by Mycen » 19 Feb 2013, 06:17
I don't know about that. How many T3 arties are you talking about? If the T3 artillery can break the shielding around and destroy what should, logically, be one of the most heavily shielded structures, then it can simply lay waste the rest of the base as well, making your example nonsensical.
Also, you talk about what the purpose of T3 artillery is, but aren't the factions' arties supposed to have different purposes? Consider that pinpoint strikes like the one you mention are only the primary function of the Aeon T3 artillery. The Sera and UEF T3 arties also have distributed damage as a function, and Cybran one isn't designed to take out specific targets at all.
In the example you mentioned, the Emissary should be able to function as you describe. What I've noticed, though, is that, even assuming 100% accuracy (did it's accuracy get reduced at the same time as the Mavor's, by the way? I have difficulty hitting any specific target with them now), since its rate of fire is longer than the rebuild time of a T2 shield, it can't possibly serve in that function. The UEF and Seraphim arties seem fine to me, but the Cybran one seems either overcosted or underpowered. Especially considering the current stats of the Scathis, I'm not really clear on how the Disruptor is ever supposed to be a better investment, except in the most specific of circumstances.
Before talking about pricing or capability changes for T3 artillery, you're right, we should figure out what it's primary purpose is. But do let's try not to forget that faction diversity is also a goal.