You mean an LF pilot with skill and the right LF? There's a size threshold that many vanilla and non-vanilla LFs breach above which the LF is pretty much unbalanceable according to the rule: "fast, hard to hit, low damage". It is not hard outside of 1v1 (where turning speed doesn't help) if it is big enough. This plagues quite a few LFs (and some HFs also), from memory the Scimitar, Phantom, Hyena, Loki to a small extent, Decurion, Sea Serpent.
Yes there are no doubt many stories like the one Xoria mentioned where a group of LFs rips something apart. There are also many stories where the exact opposite happens. Anecdotal evidence is for the most part no evidence at all, as are claims "learn to fly it", so lets take a bit of a different approach:
Those of you who prefer the LF concept the way it is right now, tell me why would you pick a generic LF over a VHF? Size cannot be an argument here, as LFs size ranges from tiny to fairly large in terms of fighters. Because as far as I am concerned, this is the problem we are dealing with:
' Wrote:Bringing a LF to a fighter battle is simply not worth it. The duties performed by a LF (intercepting, fire absorption) can all be done by a HF or VHF and both those classes pack a hell more firepower and survivability.
Yes, there was a lot more text to that post. But quite frankly I believe that LFs can take on other support roles than just being cd/cruise to catch up annoying monkeys that can't really contribute meaningfully to a fight unless in extremely specific situations.
I dont need to be the winner in every fight. I enjoy playing a support role. Lawfuls in liberty need an interceptor most of the time, and I'm happy to do it. LF is also a good command platform in large battles, you can move around easily and assist specific situations, chase down syswall runners, etc. Its just a handy TACTICAL ship.
I also enjoy killing Barghests with an LF which is usually pretty simple (until they start spamming nukes). I'm not good enough to take on VHF solo yet, but I have seen some who are. Actually if I see a solo barghie or thor I will look for my HF first, since it is able to put out more damage and tank a couple of nukes, and still tight enough to get on a bomber's tail and deal out the pain. Unfortunately most HFs suck. Also the LFs are quick enough to fight mid-sized bombers with average skill, while the HFs are not. So I use LFs for this most of the time.
My Scimitar is big. Yes. But it delivers as much as it can take.
I take on VHFs all the time and have the ability to win if I have a fast enough reaction time. And I am using class 8 Belials and a Belial turret, no sammies. In group battles I screen enemy fighters that try to engage bombers. For example, I took on a [LN] fighter that was engaging a bomber, who promptly turned to engage in 1 on 1 warfare where a LF excels.
Pick your enemies wisely.
For reference my Scimitars loadout (at 90% effeciency on a LR ID)
1 Belial Turret
2 class 8 Belials
2 Debs (the ones that sync with the Belials)
This kit:
-Can drop VHF shields np
-Munches on fighter hull with average damage potential
-Is agile enough to survive being shot at by a group of enemies for a while
edit:
' Wrote:Those of you who prefer the LF concept the way it is right now, tell me why would you pick a generic LF over a VHF?
Because of its survivability, and that its different than the 9 billion sabres/guardians/avengers that everyone else flies. And its fun.
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
' Wrote:You mean an LF pilot with skill and the right LF? There's a size threshold that many vanilla and non-vanilla LFs breach above which the LF is pretty much unbalanceable according to the rule: "fast, hard to hit, low damage". It is not hard outside of 1v1 (where turning speed doesn't help) if it is big enough. This plagues quite a few LFs (and some HFs also), from memory the Scimitar, Phantom, Hyena, Loki to a small extent, Decurion, Sea Serpent.
Those who are easier to hit should get more firepower and/or armor which would make them a sort of HF/LF hybrid.
' Wrote:Those of you who prefer the LF concept the way it is right now, tell me why would you pick a generic LF over a VHF?
' Wrote:You didn't even read my post fully did you?
They had already proven too good with lvl 9 shields, hence they got nerfed to max. lvl8 shields.
I did read your post, but apparently they are now too bad, your post says the higher shields improved them, therefore they could counteract the badness.
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It is difficult to compare LFs and VHFs. LFs are a whole different ball game.
It's like comparing Caps to fighters.
Both use different styles of fighting and fulfil different roles.
Although LFs are considered part of the same "family" as VHFs, they share little in common. HFs and VHFs are more similar to each other, LFs are much further away.
If fighters were an extended family, VHFs and HFs would be cousins and LFs would be 3rd uncle-in-law's second cousin twice-removed.
LFs are meant to fulfil different roles and utilize different fighting styles. LFs can take down VHFs solo. LFs can fulfil roles VHFs cannot.
I personally don't mind if you give LFs a buff, but the main concept still remains. Making an LF stand up to a VHF isn't solving the problem. It's turning the LF into a VHF.
I don't want to see liberators with 4 magma hammers. Lolno. Leave them as they are, but make the slot for CD able to mount a MR on every LF aswell. And buff the big ones somehow- Like phantom, for example, as it's balance is supposed to be a slow, big LF, but with MR, if you get what I mean.
(06-19-2016, 12:06 PM)Mao Wrote: inb4 Sirius gets renamed to XTF.
' Wrote:Putting a torp slot would be an interesting idea. For the ones that had enough powercore to actually be able to fire a minirazor, it'd pack a punch.
And the others...?
We need something that buffs -all- LF in combat imho.