Latecomer to the board and thread.
As a thought relating to the plasma weapons conundrum...
I have no problem with the ability to jump direct to Heavy Plasma in research - we have it there in front of us.
But, why not have research speed affected by following the research line? Something like:
- Plasma Pistol gives the fundamentals of the plasma weapon 'suite', with the bonus of reducing research time required on the rifle.
- Rifle gives the fundamentals of a two handed weapon design, with the bonus of reducing research time required on the heavy.
- Heavy research maximises weapon power/capability/design for a hand held weapon.
- As a bonus, require this heavy research to then lead to mounted versions (giving stability and increased power) for more output. Leading to:
- Plasma HWP, then
- Plasma Cannon
Overall, research time on pistol plus rifle with bonus, should be less than researching the rifle alone directly. Similarly, researching riflle then heavy is quicker than heavy alone. The big bonus that researching all three in series is quicker than jumping right to heavy first.
Thus, you can still research the heavy right up - particularly if its the only weapon you have. It is still quicker to research the series if you have the weapons on hand.
Anyway, just thought I'd through this thought into the mix.
