Now, a long time ago, people may remember about me talking of a complete overhaul of the Matrix system.
Don't worry, it will not be happening until AFTER the fifth assignment, but that overhaul is now underway. Many options were considered, but in the end, two major changes will form the core of the news system when it comes:
1. No dodges. All characters, including mooks, will now be considered to be dodging as well as they reasonably can at all times, at their highest combat value. Practical effect is- active dodges will disappear. ANYTHING that increases your defensive value will be a focus power, and will only cost focus and no frames. The principle is that all defence will cost no frames, only focus.
(People following my rules isues with the current Star Wars set-up may note that this seems to be reversing my attitude there. Well, actually, problem is in Star Wars is the way some people get zero cost dodges and some do not, and with a speed increase that leaves some players standing still whilst others clear the field. The issue is fairness. The new Matrix system will put everyone on the same level and works fine).
Players will in futue select 'Postures' for a sequence (you can change posture in mid-sequence but at a focus cost). Postures will give you your defensive options for that sequence. For example, here is the Posture version of Willow Step
Focus 1, Frames 0
For the rest of the sequence, every time you are attacked you may pay one focus to increase your passive dodge by one.
Simple as that! Most postures won't bother saying 'For the rest of the sequence' as it will be taken as read that that is how Postures work.
The new Fox's Retreat will be:
Focus 2, Frames 0
For the rest of the sequence, every time you are the target of a melee attack, you may pay one focus to increase your passive dodge by two.
The idea being that you will chose a posture you think is tactically relevant for the situation- mand if you get it wrong you can change, but you have to pay focus to switch over. But it never costs frames.
This will lead to faster and more aggressive combat, and less fretting about defensive options as once you chose for a sequence you are far more locked in about what you can do.
2. New Download system
As I mentioned before, this is the area that needs the most attention. What will happen now is this:
1. You choose a template (three templates as before)
2. Each template has four download configurations. Your configurations will set your MA, Guns and Focus values (relative to your template), amongst other things
3. You get a small personalisation zone, mainly about skills. This zone can be increased with experience.
And that's that. That will be the totality of the download system. More restricted, but frankly, a lot more practical. And with 12 configurations in all (3 templates with four configs for each) and still an element of personalisation, there will still be a certain distinctiveness between templates.
Right now the configs are- Warrior, Gunner, Tech and All-rounder
So, that's all to come in future times!