AP MMR sure is nice, but still needs a utility carepackage to compete with the HMG. As it seems it has that (Specialist Operative and probably retains Linkability and LT options the MR had). Imho it also needs to be a good chunk cheaper compared to a HMG than it was in N3. That part is also looking good. On the flipside the HMG is down to 5.0 points and 1.5 SWC. If that translates 1:1 to N4 we're going to see a lot of Aquilas on the table. The Swiss ML is a wrecking ball now. ML (seems to be the same, no Impact Template for it in C1 yet), +6 in 8" with LSG Hitmode and B2 DTW on a guy with ARM5, BTS6, Mimetism -6. That's a very nice upgrade to defend vs CC troops or to autohit multiple models while taking a calculated risk and shrugging of Rifle AROs. Hsien got decent CC now and 6-2 is definitely great to have for him and the Hac Tao. The most intriguing thing I'm waiting for is going to be HI midfield AHDs. Looks like the majority of troops with Stealth lost it (close to everyone who gained it throgh MA). Spotlight provides AROs vs everything and that's without having seen other options or buffs for AHDs yet. Current assumption would be that Hacking Device variants provide MODs for base Programs. So i.e. AHD gets +3 to Attack Rolls, affecting Carbonite and Spotlight. A whole class of lackluster troops could be very viable all of a sudden. HI AHDs could be a common sight in our N4 lists.
Withholding judgement on that till I see if they the point cost for MSRs in N4 and if they retain stun ammo. Point changes are on top of my list of balancing factors. Looking at the SMG vs the Combi+Hacking Device Ninja or the AP MMR vs HMG vs MR costs on HIs across factions there might be a lot of shuffling going on with weapon price range. MSRs could be the same price as AP Snipers for 1.5 SWC. So you'd pay for the increased versatility in SWC rather than points, which puts a limit on how many you can get. But keeps them cheaper in terms of points than HMGs. Sniper Rifles costing too many points relative to the high B weapons is imho their main problem in N3. You rarely pick one if you can have a HMG instead, with the exception of high ARO utility in Links and for Camo/TO. Shaving off some points is a good argument to include an Intruder MSR over a HMG after picking up a Kriza Borac.
Actually I love this. Now the old discussion of who is better (Swiss vs Hac Tao) is done. They are both great in their own way.
So it seems that the N4 preview (C1) seems at least very promising from general standpoint! I'm actually quite happy and optimistic for now :D
Yes, this rule is gone, but TAGs dodge can be still modified via new MODs. For example they can give TAGs skill dodge (PH=11) and they don't need to make special rule for all TAGs. So I would wait and see how will TAG profiles look like in C1.
Wait, is that even allowed on the forum? /jk Same here, if C1 is any indication of what's to come in N4, it looks very promising.
The TAG rules seem kind of incomplete. I'm hoping for a larger update when they add TAG profiles in Army. The only mentions I can see of TAGs are 1. that they're hackable and 2. that they can't go prone. However, this is in a weird spot; it's only mentioned in the bullet point about falling prone automatically when entering the Unconscious state.
Is there a section for remotes anywhere? Right now it seems like they can go prone. The Prone rule only calls out TAGs to be unable to go prone. No mention of REMs.
I much prefer the light shotgun of the Swiss Guard's Missile Launcher profile. A fantastic weapon for up close work and it helps ensure that the ML profile is not purely an ARO unit. But yes, a DTWs is great for the HMG profile.
anyone notice Machinist have an option for Mimetism -3 I wonder if thats becoming standard, if so thats AWESOME
The Varuna, ASA and SWF Machinist variants have the skill already, along with a terrain skill. Vanilla and MO don't have the option, and NCA Machinists get Veteran L1 and Bioimmunity plus a seemingly free +3 BTS.
