How about some flavor players?

[Final Master]

I thought it might be interesting to run a bit of a questionnaire now that we are pretty close to a finished game. So, anyone interested in filling this out partially or completely please feel free. I'm always interested in peoples' opinions and how to design things.

To everyone:

1)
What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

2)
What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

3)
What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

4)
Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

5)
Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

6)
There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

7)
What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?


We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

9)
Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

10)
Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

11)
How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

12)
And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

13)
How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

14)
How long have you been playing?

15)
How far have you gotten in the game?

16)
How many classes have you unlocked?


Thanks for reading and replying.

FM

Edit: As per Grey's suggestion, I've added a few more questions and numbered them for ease of answering. Thanks for everyone that is participating!

[Kemsha]

Ok, I'll go for it

What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I've been playing Dunanan mostly for flavour. The regen also helps on longer battles

What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

My most successful characters were tanks; fighters and paladins(maybe a hybrid) . I think they're really cool and balanced.
I imagine tanks surviving fights surrounded by enemies and I still don't think they can do it in tome but it is a roguelike, you're suposed to die when surrounded.

I think most roles are well covered, except maybe the rogue. I just can't make them live long enough but that can be my fault I guess

What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

I like to vary a lot so this isn't an easy question but I think I prefer the fighter. They maintain good survivability, strength and resources throught their life. It's true that I haven't finished the game yet (died on one of the prides) but I think they're fun to play from level one

Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

I found fighter lacking a bit on crowd control but superiority and warcries really helped. I think they're fine now

Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

As a fighter I like to max Shield Wall obviously. I also like Endless Frenzy to keep them going on big battles and Riposte for that extra attack
There are other talents I really like but I usually only put one point in them: Shield Pummel, Overpower, Assault

There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

Like I said, there are still a few zones I haven't visited but for now they all look good. I have no preference because I like to vary and I think it's really nice that you have to change tactics on different dungeons

What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

Hmmm... this is a hard one...
Maybe something like an arena. Where you could choose to go fight for a reward (money, items, a new talent tree?) but the risks are high (random high level npc's, sometimes a snake, sometimes a multihued dragon)

If an arena is not really on theme (perhaps on the orc campaign?) you could have missions for the sun paladins for instance, fighting against the orcs.
You'd go to a npc and choose "go on a mission" and you'd go to a map, maybe in the middle of a big fight and had to turn the tide of the fight, or just kill the enemy leader, or ignore the fight and get a specific item deep in enemy lines
They should be HARD missions, no time to rest, with enemy casters setting half of the map ablaze, archers firing on every directions. Make it fast, deadly and bloody (and with corresponding nice rewards obviously) so that a player actually pauses to think "should I risk it?"

I don't really like the fact that you can easily and safely rest 200 turns after each fight so I'd like to have zones where the monster generation is way bigger, to keep you moving and force a less cautious approach (deadly, I know)

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

I think it's better this way but maybe levels should be limited to just some npc's. While I think it's good that an orc archer in the prides should be way better than one in the old forest, a red snake should probably be just a red snake wherever we find it

Also, I think theres allways room for more monsters, specially if they have different and nasty powers (basilisk that turns you to stone, life draining undead, teleporting blink dogs, krakens pulling you underwater, nymphs charming you, oh my!)

I don't really think I like any of them better, i hate them all!! They kill me again and again!! But I'll have my revenge, just wait....

Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I play without music or sound or graphics. I'm an old school kind of guy
That being said I like the in-game effects like the explosions, the moving texts and the tooltips

How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

Like I said I'm old school, I used to know all the commands of like 3 roguelike games at the same time so I use the keyboard mostly and I'd do without most of his new "fancy stuff".
But I understand that changing the look of the game can do a lot to entice new players so I say do it. As long as I can continue to use the keyboard, I see no reason not to improve playability for all types of players


This is a great game and I really apreciate all the effort put into into it, many thanks

[darkgod]

Very nice idea final master, please all, answer, this would help me!

[Fletch]

I'm not all that experienced and haven't gotten very far in the game but here we go anyway!

What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I generally go with dunadan due to the strength and dex bonus coupled with the regen talent. Without the regen I often find myself in alot more trouble early game. Also the experience penalty isn't too bad.

What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

I normally only play tanks, however I do enjoy archers or mages. I can get the furthest with tanks and I feel they're represented fairly well. My biggest problem is always magic. Finding yourself in a large, open area with a mage on the other side that has ridiculous range and damage can get a bit frustrating, especially with nothing to really take the edge off their attacks.

What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

Definitely fighter...because it's the only one i can get past level 20 haha.

Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

With the fighter I feel it is something to combat mages, etc. Other than that I enjoy it!

Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

Don't really have a favourite. Just go for a build that best suits my situation.

