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[kirblar]

BANS COMING TO TEAM LEAGUE

Spoiler

probably

and a bunch of other important HL/TL news.

5 man parties are going to be expliitly booted from Hero League when they start the new ranking systems. Your rank/rating is going to be much more explicit, ugh, MMR is not being reset. So grinding up your HL rank in a 5 stack is proooobably a good idea.

 

[Frostinferno]

If you were like me and made a dummy account to get the mechanospider, you actually need to add friends to your friend list, then you can do the steps required. But if you already have a populated friends list, maybe it's just down. I was unable to complete it this afternoon, but it worked for me an hour ago.

I'm at the screen where it has the four slots to add friends, but clicking on them doesn't do anything, and the search bar for looking up friends doesn't even function. It's odd. Got it to work. Had to delete and re-add the app.

It was a MH joke

I didn't know you played heroes btw

Started just last week. Had no idea release was imminent till just recently.

 

[Alur]

Need brightwing sale, only fun I've had playing support

Brightwing sale just happened a couple weeks back so it may be a while.

 

[BudokaiMR2]

It was a MH joke

I didn't know you played heroes btw

I bet Frostinfero has some insider info on when GOD EMPEROR DOOM is making his way to HotS. He's holding out on us.

 

[spk]

What's the chat channel? "neogaf" seems empty?

 

[Alur]

Type /join NeoGAF.

Once you're in it, whatever number it is (such as channel 2) type /2 /who and then you can see who is in it.

There's probably several people in it, but people don't just chat in it cause you can't do so during games. Pretty much the only convos you see are asking for groups or folks who are between games.

 

[funo]

Which hero should I start learning.... That's the hard choice.

Really depends on your play style/preferences
Assassins: I found Valla to be a perfect starting hero that can still be useful in most games. Skills are straight forward, plenty of good talents to chose from, many good builds.
Support: Lili might be the beginner's choice but mastering her play style is not as easy as "tape down your Q key, ffs". I am currently maining Brightwing but her playstyle is different to the other support heroes and might throw off beginners. Uther is also really strong at the moment but you'd have many skills/keys to micro.
Tank: If you want to go the tank route, try starting out with Diablo or maybe Arthas (they are, however, not that viable in higher level games these days). Both of them offer various viable builds and are somewhat easy to learn for a beginner.
Specialists: These guys and gals are not my cup of tea, to be honest, but Sylvanas appears to be a very good (yet somewhat hard to play) choice. I would not recommend starting out with a specialist as all of them offer various play styles that greatly differ from the other heroes.

 

[Alur]

CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE COMMUNITY: RANKED PLAY

Some interesting stuff in here. A few highlights for what is coming (not this patch):

Next, we are planning to remove five-player parties from Hero League and move them to Team League. After we make this change, if you have a party size of one to four, you can queue up for Hero League. If you have a full party of five (either as a pickup party, or a formal team with a name), you will queue up for Team League.

They are also lowering the gold cost.

As for Hero League...

However, the current ranking system includes a progression aspect where players initially start at Rank 50 and climb through the ranks until they reach a plateau that accurately reflects their skill. Under the current system, a player’s rank may not truly reflect their skill if they are still making progress. This system has caused some confusion around Ranked matchmaking modes. While we like the idea of progression and ranking up each season, we do not want it to come at the cost of an accurate ranking. To improve the accuracy of a player’s rank, we are planning to introduce a set of placement matches that players will need to complete before they receive an official rank. During this phase, a player’s rank will not be assigned or displayed. Instead, other players will see the player is in their “Placement Phase.”

and the other thing people were wanting, a "Legend" ranking if they are sticking with Hearthstone laddering:

While the goal of the ranking system is to have each rank represent approximately 2% of the population, rank 1 is currently an open ended rank for those who have reached a high level of skill. To recognize the best players in each region, we are planning to add a Grandmaster-equivalent rank above rank 1.

Players who are able to achieve this impressive level of play will be assigned a Grandmaster rank which shows the exact position of where they place amongst their fellow Grandmasters. For those wanting to track the best players in their region, we’ll have a leaderboard available from within the game for all to see.

Well that's a few things we all wanted. And it's a start with Hero League. Now they just need to move forward and knock it down to 2 max from 4 max and we'll be good.

 

[Jimrpg]

Besides both being MOBA, I think they're just different, and appeal do different people or could be played together other then excluding one another.

Dota and League never appealed to me cause:
-Too long matches (40~60 minutes) for not too much free time to play.
-Items: Besides some people like it to customize their heroes, it deviates my attention cause I don't want to learn wich items to use during the match, making tons of wrong choices and being criticised the entire match.
-Independent experience: Again, for someone starting, just like me, it is a pain to keep up with your experienced team mates... and again, they're gonna blame you the entire match for every mistake it happens.
-Coins: Same as above!

Heroes of the Storm in another hand, allows me to learn while playing, and besides I do need to deal with constant whinners I keep up with the team level, only need to learn about my favorite heroes talents builds, don't need to worry about picking money up and spending it right, and the matches are way faster and batter paced, with 20 minutes of constant action! Also, I really like that "MMORPG" trinity of support, tank and assassin classes, aswell as all of those different objectives each map offers, making every match to feel fresh and recquiring different team oriented strategies!

