Improvement: Replacing the Jackhammer (with concept art) - NC Gauss Cannon

[Zekeen]

The Jackhammer was a great part of PS1, but it never really had a true place. It was either too powerful or too weak throughout it's existence.

When Planetside first came out, the Jackhammer was all powerful. Triple barrel, and high powered. It could out shoot anyone in close combat, leading to the need to getting it nerfed. When nerfed however, it became useless, and with good reason.

The Jackhammer was powerful to match the other factional weapons, but had several limitations. It was incredibly short ranged, step 10 feet away, you're rather safe. It also had limited armor damaging potential, you couldn't hurt a tank with AP rounds AT ALL. This meant it could only fight infantry and MAXes in close quarter combat. Nerf the damage, and it was worthless.

Thus, I propose a new Heavy Assault weapon, fully in NC style and use, to replace the Jackhammer and fulfill a greater combat role.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the NC Heavy Assault High Velocity Projectile Weapon - The Gauss Cannon



Rather than limiting to short range, the Gauss Cannon has extended range use. Firing slow heavy shots, it is capable of standing it's ground at any range against the Heavy Assault weapons of other empires. It's slow fire rate makes it less capable against mobile enemies such as infantry, but it can be outfitted with anti vehicular ammunitions to give it increased potential against armor, at the cost of even more fire rate.

Purpose of The Gauss Cannon - The reason for this weapon is to match the TR and VS HA armament in any environment. Normally the NC would be outgunned in any outdoor environment, relying on cunning and luck to get close enough to their enemy to use their main weapon. Rather than having to balance a tight quarter only weapon, this weapon can participate in longer ranged engagements as well as fend off armored opponents.


Perks - The Lasher and Chaingun, with proper settings and ammunition could hurt heavy armor. The Jackhammer could not, even with proper ammunition. The Gauss Cannon would be less effective against light armored enemies than the chaingun, but better against heavier armored opponents. Much more in line with NC style. It would be capable of longer ranges with somewhat better accuracy than the chaingun, but would be limited to a slow fire rate and bullet drop.

Fire Rate - Base fire rate is 1 second between shots. A slow autocannon.


Modifications - Modifications of rounds require a change in the internal mechanisms of the gun in order to support the new round size, ignition, and delicate operations. Thus, special ammunition types cannot be exchanged in the heat of battle and a new weapon with different loadout must be commissioned.


Fragmentation Rounds - Rather than relying on direct hits, fragmentating rounds allow for indirect hits of a small radius to cause damage to enemy infantry. The radius is rather small, being no more than 2 1/2 feet in diameter, but it loses only a small fraction of it's infantry stopping power. A trade off, however, is a significant drop in anti armor potential.

High Velocity Impact Rounds - These rounds allow for the HA person to deal increased damage to armor targets. It still can be used for anti infantry use, but it is not recommended due to the trade-off: A significant reduction in fire rate as a result of the overheating barrel caused by the faster/more powerful rounds. Fire Rate is upped to 2 second per shot with damage increased as well.

Rapid Fire Enhancement - This modification changes out the basic rounds with a slightly smaller caliber and adds in a faster mechanism. This allows a higher rate of fire to be performed, at the reduction of stopping power. Certainly not on par in speed as with an automated weapon, it's automatic fire is still much higher than the basic module. Fire Rate is upped to .5 second per shot. 120 RPM. A typical autocannon fire rate.



For an explanation of the concept art, I have provided an indicated version to explain how it would be held and such.



As seen on this version of the picture, it revealed a handgrip, handle with trigger, the ammunition magazine, and the sights (don't ask, it makes it look better and it could be given some sort of use for it - such as remote sights aka camera sights).

The left hand grips the handgrips, and the right is on the handle with the trigger. This is similar to the chaingun holding, but the gun is held further out and higher up. The ammunition magazine would end up behind the right shoulder and would be very awkward to reload, indicating the long reload speed for the weapon. The sights at the front, as mentioned, could be used in strange ways or even a remote camera type sight, to allow a zoomed in view from the gun's perspective. All in all, it comes together to be similar to the bulkiness of the chaingun, but in a brand new light.



I know a lot of you fell in love with Jackhammer as I did before too, but the constant nerfing and complaining showed that it had a problem within the balancing of the game. It excelled in close combat but could be used nowhere else. It got nerfed so bad, most NC preferred the sweeper over it, finding it to be weaker. In the end, I noticed more TR and VS picking up Jackhammers and using them more than NC. When a gun requires a 16 shot burst, something is wrong with it.

With PS2 coming out, I figured this could become a far more themed and useful weapon than just a close quarters cleaner. The chaingun would be better at anti infantry with it's hoard of bullets, but the Gauss Cannon would be much better at taking down armor, but both can be modified for a different role. That is why I felt this gun should appear (and took the time to draw it up, I hope you people appreciate that).

Had the Jackhammer stayed in PS2, what mods could make it fit other roles? Firing off slugs? That is too awkward. Longer range? It's still be too spread out by the time it hit. It really can't stand up to the versatility of the other empire weapons. Could it make a return? Definitely! As a new weapon introduced after a balanced role has been created with the Gauss Cannon. But for now, and for launch, this new weapon should be created to give an outstanding grab at the supremacy of Heavy Assault!



DUE to POPULAR demand! I have created a second redesign of the cannon with Jackhammer attributes. The following is un"painted", but enjoy the metalness.




And for a comparison and NC colored Jackhammer Cannon





I'm starting to feel I should be working as a concept artist for some indy FPS game....


As I see more people like and support this idea, I will update, improve, and create more concept art.

If anyone feels it necessary, I will put up a poll to see how favored this idea is. Let me know if you think I should put one up.