Ranks/unlocks: good or bad?

[Iwantcable]

So with the new news on the front page I'm kind of worried about this turning into BF "stat-whoring".

[Kradath]

I like ranks and unlocks, but only within a match, not allround.

But I think you mean a global rank, so for me it's bad. :)

[InsaneCheeseMan]

The way I'm interperating it is that weapon unlocks and character unlocks are totally different, as in weapon unlocks are new guns or new sights, ect, while character unlocks are more cosmetic. Shades, black vest, and other minor things that make your character more.. yours as well as some power boosts, much like the stamina booster in 2142.

If this is the case then I hope that character unlocks are global, I mean I worked hard for my badass damaged look so why can't I keep it :P . Weapon unlocks should be round based though, since that'll just end up like 2142 where the people who have been playing longer simply obliterate the newer gamers with the Voss and only because they've been playing longer. It's highly unfair to the newbies and takes a lot of the fun out of the game. Yes you should reward people for playing, but you shouldn't make it so it ruins the game for new players.

[Micster]

I'd rather have a different selection of weapons and equipment already avaliable for each class instead of having to work for them.

[Snakekilla]

depends, Infinity Ward has to really make sure to do correct research on other games with ranks/ unlocks and see how successes and failures they'd have with ranks/unlocks, tweak it to make it work, or work better.. And what i mean by other games i mean BF2, the 1st BF game with ranks/unlocks, the unlocks were totally uneven gameplay between the original guns, and competitive gaming side were totally against it, EA learned there lesson of course on 2142, and then made all unlocks not much a giant advantage as BF2 unlocks were.

I like ranks and unlocks, but only within a match, not allround.

But I think you mean a global rank, so for me it's bad. :)


i disagree, i didnt use any of ingame per round rank/unlocks in COD, heck i never knew how to throw Arty at all, but hey if its more organized in COD4 i dont mind trying it, if its user-friendly system.


If this is the case then I hope that character unlocks are global, I mean I worked hard for my badass damaged look so why can't I keep it :P . Weapon unlocks should be round based though, since that'll just end up like 2142 where the people who have been playing longer simply obliterate the newer gamers with the Voss and only because they've been playing longer. It's highly unfair to the newbies and takes a lot of the fun out of the game. Yes you should reward people for playing, but you shouldn't make it so it ruins the game for new players.

totally disagree, as i am a Veteran BF Player myself, and learn every aspect of every BF game (besides 1942), the Voss is a great gun, but no unlock is totally unstoppable in BF2142, the Krylov vs. Voss is extremely close, of course depending on player, and distance of the battle, Voos was best made for close combat also Krylov, but Voss has 40 bullet per round, also Krylov rounds go 30, and runs out of the a bit quicker pace then the Voss. Now if your playing BF2 its totally different aspect of unlocks then BF2142, from the massive complaints from competitive community not allowing the use of BF2 unlocks due to unfairness and totally uneven guns used as unlocks, they had no choice but to ban from competitive play..

[Kradath]

i disagree, i didnt use any of ingame per round rank/unlocks in COD, heck i never knew how to throw Arty at all, but hey if its more organized in COD4 i dont mind trying it, if its user-friendly system.


But that's just, because the unlocks in cod are not that important compared to the unlocks in the bf games or et. ;)

[Iwantcable]

Ah, I remember the races to 40 points in COD:UO... After that it was spawn killing madness for the first team there.

[InsaneCheeseMan]

totally disagree, as i am a Veteran BF Player myself, and learn every aspect of every BF game (besides 1942), the Voss is a great gun, but no unlock is totally unstoppable in BF2142, the Krylov vs. Voss is extremely close, of course depending on player, and distance of the battle, Voos was best made for close combat also Krylov, but Voss has 40 bullet per round, also Krylov rounds go 30, and runs out of the a bit quicker pace then the Voss. Now if your playing BF2 its totally different aspect of unlocks then BF2142, from the massive complaints from competitive community not allowing the use of BF2 unlocks due to unfairness and totally uneven guns used as unlocks, they had no choice but to ban from competitive play..

I think you somewhat missed my point. The Voss was merely an example of how an unlock can make it unfair for a new player, usually based solely on the ammount of time played. Another example is perhaps needed. Say you just got the game, and the first time you enter a game you get sniped by a Zeller. Your sniper rifles aren't as powerful or accurate as it, plus he has the whole line of other gadgets such as the AP mine. This means you're now out gunned and have a lot less options for Recon then he does and the main reason for this is his 100 gaming hours vs your 12 minutes. The problem I'm trying to bring up is the fact that unlocks reward time more so then skill, making it a bit harder for the newbies to get on par equipment wise.

