Chosokabe Ite
Shields Of The State
76
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Posted - 2014.03.29 18:58:00 -
[1] - Quote
When I look at drop ships and their special variants, I see a vehicle classes being stretched just a few feet over the borders of fields they really don't belong in. The Assault variant would be the best example of this intrusion. What I mean by that is the pilot relies too much on it's main turret. It's become somewhat of a under-armed gunship. I don't blame them, heavy air vehicles are very much desired and those with a thirst for dive bombing and strafing have to make due with what's available.
But still, there needs to be a distinct role drop ships play, distinct but flexible. I think the secret lies in it's very name, drop ship. What is a drop ship? A troop transport. The relationship of drop ship and merc isn't being used to it's full potential, I think there's a way to make the basic frame, the assault, and the logistics variants live up to their roles as transports; And at the same time, fill an offensive and logistical roles that require or assist fellow players. Again, the way to do it is to include mercs in their functions.
Basic Drop Ships: To be honest, I can't see anything wrong with them. They're versatile enough to be customized for offense and safe transport without intruding on the roles of it's specialized sister ships. It's like the Huey, it can carry troops and dish out a good amount of hurt as well.
Assault Drop ships: As stated above it's main turret has become the main focus of the ship's use. Am I asking for it's main weapon slot to be removed? No. But there's a way to make this ship live up to the assault brand and make use of it's drop ship role as well. The side turrets are the weapons that need to be removed, because it's firepower should lie within it's troop carrying capacity. With six being the max, that's six extra guns. See where I'm going with this? Your fellow players are it's weaponry. It's like the Blackhawk without the miniguns sticking out of the sides. Now, CCP will need to allow us to shoot out of the drop ship sides for this to work. Meaning those safety hatches that close on takeoff will have to go (which would also make the passengers vulnerable). Alternatively, we can keep the side turrets on to prevent players from overloading it with heavy weapons, though it depends if you think a heavy packed assault drop ship is overpowered or not. And there's also the logibros that could use the repair tool while riding, making assault drop ships difficult to fit self repair moduals could make this logibro problem a welcomed asset.
Pilots get assist points for every kill a passenger racks up. ***
Logicstics: When I think of this variant, I think of the Chinook. It's not an attack craft. But it can supply and safely carry troops. The logi-drop ship should have those roles in mind. Repairing, supplying, providing a spawn point, recon, similar to the logistic dropsuits. By making it slow moving and thicker skinned than the other variants, these craft will fit the support role like a glove. What sounds better to you, a main turret or two side turrets for self defense?
Some new moduals may be needed to do this though. Such as a vehicle grade nanohive to supply both players and their vehicles. Of course, it should only be activated when the ship is on the ground. For balance, it runs out of ammo quickly if used mostly by vehicles. Re-arming the hive could be an option, if a the pilot lands the ship next to a supply depot.
Your Thoughts?
My HAV Balancing Idea
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