CamClarke
Inner.Hell
53
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Posted - 2014.07.08 03:59:00 -
[1] - Quote
As a player who almost exclusively pilots Pythons when he plays now, I can say without a doubt that the Python is only about as powerful, maybe less so, than an above-average infantry player in a slayer role. I actually still consistently outscore myself when I go back to ground. It's definitely superior in a solo AV role, however, as it can actually stick to the land bound HAVs unless they fully retreat into the redline and can solo kill with a good amount of skill (player and SP) investment. But this applies to the Incubus as well, so this point is kind of moot.
I think people's problems with the Python lie in its excellent versatility even among the dropship class. It can stick to a target easily with its superior agility and the splash radius of missiles is much more forgiving for attacking smaller targets than the pinpoint railgun with its tiny reticule. It also, y'know, flies, so it can take out improperly defended high ground targets and easily destroys uplinks by being able to avoid all the land-based obstacles. Small missiles are also the best weapon for a bird to use for just general purposes, equally capable of fighting infantry and vehicles alike, making the Python something of a flying omnisoldier with a very strong bonus to said weapon with 2+ million SP invested in a single skill capable of attacking almost any high-value target at almost any time. Additionally, with its high regen, no single minor threat can make it back off for long.
All that said, however, the Python falls easily to alpha damage with its lower max HP but higher regen shield tank (as it should), and its lighter frame seems to be a bit more susceptible to being knocked into buildings, which is problematic for me with the increased collision damage. All it takes to keep me away is one or two good forge gunners in a good firing position, possibly with backup from a swarmer or two to keep me off target. With good players AVing, I can't even get in close enough to land more than one or two accurate missiles, if that. If the alpha is high enough, I die. If not, I still have to back off for a pretty long time, praying I don't eat a second or third hit as I retreat, and you still have a major threat in the area to continue keeping me at bay.
AV versus a Python is a bit delicately balanced in my opinion. Swarms are an actual legitimate threat again, especially in numbers, and Forge Guns make me back off unless the user can't aim. They're certainly doing their jobs well, but they are indeed nudging a little close to 1.6 lethality, and with the addition of WP for AVers, I've seen more of them than ever before in just the few times I've played since. They're not at broken levels, but they do pack just a smidge more punch than I'm comfortable with. I can see why swarmers would be frustrated though, with the inferior damage profile versus shields and the Python's ability to outrun them when in danger.
Overall, Pythons are in a good place, yes, but they are not overpowered. They do have quite a bit going for them, but they're no more powerful than some of the stuff on the ground. The only time they really shine is when there is little to no competent AV threatening them, and they are by no means unbeatable.
One last thing. If you put an AB on a Python, you're sacrificing one of three tank slots, Atiim. With how expensive a single bird is, I much prefer having higher HP and just using unpredictable dodging maneuvers. I can't speak for other Python pilots, but I imagine many of them feel the same way.
tl;dr Pythons are strong in the right hands, but not OP. |