Now this doesn't mean I want to see no unlocks, it is good to reward people who play the game. I just feel that rewarding playing longer has a better chance of distancing potiental new players since they are usually over classed. Especially when you face an entire team of Voss's, Zellers, and Ganz.

[FallenMorgan]

I love ranks, and here's something to think about:

I've been in games that weren't ranked, and everyone still acts like a bunch of assholes anyways, like they bunnyhop and things like that still, ranks don't really make too much of a difference between those aspects, for me I like going up in rank and getting unlocks and all that

[InsaneCheeseMan]

I've been in games that weren't ranked, and everyone still acts like a bunch of assholes anyways, like they bunnyhop and things like that still

I see someone still plays Quake :P

[sR Dukefrukem]

unlocks are just another rip off of BF2.. thats all this game looks like it will be so far... :(

[Bogo]

I think it has its ups and downs. I like to play for a goal but I will play for fun too. But people will play for just stats and ruin the game and not use teamwork. But its kinda a lose lose in my eyes.

[Carbon_Snake]

Same here having unlocks gives the player something to work towards

[Doughboy101]

Haha.

I dont know I sometimes like it sometimes dont.

[ichangedmyname]

Ranks and unlocks give you goals to work toward and easy comparison to other gamers. They keep people intereested in the game well after the normal "fun" time has elapsed. Long live progressive stats accounts.

burn|it|down

[Cicchetti]

I know ranks lead to stat padding, and stuff, but I like the idea of working for things for me that keeps me playing.

[Whiskey]

Although it attracted a ton of players, I think the way ranks/unlocks was done in BF2 led to a lot of problems later on, and also drove a lot of people away.

I very much like what I've heard of the COD4 system so far. But we'll have to see it in practice to know for sure, IMO.

[St.Sasquatch]

the thing is. ranks, awards, and unlock make you work up to something. they do this because its addictive as hell. and its funnier too. i dont blame them though. it really makes the game last. but the thing that it ruins gameplay, is their own fault. they should be more carefull with the requipments and try force you to teamwork. 2142 tried to give you like 1 extra point and an unlock you dont need since you havent unlocked it. but they failed.

[Spik3d]

unlocks are just another rip off of BF2.. thats all this game looks like it will be so far... :(

:shakehead

[dabo]

ranks yes, BUT NO WEAPON UNLOCKS!!!

the only thing that ruins BF2!!

and!!! iW do not even think about bringing expansion weapons into online play where people do not have the weapons as they havnt bought the expansion. eww!!!!

[Spik3d]

ranks yes, BUT NO WEAPON UNLOCKS!!!

the only thing that ruins BF2!!

and!!! iW do not even think about bringing expansion weapons into online play where people do not have the weapons as they havnt bought the expansion. eww!!!!

Say what!? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language

[Gibson[75thR]]

If the ranks were only used to indicate how long you've played, then I don't mind. I would prefer no weapon unlocks since it just makes the game easier for those already good at it.

[cantina_fly]

Just ask yourself one question.

"If this game didn't have ranks and unlocks, would I play it?"

Too often, it's used as a crutch to keep a mediocre game running (2142.) BF2 on the other hand was just as much fun when no one had unlocks. And if you look at #'s of people still playing both games, they would seem to support this. For better or worse, it on the list of "standard features" most FPS games will now have.

Just remember game play will always be king. :D

[Ren1234]

The ranks, unlocked perks and weapons, and the experience point system is the best I've seen to date... This game will be a dream come true because you can accomplish a lot :) And for those who whine about unlocking weapons-- you have no skill LOL-- the first rank alone is 30 points-- that's 3 kills in TDM or DM (10 pts per kill).. Sergeant Level 1 is only 650 pts total! I made that in 1 day in the 360 BETA-- Level 11 out of 65 rank levels that are gonna be in final game for all platforms! To make your classes you need to be Level 4-- again no chore. Of all the matches I played so far everyone worked as a team. Hope this game doesn't turn in FFOW with no persistent ranks/unlocks--- if you don't want ranks and goals then go play FFOW when it comes out. Don't ruin COD 4 since it's not even out yet! If you don't like ranked games go into an UNRANKED server with all unlocks-- the servers will be so much more admin friendly to turn things on and off. I think I said enough... and I know alot of you agree with me.

