Traits = Gimmick?

[K3DC]

I think that IGAU traded game depth for gimmicks (wagers, interactables, and traits). They increased map size to fit more interactables, the increases in map size encourages zoning. Not being able to dash cancel and holding block forces players to wait patiently on the other side of the map until they can find an opening. For some reason they nerfed the combo system to force players to use meter if they wanted good damage or in some cases decent combos. Because of the increase in demand for meter (because it's need for IGAU combos) they gave you 2 more bars and increased the speed that it feels up. I wish they had kept the ex system. Traits killed MK FOOTIES (using D3 and D4 to space your opponent into whiffing their normal for a punish) by changing to a 3 button layout removing D3 and D4 and turning D3 into a sweep. Along with the sweep you have D1 (poke) and D2 (anti-air). I call traits a gimmick because most of the traits are just specials mapped on 4. The lack of block button makes dealing with zoners harder, you have to commit to your dash (wish is suicide in most cases) or jump which doesn't end well when your going up against certain chars/players.

I'm hoping that there is someone who can shed some light on a IGAU game mechanic that would make this game worth my time. Right now I feel like I'm playing ultimate frisbee, all my opponents does it throw things at me from full screen. If you commit to a dash (character dependent) you'll eat another projectile even if your blocked before advancing. If you commit to a jump you probably going to catch an unblocking 20%. I realize that this game isn't MK, I just dislike the lack of exploits/tools and that your only tools are traits that are mainly just combo extenders.

An example of what I would like from this game would be Batman. I love the tools that Batman has his trait is just amazing, nuff said. Unlike Deathstroke. I believe they thought that people would block his shots rather than jump them, his debuff is just enough time for someone to rush him down, because people jump his shots, people don't use his trait. There is a launcher that becomes unblockable, but you have to time your trait to avoid getting punished for using it.
I would love it Bane's rush was unblockable, this forces opponents to respect and try to jump over it. Then allow players to cancel into specials allowing bane to rush in and air grab jumping opponents. It wouldn't be broken because bane is vulnerable, which is why he'll have to use his trait for protection allowing you to go on offensive during the debuff. Right now there are characters getting armor and damage buffs for free, while bane has to pay for it.

I'm not complaining this is just my opinion, I believe that MK gave you many tools to use to win and IGAU gives you MB B3 and stage transitions and encourages keep away which I don't find entertaining to watch. I would like to know if anyone else would like to see more tools (better traits), cancels, rushdown, and less zoning, transitions, and interactables.

 

[Troispoint]

What a dumb poll question, and we already have a similar thread here: http://testyourmight.com/threads/injustice-zoning.30958/page-11#post-1015410

Also tl;dr

 

[Bildslash]

News flash: Not every game is MK9.

 

[Awsumpossm]

I think that IGAU traded game depth for gimmicks (wagers, interactables, and traits). They increased map size to fit more interactables, the increases in map size encourages zoning.
For some reason they nerfed the combo system to force players to use meter if they wanted good damage or in some cases decent combos.

Because of the increase in demand for meter (because it's need for IGAU combos) they gave you 2 more bars and increased the speed that it feels up. I wish they had kept the ex system. Traits killed MK FOOTIES

I realize that this game isn't MK,

You're contradicting yourself. If you realize that this isn't MK then stop comparing it to it. The combo system is fairly similar and its made by NRS, but the similarities end there. This is a unique and brand new game, not an MK sequel.

Also, its difficult to argue against traits in general. For some characters its a really lame or simple "gimmick", as you said. Things like Superman's buff, Aquaman's WOL, Lobo's shotgun, Cyborg healing, Scorpion's trait. These characters could have their traits taken away and would still play roughly the same, as they serve a basic and single purpose. For other characters (read: most), however, its a huge part of what makes them feel different from the other characters. Hawkgirl's flight, Grundy's grab, WW's stance switch, Bane's venom, the list goes on and on.

The trait system does have a sort of "gimmick" feel to it, but its definitely a defining and fun part of the game and its not going anywhere if there's a sequel. And unfortunately for us rushdown players, zoning is a large part of the game as characters trade close range 50/50 games for better long range 50/50 games. The game might not be for you.

 

[Red Venom]

But despite what you've said the trait and interactables change the metagame completely. The game also forces you to be very conservative of your meter.