What's the point of the Lightning?

[dsi]

Right now MBTs are just Lightning+, Lightnings are second class units until MBTs get made driver+gunner.

[Artimus]

AP Cannon + Maxed Zoom

This is what I use the lightning for, Tank Sniper.

[Emperor Newt]

Also makes a pretty decent AA weapon with all those ESFs hovering with lolpods.

[JesNC]

Lightning > Vanguard for solo tankers, especially with the advent of the high mobility AV platform known as the Harasser.

[DHoff]

The Lightning is Vanu's MBT because it does more DPS and dodges better than the craprider (learn how to point sideways to strafe, it's way faster and a smaller target than the derprider). That is the purpose of the Lightning.

[GeoGnome]

If and when they make MBTs 3 person, then the lightning will have a more defined roll as the tank for the solo tankers.

TBH the more I use the harasser, the more I want someone to throw out that tired: "You'll have to FIND a gunner" argument at me again, because this is what happens: "/o Guys, I have a Harasser pulled, who wants to g- oh, well nm, who wants to ride in b- oh, uhm... nevermind, full up." I think the 3 person MBT will be about the same.

The more I dwell though on what was said by Higby the other day about making the tertiary gun on the MBTs better, the more I hope there is some kind of tool or inventive weapon styles ontop of tanks in the near future, not just the same old tired guns.

[Aiden]

Originally Posted by DeltaGun

Because it is faster and more maneuverable than the Magrider, ans is a much smaller target with virtually the same DPS solo.

The Lightning is Vanu's MBT because it does more DPS and dodges better than the craprider (learn how to point sideways to strafe, it's way faster and a smaller target than the derprider). That is the purpose of the Lightning.

The more I see these kind of anecdotes the more I think that the Lightning/MBT distinction is way out of whack.

The Lightning should not be an MBT alternative or sidegrade, it should be a different vehicle with a different role.

That doesn't mean that MBTs have to have a dedicated driver. It does mean that the MBTs should be stronger and more expensive.

[Rbstr]

Why shouldn't the lightning be a slightly less armored/effective MBT for less cost and wider availability? There's reason enough to pull it, as I see them all the time.

It can deal MBT main-cannon level damage with less stand up survivability but better speed/maneuverability. It doesn't hold up too well against a decent tank driver 1v1. I find it a bit better at infantry killing than a mag.

The only thing I find not so great about it is the Skyguard. But I'm reluctant to want a buff because AA is already ridiculous.

[Corvo]

Originally Posted by ChipMHazard

Agreed. I've personally come to absolutely adore the lightning and what it is capable of bringing to the battlefield. I prefer using the lightning over the Prowler in most cases, the only real exception being when having to face enemy armor en masse.

I will be definitely using the Lightning a lot more now that they changed the Vulcan I loved with a passion to that piece of sh*t. RIP, you will be missed

[Rbstr]

G30 Vulcan

Model has been adjusted to look more TR

and...yep, that's all that was listed.

Does it look like Goatse now or something?

[Misato]

I love lightnings, cheap on the resources and needed when you don't have a tech plant or aren't near the warp gate.

They are great to escort sundy's versus a slow MBT as well. Personally I like to hit and run with the lightning. They are fast and quick enough to get behind MBTs to get a couple of rounds up their butts.

[Corvo]

Originally Posted by Rbstr

and...yep, that's all that was listed.

Does it look like Goatse now or something?

Just look at it






and compare it to the old sexiness




So yeah, Halberd it is.

Anyway, this is a Lightning thread after all, so here's what I use for my Lightning:

• HEAT cannon (because versatility) with NV (extremely easy to pick off infantry with direct hits)
• Vehicle stealth (works extremely well with the low silhouette of the tank; it's insane how many people rely solely on the minimap to provide tactical info)
• Rival chassis (top speed and acceleration of the Racer is nice, but reverse speed is better for popping in and out of cover and dodging rounds)