Review [Issue 29] Predictable Drops and the Experiment

[Pathfinder 1,690]

18.11.2014

So, if you've either entered a normal game, or read about it on the forum, you will have noticed Tanki's latest update to the game, codenamed Predictable Drops.

The update, supposedly complimenting the recent Smart Cooldowns update, has been implemented to add yet another level of skill required to play in various game modes. Crystals and supplies now have predetermined drop zones where they will fall, meaning that it now makes even more sense to control important drop zones, which can give you the advantage in a game. The drop boxes will also not fade after a period of time, meaning if you already have that drug active, you can guard a point and only take the supply once yours has run out.

Furthermore, you may have noticed that items drop from a far greater height. This means you will be able to tell when they will be up for grabs long before they hit the ground, so you can plan effectively how you plan to get them.

The crystal drops have also changed, and can take a value anything between 1 and 100 crystals, depending on how fast the fund is increasing. This means that they fall far less frequently, but carry potentially 10 times more crystals, making them much more lucrative.

And lastly, picking up Golds has changed completely. When a Gold box alarm falls, a drop zone will appear on the map telling you exactly where that Gold will fall, meaning you can plan in ahead how you want to take it, reducing the luck element and replacing it with skill. What can't be predicted however is how long it will take the Gold to fall. It can be anytime between 30-90 seconds, and the implications of this will be discussed later.

For now, let's hear the thoughts of some of the community members on this major update.
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Do you find gameplay better now or before?

:
Before of course! At first glance, you may think they are good, perhaps even more than good. But, on second thoughts, when someone suddenly begins to drug, kills you and then goes and sits on the drop zones, it is not so fun!

@aBdUlLaHkInGg:
Yes, I find gameplay alot better now. Now it is very interesting to know where the drops will fall, and by this the players don't need to activate their powers again and again. They can just simply go in the area where the drop will fall. It also saves my own supplies (I'm not a drugger :P). By this predictable drops update, people will also learn tactics to increase their skills.

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I think I find game-play better now. The reason is high fund battles didn't have much advantage except for the fund received in the end. People ignored 10 crystal boxes even if they were close to them. The only crystal box that was tried the best to be taken was the gold box. But now, 100, 50, and even 20 crystals worth boxes are tried to be taken. Losing teams in high fund battles can at least try and get those boxes, and a high fund equals more 100 crystal boxes. And it's also great for non buyers, they have an opportunity to get crystals just not as the gold but crystal boxes that fall more often too just like the 100 crystals.

I also like that the gold location is told, people can wait for it and it's epic when it falls, everyone tries to get it. It's about skill and luck that you get the gold. But I disagree with the fact that so much time is given to it - it's an advantage, everyone can change in the time and get heavy or very light hulls to push and get it easy. I think that shouldn't be like that. That's all I don't like.

Next, the supply drops, I love how it's predictable. Now people can wait there for a type of supply they don't want to use and as soon as they get it they can use the other 2 supplies.

:
To be honest, gameplay without the crystal boxes could be pretty tactical as you'd need to time when the drops fall to assist in attack or defence pursuits. It also means that snipers will have a good idea of where wandering Wasps will go - it's easier for them to make kills too. However I think that the crystal drop markings have slightly dampened the gameplay. Before, it was everyone playing to their best, and if a crystal happens to drop then they might collect it on the way. Now, that doesn't really happen. It's a matter of staying on the markings because you know that crystals will be falling on that particular spot - and constantly, too.
:
I feel the update has both its good and bad sides, the bad side being that a lot of people are multing in battles because they know exactly where the crystals fall, and the good side being better chances of surviving as you can just camp next to the repair kit drop zone. It's hard to say, but I would say the gameplay is better now.

:
I find gameplay now a lot more dynamic and interesting. There are more tactics such as knowing where the drops will fall and the increased chance of planning your gameplay not just charging in, guns blazing. It also saves on my own supplies, as I'm not the type who uses all my supplies constantly, if you know where the drops will fall, you don't need to activate it, just pick it up!

Are there any major issues you have with the update?

:
Yup! The major problem with the update is the 100 crystal boxes! It's kinda like a mini Gold for the players and when they see one, they run for it as if it was a Gold! They ruin the game for people who will keep on playing even when the boxes fall. This may cost them a win, or if they eventually win, they had to unfairly carry the rest of their team!

@aBdUlLaHkInGg:
Yes,there are some issues which I have with the update.The first issue which I have with the update is that some players (mostly in CTF) keep on standing under the drop box place and wait for the drop.This sadly lets the other players of the team down. They may lose because people which keep an eye on the drop boxes only and do not play. All the hardwork of the other team players has been futile, and they lose the fund.

Furthermore, some dropzones are unfair for teams. e.g The players in the red team in Noise are lucky because drops fall in the middle floor between the both teams, so it is easier for the red team to catch them compared to blue team - it takes some time for the blue team players to reach middle to get drop boxes.

