Orb Probabilities

[Rhox]

Quadradius isn't as fun as it used to be, and I think it may have something to do with the changing of orb probabilities. I don't have proof of this, but I bet Jimmi tinkered with things in attempt to make the game more exciting. Orbs that used to be rare (Teachs, Benes, GQ's, Smart Bombs, Snakes) are now popping up as frequently as other orbs. It seems like my opponents and I get more of these orbs than Raise Tiles, Inverts, etc. While this may have the effect of more exciting combos more often, it also means shorter games, and more importantly the increasing impact of luck versus skill. And it's not that there are more of the powerful orbs, it's that they've been spawning consistently before 100 turns, and a lot of the time before 50 turns as well. It's just not enjoyable for me. Skill has taken a backseat and now I'm losing more and more games, usually because of sheer luck. If someone changed the orb probabilites (and I really think this is the case... I've been playing close attention to every game for the past two months) then Quadradius has truly been ruined. I may retire soon. I feel like I'm wasting my time these days.

[Jimmi]

To answer a few things, the probabilities have not changed. Sheesh. Years of speculation keep these conspiracies alive. "The Orbs were an inside job!"

One thing in your post I did find interesting is, you mentioned the shorter games are more luck based, and the longer ones more strategy. This may be true, and brings up an interesting point for me to consider. One of my goals was to make the game play out shorter. I felt a 15 minutes game would be more fun than a dragged on 25 minute game, or worse, a 45 minute game. But that will differ on a case by case basis. Some people don't have the time to play longer games, but some people really enjoy when a game "drags on", and they don't consider it that, but rather an "intense" back and forth game. So while I strive to make the average game shorter, it should not be done via crazy combos. The new custom arenas and power pools I have now will give a lot more choice for players, hopefully giving options to all types of player personalities.

I do not know why your ranking has dropped, and don't want to speculate, but the end of your post was quite dramatic. You say 2012 is in progress, but curious, what do you have as an rank so far?

Before you retire, I may have to let you in to this new version this month.

[Rhox]

I'm glad you responded. I know it might read different but I wasn't trying to whine or complain about being screwed by the orbs. I was mostly curious if anyone else had noticed this too. I was also pretty frustrated at the time. I guess I'm just psyching myself out. I suppose I can stick it out another year... hopefully we'll see some progress around here.

[delay]

You might be thinking of that game against me where you had 6 snakes. I feel as though I've noticed a lot more GQ recently, usually at inopportune times though so I'm not really sure what to conclude.

[l0de]

Nothing has changed. You're just bad.

[delay]

Play me faggot.