Laser Rifle vs All Predecessors
Revision as of 12:07, 18 July 2009 by Spike (talk | contribs) (New page: Following on from the discussion of Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors , what happens when the Laser Rifle is introduced into the weapons mix? #The Laser Rifle takes over from the [...)
Following on from the discussion of Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors , what happens when the Laser Rifle is introduced into the weapons mix?
- The Laser Rifle takes over from the Heavy Cannon as the most lethal sniper weapon with the best first-shot kill in Aimed mode and the best first-burst kill in auto mode.
- The Laser Rifle also takes over from the Heavy Cannon as the most selective sniper weapon, with the highest accuracy (lowest collateral damage) in Aimed mode.
- The Laser Rifle takes over from the Rocket Launcher as the best (direct fire) Cyberdisk-killer.
- The Laser Rifle takes over from the Heavy Cannon as the best tool for point-destruction of terrain.
- The best standard Reaper-killing weapons remain HE fire from the Heavy Cannon and Auto Cannon (about equal at long ranges, the AC superior close-in). However the Laser Rifle closes the gap with these HE weapons from about 4x better (vs the Laser Pistol) to about 2x better. (Large Rockets are only about 25% more effective than HC-HE or AC-HE ).
- In conclusion, once Laser Rifles are available, Heavy Cannon can be dispensed with altogether, and limited numbers of Auto Cannon retained only for illumination roles, forest/jungle clearance, and Reaper-slaying. (Auto Cannon-HE may have a niche renaissance once Power Suits are available.)