There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

I love playing in the old forest! I'll go back 100 times on one character haha. Something to do with the layout.. makes for fun combat situations! The sandworm lair can be fun at times too...or someitimes just plain frustrating heh.

What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

Some kind of ruined building/castle type..thing. Similar to amun sul but with a more defined hallway and room layout. Vaults were a great addition. Added alot more variety.

Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.
How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?
And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I always have the graphics on. After new updates I do get confused when I see things I've never seen before...but seeing as it's in development that's not a problem.
Love the music but it can get a bit repetitive after a while.
I think there should be some more sound effects...and maybe make the spiders spitting sound a little bit quieter...scares me every time hehe

How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I play with mouse and keyboard...but mostly just the keyboard's numpad. If I know there aren't alot of enemies around or I'm running to somewhere I've been ill use the mouse to get there quickly. Selling items can be a bit annoying with the keyboard due to the selected item going back to the first in the list after you sell something.

Hope that helps! Keep up the good work

[Grey]

I thought it might be interesting to run a bit of a questionnaire now that we are pretty close to a finished game. So, anyone interested in filling this out partially or completely please feel free. I'm always interested in peoples' opinions and how to design things.

Would be nice if you numbered/lettered the questions for easier answering. Some other worthy questions are:

How long have you been playing?
How far have you gotten in the game?
How many classes have you unlocked?

What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

Noldor, for flavour and their racial ability. I quite like dwarves too - I think their ability is a bit underrated.

What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

Well, if I unlocked Archmages I'd probably like them best. So far Arcane Blades and Rogues are my favourite. They both have a nice number of skills and options without being overwhelming. They also require very tactical play, unlike berserkers and archers (which are easier, but I always get bored of them). Arcane Blades are especially my favourite - I like being able to use both swords and scorcery.

Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

I think there are a few too many pointless talents. There are plenty I put a point in just to activate the ability without caring to level it up further (Precise Strikes, Arcane Combat, a few others) because the increases on higher investments are terrible. There are others that are thoroughly useless (Fiery Hands) but are necessary to get to better abilities. In general the higher level spells are worthless for their cost.

As for lacking something in the class, I think Arcane Combat needs a bit of work to make it more useful. Less of a cooldown would make it more of a switch on/off at need talent, and the ability to choose which spells to cast would be nice (currently I avoid taking Flameshock and Chain Lightning at all, because if they get activating in Arcane Combat then I lose a big chunk of MP). Arcane Combat seems like it should be the focus of the class, but instead it's just a little aside that can't be used vey tactically.

Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

Frost Hands has some awesome effects Stunning Blow is also great at high levels - possibly too great. I love a lot of the Rogue's different attack abilities - makes for very intense melee encounters.

There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

I haven't gotten far enough to comment that well. I will say that the starting dungeons get old fairly fast. Would be nice to start in Bree and just choose your own destination to make the game feel less railroaded.

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

I agree with Kemsha's comment that the levelling is a bit too much on certain enemies. Would be nice to be facing different enemies in different zones rather than higher level versions of previous ones. I do love the variety in the monsters though, with lots of different movements patterns and abilities.

Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

I'm a bit sick of the Trollshaws music, and I really hate the "Trapped" quest music. I love a lot of the other stuff though (wilderness music, main menu, and some of the later dungeons). In general I play with the music on but turned down very low.

How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

I quite like them, and I really wish that they could be separated from the music (ie play with just sfx on). They provide good feedback for hits and misses in combat without having to examine the log too carefully. I'd like a few extras for receiving spell damage and traps (too many times have I been hit by the Shade of Angmar without noticing till I was near-dead). A heart-beat effect when on low HP would be nice too.

And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I play with graphics on. This is partly because I actually dislike how the ASCII looks - I think it's very ugly compared with other roguelikes. The tiles are fairly nice in places, though sometimes not as clear as the ASCII (traps and gems especially). I wish I was able to switch between them more easily, but currently I keep getting odd graphical effects that require an engine restart to fix.

How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I started off with just keyboard, but lately have been using the mouse almost exclusively. I like being able to interchange at any point though. For general running around mouse is normally much easier. For boss battles I like hte precision of keyboard control. Most often I'll use a bit of both, using keyboard for skill hotkeys and mouse for aiming, for instance. Overall it's a very polished interface.

[Gwai]

What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?
Skellies for the win. But they're not best for everything. Wouldn't play a skelly mage, for instance and my cursed are all dunadan for the regen.

What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far? I am very much a fan of ranged attackers, and mage is the only class I've sent to the East. I take them too seriously though, so lately I've been experimenting with the classes I don't tend to do very well at. Cont'd below

What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents? Ooops, just answered that above. Ah well. Shadow blades are a lot of fun as are the cursed. When I want something that's not quite that hard, I have to get back into my archers again. Still think mages are the best thought out class though. Brilliant how many viable options they have.

Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together?
If so, what is it? I would really like to see rogues that can actually throw knives. Roguish types are just supposed to be able to throw knives. Also, archers have a few useless skills and I would like to see that change. That would take thoughtful balancing though.

Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent? I'm not sure I'd want very many classes to start out able to learn throwing knives. Maybe fighers could buy the right to learn it from the guy in Minas Tirith, but basically I'd only give it to rogues and shadowblades.

There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution? Tol Falas is definitely my favorite zone. Otherwise, it is generally based on what I'm playing. Old forest, for instance is great fun with a mage, but hell on my shadowblades.

What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme? Hmm...

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs? I think the mobs are pretty good.

Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music. I don't really do music in roguelikes, truthfully.

How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more? I would like to be able to turn the music off and keep the sounds on. I like the sound effects.

And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them? Still a traditionalist who plays with ASCI, truthfully. The tiles are neat, but they're just not asci.

How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for? I use mostly keyboard, but I do love the mouse for travelling across large spaces or traveled levels.

[Wombat]

What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I think they all have specific qualities that make them great for certain classes. I always play dwarf fighters/berserkers, Nandor archmages, skeleton archers, dunadan cursed.

What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

I personally love tanks and archers, though I play mages for variety.

What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

Archers have always been a favorite since tome2. I like the relatively simple ranged fighting.

Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

I was disappointed in the long term survivability of Berserkers, and I am looking forward to trying the new talent trees.

Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

I like several talents in certain circumstances, but they're really specific to the class. Right now, there aren't that I would feel should be spread out to more classes than have them now.

There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

I haven't seen all of the zones, so I will reserve comment. I do lose an annoying amount of characters in the sandworm lair though...

What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

I've never been a particularly creative thinker, so I'll leave this to those more qualified

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

In tome2, I saw NPC interactions as progress markers in the game. I still view it that way now, so they're all enjoyable to me since they mark my progress in the game.

Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

I'm usually in an environment where I have to keep the sound off or low, but I fully support the use of both music and effects. Now, if you could arrange it to use music from my itunes library, that would be deluxe

And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I think both the graphics and UI are coming along great. I use a combination and am grateful for the choice. I use the keyboard for combat and the mouse for everything else.

[Burb Lulls]

What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

Flavour-wise, dwarves. Pre-Dwarf Fortress: Kinda dull race you sometimes pick if you want some extra power without horrific intelligence loss. Post-Dwarf Fortress: Two-fisted, axe-swinging psychopaths.
Gameplay-wise... still dwarves. Their racial ability has saved me a few times.

What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

I play most of the classes, but I prefer tanks. Knowing that you've survived a mistake (and you WILL make one eventually) that no other class would've survived is a very nice feeling. I'm HOPELESS with hybrids; I always end up spreading my stats and talents too thin, rendering my characters totally useless in combat.

What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

Fighters! Almost out of protest to the "linear warriors quadratic wizards" thing. One of my greatest praises for this game is that your fighter actually feels like a fighter. In Dungeon Crawl, a lowly orc wizard can evade you constantly in melee simply because it's given Godly evasion thanks to its lack of armour. In ToME, a magic-user within range of a fighter's meaty fingers is in trouble.

Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

Things are fairly balanced, although I'd be happy if archmages were a little more fragile. Non-fighter melee classes are also incredibly risky thanks to their lack of guaranteed stun resistance; without stun resistance, you can die absolutely any turn you are within range of a stunning enemy. Against enemies with freeze, you can die immediately any turn you're in their eyesight.

Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

Pseudo-spoilers: When I first started playing a Xorn tried to suffocate one of my first fighters. Using repulsion to literally force it off me made me realise just how awesome the fighters were in this compared to other roguelikes. And shield wall, évidemment.

There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

More pseudo-spoilers: You'd think I'd hate it, given my fighter-lust, but Vor Pride is one of my favourite areas. Playing as an archmage, hiding behind cover, springing up to launch a few spells and then quickly hiding from the resultant storm of counterflames/freezes felt very Western-shootoutlike.

What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

Getting a little ahead of myself, never having beaten ToME 2, let alone ToME 4: Post-game content! INSANE post-game content! Something that'd make the Void look like a tea party!

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

I'm still coming off the high that there's no Zephyr hounds . A certain toothy boss that causes a lot of people grief gets my respect; the fact that the real storyline more or less starts with him says, "OK, no more fooling around."

Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

How about rogue alchemists, complete with golems? Glooping the alchemist would instantly stop the golem, which would be near-invulnerable. Also, ID service NPCs in town.

Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

I don't really play with music now, although the overworld music playing in the Sandworm Lair was oddly... theraputic. A formalised way to play your own music would be, as Wombat said, deluxe.

How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

The SFX are very nice, they remind me of Diablo 2. Are they explicitly from Diablo 2, or are they kinda public-domain SFX that D2 also happened to use? Also, we need a suitably mocking and comedic SFX for when you die.

