Character
From Hellgate Times Index
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Factions and Classes
Factions and classes are different, but related. Factions are distinct groups that in themselves divide into other groups (classes). Each faction has access to two unique classes. In Hellgate London, factions are categorized by their style of play and their two different classes offer a more refined choice and their own set of skills. Lets take the Templar Faction as an example. The Templar is considered to be the melee faction of the game, members wield swords and are ideal for close quarter combat. Once the Templar faction is selected, you must choose what class you wish your character to be. In this case, either a Guardian or a Blademaster. Both classes are sword/melee based, but have quite different functions. The Guardian is your basic tank, carries a shield, wields a sword and is able to absorb a massive amounts of damage. On the other hand, the Blademaster is acrobatic, offensively-based and is frailer than the Guardian. Each carry strengths and weaknesses that enable them to carry on very different roles, even though they are fundamentally similar. For information sake, the Cablists are spellcasters/summoners and the Hunters mostly use guns.
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Character Stats
Attributes
With each new level a character attains, five points can be spent over four different attributes. Each attributes affects a character differently, therefore the allocation of attribute points allows for unique and often very specific character builds.
- Accuracy: Increases a character's power
- Concentration: Greater chance of critical damage
- Stamina: Increases the number of health points a character possesses
- Willpower: Increases defense and armor
In previous games, including the Diablo series, attributes provided a baseline for what items could be used and once the threshold had been reached, the attributes no longer had any bearing on the equipment. However, Hellgate takes on a slightly different approach, where as attribute points are not a baseline but actually a pool of points that can be used up by items. That is to say, that a character with 10 points in accuracy will be able to use a weapon requiring 5 points of accuracy and a shield requiring another 5 points (total = 10), but will be unable to use both a shield requiring 6 accuracy and a weapon requiring 5 accuracy (total = 11). One can think of the attribute pool as a limitation that must be increased to be able to use more powerful item combinations.
Base Statistics
- Health and health regeneration rate
- Power and power regeneration rate
- Speed
- Critical Hit Chance (two, one per attack hand)
- Critical Hit Bonus (two, one per attack hand)
Defense
Defense determines the quantity of damage of a character takes given a type of attack. As an example, increasing the 'fire' defense would decrease the amount of damage undertaken from an enemy fire-based attack. With the exception of the Templar/Guardian, none of the classes are able to carry physical shields. Instead, they have a protective barrier surrounding them. This barrier can absorb damage and regenerates over time, the quantity capable of being absorbed at the rate of regeneration fall under the defense set of statistics.
- Shield and Recharge rate
- Armor
- Defense
- Stun
- Fire
- Shock
- Phase?
- Power
Leveling and Cap
So far, level cap information has been pretty sparse, but FSS have said that players will be able to attain high levels. The highest I have seen (in a screenshot) so far is level 65. On the flipside, leveling is fast paced and this allows players to come up with interesting builds and test them out relatively quickly (compared to the majority of MMOs). In other words, do not expect a heavy grind. Leveling should be a familiar affair, you gain experience points by killing demons and once you have accumulated enough experience the character will level up. With each new level you can assign points to your attributes of choice.
