Yes, we removed Tactics scores and damage absorbed from the combat chat. I understand this is likely a less-than-popular decision, but the team feels it's necessary for several reasons. Before I explain, please keep in mind that this is a test server and, while we feel the change is a needed one, we will listen to feedback. All we ask is that everyone keep an open mind when trying out the changes.
In the old combat system, Tactics scores were everything because you either hit or missed each round. If you missed, you took damage and dealt none. Therefore, maximizing your Tactics scores was critical to survival. While high Tactics scores are still important under CR2.0, they aren't nearly as critical anymore, especially given that it's no longer your tactic versus your opponent's tactic.
As we all know by now, your Resistances are more critical to survival than Tactics scores are in CR2.0. So why remove the damage absorbed? To eliminate confusion, mostly. The negative absorbed numbers and the discrepancy when landing a final blow make things more complicated than they need to be. What matters, in the end, is the total amount of damage taken.
We're removing these items now because our first major NPC balancing pass is being implemented in Update 5. Rather than paying attention to the numbers, we want to hear how combat feels. Do you feel appropriately badass when plowing through Grey, Blue, and Green-con NPCs? Do the various Yellows give you an appropriate fight--not too hard, not too easy? Do Orange, Red, and Purple-con NPCs seem to be at the right difficulty level?
You'll still see total damage output, but we hope that removing these numbers reduces unnecessary distractions. Your Bonus panel should give you enough detail on your current status and, if it doesn't, then we need to see what we can do.
Again, please keep an open mind when testing these changes. We think they are for the better and are, as always, interested in your feedback.