And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I play with ASCII, but I can actually comprehend and accept the idea that others like graphics. Still, that renders my opinion moot on the tiles.

How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

Primarily keyboard, with a bit of mouse for crossing explored areas and inventory management when I have tons of stuff. Thinking about it, I'd actually accept a 26-item inventory limit so that I could just use the keyboard again, and not see a huge stream of '?'s in my inventory.

How long have you been playing?

Fairly long. I footled around in ToME 2 for a long time, although I never beat it...
Roguelike-type games I've played (roughly in order): ZangbandTK, ADOM, Angband, ToME 2, 3059, IVAN, Transcendence, DoomRL, Dwarf Fortress, Elona, Spelunky, ToME 4, Dungeon Crawl, Prospector.

How far have you gotten in the game?

Got up to - and failed - the endgame.

How many classes have you unlocked?

Pseudo-S: Reavers, pyros, cryos and ghouls evade me, but that's only because I haven't been able to play as much lately.

[trev]

1)
What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

Dont really have one, mostly play the dunadan for their talent.


2)
What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

Guess my favourite is the mage - simply because there are many viable ways to play them.
3)
What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

See above

4)
Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

No
5)
Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

No
6)
There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

I think what I enjoy most about the game is the variety in the zones.

7)
What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?


We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

Regards leveling, i think there need to be some upper/lower bounds for npc types.
9)
Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

No. Though the worst thing I found in earlier tomes was the fact that there was so many different damage types. If you didnt have X resistance/immunity crits dealing those damage types would kill you, once you did they would be cheesy. Would hate for tome 4 to go down that path, though I must admit I hate the stun/freeze one shot kills - to me this is similar. Your character simply has to have some defence to these types of attacks.

10)
Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

Played with the music on for a day, that was enough.
11)
How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

Great idea.
12)
And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

Play with them on - fantastic.

13)
How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I play predominately with the keyboard unless in town

14)
How long have you been playing?

This version - since around beta 6 - may??
15)
How far have you gotten in the game?

mt doom

16)
How many classes have you unlocked?

mage/cursed/sun paladin/anorithil/wyrmic/summoners. Though still havent unlocked any of the other races. Guess I dont die enough

[Final Master]

Heh, my turn to answer my own questions now.

1)
What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I really really like to play dwarves. I really think that they are the best race in the game right now. The fact that their racial talent runs off of con, which every character should dump points into, and that it increases the right stats is huge. Plus the varied stat distribution makes them a viable race for just about any class. Also, I have a love fest with fantasy dwarves. I just love subterranean peoples. (Now we just need gnomes )

2)
What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

My favorite archtype right now is tank as well. They are so much more thought out and fun to play than standard tanks/fighters in every single other rogue-like I've played. They actually have ABILITIES. Along with that, as Burb Lulls had said, fighters (and I assume sun paladins as well) will simply survive things that other classes just wouldn't. That includes super defensive beefed up archamges. They just have the hp, con, def/armor/saves, and if you're a dwarf on top of that, then you really have a huge chunk of 'just try and hurt me'.

I really think that most everything but AOE experts/controllers and rogues are represented rather well. I really feel that rogues (not shadowblades) are lacking a bit of what can make them unique from other classes. I feel as though throwing, poison use and trapping would really go a long way in showing what rogues can really be like. AOE experts/controllers are really just kinda archmage/alchemist deal-ys right now. So... I guess they are kind of represented, but not as a one class focused on the group aspect compared to one or two.

3)
What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

Contrary however to me loving tanks, I think that I really like pyromancers. Their adjusted talents and available talents really show that they are more about offensive and less about thinking. It really puts the idea of a wild wizard that solves it's problems with cataclysmic explosions first, blazing infernos second, and thinking about fifth. But I really cannot wait for tempest to come out. I have a few ideas that I think would make them even more awesome.

4)
Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

Actually no. I find that most every forced talent point selection at birth, stat distribution, and talent tree selection is rather good right now. I think fighters shouldn't have so many damn talent categories, especially sense without being human you only get 3 category points instead of say... 5. Again, not having played more than a few levels of beta12b berserkers, I think that they should get some con based talents, and an even greater health increase at level up. Though I suppose perhaps orc or troll berserkers when they become available would be fine.

5)
Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

I think my favorite talents are the crit increase and crit bonus talents of rogues/shadowblades. I really like the fact that sure, they have some wicked stuns, but the stun isn't the good part. The good part is all the bonus you get when they are stunned. I also LOVE the movement abilities of rogues/shadowblades. Nothing else has such movement control as a high level shadowblade, not even archmages. I feel that both sets of these abilities should remain solely to these two classes however, because they just reek of flavor.

