly and then re-master purely because i'm not comfortable with any other playstyle on that character.7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
I think it may well have a positive impact on the profession in the way that our skills will become more useful for survival.8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
I'm worried with the fact that the devs don't seem to consider traps as a combat skill and because of this they might not fit in with combat when the CU is complete.9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
Yes, if I leave Ranger again it will be because i'm quitting SWG.10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
Yes, see previous answer...11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Traps could be addressed to make sure they aren't out of balance with the upgraded combat. i.e. give us a reason to use them. Also, perhaps some sort of Creature Toughness as has been talked about, allowing us to take more damage from creatures.12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
I'd like some skills that are totally unique to Rangers, that make us more than just super Scouts and things that make Ranger worth mastering not just a one tree profession. (as has already been said) Perhaps Rangers could receive a mission bonus at Master that allows them to take higher level missions without grouping? That could maybe be seen as overpowered though so i'm not too sure on that. If not addressed in the CU, our traps should be looked at with a view to making them useful and perhaps let us use them in a way that differs from scout traps. See: Ground traps. Our harvesting rates should be significantly greater than those of a scout. The terrain neg. bonuses a ranger gets should be useful to every Ranger - Melee rangers have no real use of faster crawl speed. Camo should be more potent. Forage needs a solid reason to be used, maybe it could be a mini-game of some sort to add a bit of fluff to the profession while giving a worthwhile result. Fluff is always nice. A Master Ranger should be considerably more effective than a dabbling ranger.13) Do you have any fears about the Ranger Revamp?
My main fear is that the devs don't even consider some of the excellent ideas that Rangers on these forums have come up with. Also, that we come out of the revamp with decreased money-making potential.14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
Yes, purely because i can't enjoy any other playstyle on that character. 15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
Not that i can think of at the moment.
Serraphin
Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:27 pm
#10
Phenix1050 wrote:
As we all know, there will soon be a change in the correspondant position for the Ranger community. Because of this, I thought it would be good for whoever takes over that position to have an idea of where the Ranger community stands right now. As such, I have developed a short poll for the full-time Ranger community to fill out when they have a chance. The purpose of this would be to give whoever takes over a reliable guage with which to look at the Ranger community. Now before we even begin, I want to begin this by saying that this is not a place for anyone to rant or rave (not that I expect that from the majority of the people here). I am looking for some basic information, not for a rundown of what's wrong with this profession or why we need changes now. This isn't meant to stifile your opinions, but ranting makes a poll such as this harder to get through for everyone. With that said, here's the poll:
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)? Since October 2003, on an off, Mastered and left 3x
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?I have always preferred this profession in the fantasy genre and looked forward to playing it in SWG. I prefer the wilderness environment and hunting
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?Survival tree has no redeeming value since calling droids or vehicles no longer requires a camp in the wild. Scouts and rangers used to be necessary for large hunting groups for this alone.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?Harvest bonus, even though it seems small from Master Scout to Master Ranger it is still a significant bonus.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?Overall no.
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they? 3 out of 4 Trees non functional or marginally functionally for the individual or group with no genuine attenmpt by the development community to address said issues.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?Combat upgrade will address combat professions so the impact will either be positive or negative depending on the impact it has on a Rangers combat profession. No direct impact of the ranger profession either positive or negative.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?That the combat upgrade will generate a significant amount of new balance and combat related "bugs" that will only further delay any attention to prfoessions that need attention now such as Ranger and Squad leader for instance.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?I will not come back to Ranger until the devs have done something, anything to improve at least 1 tree of Ranger as a sign of good faith.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?see above
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?Trapping. At least allow the Rangers traps to effect NPCs. Landing a trap on an Elder in a Night Sister hunt would be nice.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?Ensuring that all 4 trees provide some tangible benefit.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?Yes, that it could get worse or that our upgrade/revamp would negatively effect another profession. i.e. the Droid Engineer revamp was needed for Droid Engineers but it did impact Rangers.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?Quite contrary if a revamp occurs and at least genuinely attempts to correct any problems I will return to ranger.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address? No I hope everyone takes the time to answer it no matter what those answers may be.
Thank you in advance for taking this poll. I think it will help us gauge where we are as a community.
