Send in the Clones

NWO has a new update (U16) called "Undermountain".  And with it come major changes to several mechanics, including character creation and class progression.  Though it has been out for less than a week, so far, I'm not a big fan.

They have taken what little character customization* there was and replaced it with a cookie cutter operation.  Originally, during character creation you "rolled"** your ability scores (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA).  Now, each class is given a set of base scores so all rogues (for instance) are given 13, 18, 13, 8, 10, and 12 (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, and CHA, respectively).  The only difference between all level 1 rogues are the racial modifiers that get applied/  But races with fixed modifiers (which are most of them), will all be identical.  The Human racial modifier is a +3 to any single ability score of your choice so in theory there could be some variety.  However, how much do you want to bet that all Human rogues choose +3 to DEX?

Class advancement is not any better.  Originally, there were (3) paragon paths and while you could only unlock the next abilities by placing points into the previous one(s), you could splash in some from each path.  Not anymore - now, you are given the choice between one of two paths and you are locked in.  The only choices you can now make are which one of two path-specific feats you want at each 'level' of progression.

So, just about every player in a specific class/path combo will be just like nearly every other player in that same specific class/path combo.

Hence my title.

We are the Borg...



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* Except for the cosmetic ones - you can still choose how your character looks.

** At least, it was a simulated roll - in reality, there were about 10 (or so) different sets of stats you could choose from, so you just kept 're-rolling' until you got the "least objectionable" set to you.  Still, there was some choice in the process.