Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors - Revision history

Saladofstones at 19:45, 15 September 2018

2018-09-15T19:45:35Z

Hobbes: categorizing

2013-07-23T02:59:52Z

categorizing

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 23 July 2013
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	[[Weapon Analysis]]		[[Weapon Analysis]]

			[[Category:Enemy Unknown/UFO Defense]]

NKF at 22:30, 18 July 2009

2009-07-18T22:30:33Z

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	#The Rifle becomes pretty much obsolete I think. The Laser Pistol has more firepower and better first-shot/first-burst kill probability, in every mode. Possibly useful in situations such as scouting a Terror site, where the extra accuracy helps to reduce collateral damage, balanced with the relatively quick fire & movement.		#The Rifle becomes pretty much obsolete I think. The Laser Pistol has more firepower and better first-shot/first-burst kill probability, in every mode. Possibly useful in situations such as scouting a Terror site, where the extra accuracy helps to reduce collateral damage, balanced with the relatively quick fire & movement.
	#Rocket Launchers firing Heavy Rockets retain most or all of their starting role as X-Com's "ultimate weapon".		#Rocket Launchers firing Heavy Rockets retain most or all of their starting role as X-Com's "ultimate weapon".

			==See Also==

			[[Weapon Analysis]]

Spike: Reworking this article into Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors

2009-07-18T11:46:05Z

Reworking this article into Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:46, 18 July 2009
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	If (as argued [[Best Starting Weapons (EU)\|elsewhere]]) the Heavy Cannon (or ~~for that matter,~~ the Auto Cannon) is the best primary squad weapon at the very start of the game, what to do when the Laser Pistol is available?		If (as argued [[Best Starting Weapons (EU)\|elsewhere]]) either the [[Heavy Cannon]] or the [[Auto Cannon]] is the best standard primary squad weapon at the very start of the game, what to do when the [[Laser Pistol]] is available? (Presuming that Laser Pistols are researched before any other replacement standard squad weapon.)

	Unfortunately I think the Laser Pistol is so powerful that it immediately displaces the Heavy Cannon as the primary combat weapon, and forces it into a support role. The Heavy Cannon will languish on the shelves, at least until much more heavily armoured enemies arrive on the scene.		Unfortunately I think the Laser Pistol is so powerful that it immediately displaces both the Auto Cannon and the Heavy Cannon as the primary combat weapon, and forces both into a support role. The Auto Cannon moves forever into a specialised role only. The Heavy Cannon will languish on the shelves, at least until much more heavily armoured enemies arrive on the scene.

	As a support weapon ~~its use~~ will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.		As a support weapon the HC will be restricted to clearing hard terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.

	In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired weapon, other than the Rocket Launcher, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.		In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired weapon, other than the Rocket Launcher, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon and Auto Cannon (and [[Rifle]] and [[Pistol]]) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.

			In theory the HC-AP retains superior armour-piercing capability but in practice this only applies to destroying key items of hard terrain. The main heavily armoured enemy, the [[Cyberdisk]], is better dealt with by Laser Pistols rather than HC-AP - as are all more lightly armoured opponents. AC-HE and HC-HE are almost completely ineffective, but Heavy Rockets are still the most effective, more so than Laser Pistols),

	The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).		The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).

			For one-shot/one-burst kill probability (to prevent reaction fire) against the typical Sectoid or Floater targets the AutoCannon is about the same as the Laser Pistol in all modes. The aimed Heavy Cannon (AP or HE) is significantly (50%) better than all other starting weapons apart from the [[Rocket Launcher]] (which in turn is 50% better again). The aimed Heavy Cannon of course has the additional benefit of reducing collateral damage.

			In summary, once the Laser Pistol is deployed:

			#The Laser Pistol becomes the primary standard combat weapon.
			#The Auto Cannon is relegated to specialist roles (Illumination, fighting [[Reaper]]s, clearing light terrain, close range shock work <b>if</b> you have good armour).
			#The Heavy Cannon is relegated to the roles of sniper weapon, fighting Reapers, and hard terrain destruction. The Heavy Cannon retains more usefulness than the Auto Cannon.
			#The Pistol becomes obsolete except as a secondary weapon during the transitional period when Laser Pistols are too scarce to give to everyone.
			#The Rifle becomes pretty much obsolete I think. The Laser Pistol has more firepower and better first-shot/first-burst kill probability, in every mode. Possibly useful in situations such as scouting a Terror site, where the extra accuracy helps to reduce collateral damage, balanced with the relatively quick fire & movement.
			#Rocket Launchers firing Heavy Rockets retain most or all of their starting role as X-Com's "ultimate weapon".