I'm having much more fun with HotS then I could imagine to have with Dota or LoL, but I can understand that those who likes LoL and Dota and plays for a while may want to keep playing them giving the number of heroes available, the stabilished player base, and the more original style of the old Dota.

Cool. Thanks for explaining. I've never played a MOBA because RTS type games are just too hard for me. I prefer taking my time in turn based games. I'll give it a shot anyway seeing its something new and free.

 

[Alur]

Also, did anyone catch this little tidbit in the Blizzcon North American qualifiers announcement?

Draft Format and Battleground Selection

Before a match begins, a coin will be tossed to determine Team A and Team B. Team B will select the Battleground for the first game, and Team A will receive first pick and ban. Each team will also receive two hero bans during the draft pick phase, and drafting will proceed as follows:

Round 1: Each team bans 1 hero, starting with Team A.
Round 2: Team A picks 1 hero, Team B picks 2, and Team A picks 2 more.
Round 3: Each team bans 1 additional hero, starting with Team B.
Round 4: Team B picks 2 heroes, Team A picks 2, and Team B picks 1 more.
After each game, the losing team will pick the next Battleground, and the winning team will receive first pick and ban.

Solid Jake and co have been hinting at/pushing for this via Town Hall Heroes. It's probably no coincidence that this is going to happen at an ESL event and that he and Cooby are signed onto ESL as the primary casters.

This will add a lot of intrigue to the games IMO.

 

[Maledict]

They won't stop 4 players from hero league because there won't be any other game mode for them. Until they introduce a solo queue or duo queue, we're stuck with 4 players in hero league.

 

[Alur]

Quick Match should be the game mode for them (3's and 4's). If it's good enough for soloers and duoers now, I don't see why it can't be for them in the future.

I agree we probably aren't going to see it, but I do think we should or alternatively we should see a league catering to only solos and duos. The issue being then you are splintering up the player groups to complete games something fierce.

 

[Ragnaroz]

Got the "Play 8 games" daily 3 times in the last 5 days. Keeping those shitty 200g dailies really pays off.

 

[Acidote]

Got the "Play 8 games" daily 3 times in the last 5 days. Keeping those shitty 200g dailies really pays off.

Yup, I always keep two of those out of the pool. It's a small difference, but you get the good ones a few more times.

 

[Xater]

Hey when does the hero that's on sale change again? Already bought Anub with gold.

 

[Ragnaroz]

Hey when does the hero that's on sale change again? Already bought Anub with gold.

Tommorow, I think.

 

[Alex]

Got the "Play 8 games" daily 3 times in the last 5 days. Keeping those shitty 200g dailies really pays off.

Huh, didn't know it worked like that. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Asd202]

Yah the unfortunate downside of a bigger player base.

Anyway, not sure if people have seen this, but here is the supposed free hero rotation for this week.

Li Li
ETC
Falstad
Diablo
Tychus
Azmodan (Available after you reach player level 12)
Tassadar (Available after you reach player level 15)

http://eu.battle.net/heroes/ru/forum/topic/14381090477#6

Damn will have to buy someone. I'm thinking Jaina, Kael or Sylvanas any recommendations?

 

[Xater]

Damn will have to buy someone. I'm thinking Jaina, Kael or Sylvanas any recommendations?

Good heroes, but I would always wait for a sale. Every hero shows up for half off eventually.

 

[Alex]

Damn will have to buy someone. I'm thinking Jaina, Kael or Sylvanas any recommendations?

All three are very good, depends what you want to do.

If you have a good team backing you up, it's good to go with Kael. He has enormous damage potential but he needs good engages.

Jaina is better for solo Q, but her mana management and personal positioning are a little harder to contend with than some people lead on. Easy to over extend trying to land Cone of Colds, etc unless you're already comfortable with the playstyle.

Sylv is a bit of a different playstyle, Specialist/Assassin hybrid. She probably has the lowest barrier of entry but the highest overall curve of those three since she has a lot more possibilities if you know how to float with her and what shots to call depending on the map.

 

[Twookie]

All of those heroes you are interested in are really good, you should try them out to see who you enjoy playing the most.

Personally I like Jaina best out of those 3.

 

[Double]

Kael > Jaina >> Sylvanna.

Sylv is ok and strong and fun for a bit, but she's just too easy / one dimensional to play.
Kael is more interesting than Jaina if only because he basically has a fourth spell to think about while Jaina only has her one "combo" of hitting as much of your spells as possible (as if you wouldn't want to do that anyways).

Imo of course.

 

[-Digits-]

Where's mah Johanna Blizz???!??!!!?

 

[Turdburger]

They need more full support heroes if they're going to do 4 bans. Yikes.

 

[HTVfanatic]

Damn will have to buy someone. I'm thinking Jaina, Kael or Sylvanas any recommendations?

