AC: Style balance

[Moonlight_Raven]

For one thing, play styles goes hand-in-hand with certain designs. We could say its the fault of poor part balance that causes the dominating of a specific play style.

I present to you the case of AC: SL where MOB (Mirage Overboost Cores) with their overall superior stats compared to all other core types, made them the prime choice for all designs. It also helps that they have a very efficient and low heat OB functions which encouraged a fast OB game play prevalent during that time. In comparison, the poor performance of EO cores back then resulted in less emphasis on defensive 'regular AC movement' play, and defense had to be brought about through the use of OBing as well.

NX brought about a new heat mechanic which crippled most OB usage, but increased the accuracy of EO cores on the level of primary weapons and giving them stats superior to that of OB and some hanger cores in the game. Making both EOs and Hanger cores prime choices in the in competitive play (the E2 in particular had a nasty damage rate, and some endurance).

The two examples I presented just show that the change in dominating play styles had to do with the performance of certain parts.

I think the formula for success for a dominating play style will have to do with the ease of use of particular parts relative to what it can potentially do.

HP pistols in NB and LR are very good at damaging opponents in CQ with their high damage rate, accuracy, and WS lock box, with the only downside having only 42 rounds of ammo. The ease of use of this weapon (which I equate to almost mindless use) then promotes a 'bum rushing' play style where people simply try to get in close and beat the opponent and expect to win because of the superior capabilities of the weapon.

Dual rifles (the RF-160 with the SRFL/70 along with the SRA02 FCS) in SL made it easy to hit opponents at stand off ranges and the speed and efficiency of OB allowed players to maintain that range throughout the game that encouraged a spam-fest game play (which was still fun because of the blazing speed you had to dart in through your opponent's line of fire just to be able to hit your opponent).

In short, part balance will determine the dominating style of play. If From would want to diversify play styles, then it would have to create effective weapons that would cater to the needs and excel in their specifications that would allow them to be effective weapons in for their intended use (which is easier said than done of course).

We have the same idea in mind Lord_Leperman


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