Is the AV MAX overpowered?

[psijaka]

I've noticed a couple of VS complaints that the NC AV MAX is overpowered in the recent Magrider nerf thread, and, as someone who plays this loadout a lot, I've sometimes thought this myself, but only against infantry.

So let's have a look at the data (from https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...mS2NqV1E&gid=1 )

I've added the DPS column at the end, simply by dividing the damage per mag by the time cycle columns.



From this we see that the TR MAX has the highest fire rate, with the lowest damage per round, and has significantly the best DPS. This seems to fit well with the general TR weapon philosophy, bullets and lots of them.

I've not played this loadout but this is obviously the best for pouring damage onto an unsuspecting deployed Sunderer, or any other target not in a good position to retaliate. The downside is that the damage per salvo is lower, meaning that it is more difficult to pop in and out of cover between shots. And it is not a "one salvo kill", a big disadvantage when trying to "snipe" infantry, as they will have time to react.


Now comparing the NC and VS MAXes. Firstly, the DPS is almost exactly the same. The NC MAX is perhaps better for popping in and out of cover between salvos, but the VS MAX does not have any bullet drop to contend with, again this fits well with other VS weapons; sacrificing damage somewhat for accuracy. Seems fair to me.

Again, I have not played the VS AV MAX but I imagine that it is good for sniping infantry (2 hits = 1100 damage). Comparing with the NC MAX, faster fire rate and no drop, but the projectile is highly visible and is a bit slower than the NC MAX. Seems balanced to me.


My experience with the NC AV MAX is that it is not OP against tanks, especially the Magrider. I have the advantage if I have some decent cover to work with, as I am a small target, but the tank always has the option of retreating if things start going badly. But if I am caught in the open, then the advantage very much lies with the tank; normally ends badly for me.

I do find that it is sometimes rather easy to kill infantry though, especially medium range stationary targets (those people who drop pod onto the roof of a Watchtower and then camp on the top - they get a nasty surprise). But I do have to allow for the projectile drop and get both rounds on target, so some skill is involved. I don't see any way of nerfing these direct hit kills without significantly gimping the class against tanks. Perhaps a slight increase in the Cone of Fire?

I also find that the indirect AoE damage gets me a lot of kills and assists if I have a height advantage over infantry, and this is one area where the class could be nerfed back a bit, without altering the balance between AV MAX and Tanks. I would suggest reducing the AoE damage from 250 to 200 as a starting point. Similar proportional changes could be applied to the other AV MAXes, down to 120 or 100 for the TR, 150 for the VS. EDIT - I retract this on the grounds that most think that the AV MAXes need a little love, not a nerf. Especially the TR.


EDIT - I've made a short compilation condensed from about 20 minutes of gameplay defending Crossroads Watchtower. Some "one Salvo kills" and a good demonstration of how tough a MAX is (survived a Scythe strafing attack that killed few nearby team mates, with barely a scratch), and how unreliable this loadout is for CQC (I had to flee). Also some long range vehicle kills; deployed Sunderers are easy prey.

I would particularly like to hear the opinion and experience of TR and VS AV MAX fans, as well as other Dual Falcon fans. And it would be interesting to hear things from the perspective of tank drivers and of infantry.