In many games the sniper class has to use some sort of charge/breathing mechanic to increase the time it takes for them to lineup a pinpoint shot. Otherwise snipers would simply overpower other classes out of sheer damage potential.
Playing Planetside 2 got me to thinking about how the Gauss mechanic could be changed to be both more meaningful than the current system, while at the same time actually making it a better sniper weapon.
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Gauss Charge to Fire Expanded (bow style):
Gauss would do weapon damage based on how long charge is held: from 2 up to a maximum of 18
0.25 seconds 2 dmg -----------------------------2.75 seconds 18 dmg
(weapon cooldown triggers after each shot or overcharge)
If you attempt to hold the charge longer than 2.75 seconds the capacitor explosively discharges the round (harmlessly) causing damage to the rifle and outlying components
The scale would be graduated so that its damage climbs toward the upper end of the charge spectrum rather than lower (making it more likely to do less damage if the charge is held for a short time)
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This would retain some snap-shot ability for the Gauss while rewarding players who line up a long range shot with good damage. The explosion mechanic is there to add risk for people who charge for full damage shots.
This is in essence a true wind-up bow style approach that does more damage the longer held, IMO this would make it a unique sniper weapon retaining the charge-up aspect but rewarding its expert use with increased damage.
I am open to any suggestions the damage and charge up times were thought up on the fly and could be improved.
Edited by Bobdolemite, 24 November 2013 - 10:29 AM.