6)
There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution

I actually absolutely love the maze. This is head and shoulders© above any other maze I've ever seen. It really has the feeling of diving into a labyrinth of corridors and not knowing what is going to sneak up behind you. I kinda wish it got slightly smaller the further down you go however, to better present the feeling of delving into the earth.

7)
What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

I guess some psuedo-spoilers so... ya.
I know that there is a whole theme of teleportation and that it is relevant to the story, but I would love a large series of battles on a ship at sea. We have islands, so why not physical transportation? That way we can really bring back krakens, leviathans, giant turtles of death, ect. Also, maybe with a random 'rearrange the pieces' effect of the ship rocking in the storms. I would love to be a hobbit/gnome tempest in the middle of a storm on a ship. Really let the thunder fly!

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

I like the ants. I like that there is such a wide variety and that they kind of represent the elements of the game. I don't know of off the top of my head any npc type that is capable of the variety of damage that the ants are. I kind of wish wolves were a bit more in number, and perhaps some psuedo-magical. My favorite boss is probably either The Master or the wyrmic pride chief. The Master really lets you feel good about yourself when you completely take it out along with all it's little minions; especially if you find all the great lore along the way. The orc wyrmic because he's actually an odd one to fight against in that kind of area. He can summon IIRC, has access to multiple damage types, has some movement abilities and really shows what a wyrmic is supposed to be.

9)
Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

I do have a few ideas but I don't think they are anything all that original. I would like more plants, preferably slow moving that don't really do much hp damage, but that perhaps sucks your resources (stamina, mana I'm looking at you), and/or causes status effects such as blind, poison, confusion.
I would also like to see an actual variety in trolls and orcs. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the two I think right now outside of elite classes, and most trolls are really actually a bit bland. So I would like to spice them up a little with perhaps the sunder effects and a raging effect. Orcs I think are rather well put together right now, but are a bit too similar to trolls; because trolls are just generic 'i hit you'.
More magical beasts such as (the dreaded) hounds I think are plausible. Just don't let them breathe for 456789453489786342123789 trillion unresistable damage this time please?
MOAR DRAGONS. I know it's all about them practically being extinct right now, but more variety is AWESOME.
Oh, and I would love to fight against turtles. I love turtles. Fighting them would be cool.

10)
Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

I do enjoy the music of Tome. I wish there was more, especially sense there are so many places to get free music with rights. Lately I've been turning it off to listen to some metal as I play, to really get the adrenaline feel. But over all, I enjoy most of the music.

11)
How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

I would love to have more, probably varied sound effects when hitting with different weapon types, creaky door sounds when opening them, a death wail, possibly some ambient sounds, and ofcourse some more sound effects to go with all the lovely talent and spell graphics.

12)
And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I like some people here am rather old school it seems. I prefer using ASCII, though I do switch on the graphics now and then to see what they look like. Over all I think they're pretty good for someone donating their time on a free game. Good work MushroomHermit, J-Rod, Angloki, Deon and anyone else that I am probably missing.

13)
How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I think the UI is a huge leap forward in the way of free games, let alone the vast number of free, good, rogue-likes. Obviously there are still a few issues of complete mouse integration, and that has caused a couple problems with using the keyboard, but I haven't seen many games that you can seamlessly use both at the same time, let alone free games.

I, as stated, am rather old school so I play almost entirely with the keyboard. I travel with the number pad and my hot keys are custom. Running with the keyboard doesn't feel quite right yet, so I use the mouse if I run (which is almost never). The problem of using a turn when hitting walls really needs to be fixed and bugs the hell out of me, but that's really the only major UI issue I can think of. Great job DG and associates.

14)
How long have you been playing?

I think I was first introduced to angband in 2003. I played that mostly until I found Fury and Hengband in I believe 2005. From there I believe I found T 2.3.1 and I have been playing mostly just Tome sense. I discovered project T4 during beta2, downloaded it, but didn't play it because later that day beta3 was announced. I've been an avid player since then (hell... MARCH maybe? Doesn't seem like that long ago though).

15)
How far have you gotten in the game?

I've accomplished (spoilers) Completing every quest in Middle-Earth, defeating the spiders, underwater cavern, random cavern of 'unlock anorthil here if you choose the right person', all four vor prides, Mt. Doom Dash, and partially the slime tunnels. Due to a bug in the game I was time stamp killed there, and I would most likely have won if the bugs weren't there. So, I think I've played probably 90% of the game, and I really really like it. Haven't had a winner yet, but now that there is a complete game, I just have to best tol falas and then I'm on my way.

16)
How many classes have you unlocked?

I've unlocked everything but ghouls, revers (I have to be less than 100 away from that though) and anathoril. Damn killing the wrong one on accident...


I think that covers it. Wow... that's a lot more than what I thought it was.

Thanks for taking notice DG, and thank you everyone for participating.

