Heartbreak Harriet
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Posted - 2006.07.31 12:26:00 -
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I'm not so sure saying the Vexor is better than the Arbitrator is a really compelling argument. Usually I agree with you, Ithildin, but I'm not so sure what you're saying makes a lot of sense, especially since cruiser tiers are really fuzzy when you get to the middle.
Try comparing the two and you'll find that the Vexor really isn't much different from the Arbitrator; it has more Powergrid but less CPU, the same amount of slots (the Arbitrator is 4/4/4, the Vexor is 5/3/4 with a couple more turrets but no launchers). Their drone capabilities are identical. Same drone bonus, same drone bay size. The only areas the Vexor is better than the Arbi in without trading something else are cargo size and hp, which are both slightly higher. However, I think that has more to do with the Arbi being an EW ship and Gallente drone ships having characteristically large cargo than anything else.
If an Amarr Drone BS is made higher tier than a Gallente one, I agree that it's a problem. Everyone would go for the Abaddon and the Dominix would get ignored. But what do you think would happen if Gallente's droneship was upgraded to tier 3, while Amarrians got a drone BS at tier 1? Either way, one of them would become the new old Typhoon, so to speak.
I don't like the idea of an Arbitrator-based Abaddon. In fact, I just flat out don't like everyone's pre-occupation with trying to upsize cruiser designs into BS hulls. However, it isn't difficult to understand how it could be made to work. Upgrade the Geddon and the Apoc to tier 2 and 3, and bring the Abaddon in at tier 1. Make it primarily an EW ship, with less damage and utility highs than the domi, but one more mid and a TD bonus. It can be worse than the Domi at using drones, so long as it makes up for it in some other area and is still better with drones than Minmatar or Caldari. Gallente would get to keep their drone superiority, and Amarrians would get a BS that does something other than shoot guns and/or get shot at by things that may or may not be guns.
Trade one thing to get another. That's balance. Giving Gallente a tier 3 drone BS because the Vexor has more hp than the Arbitrator isn't.
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