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After recent discussions and a few threads/complaints on the FF2 server, I feel it's time we possibly part ways with using PlayPoints. What's PlayPoints? You may or may not be asking. Well, PlayPoints is our current player perk system in FF2, the one that gives the (sometimes working) extra powers to the players fighting the boss. Why do I think PP (PlayPoints) should be replaced? PP is an old, buggy plugin. How old? The last update was in 2013. The biggest issue being that a lot of the perks have been nerfed or removed, while a few that are still available are useless due to the plugin not being made specifically for this kind of gamemode. Even then, the ones actually usable can sometimes be considered "OP", "Annoying", or "Awful". Another major issue is that the bosses can sometimes use the powers meant for only the RED team, to the point where a few bosses' .cfg files have been changed to replace their class due to them getting "520 Scout" or "Hyper Heavy". I'm suggesting that we replace the current buggy and limited plugin to something similar or more complex, and have made a small list of suitable replacements while listing their pros and cons. TF2Items/TF2Attributes: This combination of plugins allows items with custom attributes to be made and automatically given to connected players who are using that specific weapon. Replace 520 Scout with a BFB that gives Scout 520 speed or replace Infinite Charge with a Chargin' Targe that refills it's meter quickly but does self damage. Pros: These plugins are already on our FF2 server Completely customizable Automatically gives perks to the player using that specific weapon Players can use their own items Cons: Limited to TF2's default attributes (list here) Players can't choose if they want the perk or not when using a weapon with a custom attribute Can't recreate all current perks Custom Weapons 3: This plugin allows for completely new weapons to be created, using existing TF2 models or even new models. Like the previous plugins, this plugin applies custom attributes to weapons, but isn't limited to TF2's default attributes. The difference with this plugin though, is that weapons will have to be equipped before they can be used, and don't use existing items like the previous option. Pros: Can easily remake all current perks and then some Players won't need to possess a specific item for a certain perk they want Customization isn't limited to just attributes Special weapons can be limited to only one team Cons: Players will have to open a menu to equip an item with the perk they want Players using their own weapons won't get any special perks Perks will be bound to weapons And finally War3 (second link): This plugin is completely different from the other 2. Players choose a race and they get special abilities and even Ults based off of the chosen race. Players level up as they play, which makes their abilities even stronger. There's even a mini shop which allows players to buy items with credits they earn to give them an extra boost for a round. Pros: Leveling system keeps players coming back Can change races and abilities at any time Passive abilities and Ults gives players more options and different ways to play Cons: Not even close to our current system Players will need to bind keys to +ability and +ult unless they want to type them in chat everytime This plugin uses individual plugins for each race And... that's all I got for now. Of course we can simply stick to what we have, but it really limits players to a few useful classes, especially if more perks in PP get nerfed/removed. If you have suggestions for replacements, questions for the listed plugins, or ideas on bettering what we currently have, post 'em here.

All of these sound ideal whilst still having apparent drawbacks, though playpoints should definitely be revamped or removed altogether. The number of viable abilities in playpoints are so scarce, as many of them hardly even work, making it look even more outdated and underdone. I’ve dealt with Custom Weapons before in the past, and implementing them into the server would add an interesting and unique twist, though TF2Items seems like it has a lot of issues with it. If we’re gonna vote on any of these, my +1 is for Custom Weapons.