[yufra]

1) What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I usually pick my race based on talent, specifically synergy with the primary stats for a particular class. I will focus on the Hobbit Archmage for the rest of this post since that is the character I got the furthest with.

2) What is your favorite class archtype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

Per above, the archmage. I feel the archmage can be overpowered relative to other classes, and particularly in the late game I was getting a bit bored knowing exactly what was around every corner. But I do like those particle effects, and flinging damage amidst phase doors is a lot of fun.

3) What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

I haven't unlocked the other mage types, so archmage it is. I found the utility spells (phase door, sense, vision, etc) to be a great aid in dealing with things I hadn't seen before, but the spell that actually took my archmage from about Carn Dum all the way to the final battle was invisibility. Frequently monsters would know I was around (something had to be throwing flame and lightning at them) but they didn't know exactly where and it was always humorous to see an enemy's AoE talent go off in the opposite direction from me. Now I know how Bilbo felt speaking to Smaug!

4) Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

Archmage starting talents/trees make perfect sense.

5) Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

I guess I ruined this a bit... invisibility. I actually created this character because I wanted to see the new blur-invisibility effect DG had advertised, but I actually compiled the wrong SVN version. Then I realized how powerful it was. Invisibility + phase door meant that I could nuke monsters with a fairly low probability of taking damage (thus not needing high resistance, etc) and escape before my mana ran out, then repeat. The strategy worked a little too well I think, as it started getting a bit repetitive. For those of you who don't use potions much (including me), experiment with those potions of invisibility a bit. You might be surprised how effective they are!

6) There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

Tol Falas, especially with Gwai's lore in there. The Spider Caverns because they scare me to death with limited light (sense ruins this a bit, but the other classes I got that far had me biting my nails). The Valley of the Moon... just a great idea.

7) What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

Take part in a large battle between good and evil NPCs, probably in the Far East.

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

I agree with previous posters... it is odd to see a lvl 40+ rattlesnake. I like what was done with spiders, introducing elite types that have talents etc. I would like to see the same done for other types.

9) Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

10) Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

I like it when I play with it on, but circumstances usually mean I play with it off.

11) How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

See above, although I love the idea of more ambient noises added on top of the music.

12) And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I always play with the graphics on, and generally I like them. I think the canine tiles could be redone, and the troll ones made a bit more distinguishable (Bill looks very similar, but then again I am color-blind).

13) How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

Beautiful. I use both, and sometimes just mouse. A laptop keyboard means the keypad isn't an option.

14) How long have you been playing?

Hmm, beta6? I dabbled with ToME2 way back when, but never really got into roguelikes. I actually found T-Engine4 because I wanted to program my own game and decided on a roguelike so I could avoid graphics. My project (Viral Resistance) is coming along slowly, in no small part because ToME is so enjoyable to play.

15) How far have you gotten in the game?

To the very bitter end. Why bitter? Because I failed miserably of course!

16) How many classes have you unlocked?

Err, how about the ones I have not? Reaver, pyromancer, and cryomancer. I still need to unlock the ghoul/skeletons, but now that their unlock has changed I think that is much more do-able for me.

[Lailoken]

1)
What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I think Skeleton and Noldor. I don't tend to use the abilities of other races often enough. Also being able to play as an intelligent undead has always been something I get a kick out of.

2)
What is your favorite class archetype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

I guess I have played tanks the most. Mage is really fun too. I would really like to see a finished and balanced sneaky rogue.

3)
What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

I think alchemist right now, partly just because i am most successful with them. I really enjoy having a tank and a bunch of ranged damage spells. I tend to kill my golem more often than the enemies, but I suppose that adds another level of interesting tactical decisions. I also really like that sometimes when I rest he sees something and follows it along to more somethings and ends up cutting a massive swathe of destruction through a third of the map.

4)
Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

Well as I stated earlier I would play a fun sneaky rogue type. Talents that enable them to sneak around and kill things that don't have immediate backup, and then melt away into the shadows. talents to divide and conquer. Talents to set traps and ambushes. I always love playing these kinds of classes, and often find they are not done that well. I am very hopeful for T4 given the awesome quality and thought I am seeing in the rest if the game.

5)
Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

It's so hard to choose one or two things from the bunch. I really love so many of the talents in this game I don't really know where to begin.

6)
There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

Well I think the Sandworm Lair is a brilliant idea, although sometimes I find waiting around for a lift gets tedious. I often end up using my magic maps and whatever burrowing/teleporting skills I have to get around if I can. I think my favorites are actually the rooms and hallways filled with undead zones. Especially when I find a vault. The spider caves are terrifying if i'm not an archmage (this is obviously a good thing).

7)
What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

I think a mechanical fortress (perhaps built by an engineer) would be pretty cool. I also really dig Final Master's idea with the boats. A zone with some effects that change gameplay anyways. Effects that move or damage creatures unlucky (or perhaps planned) to be caught in them.