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Just a small one, XP has a bit more ruiners. And again, your team is no less than mults if crystal boxes are on. They all try to get the crystal boxes, whether they are winning or losing.

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The predictable crystal box drops! The 100s are treated like gold boxes - if you think about it, catching a mere 10 of those is an equivalent to a gold box. Due to this, hardly any gameplay resulted and it became more of a crystal collecting match, people jumping from far and wide to catch even a 20. I think if there weren't any drops, people would not be hogging the areas just waiting for crystals and being completely unhelpful to the team as they wouldn't have a clue as to when one would fall. I also think that 100 is just to much, 20, if not 10, should be the maximum value for crystal boxes.

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I don't have many issues with this update, apart from the people who mult in a high fund CP / CTF.

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There are certain issues involving me and my team mates. Firstly, less experienced players sit under the pad and wait for the drop to land on them. This is not correct as the predictable drops show WHERE they will land but not WHEN. This then unfortunately leaves players as dead weights on the team causing the rest of us to lose our hard earned battle fund (The new crystals test increases the fund and the more mults on your team, the less crystals you will get!)

There is also some luck involved as to which team's base the drops most commonly fall. Like in Kungur on the red base, they fall on the left side as you're sitting on the flag and in front of the covers on the right giving red the upper hand.

What are you going to do differently to adapt to the changes made in this update?

:
I try and use long ranged weapons in short maps, I take advantage of people trying to come out of camping positions when they see 100 crystal boxes. I'm also a bit low on Double Power so stay in a position where Double Powers drop nearby so I can use my own Double Armour and pick up the Double Power. On the gold timing my strategy is to search for the stamp, and once there, mine the spot and wish myself good luck.

@aBdUlLaHkInGg:
To adapt the changes, I will definately take some precautionary measures to handle the changes. I'm going to equip a heavy hull(titan,mammoth)to just sit under the drop areas and will be waiting for the drops(as others do). I will also be figuring out the places where possibilities of gold will be.

:

Well I do think there should be an option to disable the crystal predictable drops completely - I'd also get rid of the crystal values higher than 10/20, I suppose. I honestly don't mind the gold box timings. Gives everyone a chance, really. Quite fun too, even if the gameplay may temporarily stop :P

:
Well, I won't really change my style off playing alot, as I mostly play XP. But when I do play in a DM, I will camp next to the repair kit, For Gold Boxes, I have found that if you use your Double Armor when the "Gold Box Will Be Dropped Soon" goes away, your Double Armor runs out before it falls, so I am going to start equipping it 15/20 seconds after the siren's gone.

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To adapt to the changes I will have to spend some time thinking and planning out the best areas to sit and know the possibilities of where golds will drop but more importantly, the supplies. I play XP a lot and you can imagine what affect it will have on clan battles with supply drops on.

What's your overall opinion on the update?

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It was a BAD update - destroying the team playing and increasing box hunting. But I will keep on playing in the hope of a better Tanki in future - the devs are usually good at listening to the feedback!

@aBdUlLaHkInGg:
My overall opinion is just OK. I'm neither against this update nor in favour of this update,but it has ruined all the fun of the CTF,CP and TDM. This is especially true for CTF, the fun has been fully destroyed by this update :(, as it is the most commonly played mode in this game. We can only hope for the best :).

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This is a very good update, I really like how the colour of the crystal box is lighter when it's less worth and darker when more worth. Also I love the thing they tell where the gold shall drop, just don't like that it takes a bit of time. Supply drops are just perfect! Overall I think I love this update, I'm sure it'll attract people and make them want to play more.

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Pretty good I guess, my only tweaks would be having the predictable crystal drops as an option (or completely disabled) and getting rid of the crystal boxes over the amount of 10.

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Besides the people who mult, I really like this update and I think the Tanki crew has done a very good job.

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My overall opinion is balanced. I'm not jumping up and down in favour but it benefits DM and ruins CTF. CTF is the most commonly played mode and for this battle mode to have changed dramatically that it obstructs the teams is a bit of a disappointment as I'm a huge fan of CTF.
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As you can see, there was a mixed response to the update, the main complaint being people chasing after the 100 crystals box - it seemed to be too attractive to ignore.

20.11.2014

In response to this, the Tanki team, who had been keeping a keen eye on progressions, trialled a period where crystal boxes were removed from the game, and added to funds instead. What is more, Golds now fall as soon as the notification lit up.

Again, the players have shown a very divided response. Some argue for the update, and others against, and there are convincing points for both sides.

27.11.2014

When the smoke cleared, Tanki delivered their verdict - crystal boxes would be removed from the game. However, they were aware of the complaints and the very uneven distribution of funds between the winning and losing teams. And so the experiment continues, this time with a new fund distribution system that is fairer and more relenting on the losing team.

Gold box complaints were answered, and a compromise time of 20 seconds was introduced. Not too short to give all players a chance, if they so happen to be killed or are changing equipment, and not too long so that gameplay isn't disrupted too much.

