Poll: Sneak Attack/Critical Strike vs. Backstabbing

[Pungyol]

I like to critic on this thief's ability and also ask for your inputs as well.

For starters, since both ability requires you to hit the enemy. I say that backstabbing has the advantage. It gives an additional +4 to hit when your hiding in shadows and going for a backstab.

For the damage part, initially, the new ability maybe has the advantage - specifically the bonus of the Crippling Strike. But in high levels (since this game is designed for it, anyway), the possiblity a critical hit (which does double damage) and the x5 backstab multiplier is just unparalled. So, again backstabbing obviously has the edge.

So, I say that backstabbing is still the thief's potent arsenal.

[jeremiah]

Non HoF mode favors the backstab as there is a possibility of outright killing the opponent with a successful backstab. In HoF mode, the high hitpoints of the opponents make this unlikely so the THAC0 penalty made by a crippling strike on the opponent may be more attractive.