I was thinking about a variant of novas that could be used as a main weapon.
I came up nova swords.
These swords are going to be a different mechanic group than the knives.
Here is how they work:

the swords have a 30 degree wider hit angle than nova knives.
The swords don't charge.
while 'firing' the weilder will release a series of serated strikes.
the swords have amunition, measured in strikes.
while reloading, the user is slowed down.
by 'aiming' the user loses all passive scans, and therir field of view is cut in half, and the user cannot jump, however, the user will "run" at a very fast pace (Runspeed - WalkSpeed + Runspeed).

thoughts about the general mechanics of these swords?

Nova Sword

It is a decent concept though it would be difficult to balance. It should remain a sidearm, it should take longer to take out, do more damage, take longer go charge and have more range.

It shouldn't be a stealth weapon. It should be more of a weapon you openly battle with in close quarters.

I was thinking about a variant of novas that could be used as a main weapon.
I came up nova swords.
These swords are going to be a different mechanic group than the knives.
Here is how they work:

the swords have a 30 degree wider hit angle than nova knives.
The swords don't charge.
while 'firing' the weilder will release a series of serated strikes.
the swords have amunition, measured in strikes.
while reloading, the user is slowed down.
by 'aiming' the user loses all passive scans, and therir field of view is cut in half, and the user cannot jump, however, the user will "run" at a very fast pace (Runspeed - WalkSpeed + Runspeed).

thoughts about the general mechanics of these swords?

Nova Sword

It is a decent concept though it would be difficult to balance. It should remain a sidearm, it should take longer to take out, do more damage, take longer go charge and have more range.

It shouldn't be a stealth weapon. It should be more of a weapon you openly battle with in close quarters.

I was thinking about a variant of novas that could be used as a main weapon.
I came up nova swords.
These swords are going to be a different mechanic group than the knives.
Here is how they work:

the swords have a 30 degree wider hit angle than nova knives.
The swords don't charge.
while 'firing' the weilder will release a series of serated strikes.
the swords have amunition, measured in strikes.
while reloading, the user is slowed down.
by 'aiming' the user loses all passive scans, and therir field of view is cut in half, and the user cannot jump, however, the user will "run" at a very fast pace (Runspeed - WalkSpeed + Runspeed).

thoughts about the general mechanics of these swords?

I like the ideas you provide.

However, making it a sidearm would be too OP. imagine having a scout with nova swords AND a railrifle.
Agree on the no- stealth mechanic.

longer to take out.
I LOVE the idea of this mechanic, we could have the weapon bonus be something like 15% bonus to draw time per level or something like that.

Personally, I like the idea, and after reading all the comments currently on the page I'd like to add i my own input. I'll speak from my own experiences realistically, and through the usage of the Nova Knives in-game.

First of all, whether the blade is a Light or Sidearm weapon is unimportant. This is because the weapon is close range only, and therefore easily countered at range. However, I would recommend coming to consensus on the type of weapon it's based on in regards to shape. (My personal recommendation is a Japanese Zatoichi, since it's not overly long and matches the style of the Nova Knives)

Secondly, in regards to function, how about how an actual blade is used. The methods are relatively simple, not overtly flashy, and effective. A standard two-handed approach is a must, considering that a one-handed approach gives rise to the misconception that a sword in one hand and a gun in the other is "effective"...

Length: This is the most important factor when taking into account the amount of damage dealt and the speed at which you can swing. (Two yard sticks placed one on top of the other is unacceptable)

Damage: B:160 A:200 P:220 (-,40,20) *Only my opinion, I can't really speculate on any of the technical information.

Speed: You can't have a sword that swings as fast as bullet is fired, regardless of what Hollywood says, it's not possible.
In-game, you'll have to make it substantially slower than the Nova Knives, especially since the knives don't actually swing. They actually use quick thrusts, and yes, that makes a difference.

Next, I'd like to say that the weapon should NOT be able to charge up. In regards to features, I'll leave it up to whomever. Charging is a no-no, though perhaps a short dash could occur, like in Kendo. A short 2-3 Ft. dash will hardly make this weapon overpowered, particularly against other CQC weapons like shotguns which have shot me anywhere from 8-10 ft. away.

Lastly, even though the method of a 'quick-draw' has been vastly over-hyped, it is humanely possible to pull a blade from it's scabbard in mere moments. So perhaps that could be the mechanism in which the blade is used. Allow me to explain:
I saw an anime that had an exceptional idea (Bleach, I think), that is, using the scabbard as a source of kinetic propulsion strong enough to launch the blade forward and through the target. If you want to make it fair, use that. Require the blade be 'quick-drawn'. The player taps the bumper and the blade launches forward in a quick and devastating slash, however, the blade is re-sheathed and has short time as it rebuilds it's energy before in can be used again. (It's an idea to consider, at the least.)

Ah, but you surely have an idea of how swinging the blade relates to the weight, length, and balance of the blade (Realistically). You may feel that realistic components have no place in the game world, but even so, the Novas don't actually 'swing'; Instead of swinging the blades your character thrusts, and thrusts are much faster than slashes. When you look at it from even a gameplay standard, the sword is longer, and definitely heavier, so you would need to make it a bit slower. I'm not saying you're waiting an entire five seconds to swing, but compared to a knife, an extra second or two is borderline.

you literally deny what the GM told me.
you think a hot butterknife will get through shields?

Glad to see there are ideas floating around for melee combat. But I'm not sure if this is enough, that and we may need to adjust course. I'd go into details of what I had in mind but I might as well start a new thread for that. But I'll tell you this, a sword doesn't have to be long or far reaching to be an effective weapon.

Now, if the Knife is able to do that much... how the hell did they fit in a way to magnetize the entire blade as well as create enough magnetization to pull in the enemy and not the user, or anything around them...? And just magnetizing the enemy to your blade is not good enough, the items are only pulled towards each other. You have to be able to move the weapon and make the thrust, which if the force is pulling towards your enemy, you can't do.

This is quite true, my original post on this thread was going to suggest a short-bladed weapon. However, I changed the point of my post and refocused on explaining some bases that any melee weapon should stick to. If there are any threads involving melee weapons, I feel obligated to post on them and insist that weapons follow a 'simple and effective' routine. No gun-blades...

Very well, Kay. I will cede to your point on this, as I feel it is necessary to begin discussion on the specifics of the weapon you had in mind...