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I have not played a controller, but I am a gamer and have been for some time. I think the issue that is being missed here is one of balance. You are complaining about losing something you never should have had in the first place. What is the point of having different power sets within an archetype if they are not distinct? You mention that other controllers don't need to hit in order to heal. And? If that is the type of controller you want, play that type. Perhaps they aren't all supposed to heal. Perhaps you should RTFM and decide the type of character you want to play. Further, realize that this is a game. Enjoy the challenge. If you want everything to be touchy-feely and full of transactional analysis, join a 12 step program.
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Hear! Hear! DirtNap....well put indeed.
I've been reading through this thread and realize that many of the complainers either don't read comics or choose to ignore them. Allow me to use Marvel for example:
Who here can name the de facto (not necessarily official) leader of The Avengers?
Why Captain America of course.
How about the Fantastic Four?
Mr. Fantastic
And a bit more obscure (and old school), the Champions?
Angel (pre-Archangel)
What do these 3 leaders have in common?
They are all pretty much useless in combat but are all incredibly good tactical thinkers that can use what few abilities they have to best effectiveness no matter what the circumstances. This is the true essence of being a super-hero, not the amount of damage you deal out or the efficiency of your powers, but the ability to transcend one's limitations to achieve things beyond that of mortal ken.
This game doesn't require a massively powerful character to enjoy the game. You just must work and think tactically within the strictures of your chosen character concept. For example, I have a MA/SR scrapper (The Prime Minister) that I modelled after Captain America. In other words, I gave him powers that would not be beyond those of a normal (though perfect) human. This means it takes me forever to solo since I do very little damage with my kicks but my leadership and speed more than make up for this in a group. He is a gas to play! So what if he's feeble in combat, it just makes me think harder when playing. I guess you could say I nerfed him intentionally.
Some people seem to forget that not only the costumes but the powers you choose make each character completely unique. WIth this in mind have the people that complain about the patch tried to think outside the box and tried even a different archetype? I see many complaints from Controllers and Defenders and EN/EN blaster but few or none from Tankers or Scrappers.
Some would say that this is because the game is slanted towards those types but I believe that its more along the lines of a very vocal minority that keep whining again and again without attempting even to move outside their comfort zone. For crying out loud people, maybe you should just try a different archetype!
As to the specific nerfing issues that are being brought up, I just took Hasten with an electric Blaster and it rocks! As long as I am careful with my END I can solo quite nicely thank you very much.
Let me end this rant by stating that issues of game balance are far more important than how powerful you are and how fast you level. I have been dealing with Rules Lawyers since I started DMing D&D back in '79 and exploiting and enjoying the game are 2 very different things. Kudos to Cryptic Studios on the best MMORPG I have ever played and the best super-hero game for the PC (mind you thats in a field of only 2

).
Through the Power of the Fist!
Capt. Hit-Guy