Landorien
Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:39 pm
#11
1. About 4 months
2. I chose to be ranger, because I was dropping SL(a very broken profession btw) and figured survival was such a mess to grind, why not try this ranger business. Haven't looked back since.
3. The largest problem would have to be that all our offensive capabilities are aimed at "creatures" and have no significant effectagainst npc's(except a shoddy unreliablecamo)which everyone else can do just as good or better without spending all those skillpoints at either ranger or scout. Add to that that all the "big game" krayts/GDK/gorax are more or less immune to our traps, makes the take on rangers as creaturehunters severely lacking. We have no proper role in either pve nor GCW.
4. To the profession..? I guess camo would have to be it, because it gives rangers without a FOTM sideprofession a chance to compete against the more tricky npc's, assuming the wee beasts stay away.
5. I don't feel I player like a ranger. I play as an imperial, I play as an officer, but what exactly it is to play as a ranger I'm not completely sure what is. I'm satisfied that the ranger profession allows a certain roleplaying style which appeals to me.
6. If SOE decides against all better judgement to take rangers out of the GCW by focusing all our skills at creatures I will probably quit either ranger or the game in frustration.
7. Well.. it seems to be in the air that the devs are stepping down on socalled "solo groups", suggesting that a lot of the hunts in the future will require a team, like we see in JTL now perhaps? This combined with the fact that rangers are, as the only profession in the game, penalized in harvesting when partied bodes badly for rangers, since SOE doesn't seem to hold high regard for the very few that choose to play rangers. I'm sceptical about combat balance, but will see where it goes.
8. see 7.
9. It'd take a bit to lose me, ranger is a bit of my player personality now, but some major change to the worse in prementioned areas could definitely rattle me.
10. see 9
11. Enable traps to work against npc's. The effects in traps seems initially intended to work on humanoids judging by the fact that the dizzystate has no effect on creatures, but are immensely useful on npc's and humanoids(players). Fixing the mysterious camo algorithms to not have an achilles heel against lowlevel creatures should also be a feasible change.
12. First and foremost I'd like for rangers to have a function in gcw. Sabotage, espionage and counterespionage being our militant role. Second, once and for all seperate ranger ability from scout ability. We shouldn't be just a bit more convenient than a master scout, but a whole league above and beyond them.
13. Ranger revamp represents the hope and aspirations for every ranger that has ever heard of it. The only fear I have, is that it might never come.
14. Seeing as I've settled with a relatively broken profession, if they do go and fix "something" then no, I'll probably not move.
15. No, on the risk of repeating myself I'll just join the inevitable hijacking of the thread and blurt outwhat I've not written now, then.
Rancorrider4
Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:28 pm
#12
Phenix1050 wrote:
As we all know, there will soon be a change in the correspondant position for the Ranger community. Because of this, I thought it would be good for whoever takes over that position to have an idea of where the Ranger community stands right now. As such, I have developed a short poll for the full-time Ranger community to fill out when they have a chance. The purpose of this would be to give whoever takes over a reliable guage with which to look at the Ranger community. Now before we even begin, I want to begin this by saying that this is not a place for anyone to rant or rave (not that I expect that from the majority of the people here). I am looking for some basic information, not for a rundown of what's wrong with this profession or why we need changes now. This isn't meant to stifile your opinions, but ranting makes a poll such as this harder to get through for everyone. With that said, here's the poll:
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
Ranger since launch until just after the one year SWG anniversary
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
It was unique, and not the flavor of the month. Very few of us then...and now.
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
See Nem0 amd Phenix's response
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
The community game wide of Ranger's.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
Absolutely not
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
Already done. Played for a year and plan to come back after it's fixed. We are no more than Super Scouts, and not much better at that.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
Positively. I hope that my vision of a more para-military/stealthy version of Ranger comes to pass with this upgrade.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
That we'll be left out of it, or that the changes made will be so minute that we won't notice.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
Might come back, depending on what happens.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
Will just stay away longer, but still support my Ranger friends in the forums.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
See Fred Skinner. Stealth to start with. Camo upgrade and implementation of the specific /track command we were promised for pvp.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Oh my Lord. See the Outdoorsman proposal among other things, and about everything Phenix and Nem0 and many others as well as Draknev and myself have brought up. Mostly that we're not unique.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
See above. That the changes made will be so insignificant that it won't be worth the time invested. That the skill points invested still won't be worth investing in skills that little so matter in the game as a whole.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
Some problems. Hmmm. It depends on what problems dont get fixed. Camps need to matter and we need to be able to harvest more...way more...than Master Scouts. If the large problems are fixed I'll be happy.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
No sir. I anxiously await the revamp and CU. I miss being a Ranger, but I need some incentive to come back. This community is the best. Keep up the great work.
