Goric Rumis
Dead Six Initiative
Lokun Listamenn
397
   |
Posted - 2014.04.22 15:10:00 -
[1] - Quote
My concern about the reload time is that you already have the ability to cut it by 1/3 (25% speed increase from reload skill, 25% speed increase on Commando, 150% = 1.5, 1/1.5 = 2/3) and because you reload each shot that's a huge boost to DPS from reload skills alone. Combined with reduced charge time and increased damage from skills and your gap between minimum and maximum on the same weapon variant is immense. Then you have weapon tiers on top of that. It makes the weapon very difficult to balance--the lowest level has to be underpowered or the highest level will be overpowered. Not that any variant is currently balanced, but I can kind of see how CCP have painted themselves into a corner with this one.
For that reason, the Plasma Cannon is always going to be a niche weapon that requires a lot of skill (both real skill and SP). It should be balanced such that fitting it on a Level 5 Commando can be devastating, but for other suits you'll really have to have a specific circumstantial need.
In my view, its biggest problem currently is its slow projectile speed. 50% increase to projectile speed (which will also flatten the arc) and reduce the after-shot delay and let's see how well it works. I suspect from there it will require other buffs, but I'm cautious because of the skill gap.
DO NOT remove the projectile drop. This is a feature, not a weakness.
The Tank Balancing Factor No One Is Discussing
|
Goric Rumis
Dead Six Initiative
Lokun Listamenn
398
|
Posted - 2014.04.22 15:30:00 -
[2] - Quote
Roofer Madness wrote:The reload skill for the weapon doesn't even work. I have it maxed on one character and 0 on another. No visible difference whatsoever.
That's a flat-out bug then. I haven't skilled up enough to get reload skills, so I couldn't verify. But if that's true it makes me sad. 
To clarify purpose, the plasma cannon should be an anti-personnel weapon that works for anti-vehicle in a pinch, not an AV weapon that can also hurt infantry. As I understand that's always been the intention. That's why it has such a large splash radius when compared to the forge gun.
The Tank Balancing Factor No One Is Discussing
|