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AS7-D
The Spearhead
This seems interesting to me, because despite having a lot of structure, it tends to lose it's weapons to critical hits, unable to defend itself in the later stages of it's life. Among organized teams, this could be the Atlas which acts as the spearhead to an assault.
People have been talking about how this one needs less structure and more armour quirks, but really let's consider the effect a high structure count can have:
- Once armour is stripped, it continues to stay standing in the middle of a brawl.
- Relies on team to deal damage. The AS7-D just opens up the battle and distracts.
If the rate at which weapons get crit is still too high, then one solution would be to turn some of that CT structure into armour so that the Atlas can keep it's two CT energy hardpoints later into the battle, allowing it to zombie iconically with green lasers and no arms.
Suggestion: Replace CT +structure with CT +armour for less frustrating zombie style.
AS7-D-DC
The ECM Platform
This Atlas will always see use in games, being the only Assault mech in the game with ECM at present. If we want to reinforce it's use as a command mech, I would buff it's short and medium range infotech so it quickly scan and call targets in a brawl.
AS7-K
The Sniper(?)
Suggested role switch: Ranged Face Tank
Long range weapons platform (with long range scan); stock comes with gauss, 2xERLL and LRMs. It looks like PGI wants to reinforce the stock loadout with faster scans at long range. There is a common opinion among many players that a long-range Atlas is a waste of 100 tons, and that King Crab makes for a much better long-range platform.
I propose that if PGI wants to keep this flavour that they also give it quirks to help it in other areas. Specifically, take back the long range scan buff and give it a small ballistic/energy range boost. Then, reduce it's acceleration and give it a big armour boost that half-way matches the AS7-D's structure quirks. This will turn it into a face-tanking sniper, OR a brawly alternative to the AS7-D that can keep is weapons running later into a fight.
Suggestion: Add major +armour boost, +weapon range (LL, ERLL, gauss), -acceleration, reduce current infotech (maybe?)
AS7-RS
Mixed Brawler w/+Reverse
Probably the most mixed Atlas in terms of stock loadout, this one doesn't look to have any particular focus. I say this mech should get a *bit* of armour to push it onto the tankier half of the Atlai as a hard-shell brawler.
Suggestion: Add +armour
AS7-S
Close Range Boomstick
Probably the most popular Atlas right now, this mech runs hot but packs a massive alpha. If it needs any help in terms of balance, this might be a good place for a heat dissipation buff or just let it back out of combat faster to cool down. I've heard from more prominent Atlas players that this one has pretty much the best hardpoints.
Suggestion: Add +heat dissipation or +reverse acceleration
AS7-BH
Mobile Brawler
Historically, this has been a bit of a LOL mech, but if it's structure quirks were turned to armour, it might actually see some use.
Suggestion: Replace +structure with +armour OR just add +armour
This is my take on the current Atlas roster as we venture towards role warfare. Do you guys agree or disagree? Please feel free to post how you think the Atlai should be treated throughout PGI's rebalance of the game.
Edited by Hornsby, 13 September 2015 - 09:09 PM.