Thank you in advance for taking this poll. I think it will help us gauge where we are as a community.
Almagill
Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:47 pm
#13
1) How long have you been a Ranger (this is not limited to masters)?
Not sure. Feel like forever, but I remember doing some other stuff first.
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
Ranger chose me. I hated PvP, could care less about the GCW, and I had all this surplus scout xp...
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
The perceived notion that we're the unlovable profession. More seriously, we're not unique, 'just' superscouts.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
The Ranger Community. We don't have one correspondent, we've got dozens.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
I feel I'm a ranger in name only. Currently I'm a learner Rifleman and novice pilot.
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
The huge SP investment for comparatively little return.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
I don't know yet. I'm afraid it'll bypass 'ranger' but we'll benefit our weapon profession.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
That we'll be left as the hunter-gatherers with no roll whatsoever in combat. OR that we'll get
turned into military rangers and be forced to take a roll in combat.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
I don't plan that far ahead.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
Yes. And I'll whine, kick, scream and protest till they fix it.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Improve our PvP abilities. Let us use traps on pets.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Give us a role. Camps? Traps? A little tracking, yeah, but, more and more scout XP? Not much bang for our buck.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
That we'll get a few sparkly geegaws and no real substance. ie, we get a revamped set of traps, but still suffer from group harvest penalties, etc.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
I've survived this far.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
Plenty, but I don't want to rant.
Not sure. Feel like forever, but I remember doing some other stuff first.
2) Why did you choose to become a Ranger?
Ranger chose me. I hated PvP, could care less about the GCW, and I had all this surplus scout xp...
3) What is the largest problem with Ranger in your opinon?
The perceived notion that we're the unlovable profession. More seriously, we're not unique, 'just' superscouts.
4) What is the greatest asset to the Ranger profession?
The Ranger Community. We don't have one correspondent, we've got dozens.
5) Do you feel satisfied playing as a Ranger right now?
I feel I'm a ranger in name only. Currently I'm a learner Rifleman and novice pilot.
6) Are there issues with Ranger that could lead to you leaving the profession? If so, what are they?
The huge SP investment for comparatively little return.
7) Do you think the Combat Upgrade will positively or negatively affect the Ranger profession? Why?
I don't know yet. I'm afraid it'll bypass 'ranger' but we'll benefit our weapon profession.
8) What are you biggest fears about the Combat Upgrade (as it relates to Rangers)?
That we'll be left as the hunter-gatherers with no roll whatsoever in combat. OR that we'll get
turned into military rangers and be forced to take a roll in combat.
9) Do you plan on staying with Ranger after the Combat Upgrade?
I don't plan that far ahead.
10) If Rangers are hurt by the Combat Upgrade, will you stay a Ranger?
Yes. And I'll whine, kick, scream and protest till they fix it.
11) What issues do you think could be addressed in the Combat Upgrade to help Ranger?
Improve our PvP abilities. Let us use traps on pets.
12) What issues would you like to see addressed in a Ranger Revamp?
Give us a role. Camps? Traps? A little tracking, yeah, but, more and more scout XP? Not much bang for our buck.
13) Do you have any fears abou the Ranger Revamp?
That we'll get a few sparkly geegaws and no real substance. ie, we get a revamped set of traps, but still suffer from group harvest penalties, etc.
14) If the Ranger Revamp does not fix some of the problems with Rangers, will you remain a Ranger?
I've survived this far.
15) Do you have any other questions or concerns that this poll did not address?
Plenty, but I don't want to rant.
Message Edited by Almagill on 11-15-2004 03:48 AM
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