I think this is probably the biggest annoyance in the game and I'm not the only one who thinks that. Every review out there notes that the energy system is flawed and needs fixing. Please Three Rings DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE BEFORE YOU FIX THE ENERGY SYSTEM.
So what is the problem? There's so many things to mention, It wont be defined in one sentence. The energy bars recharge at a rate of about one mist per thirteen minutes. In a day, you will recharge enough mist to play for about only TWO hours. Most non-casual players play for at least four hours. Active players would play for at least six hours.
Lets face it e- prices are too expensive.
New players would usually want to explore the new world they have come to as much as they can to get a good feel of what they are about to spend "hours" in, this limiting energy system would understandably would make them turn away.
2, 5, and 10 e- to revive you or an ally for the FIRST time in clockworks, it doubles after each revive making it even more annoying than it already is.
200 e- to unbind a two star item, 600 e- to unbind a three star item, 1800 e- to unbind a four star item, 4000 e- to unbind a four star item. The binding system itself is also flawed but i won't talk too much about it since that would be off topic.
I have no qualms about solely the e- cost to craft, it seems about right.
Now lets take a look at the energy through a spender's perspective. A usual gamer that spends 15 dollars a month can access pretty much anything in the game. In spiral knights 15 dollars would give you just about 5200 ce. That would give you just about 105 hours of gameplay(100ce=2hr) per month, without crafting, buying upgrades, unbinding, opening gates, etc. Talk about value for your money.
So What SHOULD Three Rings Do?
Three rings should sit down, take this seriously, and consider and discuss which of the following is the best course of action.
Increase Mist Regeneration- Might not be a good suggestion as that would understandably decrease your sales. But still possible to. If you do, you might as well make it 100 mist per 12 hours.
Drop Mist In Clockworks- Might sound implausible or even outrageous but if you consider it, it could be a potentially good idea. I don't mean replace other potential drops with mist, I mean completely add it. Maybe in the form of blue heat or mini mist tanks. Also adding mist tanks to the prize wheel would be good.
Give MORE CE per Dollar- I'm serious, I don't think it's worth buying roughly four days worth of play every month when I can pay the same amount elsewhere to access all the features in a bigger non browser based game for the entire month. It won't be a loss for you because even more players would buy it if it become worth buying.
Also you need to rush your content making after(not if) you do this because the players would progress faster.
*e- stands for energy, just thought i'd shorten your read.
Another one?