Spike: Heavy Cannon vs Laser Pistol moved to Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors: To correctly reflect scope of article. Did not move Talk page as it was already a redirect elsewhere.

2009-07-18T11:13:16Z

Heavy Cannon vs Laser Pistol moved to Laser Pistol vs All Predecessors: To correctly reflect scope of article. Did not move Talk page as it was already a redirect elsewhere.

← Older revision	Revision as of 11:13, 18 July 2009
(No difference)

Jasonred: As was explained to me, the Rocket Launcher is not a LAUNCH type weapon... only hovertank launcher and Blaster Launcher do this.

2009-03-01T13:34:54Z

As was explained to me, the Rocket Launcher is not a LAUNCH type weapon... only hovertank launcher and Blaster Launcher do this.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:34, 1 March 2009
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	As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.		As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.

	In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired ~~(but not launched or thrown)~~ weapon, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.		In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired weapon, other than the Rocket Launcher, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.

	The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).		The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).

Spike: I'm degenerating into micro-edits, time to quit.

2009-03-01T08:05:17Z

I'm degenerating into micro-edits, time to quit.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:05, 1 March 2009
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	If (as argued [[Best Starting Weapons (EU)\|elsewhere]]) the Heavy Cannon is the best primary squad weapon at the very start of the game, what to do when the Laser Pistol is available?		If (as argued [[Best Starting Weapons (EU)\|elsewhere]]) the Heavy Cannon (or for that matter, the Auto Cannon) is the best primary squad weapon at the very start of the game, what to do when the Laser Pistol is available?

	Unfortunately I think the Laser Pistol is so powerful that it immediately displaces the Heavy Cannon as the primary combat weapon, and forces it into a support role. The Heavy Cannon will languish on the shelves, at least until much more heavily armoured enemies arrive on the scene.		Unfortunately I think the Laser Pistol is so powerful that it immediately displaces the Heavy Cannon as the primary combat weapon, and forces it into a support role. The Heavy Cannon will languish on the shelves, at least until much more heavily armoured enemies arrive on the scene.

Spike: Clarification re JR's remarks on rockets (launched weapon). Also, how HE rocks the Reaper.

2009-03-01T08:03:47Z

Clarification re JR's remarks on rockets (launched weapon). Also, how HE rocks the Reaper.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:03, 1 March 2009
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	As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.		As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.

	In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting (~~fired~~) weapon~~, other than the Rocket Launcher with Large Rockets~~, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers. Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.		In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired (but not launched or thrown) weapon, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.

	The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).		The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).

Jasonred: YOu forgot the horror of Large Rockets, methinks

2009-03-01T07:58:12Z

YOu forgot the horror of Large Rockets, methinks

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:58, 1 March 2009
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	As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.		As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.

	In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting (fired) weapon, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers. Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.		In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting (fired) weapon, other than the Rocket Launcher with Large Rockets, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers. Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.

	The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).		The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).

Spike: Laser Pistol beats all standard fired weapons, except AC-HE and HC-HE vs Reapers

2009-03-01T07:22:07Z

Laser Pistol beats all standard fired weapons, except AC-HE and HC-HE vs Reapers

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:22, 1 March 2009
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	As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.		As a support weapon its use will be restricted to clearing terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.

	~~If Mutons~~ (~~or Ethereals~~) ~~were to appear before the advent of Laser Rifles~~, ~~then~~ the ~~Heavy Cannons might come off the shelf~~ and ~~be distributed to the bulk of the troops~~. Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.		In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting (fired) weapon, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers. Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon (and Auto Cannon, Rifle, and Pistol) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.

			The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:45, 15 September 2018
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	If (as argued [[Best Starting Weapons (EU)\|elsewhere]]) either the [[Heavy Cannon]] or the [[Auto Cannon]] is the best standard primary squad weapon at the very start of the game, what to do when the [[Laser Pistol]] is available? (Presuming that Laser Pistols are researched before any other replacement standard squad weapon.)		If (as argued [[Best Starting Weapons (EU)\|elsewhere]]) either the [[Heavy Cannon]] or the [[Auto Cannon]] is the best standard primary squad weapon at the very start of the game, what to do when the [[Laser Pistol]] is available? (Presuming that Laser Pistols are researched before any other replacement standard squad weapon.)

