andyson:IIRC, you don't play the game like most people play it. You play in Flash Player and not in a browser like everyone else.
That's correct, although that was a somewhat recent development. I had never seen that before until I resumed playing on a regular basis. TBH, I still don't understand why that happens. I believe the only advantage it provides me is a higher frame rate. My meter has been pretty much perfect, unless one of my services gets all uppity.
However, it doesn't handle multiplayer very well (frame wise), and my meter will tank at times. I think this has to do with the fact that I can't type in full screen mode (that's kinda ridiculous), so I have to keep going in and out. And I have to do that because apparently people get offended when you don't say "NS" every after shot. I love those conversations, "ns, g1, ty, gs, n1, vn, ty, nb, nb, ty, nb,nb, ty, ty, nb,nb ty". Riveting.
andyson: PhiEaglesFan: Why is everyone running the same code and getting different results?
I hope that's a rhetorical question because we both know no two PC are like snowflakes, no two are identical. As are connections.
That's kinda my point. If it's not those end-user differences causing the majority of, but not all issues, then what else is it?
They do test, but I can guarantee you they have a very small team and a very large product. Full regression testing is great, but not practical in SQA reality. I can't remember the last time at my current job where there was time for a full regression. Typically it's a light regression of the known "pain points" and expected changes introduced by any new code. Ultimately, you kinda have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. I absolutely hate that approach, but that's all they give you time to do when the deadlines are as tight as they typically are.
However, this doesn't explain the camera issue that happened a while back. That was somewhat disappointing, and I won't even try to defend it. If I had to guess their test environment wasn't enough of a mirror of production, or (and this is probably it) someone tried to throw in a fix or feature at the last moment and QA never got a chance to look at it. That's always fun.
And lastly, to bring this around full-circle to the OP. Despite some flaws, I think the game is still pretty awesome. I just wish they would put more emphasis on the "daily" experience and reward those who play every single day (with something other than the current pittance of an XP bonus for one round). Goals, tasks, missions, freebies, and customizable things like grips, shafts and the like. I think they're really missing the boat and taking money out of their own pockets on all that stuff.