Jenea
Gallente
The Copernicus Institute
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Posted - 2007.11.12 09:20:00 -
[1]
 Originally by: Draeca
I see atleast gallente AFs as low/nullsec ratting ships.
They can easily tank and spank BS spawns, and they're fast enough to slip away quickly if something evil jumps into the belt.
Vengeance fills that role nicely as well, with a bit of added safety.
4x Rocket
MWD, Scram, Web
Thermic Plating, BC, SAR, WCS
It has a strong tank and solid damage. The MWD gets you to rocket range quickly against your primary target, NPCs. The targeting delay isn't an issue with your primary target, NPCs; they are targetted long before you get within 10km, that is all that really matters. And the targetting range penalty? You can still target them at double your effective combat range. If you feel confident against another player, or are just learning to PvP, stick around and do the pew pew; if not, or things go poorly, you can run away like scared little girl.
There are some valid concerns about the role of an AF, but for filling the role outlined above, the Vengeance and other assault frigates are very good. They are the ideal carebear ratmobile -- they do it all, they don't cost you a fortune, and give you a chance to learn.
Do half the T1 cruisers serve a real purpose to anyone but a newer players? Do short range battleships have a role in fleet combat? Do logistic ships have a role outside a small niche, comparible to the role outlined above? Are covert-op ships used for anything but probing (players or exploration)?
I do not want to sound like I know it all, for I don't, but let's not forget that not everyone in EVE is at the same level. The AF is a great "step up" for the new player and, while the AF has a limited role in advanced/fleet combat, they do serve a purpose and have a (narrowly defined) role. They are just another tool in the toolbox to take or leave. I do, however, think that the resistances based on the frigate level is a rather silly and weak bonus that could be integrated into the ship and replaced with a minor bonus tailored to the flavor of each race.
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