9 replies to this topic

[Krivvan]

The laser targeting changes and sensor range change makes the Raven-3L quite a good long range Light now, and long range Lights in general have been functionally buffed. It's not a mech that would need any quirks to bring it on the level of the other Lights.

The 2X and 4X are similarly not bad, but also not as good as the 3L. I think they should get somewhat minor quirks to offset the lack of ECM.

Throwing out numbers, something like 5%-10% general weapon heat for the 2X and 5%-10% lower duration and/or more range for the 4X.

If the laser targeting damage changes don't go through, or are changed drastically, or Light mech sensor range changes, then disregard all of this.

On a side note, I do think the laser targeting bonus should apply to max range, not optimal range. The Raven would still be pretty good.

Edited by Krivvan, 14 October 2015 - 06:42 PM.

[Not A Real RAbbi]

Just FYI:

Took my old RVN-3L(C) out for a spin in Testing Grounds, Alpine Peaks. Toted an Advanced Sensor Range module, and Beagle Active Probe. You know the Atlas on that map? Targeted his fat @$$ from 1,799 meters away.

Yeah.

This is about to get stoopid, with a capital WTF.

I love it.

[Tarogato]

Strange. I took out my 3L and I felt like it was completely useless. I tried sitting on the island of Crimson Straight and poking mechs at a range about 550-650 meters. One of them actually said "large lasers are a joke, you aren't damaging me at all". Provided, I was using large lasers instead of ERLL, but they should still have 495m optimum. Every time I'd poke out to take a shot, I'd have to wait 3 seconds for the ECM to wear off before I could shoot them, otherwise they'd be out of range, and by that time they already see me and start firing their gauss and PPCs so I might as well not even bothering using lasers, period. Bring on the Panthers, I guess.

[Not A Real RAbbi]

Tarogato, on 14 October 2015 - 11:05 PM, said:

Strange. I took out my 3L and I felt like it was completely useless. I tried sitting on the island of Crimson Straight and poking mechs at a range about 550-650 meters. One of them actually said "large lasers are a joke, you aren't damaging me at all". Provided, I was using large lasers instead of ERLL, but they should still have 495m optimum. Every time I'd poke out to take a shot, I'd have to wait 3 seconds for the ECM to wear off before I could shoot them, otherwise they'd be out of range, and by that time they already see me and start firing their gauss and PPCs so I might as well not even bothering using lasers, period. Bring on the Panthers, I guess.

Really shoulda took ERLLs, I suppose? Might be a good time to invest in PPCs? Really not sure.

I had my Raven almost stock (for the 3L(C)), except I ditched another .5t LA armor and the one DHS in the engine, and added BAP and the ASR module. TRUE, Testing Grounds doesn't give you much to work with, when not even ONE of the mechs in there is ECM-equipped, nothing moves, nothing shoots back, etc. Still...

Apparently, ECM is still useful for avoiding laser snipers? They may have swung he nerf bat a little too hard, then...

[Anunknownlurker]

The PTS sensor changes make the Raven 3L the master spotter/scout. With extended sensor and target retention module you can light up targets all over the map, but, in the current meta, damage is king so unless greater rewards in terms of exp and spacebucks are offered for spotting whilst not damaging, unfortunately there is still little incentive to take the 3L over, say a FSR-9A, which will probably net you a far greater reward.

Obviously, if you really enjoy the scouting playstyle and your mech is already mastered etc then you'll probably play the 3L anyway

[Not A Real RAbbi]

I prefer the ACH. And yeah, as I understand it, SAME sensor range.

Might finally be some sense in taking BAP and ECM on the same mech.

[Luscious Dan]

There was some suggestion in another thread that the IS large lasers may have been accidentally affected by the nerf to clan laser max ranges. LL should still scratch the paint at 850+, and ERLL should still do the same at 1200+ metres.

Will be checking the PTS mechlab when I get back home after work.

If the Ravens retain similar quirks to what they have now (even if they're not as strong as before) I'll be glad for it. The 2X, 4X and 3L feel very different to drive. You give up a lot of speed and ECM for the 2X and 4X but they are radically different play styles. More or less how it should be.

3L was the flighty sniper/support mech, 2X could punch pretty hard with 3 larges, and 4X is a beast with range and duration quirks affecting dual LPLs that used to do optimal damage out to 511m. That 4X is a BLAST to drive, you have to work hard but you can put up some great results in it.

If they ever removed the 10 heat sink minimum, a Raven 4X with 30% range boosted gauss rifle could be fun as an extreme range sniper that would actually be able to detect enemies at that range

[Noober]

I'm happy with the ECM changes, with the minor complaint of things getting a bit.... "LRM-y". My main concern with the targeting changes is that it pushes lights towards a sniper role. I think the whole system would be better inverted: lights harder to detect, heavies easier...

and yes, the RVN-3L seems more powerful to me at the mo...

[Not A Real RAbbi]

With the more generally limited sensor ranges on bigger mechs, though, LRM spotting may become a viable occupation for light scouts again...

[GhostEel]

I brought out my RVN-3L with a XL 280 and stock equipment to find that it was nearly indomitable in its intended role. It is important to keep in mind that the changes being investigated shall emphasise the success of cooperation, as opposed to every chassis having a secret spearhead build that will be dubbed "The Only Build Worth Running."
I have not yet tried large lasers, although I will. Targeting for the lasers' optimal damage output hasn't been problematic for me; I'd say that the recent efforts for a more information warfare intensive game are well worthwhile, especially with the new, larger maps featuring more cover. Another observation I'm inclined to report is that the Narc beacon is alive again, even when Red and Blue are clashing in close quarters.
Anyway, I did not find that the reduced ECM zone was detrimental to the function of the equipment. The attentive ECM-equipped pilot will probably cause a more closely-knit lance if not company, or, if it's a Light like the RVN-3L, then it could make for a potent reconaissance element, which also may remain proximal to the friendly main force. Colliding with friendlies may be an issue we have not had to deal with for some time, but with practise we might all find that we are more careful pilots in the end.

(This just occurred to me: would it not be excellent to provide background info on each 'Mech, so that new or BTech-inexperienced players can have access to some in-game info pertinent to piecing together details of a given 'Mech's role, as in ye olde FASA technical readouts? Could PGI do this legally? Because information is sexy. It wouldn't put a cap on build creativity, but it would provide something of a foundation.)

Edited by NooTreeno, 17 October 2015 - 06:09 AM.