Rompers

I don't know about the PvE server, but when it comes to the PvP server I don't understand why NPC grinding even counts towards achieving high ranks at all. Maybe it makes sense for the lower ranks and for the PvE server, but I have always thought that the top few ranks in the PvP server should only be achievable through actual PvP experience. Even PvP losses or escapes could count to some meaningful extent (experience is experience), so people aren't so damn scared to go out and take chances with PvP. I also like the idea of some kind of special visible accolades (e.g. titles, suffixes, etc) for prolific traders and crafters as well, to get more ships in the water and ships/goods on the market. But encouraging even more brainless zombie NPC grinding? I don't see the benefit.

Great job on finally setting a release date goal! Whatever criticisms we still have at this point, I hope you understand that this game is still more unique and interesting than 99% of all other games out there. Your hard work and inginuity is more appreciated than you probably know! That being said, I do have some final/lingering hopes for pre-release adjustments. Sorry if they are just an echo of what everyone else is already saying. (1) Ajdust the numbers to make port-to-port trading actually worthwhile again. As something that requires risk, planning, investment, and time (all of the 'big four') to be successful, trading goods between ports should be among the most lucrative activities in this game (along with PvP and port ownership). Plus it puts more heavy trade ships like Indiamen in the water, which means more (and more varied) opportunities forsolo/small-group PvP. At the very least port-to-port trading should pay off more than 'missions' which require nothing but a basic ship and the time it takes to travel between ports. (2) Fix or do away with port bonuses. Port bonuses on top of box upgrades on top of books on top of woods is just overkill. Not only are fights between same-class ships more unbalanced than ever, but I must admit it is a little overwhelming these days just to keep track of it all. It feels like I need a spreadsheet in front of me just to shop for a ship these days. Keep it simple, keep it balanced, keep it fun! (3) Axe the 20-minute engagement window for the 'weaker' side in open-world pvp battles. 3-5 minute windows for both sides is more than enough time to rally nearby cavalry, and ships parked in port shouldn't be able to respond to a request for help from an active battle on the open sea. Besides, why even try to balance them in the first place? Good open-world tactics and planning and risk should be rewarded. Please end this failed experiment, or at least save such silly/patronizing/artificial 'balancing' measures for special circumstances such as patrol zones or duels where both sides are actually seeking a 'fair' fight.

Storms (and variable weather in general) are great. And weather should absolutely be the same for everybody. But I agree that some storms in this game last way too long, and that can get really tedious (and especially frustrating for those of us who only have a limited window of time to play each day). Nothing wrong with shorter storms though, even if they are more frequent. Also, it would be fun if storms had some other significance to the game in addition to just visibility. One option might be to increase the odds of picking up a sealed bottle during bad weather. Or, even better, a storm could drop random shipwrecks into the open world that everyone can stumble across and loot for a certain period during/after each storm - like "rumors of a large fleet" style but more spread out (over the whole map or by regions or whatever). Even negative consequences of weather could add some fun to gameplay. For example, bad weather in the open world could cause a % damage to sails or cargo (flooding?). During a battle instance too storms could cause random damage to sails, or create much bigger waves or extreme/sudden wind gusts and/or direction changes. Aything would be better than nothing.

Love the improvements! Good-looking theme and a noticeable increase in speed. Thank you for all your work!

yes yes yes yes YES My poor overworked GPU!!! Being in port is supposed to be a time of rest and recuperation! Another idea might be to keep the 3D view in port but disable the moving water/wave animations. Instead, use a simple flat unanimated surface for the water in port UI view. Same idea for the sky even. No need for complicated day/night/weather animations in port - just a static calm sky! p.s. Admins PLEASE take this thread seriously! It is a very legitimate and important issue for many of us. I finally gave in and registered an account on the forum just so I could reply with my support to this thread!