Comments on: Assault Frigates: What Would You Change?

By: Casiella Truza

Casiella Truza — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:30:25 +0000

Loving this discussion, but I do think that, in most situations, a well-flown T1 cruiser can equal a well-flown AF. The weaponry takes a little more training (e.g. for T2 weapons) but that doesn't really factor in too much, as it's only an extra 2-3 weeks and I'd venture a guess that most AF pilots get T2 medium weapons anyway.

Throw in the insurance situation, and I'd rather have a Stabber than a Jaguar most of the time.

By: Tai Maac

Tai Maac — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:40:08 +0000

I'd like to see the Amarr AF's get some love. Unlike the Wolf/Jag which are two 'flavors' of the Rifter (the Minnie's best T1 frig), the Amarr get two wildly different AF's. Examining the Punisher, this little ship follows the Amarr 'blueprint': decent tank, decent damage and not really excelling at either. If I were in charge of revamping the Amarr AF's, here are the changes I'd make.

Retribution: Max DPS. To make it a bit more viable I would only remove the laser cap use bonus in favor of an afterburner speed boost (5% per level) allowing a good pilot to orbit outside web range and toast everything with Scorch.

Vengeance: Max Tank: Drop the bonus to rockets in favor of repair amount per level. No weapon options means it will always be a weak damage dealer but it can get in close, web/scram and plink away with the pilot's weapon of choice.

Much like the Jag/Wolf, these variants amplify the characteristics of the Amarr's best T1 frig.

By: Wensley

Wensley — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:22:56 +0000

I really don't like the idea of AFs being better than cruisers. Ruppies, Thoraxes, and Vexors should be able to kill them. If they were better then why would anyone fly T1 cruisers? I think the thing to remember is you don't HAVE to fit an afterburner. Also don't forget that tackling doesn't mean soloing. A small gang of AFs can be lethal and its advantage is its signature radius and agility. Rupture is better but far easier to catch and that's how it should be.

By: mikoloco

mikoloco — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:19:10 +0000

To be honest AF's suck at the moment and they SCREAM for some kind of speed bonus. I see really no reason to fly AF over cruiser at the moment. They cost more and they are far less effective. Not even mentioning that they are slower than MWD cruiser. I haven't lost single Rupture to AF and I killed many of them. AF's were designed to be able to tackle/kill cruisers but they are unable to do that at all. They are absolutely useless except for killing other AF's .

By: Thorvik

Thorvik — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:28:09 +0000

I do indeed feel sorry for them, but since I only fly Minmatar. Not so much.

By: Wensley

Wensley — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:46:42 +0000

You need to feel sorry for Hawk pilots. They have the same damage as Kestrels.

By: Thorvik

Thorvik — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:03:55 +0000

I agree, an agility bonus would be nice as well.

With regards to the damage output, I did throw in the caveat about an experience pilot vs. an ishkur.

My point was more that for the cost of an AF vs. the Rifter, there really should be a more proportionate damage output than there is.

By: Wensley

Wensley — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:49:34 +0000

I agree with you Caster, mate. I think that as they stand the AFs are pretty well balance and any boost needs to be carefully considered. By the way, I'll see your Taranis and raise it one Dramiel or better still Daredevil.

By: Wensley

Wensley — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:48:03 +0000

Oh, I like the idea of an agility bonus. I didn't think of that. Very nice.

By: Wensley

Wensley — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:47:00 +0000

Really? That's a bit short-sighted.