I am thinking past alpha testing and I know no one except apparently you that liked how torches were handled in the last game. Making something shit to be used is not hardcore it´s just bad design. It should be smooth experience and the hard core part comes with interaction, knowledge and reaction times. Not right clicking your weapons in the correct order so it does not screw up. These kind of things were a big part of why MO1 failed and now they are being repeated.
It´s not realistic. Whatever burns in there would fly out of that silly cage when you swing it with any force, especially on the overhead strike. It does not deliver burn damage. If I take a torch for actuall light, why would I ever use it to hit someone? I wouldn´t. I would my main hand to fight and the torch for light and maybe to parry. I would certainly not risk being in complete darkness. That´s insanely stupid.
Why are torches made with steel anyway? I mean we should have very basic torches that can be made very easily by a noob. You need to provide easily accessible light sources if you want to make the night and cave truly dark. Even a hardcore game needs tools to overcome adversity. Otherwise it´s just - again - badly designed.
If SV wants torch bearers they can implement some kind of special better torch you carry with two hand. There should be simple not obstructive way of using a freaking torch in your off-hand. Honestly I baffled that I even have to discuss this.
Must be a stuck in MO1. Im sorry for hitting a button of yours. Though I must say this is MO2 and dual wielding alone being used properly will fix a few problems. Not to mention they have a few more slots in weaponry on the characters.
Yeah they could add burn damage but its just alpha at the moment. I would assume when they bring magic they'll have other things like burn damage. If they even go that route.
As for using steel its just the head of the torch. Im sure it has some wood / cloth / random combo. Doesnt have to be steel, though they are testing damage in steel weapons. Which I as stated above it is a weapon. Plus a torch is cheap, if someone can't buy a torch they have something else going wrong.
Basing it on real life.. talking medievalish times. Here's a quick idea of what torches were made of @ 2:20 - 2:39. He also goes into the debunks of torchs. Though @11:15- 11:55, he explains how they were able to be used all night.
He goes over lanterns some and it would seem to be the best offhand item. As it has less light projection but longer sustainability outside.
Now let's be real with games.. you can make a torch, its a weapon and light source. Lighting lasts forever, depending on what it's made of will be its damage and durability. Because its your equipment, hitting a weakly made torch may break it, badly made torch has nearly no damage and easily replaceable. Assuming you'll be able to buy a few different torches from some vendor. Otherwise gotta find a crafter and buy something durable.
Or buy a lantern cause it's only less light and doesn't take place of your shield.
I wasn't saying I like MO1 torches, I was just saying I like MO2 torches. I forget this forum falls into MO1 failures, instead of truly thought out logical ideas for MO2. We haven't see anything really, we haven't made anything ( excluding lots of work for their teams ), we just cracked the edge of combat alpha imo, whenever we see the other mechanics we will be able to comment better. My understanding is weapons and lighting are still a WIP.
Which Seb did ask about dual wielding suggestions, I think everyone needs to slow down some. We are all excited, I get it and am right with everyone. But pushing things won't make things better. This is one game im happy they are taking the time to really nail this. Not poo out another MO1.
We will all be Beaters from SAO. Put a smile on and get ready for your adventures! SV's ears are working just fine. The fixes are visible and suggestions are being heard.
-Phen