Maken Tosch
Planetary Response Organization
2269
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Posted - 2013.05.12 17:12:00 -
[1] - Quote
Ok, CCP. It's official. The Nova Knives are perfect. Whatever you did to them at this point, don't touch it. Don't even think about breathing near it. They are perfect the way they are. Let me explain why I say so.
REVIEWS
https://forums.dust514.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=76139&find=unread
As you can see from the link above, it seems people like it at this point. Even heavy users are ok with it just the way it is.
DAMAGE
https://forums.dust514.com/default.aspx?g=posts&m=678236#post678236
As shown on my recent report above, the damage is finally making the weapon a little more respected and is attracting more players to it's effectiveness. One thing I like to add is that the damage is finally in line with the tiers they are in and if you train to the Ishukone Nova Knives the heavies will have to check their six more often.
MECHANICS
1. Double Strike: Love it. There was some confusion about it during Chromosome on whether the knives actually did double strike or just the actual stated stats per attack. Thankfully, after testing, the double strike is there and working. So if the base stat says 200 HP for the Ishukone Nova Knives, the actual damage (without the charge) is 400 HP before mods and skills are applied.
2. Instant vs. Charged: The option to choose between a charged (powerful) attack and an instant (weak) attack makes it a more viable weapon since now I won't have to worry about maintaining a charge while I'm in a hectic fight but still able to charge if I'm able to completely sneak up on mercs.
3. Melee Aim Assist: When combined with the Nova Knives, the melee aim assist helps players line up their shots when dealing with moving targets. And since melee now creates a "lunge" effect (I originally thought Knives had the lunge) this can be helpful in closing distances.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Originally I thought that sprinting with the charge held was needed to complete this, but after looking into the numbers I slowly began to realize how seriously overpowered the Nova Knives will be if this was implemented. With just 400 HP dealt with an instant attack from an Ishukone, without bonuses, heavies are already being challenged by them and they are already as powerful as a shotgun. They are practically the most powerful close-quarter weapons in the game. Let's also not forget the cloaking modules that are still to come.
There is also the sprint speed and knife damage bonuses for Minmatar Scout suits which enables the users to instantly close in the distance when they need it. But let's also not forget the Gallente Scout suit with its incredible profile dampening abilities for those who prefer a good prowl before the pounce.
I had to use the Gallente Scout (a mistake in SP allocation on my part) but I found that a good prowl allowed me to kill straggling mercs in their own turf during skirmishes. It took me a whole week to realize this after a series of terrible matches (my KDR took a nose dive) but it has really helped me just recently after sticking to stealth tactics. Perhaps the Gallente Scout wasn't as bad of a choice as I originally thought.
Overall, this is turning out to be a damn good weapon and I don't want any further changes to it. |