Scathis:
cost: 63k mass, 780k energy, 1580 dps, range 330
3 x T3 arty:
cost 261-274k mass, 2616-2745k energy, ~1380-1800 dps, range 700-900 [cybran-aeon]
On a small map like isis this weapon is effectively an inexpensive "game ender". It can sit at the outer edge of one's base heavily defended by overlapping t2 and t3 shields, T4 bots, T3 PD etc. On these maps it is more effective than 3 x T3 arty and is 75% cheaper mass wise. It does 3000 damage every 1.9 seconds (1580 splash dps) and can destroy a heavily shielded base very quickly. In previous versions of FA this was Cybran's game ender and it used to cost 300k mass, but in FAF it was given a massive cost reduction (perhaps too massive?) to encourage use.
At present the only way to deal with it is to take it out before it is finished. In an evenly matched game, this may involve making the "Scathis equivalent" mass of T4 bots (ie. two to three) and charging in to kill the opponents defence and their scathis before it is finished (or trying snipe with TML or T3 bombers).
The defending scathis side has an advantage if the opposition attacks (eg. with additional T4 bots) as they will heavily shield the scathis and place their T3/T4 units and defensive turrets at the front line under the shields.
Since it is so cheap it can be built within 2-3 minutes with late game combined eco.
Screenshot showing Scathis range on Fields of Isis
http://www.imagebam.com/image/56a28d223415299
It can easily reach 80% of the enemy base.
You can also see the range of a mobile T3 arty from the other side of the central ridge. It can't counter the scathis.
Replay showing Scathis firing power
Here is a replay showing how much damage it can do to a shielded base. Fast forward to 4 minutes to see the scathis firing.
After 5 mins I added several T3 sera shields (21k hp) but scathis still broke through.
458764-noms_scathis_demo.fafreplay- (11.69 KiB) Downloaded 51 times
Balance Change
Current: range 330, mass 63k, energy 780k, max speed 1, turn rate 40, dps 1580
Proposed: range 1700-1800, mass 250k, energy 5000k, max speed 2.5, turn rate 75, dps unchanged
Compared to:
Salvation: range 1800, mass 270k, energy 5400k, dps 2555
Mavor: range 4000, mass 300k, energy 6000k, dps 1500
T4 Arty Range
I think the mavor should remain unique, capable of hitting targets on 81x81 maps.
This shows Mavor range (4000) vs Salvation range (1800) on a 81x81:
http://www.imagebam.com/image/914e9f223547711
Scathis is best compared to a Salvation which is useful on a 40x40:
http://www.imagebam.com/image/3e8f1b223547702
Given it is a mobile unit it needs to be able to move within range of anything on the 40x40 maps, which is why I think the 1700-1800 range with mass cost of 250k is a good proposal. If facing a land threat at the front lines it can be moved, at reasonable speed, towards the back of the base and then back out again. This demonstrates good faction diversity.
If it is really inaccurate at longer ranges, perhaps firing randomness can be adjusted. Speed should be buffed to 2.5+ to make it practical to move around (currently speed 1).
I would like to see the Scathis being useful as a game ender on 20x20 to 40x40 maps and uneconomical to build on a smaller map. Perhaps if the enemy feeds you 100k mass you can build one, otherwise you are better off making 3 Disruptors on a small map.
Thanks for reading
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