I was going to write this as part of an argument in I&S, but it applies well generally so I'd like to make it a separate discussion.
Overpoweredness of weapons, of class strength, of any part of a shooter, is usually a notion reserved for deathmatch style games where the victim is usually the one who pipes up about their unfair disadvantage. KF seems like it should be an exception since the experiments will never whine about their disadvantage, but it's not.
Fact is, when a weapon or class is overpowered, it becomes an awkward pressure on players to use that weapon or class, precisely because to do otherwise is to impose a disadvantage on your teammates.
For example, I feel like an idiot playing medic sometimes because I know that we'd be surviving if I'd just switch to my lvl5 Support. I also feel foolish standing next to a berzerker with a chainsaw, because to shoot anything in that situation would be a waste of ammo.
Classes and weapons should conform to the tastes of the player or to the characteristics of the challenge. Overpoweredness is when particular weapons or classes are so strong that alternatives are categorically a negative on play experience.
Note to developers: nerfing power or accuracy is almost always the worst way to balance weapons and classes, in my experience. In general, adding challenge in the way of the real-life skills of the player (timing, aim, etc.) is the best way to balance.
Cheers,
-Joker
Overpoweredness of weapons, of class strength, of any part of a shooter, is usually a notion reserved for deathmatch style games where the victim is usually the one who pipes up about their unfair disadvantage. KF seems like it should be an exception since the experiments will never whine about their disadvantage, but it's not.
Fact is, when a weapon or class is overpowered, it becomes an awkward pressure on players to use that weapon or class, precisely because to do otherwise is to impose a disadvantage on your teammates.
For example, I feel like an idiot playing medic sometimes because I know that we'd be surviving if I'd just switch to my lvl5 Support. I also feel foolish standing next to a berzerker with a chainsaw, because to shoot anything in that situation would be a waste of ammo.
Classes and weapons should conform to the tastes of the player or to the characteristics of the challenge. Overpoweredness is when particular weapons or classes are so strong that alternatives are categorically a negative on play experience.
Note to developers: nerfing power or accuracy is almost always the worst way to balance weapons and classes, in my experience. In general, adding challenge in the way of the real-life skills of the player (timing, aim, etc.) is the best way to balance.
Cheers,
-Joker