[Iwantcable]

The ranks, unlocked perks and weapons, and the experience point system is the best I've seen to date... This game will be a dream come true because you can accomplish a lot :) And for those who whine about unlocking weapons-- you have no skill LOL-- the first rank alone is 30 points-- that's 3 kills in TDM or DM (10 pts per kill).. Sergeant Level 1 is only 650 pts total! I made that in 1 day in the 360 BETA-- Level 11 out of 65 rank levels that are gonna be in final game for all platforms! To make your classes you need to be Level 4-- again no chore. Of all the matches I played so far everyone worked as a team. Hope this game doesn't turn in FFOW with no persistent ranks/unlocks--- if you don't want ranks and goals then go play FFOW when it comes out. Don't ruin COD 4 since it's not even out yet! If you don't like ranked games go into an UNRANKED server with all unlocks-- the servers will be so much more admin friendly to turn things on and off. I think I said enough... and I know alot of you agree with me.

Bolded is the key element people are worried about with ranks and such. If you've ever played BF2, you've surely experienced TKing for jets/choppers because those vehicles give you the most points.

But now in CoD4, there aren't any choppers/jets to TK for, and from what I've read and seen working as a team is the best way to go up in rank (working as a team means you can get more kills, plant the bomb for S&D, capture the flag, etc.). In BF2, winning or losing didn't make a difference for anybody but the commander. BF2142 was kind of going in the right direction with the squad points and stuff, but unfortunately people don't use it that often.

The 2nd key element people are worried about is lack of mod support (of course this is PC only). Again BF2 is an example. Many people don't play mods because they can't gain time towards awards or points to the next rank. Personally I'll be playing mods for Crysis instead of CoD4 anyway :p.

[Miller[75thR]]

As the developers have said in the interviews, The unlocks will be something cool to have, but skill will still play a huge part of the game, no matter how many unlocks you do or don't have.

[[BBF] Madrox]

doesnt really matter its gonna be fun

[Spik3d]

Just ask yourself one question.

"If this game didn't have ranks and unlocks, would I play it?"

Too often, it's used as a crutch to keep a mediocre game running (2142.) BF2 on the other hand was just as much fun when no one had unlocks. And if you look at #'s of people still playing both games, they would seem to support this. For better or worse, it on the list of "standard features" most FPS games will now have.

Just remember game play will always be king. :D

Why not, I still play Call of Duty, right?

[Oli]

Fun is the idea of the game.

[ghost8815]

The ranks, I really don't care. Unlock able weapons and perks yes.

[DeRuiter[75thR]]

As long as the game stays balanced and stock weapons are more than decent, HELL YES!

and there will always be stat whores...and if there are no stats, they will just be camping or anything. Some players you like others you don't, that will always be the same. trying to find players you like is the key! and that will always be right here in the community.

[Bradley]

I wouldn't worry about stat padders or stuff like that, so I say it's a good thing, I don't play for that, but I sure love unlocks and ranks :)

[Spik3d]

You can't really stat pad in this game, there aren't any magical defibrillators that revive you from a headshot.

[sike3000]

Unlocks- yes- gives me something to work for,

Ranks - not really - maybe just for the round?

[Lt Davis]

Ranks and unlocks = no populated mods :dead:

[Bradley]

I donno, I liked COD2, but the only thiing is there's no teamwork, it's all thompson whoring and no good spawns.

So if COD4 has something like Bf2 where you can spawn on leader and have flags to protect it would be nice.

So COD2 had lots of mods cause they would DL in-game and stuff, but then agian if you got a BF2 stytem you get teamwork...and G36E whoring...:rolleyes:

[thejeran]

Ah, I remember the races to 40 points in COD:UO... After that it was spawn killing madness for the first team there.

Lol, So fun unless your the reciever

[ReaperOfsouls]

I'd rather have a different selection of weapons and equipment already avaliable for each class instead of having to work for them.

Point! Played bf2 for like 800 hours, and 2142 was cake, had all unlocks withing a week (way to much time I know).

It kinda ruined 2142 for me, I had been waiting for the game for months yet I had all unlocks in a week, and I needed them I felt because I wanted to be as versatile as possible. As a result, I got bored of game quickly, if all weapons were there from the git, I would have been able to relax and enjoy game a bit more instead of wanted all unlocks so I could be on par with other lifeless individuals.

[Iwantcable]

Imo BF2142 just wasn't a very good game. The only thing that really kept me playing for a while was getting to BG, after that I really cut down on play time.

[Spik3d]

I'm pretty sure that the Call of Duty 4 ranking system is miles off of what you guys are expecting it to be. You're expecting it to be similar to Battlefield 2... :shakehead

[hurricane04343]

CoD4's ranking system follows more with BF2142...where awards, medals, and achievements add to your XP count.