If you want Jaina and don't mind spending little extra you can get the retail starter pack. It includes I think 5 heroes including Jaina for only 1599 from dlgamer

 

[-Digits-]

Got my starter pack in the mail just now. It's actually a lot nicer than I expected. It comes in a standard dvd case, with an actual dvd, all the codes on seperate vouchers with artwork on them, a quick start manual and it's wrapped in a cardboard sleeve. I'm glad I got this!

Outside:

Inside:

 

[Yoshichan]

G'morning!

Anyone know when the Hearthstone and WoW-rewards will be available?

 

[funo]

[pictures]

there is something deeply satisfying about the fact that you made those black bars align perfectly with the white edges around them - so smooth!

 

[The1Ski]

Why does nothing seem different in the shop? Where's the Johanna? Is the "release" not until later today?

 

[Ragnaroz]

Is anyone getting the 25% XP boost? Or does it just not work for me because I have a stimpack?

 

[Yoshichan]

Is anyone getting the 25% XP boost? Or does it just not work for me because I have a stimpack?

I was going to ask this same thing just now. Can someone confirm?

 

[Twookie]

it's supposed to be added over the stim pack so that you get 125% more exp instead of 100% more i think

pretty sure you are going to get it even if you have a stimpack running or not

 

[Mr Swine]

I'll jump back when they release Cho'gall as playable hero

 

[-Digits-]

Not getting the xp boost in the EU. Seems to be not up yet. The free rotation updated but everything else is still the same, sales didn't flip yet either.

 

[brian!]

Hope the comp draft they are implementing is put into teem league, great stuff, two bans makes sense since the tourney isnt for a while and they have announced a pretty fast hero release rate

5->4 max is a little odd, you'd think they would want to prevent situations like that

Also the ranking system is still booty, there's no weight in it, no transparency, prtty similar to hearthstone where it's kind of like having everyone, rank 5->2, 1, and then an actual ranking zone

 

[Robottiimu2000]

So far the launch has been somewhat lackluster.. Though considering it's blizzard, the fact that we are still able to play the actual game makes this a fairly succesfull launch in their standards.

 

[Yoshichan]

I'll jump back when they release Cho'gall as playable hero

CHO'GALL NOT GONNA BE HAPPY 'BOUT DIS

 

[brian!]

So far the launch has been somewhat lackluster.. Though considering it's blizzard, the fact that we are still able to play the actual game makes this a fairly succesfull launch in their standards.

Yeah i was thinking this, it's interesting to watch a release that's based around various promises, i kind of like it

 

[Yoshichan]

So far the launch has been somewhat lackluster.. Though considering it's blizzard, the fact that we are still able to play the actual game makes this a fairly succesfull launch in their standards.

Yeah. In terms of Blizzard standards, this was a "success".

 

[-Digits-]

Bonus XP is actually up! Stacks with Stimpack as expected.

 

[Yoshichan]

Bonus XP is actually up! Stacks with Stimpack as expected.

"Bonus Holiday" means that we can assume that they will add xx% bonus from time to time for example on Heroes' anniversary and during christmas. Good shit!

 

[Pooya]

played Azmodan finally, man lasers are great hahaha. Sniping runners is the best part and I can spam loads of minions, I suspect teaming up with Malfurion would be great. I'm not sure how good he is but he is very fun to play, went 5 out of 5 matches today.

 

[brian!]

It's also really interesting to have like a "team" points gained and a "personal" points gained, i thought it would be more prudent to make these things more opaque

 

[MaxVarEmreis]

"Bonus Holiday" means that we can assume that they will add xx% bonus from time to time for example on Heroes' anniversary and during christmas. Good shit!

We had 25% XP more few times before.

 

[Star Falcon]

Picked up the Spider mount - it looks pretty awesome gonna give that a try tonight! Tempted to pick up that physical release box too it looks neat - though have found i enjoy a hero more when i have invested the time towards unlocking them with gold. Self-Sadistic, i guess

CHO'GALL NOT GONNA BE HAPPY 'BOUT DIS

BURN, BURN! THE HERETICS WILL BURN!

 

[crimzonflame]

So you get about 10 gold a victory and heroes cost 5,000 gold? Holy moly!

 

[kirblar]

There are going to be so many Brightwing bans under the new system.

 

[Yoshichan]

We had 25% XP more few times before.

Oh, sorry! Damn, wish I was there from the start.

So you get about 10 gold a victory and heroes cost 5,000 gold? Holy moly!

You're playing against AI! Play against real people and you get 50 gold for a loss~

 

[super-famicom]

So you get about 10 gold a victory and heroes cost 5,000 gold? Holy moly!

When you level a hero to 5 you get 500 gold. Level the free heroes every week to 5, and you can amass a decent amount.
Reaching certain account levels gives you 2000 gold.
Daily quests give you gold as well; there's one quest that has an 800 gold reward.

 

[Yoshichan]

Got the mechano-spider! Thank god you could just click "claim reward" and not bother your friends with a bunch of invites and whatnot :lol

Mount looks sick. Too bad my last two characters have been Zagara and Anub... both non-mountable ._.