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Keep in mind these are observations formed from first read prior to testing out PTS changes. Observations after testing will be posted as an edit and a post-bump.
1) Overall
I feel like we're attempting to test too much changes at the same time, and we should not change weapon values on weapons yet, instead testing ED values and heat penalty prior to further weapon changes. Having said that I will still share thoughts on specific weapon changes as of this PTS changes. I will also mention some ideas for weapon changes if we're keeping up a more aggressive stance in weapon changes.
2) Changes to PPCs
I'm concerned about the extent in changes to the weapon, particularly how the heat change in previous patch is undone alongside with the increase in ED value and heat penalty. It will distort the effect of ED and you won't get true data in the scope of this PTS. Keeping that in mind, I am anticipating a necessity in undoing the heat changes to the weapons.
If we're still going after more aggressive weapon changes though? Doing something about IS PPC min range, either reduction (think 60 instead of 90) or return to depreciating damage under min range, is strongly recommended.
3) Changes to AC
I see the necessity why ED value is increased, but is curious why Clan UAC10 is left untouched (unless it's accidentally left out). AC2s of all types probably does not need the increase in ED value. I am on board with AC20 cooldown changes but not very agreeable with AC20 ED changes although it does accomplish its intended objective of encouraging spreaded damage to avoid overdraw. Noted that this ED value adjustment also does not influence builds like 5 AC5 maulers.
Possible further change? We can experiment with increased ED for UACs fired in Ultra mode (so that changing to larger caliber standard ACs have more appeal) or slightly reduced ED for IS AC10 / Clan Solidshot LB10, and then normalising ammo count to 200 damage/ton for all ACs.
4) Changes to Gauss
I'm on board with this, though I would also decrease weapon explosion damage when blown up for IS to account for the increased mass, explaining it off as increased weapon durability.
With the changes to ED, perhaps we can try out removing the hard limit of Gausses fielded per mech, instead, still not allowing for more than 2 to be fired without full ED bar. More controversially, Im someone who would embrace changes as extreme as increasing its damage and ED to 20 and 30 respectively.
Edited by Matthew Ace, 23 August 2016 - 03:21 PM.