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

For some reason I enjoy the various types of undead. I guess I like their variety of distinct behaviours and abilities. I like the levelling npcs, and the fact that they seem to be in the same world and playing by the same rules as us more or less. It's easier to suspend my disbelief for a moment.

Code: Select all

9)
Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

Golems, gargoyles, and other animated inanimates?

10)
Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

Unless you count Dwarf Fortress. I used to actually run the DF music in the background of roguelikes sometimes. I don't often get a chance to play with sound these days, but I enjoy the music when I do. Maybe some more variety would be cool.

11)
How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

For sure.

12)
And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

I play with graphics on, but sometimes I can't tell what things are as clearly as I can with ASCII. I dont mind though because of the tooltip info with the mouse.

13)
How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I like the UI a lot. There are quite a few suggestions in the UI thread that I agree with, but that doesn't stop me from thinking it's fantastic. I switch back and forth between mouse and keyboard and really appreciate the seamlessness of it. I suppose I mostly use the mouse for moving and aiming and talents that I use rarely (right click), and the keyboard for talent hotkeys and window swapping (inventory, level up, etc)

14)
How long have you been playing?

Well I guess I have had an interest in roguelikes for a little while, but I'm not too oldschool. My first roguelike was Nethack, but I found it too difficult and unsatisfying at the age I was at. Then I didn't really come across any more until I started playing Legerdemaine at the beginning of '08, and that got me hooked. I also enjoy some of the realtime and graphical "roguelikes" like Transcendence and Spelunky.

15)
How far have you gotten in the game?

Cleared the spider cave and unlocked Anorithil

16)
How many classes have you unlocked?

I think everything so far except Pyro, Cryo, and Reaver. I'm currently working on Cryo.

[merc]

1) Probably skeletons (love the extra flavour of how they start the game) or Noldor (who can't use more speed?) but lately I have taken to Bree Men for the extra flexibility of a 4th category point (yay for meta, temporal and 2 divine auras!).

2) I like mages the most in pretty much any rougelike, and they are especially cool here, many fun/interesting/useful abilities, feel like they have a big bag of tricks for any situation. Got decently far with a sun paladin, that was fun too. And did OK with Archers, also good. Really want to get a rouge or shadowblade off the ground as well they look great.

3) Archmages, see above.

4) Races seem pretty well balanced, so no. Archmages are also very well rounded, although there are a few talents that feel overpowered (illuminate 3) or underpowered (manaflow, some of the shields).

5) There are many great ones, I especially dig phase door, inferno/corrosive vapour, illuminate (yay useful status effects!), time prison, probability travel, sunflare, stealth & hide in plain sight, etc, etc.

6) Spider lair was especially good, and I liked what I saw of one of the orc prides, it was an intense area.

7) Can't think of new zones per say, but I'd love to have a few more special levels scattered around the place. Areas like the frozen wreck or the dim gates were great for extra flavour and variety in TOME2.

Hmmm. Banshees are pretty awesome, you get into a routine fight and then one floats through the wall and now you have to work out how to deal with it. I also love the darkness demons, when they make that thick magical darkness it's very cool. I like how rouges and assassins actually use stealth to sneak up on you, that's cool. I like drakes for a straight up tough fight and the possibility of them summoning lesser drakes everywhere (now it's not summoners summoning equally powerful summoners ad infinitum). I like how skeletons and orcs come in a good variety of classes. I like orc cryomancers, those guys are always a curveball, and if you don't watch out they phase door away to keep making your life miserable. I like how jellies and worms can be unthreatening but then sometimes just get out of control and then you have to get away and avoid the area that's now packed with out of control jellies. And many others.

9) Not really, but I'd like to have a few more elites and more random named bosses.

10) It's really good, helps establish the atmosphere of the levels. I'll probably turn it off in favour of iTunes eventually, but I'm sure the atmosphere it created will remains associated with the levels, which is good.

11) The sound effects are great, more is always nice but only for things that need them. I'd like to have some idle monster sound effects for, say, a selection of elites to add that atmosphere like how in DoomRL you hear a baron of hell moaning away and you know you're in for a fight. But that's probably an unrealistic fantasy because good threatening monster sounds would be so hard to do, so I'm fine without it.

12) So far I've played with ASCII, but the graphics are shaping up well, will probably end up using them eventually.

13) Interface is great, apart from the odd bit of polish here and there that is being improved with each beta it's very good. I switch between mouse and keyboard because they both work very fluidly, with mouse being preferred for movement in complex areas and aiming at range, while I use the keyboard for straighter tunnel areas and melee. It feels very natural.

14) Played TOME4 on and off since beta4. I started on roguelikes with angband, but didn't get into it until I played TOME2. Have also played Crawl and DoomRL.

