Manfred Rickenbocker
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Posted - 2009.11.20 05:21:00 -
[1]
I voiced my opinion in the devblog comments thread but it seems that everyone went crazy in there...
Judging from the two graphs presented in the devblog:
Current TQ
New Dominion
Ok, looking at the damage graphs for long range weapons, you nerfed Rails a bit too much:
1) The damage nerf was too much compared to Giga-Lasers. A nerf might be expected to bring them in line, but it lacks factoring in that hybrid weapons have to reload. While good for short engagements, capital engagements rarely are, so the current difference is rendered moot. Give them some of their damage.
2) You nerfed their range by 10km (101 to 91) while leaving Giga-Lasers at their 121km optimal. This is BAD. If we switch to longer-range ammo to reach targets on the battlefield, the damage advantage is destroyed more so than we gain in range. (I wont discuss projectiles because Ill leave this for the last point).
3) The falloff on Rails matches Beams... this is BAD. Rails always have more falloff than Lasers. Rails are supposed to be the longest range option which is now heartily stolen by projectiles. Rails Optimal + Falloff should be greater than that of the Beams Optimal + Falloff, even if damage get lower quicker. Ill take the current damage nerf if you give us plenty of extra falloff to compensate.
A tactical observation:
Under no circumstances does it seem like you should use something other than Projectiles now in long range combat. DREADS CANT MOVE IN SIEGE! If you are outside your range, tough nuts because you cant reposition for 15 minutes. And if the sides decide to go for a super-long-range battle, the only competitive weapons will be Projectiles. Even Cruises cant hit past 150 in the new system (baseline values). If you position your dread fleet before a fleet of Naggles, they will just sit outside range AND outdamage you at that range, giving them 15 minutes of free shooting at you. This is stupid and overpowered.
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Peace through superior firepower: a guiding principle for uncertain times. |