Although we can't be sure exactly what the outcome of this will be, we can be sure that the Tanki team will keep on doing their utmost in ensuring the game remains fun, and accessible to all players.

We'll keep you updated!

Edited July 30, 2017 by Hexed

[Classic_eSports 479]

Nice ))

[Sr.I3oSS 2,546]

Great, always love the Press.

[Mr.I3oSS 557]

))

[aBdUlLaHkInGg 39]

Great job kirby :D.

[general_abrams 424]

Good good, well done on this post.

 

I personally love the new predictable drops and the way that they work. I do sometimes think though, that life ups and 2x damages should fall a little more often, as they're the most used and useful supplies.

 

Removing crystal boxes was a smart decision on TO's part. Crystal boxes, especially after the update, were a complete mess. People were camping for the 100's, just hanging out around the drop zones, and, oh my gosh it was bad. Honestly, I covered my eyes because it hurt me to see the TO developers make such a mistake.

 

With the new system, players have to fight for their reward, you can't just camp for it. You have to help the team now, or no crystals for you. The new distribution system is an improvement too, as now, even top players on the losing team receive a decent reward.

 

 

Good job Tanki Online, you made the right decision. Game play has never been so tactical, and battle victories have never been so rewarding.

Edited December 2, 2014 by general_abrams

[Snow.HD 1,037]

Why always you ask the part of Mod - Team about changes ingame ?

 

Why you don't ask someone else ? Like Low Ranks , or Non-Buyers .

 

This thig , to show us what think "random" players about changes is not good . You try to take our right to talk free , and put these Friends of moderators to talk for us .

 

Next time try to make something true , and stop pretending you ask players from game .

[Pathfinder 1,690]

Why always you ask the part of Mod - Team about changes ingame ?

 

Why you don't ask someone else ? Like Low Ranks , or Non-Buyers .

 

This thig , to show us what think "random" players about changes is not good . You try to take our right to talk free , and put these Friends of moderators to talk for us .

 

Next time try to make something true , and stop pretending you ask players from game .

None of the players I picked are moderators, and most of them i didn't know and still don't know very well. I picked people who I saw commenting over the forum, and chose people who were actually backing what they were saying, and clearly made some good points.

 

In no way are we taking the right for you to talk free - clearly, as you are talking right now!

[Snow.HD 1,037]

That players are friends with you guys , with TO Team . Mod/help/cons .. dsn't matter what he is , they are friends .

 

I just noticed , 3 of them are winners into the crossword contest , mods was the winners of Youtube Tutorial , friends of your team was always winner of something .

 

Another thing . when is these FB contest . battles , or mine hunt / Guess who/s there ? these friends :) Every time .

And don't tell me about "they are lucky to enter into that battle" :) They are not , they are invited :)

 

Even so , TO cumunity is like this :

 

Game Team (Helpers , mods , consultants , etc.)

Friends of Game Team

and

Buyers .

 

The rest of them dsn't matter anymore :)

 

And kirby , i know you , don't get this wrong , i don't have anything with you , but TO become a "selectivy" comunity where Friends of Friends are better than Others .

Edited December 2, 2014 by Snow.HD

[Pathfinder 1,690]

Sure, thank you for your comments :) I can assure you I chose the interviewees personally with no other moderator influence, and if you ask the interviewees, I believe nearly every one of them I had no private chat with beforehand.

 

I cannot speak for the rest of the moderating team. But surely those people who are most enthusiastic, and most committed to the game will be the ones who win the most contests, manage to enter the most events, have the most connections, and quite often, they are the buyers. That might explain why you see the same people popping up :p but I know that myself and many of my colleagues would never discriminate, and would act professionally :)

 

If you ever have any specific complaints, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate administrator.

[Snow.HD 1,037]

OFC i will , i always say what i need to say . Good luck with your press , you make a greate job , i read all these pages :)

[Promissory 569]

Experiment ruined DM, but made team battles more fun <_<

I hate team battles, and love DM. Now I don't play much, only some xps and a few DMs

[kairr777 0]

i hate the new update i would have lots of other M1s if the boxes where still droping

[Time 57]

)) What if you g2g anytime, each time you play Tanki?  Now Tanki has disabled the cry drops, which also means you can only earn $$ by completing the battle, wait for daily bonus, contest, or even buy crys! Isn't that awful for a busy person?

[LeIouch_Vi_Britannia 6,163]

eh,was searching for this, found it just now :D

 

thx kirby :p

 

Why always you ask the part of Mod - Team about changes ingame ?

 

Why you don't ask someone else ? Like Low Ranks , or Non-Buyers .

 

This thig , to show us what think "random" players about changes is not good . You try to take our right to talk free , and put these Friends of moderators to talk for us .

 

Next time try to make something true , and stop pretending you ask players from game .

I Assure you, Im non of the team,

 

and my rank aint too much high :) and Im absolutely no buyer

 

and Im no friend of Mods :) I saw kirbys topic that said PM me for the interviews :)

 

Dont know how are you telling they just pick from the team ;)

so no more accusing please ;)