15) Cleared a level of one of the orc prides

16) Missing Reavers, Cryos & Pyros and the dark paladins. Also missing ghouls.

TOME4 is shaping up to be my favourite rougelike yet, thanks for all the great work.

[Grey]

I really really like to play dwarves. I really think that they are the best race in the game right now. The fact that their racial talent runs off of con, which every character should dump points into, and that it increases the right stats is huge. Plus the varied stat distribution makes them a viable race for just about any class. Also, I have a love fest with fantasy dwarves. I just love subterranean peoples. (Now we just need gnomes )

Technically speaking gnomes are already present in the form of the Noldor. Tolkien in his very early writings almost exclusively called the Noldor "gnomes", and later said that our modern-day use of the term comes from the name "Nom" (meaning "wisdom") given to Felagund by Beor's people. This links in with the reputation of the Noldor as being the greatest gem-smiths, with of course Feanor being the greatest of all.

Of course it doesn't quite fit in with the more popular ideas of gnomes

[edge2054]

1)
What is your favorite race? Why? Flavor, stats, talent?

I'm a power gamer at heart so I tend to pick my race based on what class I play. If I'm not super serious about the character though I like hobbits for the flavor.

2)
What is your favorite class archetype in T4? Tank, Archer, AOE expert, Mage, Rogue, Hybrid, Controller? How well do you think these are represented so far?

I liked Mages a lot but have gotten bored with them lately. I'd like to get a good Rogue going but haven't had much luck. Generally Controllers are my favorite character types and I think aside from mages and maybe shadow blades they're under represented... but Chronomancy should fix that

3)
What is your favorite class? Why? Flavor, stats, talents?

Anorithil right now. I really like mages too but the Anorithil have a really neat resource management system.

4)
Are there any changes you would make to the stat distributions of your favorite race/class? How about changes in talent tree options and starting talents? Do you find that your class is lacking in something that it really needs to pull it together? If so, what is it?

Rogues need help but I think that's coming along I'd still like to see rogues get some sort of talent that lets them use scrolls and potions to greater effect.

5)
Are there any talents that you really really like? What do you like about them over the others? Do you think other classes would benefit from this talent?

I can't think of any. I mean... I like 90% of the talents in the game, I can't say one really stands out though as being a favorite.

6)
There is now a large variety of zones, along with some side zones. Are there any that you really really enjoy to play? Is it the size, layout, color, npc distribution?

Trollshaws is probably my favorite zone. The layout is great and I wish Old Forest was laid out more like Trollshaws and less like a dungeon with green walls. (Though I understand why it's not like Trollshaws maybe some medium could be found).

7)
What general idea of a zone do you think would be a good addition to the game? Would it have any particular theme?

Something like SWL but with LOS would be cool. Like a giant open level with no LOS unless you where close to X creature or object. The LOS would be blocked for both npcs and pcs.

We have a moderately large variety of npcs now as well. Not nearly as many as previous tome incarnations or angband, but there is still well over 100. Of these, what type/subtype do you enjoy the most? Do you like any particular idea of a npc or boss? What do you think of them leveling and especially being as we are instead of completely pregenerated mobs?

I like the clone on hit creatures the best. Even if they did kill my sun paladin.

9)
Do you have any ideas for more npcs?

No specific ideas but I'd love to see creatures you have to outwit rather then outfight. Like maybe a creature that absorbs damage you put into it till X point and then explodes after a few turns. So to kill it you beat on it and then when it emotes you run away! It also could take out a few bad guys for you. Probably best as some sort of mold or slime.

10)
Do you enjoy the music of Tome? This is the first rogue-like I've encountered that came with music.

It's okay. I usually delete the music file though because of the size (I copy and paste my modules back and forth a lot).

11)
How about the sound effects? Do you think there should be more?

I like the sound effects though honestly I play with the sound on my computer off a lot of the time.

12)
And the graphics that the forum members are doing? How many of you play with the graphics on, and how do you like them?

Graphics are very nice

13)
How is the UI coming along to you? Does it feel as polished as it can be currently? Do you play with only the mouse, keyboard, or do you use both? If you use a combination of both, what do you use the mouse for and what do you use the keyboard for?

I think it's coming along great! I do think it could use a bit more polish but overall it's very good. I use the mouse and keyboard but mostly the keyboard.

14)
How long have you been playing?

I started playing Angband 16 years ago and Tome 2 maybe 8 or 10 years ago (not sure on that one). Tome 4 since one of the earlier betas (3 maybe? I remember I had to save constantly because of frequent crashes).

15)
How far have you gotten in the game?

Spider Cave cleared but that was a couple betas ago. Honestly I haven't played much in a beta or 2.

16)
How many classes have you unlocked?

I think everything so far except Pyro, Cryo, and Reaver. (Though I hacked Reaver so it is unlocked >>) [/quote]