	Unfortunately I think the Laser Pistol is so powerful that it immediately displaces both the Auto Cannon and the Heavy Cannon as the primary combat weapon, and forces both into a support role. The Auto Cannon moves forever into a specialised role only. The Heavy Cannon will languish on the shelves, at least until much more heavily armoured enemies arrive on the scene.		Unfortunately I think the Laser Pistol is so powerful that it immediately displaces both the Auto Cannon and the Heavy Cannon as the primary combat weapon, and forces both into a support role. The Auto Cannon moves forever into a specialised role only. The Heavy Cannon will languish on the shelves, at least until much more heavily armoured enemies arrive on the scene.

	As a support weapon the HC will be restricted to clearing hard terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.		As a support weapon the HC will be restricted to clearing hard terrain (with AP and HE), and delivering explosive rounds (including against terrorists). On a terror mission, it might be partly restored to its earlier value to minimise "friendly fire" against civilians.

	In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired weapon, other than the Rocket Launcher, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon and Auto Cannon (and [[Rifle]] and [[Pistol]]) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.		In pure firepower, the Laser Pistol is more powerful than any starting fired weapon, other than the Rocket Launcher, against all aliens except the Reaper. HC-HE and AC-HE are about 4 times more effective than Laser Pistols versus Reapers (and twice as effective as Laser Rifles, even). Otherwise, the Laser Pistol significantly exceeds the Heavy Cannon and Auto Cannon (and [[Rifle]] and [[Pistol]]) in general-purpose firepower, and far exceeds it on versatility, weight, space, ammo, speed and flexibility.
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	The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).		The main drawback of the Laser Pistol is its poor accuracy, especially when used in continuous auto burst mode (as is optimum). For this reason it might be good to retain Heavy Cannon for situations when accuracy is critical, since the HC is the best sniper weapon (out of the starting weapons).

	For one-shot/one-burst kill probability (to prevent reaction fire) against the typical Sectoid or Floater targets the AutoCannon is about the same as the Laser Pistol in all modes. The aimed Heavy Cannon (AP or HE) is significantly (50%) better than all other starting weapons apart from the [[Rocket Launcher]] (which in turn is 50% better again). The aimed Heavy Cannon of course has the additional benefit of reducing collateral damage.		For one-shot/one-burst kill probability (to prevent reaction fire) against the typical Sectoid or Floater targets the AutoCannon is about the same as the Laser Pistol in all modes. The aimed Heavy Cannon (AP or HE) is significantly (50%) better than all other starting weapons apart from the [[Rocket Launcher]] (which in turn is 50% better again). The aimed Heavy Cannon of course has the additional benefit of reducing collateral damage.

	In summary, once the Laser Pistol is deployed:		In summary, once the Laser Pistol is deployed:

	#The Laser Pistol becomes the primary standard combat weapon.		#The Laser Pistol becomes the primary standard combat weapon.
	#The Auto Cannon is relegated to specialist roles (Illumination, fighting [[Reaper]]s, clearing light terrain, close range shock work <b>if</b> you have good armour).		#The Auto Cannon is relegated to specialist roles (Illumination, fighting [[Reaper]]s, clearing light terrain, close range shock work <b>if</b> you have good armour).
	#The Heavy Cannon is relegated to the roles of sniper weapon, fighting Reapers, and hard terrain destruction. The Heavy Cannon retains more usefulness than the Auto Cannon.		#The Heavy Cannon is relegated to the roles of sniper weapon, fighting Reapers, and hard terrain destruction. The Heavy Cannon retains more usefulness than the Auto Cannon.
	#The Pistol becomes obsolete except as a secondary weapon during the transitional period when Laser Pistols are too scarce to give to everyone.		#The Pistol becomes obsolete except as a secondary weapon during the transitional period when Laser Pistols are too scarce to give to everyone.
	#The Rifle becomes pretty much obsolete I think. The Laser Pistol has more firepower and better first-shot/first-burst kill probability, in every mode. Possibly useful in situations such as scouting a Terror site, where the extra accuracy helps to reduce collateral damage, balanced with the relatively quick fire & movement.		#The Rifle becomes pretty much obsolete I think. The Laser Pistol has more firepower and better first-shot/first-burst kill probability, in every mode. Possibly useful in situations such as scouting a Terror site, where the extra accuracy helps to reduce collateral damage, balanced with the relatively quick fire & movement.