[ReaperOfsouls]

I'm pretty sure that the Call of Duty 4 ranking system is miles off of what you guys are expecting it to be. You're expecting it to be similar to Battlefield 2... :shakehead

I hope you are right. I read somewhere else in this thread where some one had said that the dev's had said that it will come down to skill and unlocks are just perks, but the same was said about 2142 and its weapon upgrades and its not an even playing field if you dont have them all.

I guess we will just have to see how it plays out.

[D3lit3]

Yeah I like ranks, lets you know who you're playing with.

[hurricane04343]

Ranks weren't a problem in the beta. A starter with an M16 didn't have a weapon disadvantage over a level 25 using the G3 (apart from skill level). Ranks are just a way to get new weapons and such. Many higher levels were still using the weapons you started out with as well.

[Steppenwolf428]

ranks will always prevail

[Covert_Fox]

RANKS, AND REWARDS WILL make this game more intence, you wont have people who cba coz they will want new weapons, equipment etc...RANKS AND REWARDS = GREAT!

[hurricane04343]

I wonder if there will be stat-padding in this game

[Bradley]

I wonder if there will be stat-padding in this game

I donno, but it seems like the stat padding type wouldn't go for this kinda of game, because it's a bit harderd, they'd stick to more arcady games.

[TheDesert_Fox]

Yeah I like ranks, lets you know who you're playing with.Yeah, kinda like keeping the same name between forums let's you know who you're playing with :p

I don't care how the ranking system works, so long as they don't make it so the guns later down the unlock chain are better. Of course each gun will be different but hopefully it won't be like G36C > M16 because it's farther down the line.

[Covert_Fox]

Yeah, kinda like keeping the same name between forums let's you know who you're playing with :p

I don't care how the ranking system works, so long as they don't make it so the guns later down the unlock chain are better. Of course each gun will be different but hopefully it won't be like G36C > M16 because it's farther down the line.

You have a point i.e. G36E > M16A2 in BF2 :cry:

[CptainCrunch]

First, I didnt vote because my true choice isnt really listed.

I think rank is good to show who may be the experienced. I also think player ability unlocks are good for gaining that rank. I dont think ranking for weapons is a good thing, because it does create an imbalance with new players.

A higher ranked person should have the experience, to say, reload a weapon faster or the conditioning to run longer, than someone new.

In 2142 the stat padding is really bad because people want on the weapons. Most did not want to unlock the netbat stuff or the smoke grenades because what did it really do? Of course you HAD to to get to the guns or rockts or whatever deadly thing there is.

Maybe people would still pad to get character enhancements because it is some of an edge, but for the honest players, I dont think it would be as tempting.

Crunch

[TheDesert_Fox]

First, I didnt vote because my true choice isnt really listed.

I think rank is good to show who may be the experienced. I also think player ability unlocks are good for gaining that rank. I dont think ranking for weapons is a good thing, because it does create an imbalance with new players.

A higher ranked person should have the experience, to say, reload a weapon faster or the conditioning to run longer, than someone new.

In 2142 the stat padding is really bad because people want on the weapons. Most did not want to unlock the netbat stuff or the smoke grenades because what did it really do? Of course you HAD to to get to the guns or rockts or whatever deadly thing there is.

Maybe people would still pad to get character enhancements because it is some of an edge, but for the honest players, I dont think it would be as tempting.

CrunchBut in 2142 only one unlockable gun is really any better than the standard ones, the Voss, and the Krylov gives it a run for it's money...

Or course, rockets are a far bigger advantage than no items, but the guns are (supposedly) just more specialized, not better.

[DeLuSi0naL]

I think playing to Ranks is good, in game you can also spot who are of a same level of you and who are the skilled ones to team up with.

[SonicPixel]

I agree with Ranks giving you a heads-up on people's status. But, even that can be slightly misleading because some players start new soldiers thus, bringing their playing ability to a low rank.

Don't foolishly assume that some Private isn't going to totally pwn you because he's really just started his third toon. The skill level you assume he has is actually much, much higher.

I like the idea of enhancements coming in rank but not weapons. Stamina or endurance class of upgrade sounds good. I think everyone should have the same access to the weapons of the battle.

Although, I do like how Crysis' purchasing system works, too.

[Covert_Fox]

ye ranks can be miss leading, and i am 1 who likes making new accounts and stuff. but i hope i can just stick to 1 :)

[Ezekiel]

I think stats/unlocks make games better as it gives you something to play for.