Page Starcaster
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Posted - 2011.07.18 20:13:00 -
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I really like this idea. It needs some work to balance the details but I like the idea of hybrids being more power at range limits.
Like for example a rail gun would out perform a artty at max range but rapidly lose the advantage as range is lost, while arttys perform well at lower ranges(except for tracking) and gradually lose DPS as range goes up. Arttys better at medium to long range, rails better at long range sniping. And on the flip side blasters would be unmatched DPS and tracking at close range but would rapidly lose effectiveness as range increases while auto-canons are good at medium to close range losing tracking become less effective at really close range. again blasters are better if you are always up really close, but auto cannons better if you fight at varying from close to medium auto cannons are better. I really think it would work.
I think this is basically what the OP was thinking. But to implement this through changes to the ammo I think is a great idea. It would give hybrids a unique niche to fill. Making them most effective at extreme ranges(close or far) but much less effective in between when projectiles will shine. I believe this would make them more of a experienced pilots dream weapon, If you are good enough to dictate range in combat they will be the best weapons, but far less versatile than projectiles. So arttys would reduce in DPS as range increases, rail guns would increase in DPS as range increases but also need more cap as range increased. and auto-cannons-blasters would be the opposite with blasters increasing in damage and cap consumption as range got closer as more power would be needed to keep the gun accurate/stable/better tracking at closer ranges, making them both unique with there own strengths and weaknesses. Lazers still would have the big advantage of not needing to reload, no ammo, just crystals and capacitor energy most likely still preferred by many mission runners to keep costs down.
Hybrids need a unique feel, and to fit as the best weapon in certain situations to really see them used regularly. Most players will always go for the higher DPS, so hybrids need a situation that makes them the best DPS without over shadowing the advantage other weapons have. With the current system, as others have said, most players will run either lazers or projectiles even on hybrid platforms as the hybrid turrets currently leave much to be desired.
However there is always the chance that these weapons where meant to be inferior. Caldari do have the best missile boats, and Gallentine have the best drone boats, to give them both really good hybrid weapons as well might be to much, but if done right it could really help to balance the use of all the various ships available.
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