Macro Mechanics Discussion Thread

[ArcherofAiur]

Im done here: this has been blown totally out of proportion and id rather talk about the new macro mechanic.

I would too. Id like to gauge how everyone feels in this thread in some kind of organized way and with respect to the previous debates weve had. We had allot of people who either had problems with the Obelisk or had problems with macro in general. To find out how each persons opinion has changed or stayed the same I have two big questions to ask:

How do you feel about Protoss Macro now?


How do you feel about Macro now?

[PsiWarp]

Time Warp looks great on paper, but more information is needed about the specifics before I give judgment.

The Macro mechanics feel diversified, no longer solely based on resource gain but covers various aspects as well. They really attempt at bringing out the special strengths of each race.

[ArcherofAiur]

Time Warp looks great on paper, but more information is needed about the specifics before I give judgment.

The Macro mechanics feel diversified, no longer solely based on resource gain but covers various aspects as well. They really attempt at bringing out the special strengths of each race.

I agree with the exception that I feel resource gathering needs more economic depth. For instance my remote mining MULE proposal.


I also feel that Proton Charge might be a good ability to give to the Nexus in competition with Time Warp. None can deny that Time Warp has decision making in targeting (Non-Redundant Targeting FTW!) but I think it would be even better if their was an alternative "fast minerals" option to create energy tension.

[PsiWarp]

Well, though some people view the ability as irredeemable, if Proton Charge comes with a cap of workers affected per cast I'd be fine with that.

For example, 5 Probes affected per cast, already affected Probes will be ignored on next cast. The closer to saturation you are, the more Proton Charges you'll need to reach the full potential of your workers.

I don't know if the Nexus could cast on itself to produce Probes or Mothership faster, but I would agree that the management skills involved with the altered PC and Time Warp could raise macro and decision-making altogether.

Oh and about "Dark Infusion", it'd be nice as a third ability on a personal note. Perhaps, instead of increased Pylon range, it would grant the "Dark Pylon" +1 or +2 Shield armor? Decide between increasing your production/research or improving your Pylon durability/Psi! Perfect for encouraging Proxy Pylon strategy.

[ArcherofAiur]

Well, though some people view the ability as irredeemable, if Proton Charge comes with a cap of workers affected per cast I'd be fine with that.

It does. Its called worker saturation.

[PsiWarp]

No, I am talking about a defined limitation, not Moar Probes + Proton Charge = Moar Benefit. It's just like casting 1 MULE except spread out amongst a set amount of workers, therefore getting the same benefit for each single cast of the ability.

[ArcherofAiur]

No, I am talking about a defined limitation, not Moar Probes + Proton Charge = Moar Benefit. It's just like casting 1 MULE except spread out amongst a set amount of workers, therefore getting the same benefit for each single cast of the ability.

But then you get rid of the whole "cash out" dynamic.

Moar probes = better PC
PC = less probes

[PsiWarp]

Yeah, the problem is you are paying the same energy cost for a single cast throughout the game, but getting more benefits for it.

Cast one MULE, you get 100+ minerals in its life time. Cast a 2nd time for more!

Cast one Spawn Larvae, you get 4 Larvae. Cast a 2nd time for more!

Cast one Proton Charge, you affect as many Probes as you can shove in the mineral line, aka +1 more mineral per Probe mining minerals... Cast a 2nd time- Oh wait you put one more Probe to work, okay err, even more!

I'm sure a lot of people covered this already, but just saying.

[ArcherofAiur]

Yeah, the problem is you are paying the same energy cost for a single cast throughout the game, but getting more benefits for it.

Thats not a problem. Its part of the gameplay. Some people just get hysterical about it and cry imbalanced.

Part of this is that Starcraft isnt balanced by some huge math equation on Blizzards chalkboard. Its balanced by the composite effect of all factors over the entirety of the game. Almost all abilities, units, tech, etc.. change as a function of time, often in incredible and drastic ways. Very few have the "linearity" that people so often ascribe to them.

[PsiWarp]

True. In fact, the concept of research and upgrade is based on this philosophy of design.

I guess it's a matter of making the ability fun to use, and not so much as to a necessity.