Review Of A 230,000,000 Python

I finally pulled my Python out of storage, I parked it the day FD announced it would be nerfed. I got the game after release so I had no access to glitches at founders world, I had the pleasure of actually earning it, and enjoyed every minute of it. 23 Anacondas where killed, slaughtered, painfully destroyed, and humiliated, in this test get over it PETA

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FACTS ABOUT THE PYTHON

This is what the Python is supposed to be

The Python is a heavily armed and well-protected craft, boasting considerable maneuverability for its hulking size. Despite being exceptionally powerful and potentially useful in a variety of roles, the Python does suffer from exceptionally high operating costs, making it a potentially cost-prohibitive option for many pilots.

It is considered by some to be the most effective balance between firepower, maneuverability, and protection currently available. In addition to being capable of holding its own against the larger Anaconda in a toe-to-toe frontal battle through its substantial protection and firepower, the Python is generally agile enough to comfortably deal with smaller fighter classes without having to rely on turret mounts.


I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS CAME FROM.. BUT THIS IS WHAT FD WANTS IT TO BE

Maybe they can explain this to us because this seems to be the root of the problem with what the expectations of what Python is, with the weapons load, weapon placement, this sure as hell ain't no trader, with the range and gas tank it's not an explorer, and priced right under a Type 9 it should have more tonnage and less weapons if it is was supposed to be a trader.. just say'n.. Yeh I know it's a multi-role.. my left eye..


Another classic design that has survived the centuries. The first vessel was constructed in 2700 by Whatt and Pritney Ship Constructions. With the demise of the company and after various mergers and takeovers the ship design is now owned by Faulcon deLacy. The ship remains the slow and sturdy craft it was originally famous for and some smaller navies still use this class as a patrol cruiser (although tiny compared to the Imperial Interdictors and Federal Battle cruisers).






JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN BUY IT DON'T MEAN YOU SHOULD FLY IT

The Python for an unskilled pilot is a money pit, If you have 230,000,000+ credits to invest in a ship go for it, but you would have more fun with a well armed Viper. Nobody wants to admit they suck at piloting but the Pythons cost will will force you to take a real good look in the mirror.

Your time would be better served learning to fly less expensive ships while you learn to pilot, your mistakes would cost you little more than peanuts. This can't be said with the Python, mistakes with this ship can cost millions with a rebuy of over 11,000,000 for my build

TACTICS TO BE USED FLYING THE PYTHON

The new AI is challenging (hats off to the programmers) every turn I made while fighting was assisted by turning flight assist off and thrusting into position to stay behind and under the Anacondas. You never want to go heads up with that ship if you can keep from doing it, I'll tell you why in detail later in SHIELDS. But for now, simply trying to face any ship big or small will leave you exposed to direct fire far longer than the Python shields can handle.

DON'T BE CHEAP

Even a all A-Rated Python is not a instant win against anything, a under geared Python is nothing more than a ASP with a bigger shield, and if you can't pilot, the shields won't protect you too long anyway. If you can't put a A-rated Power supply, Shield, Power Distributor, don't push it. For this reason alone ( I hate to say it ) FD is pretty damned close with the balance of Python and Anaconda.

SHIELDS

The shields with a A-shield and A-Power Distributor are still unbalanced and need some work. I don't proclaim to know what it needs or how to fix it but I do know what the problem that needs to be fixed is.

The Pythons shields just DISAPEAR, let me explain that. When the Pythons first shield ring goes down, the Anaconda can do so much damage in such a small amount of time the pilot has no time to react at times. You can go from a red outer ring to hull damage in an instant. When you add the new mechanics of the shield cells this can cost you millions.

It's seems the outer ring of the shield has more value than the other two rings on the shield indicator, so now to keep from taking hull damage is it no longer safe to use a shield cell after the first ring goes down. With the new shield values you have to use a shield cell before that first ring goes down just in case, and to me that's some where between forced abuse of the shield cells and waste.

SPEED

If they increase the turn rate or pitch it would simply lower the skill level needed to pilot the ship effectively. I think that's the wrong way to go, as a Python pilot I want it to be known that if you see a Python the pilot is is probably as good as the ship, in other words.. the reason the ship is so good is because of the pilot.

I think the Python needs to be faster though, but only for A-Rated gear. add about 25 on top speed of what we have and the ship would be be fast enough to evade or counter some of the Anaconda's moves but still be too slow to chase smaller ships. I think the Python should have the option of a toe to toe fight with a Anaconda or more of hit and run type of fight..

EQUIPMENT & HEAT

Equipment used for the trials was a bit cheesy but I didn't know what to expect, there is no need for 3 shield cell launchers for normal use of this ship but knowing I would be out for hours.. I wasn't taking any chances.

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This is a all laser build, all Pulse lasers. Why all pulse lasers you ask? well with the Python, any opportunity you have to actually hit the target should result in the target being damaged to some degree. Beam and Burst Lasers can drain you so fast leaving you unable to do much damage on the rare occasions that you have a clear shot. I find Pulse Lasers are more manageable, more shots, so more damage over time. Muti-Cannons are fine for single fights, but if you gonna be out there fighting for hours don't carry weapons that need ammo.

CONCLUSION

The Python is not for the average pilot.. PERIOD, it's not for the rich dumb pilot.. PERIOD. The Python is for the pilot that has spent time in the Cobra's and Vipers and has MASTERED flight switching between flight assist on and off. If you don't fit this description don't buy it.. PERIOD. Now I'm talking about buying this ship for combat, there are some that fly the ship for trade, I will not belittle their enjoyment of using this ship for trade in any way shape or form, But I will say they are missing the spirit of a very thrilling and capable ship. But hauling freight in a Ferrari.... meh


Disclaimer.. only on my 2nd cup of coffee..
 
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Have you tested a Python vs PC Anaconda?

What's the capacity of B6 shield cell banks?

I think that the max velocity of a Python might actually be fine. As far as I know A-rated Anaconda's velocities are 202/269 with 4 pips in engines. Python has 260/340 m/s with 4 pips in engines. Given that Python had 280/370 m/s (difference of 90 m/s between max velocity and boost velocity) the current Python's boost velocity should be increased to 350m/s to maintain 90m/s difference.
 
Have you tested a Python vs PC Anaconda?

What's the capacity of B6 shield cell banks?

I think that the max velocity of a Python might actually be fine. As far as I know A-rated Anaconda's velocities are 202/269 with 4 pips in engines. Python has 260/340 m/s with 4 pips in engines. Given that Python had 280/370 m/s (difference of 90 m/s between max velocity and boost velocity) the current Python's boost velocity should be increased to 350m/s to maintain 90m/s difference.

Those numbers sound pretty good to me, the Python is forced to stay in a blind spot rather than box with a Anaconda.. sort of boring and cheesy, but like I said about the shields.. I'm not saying boost the shields it's just there is no time to react at times under full strain of a Anaconda's attacks. maybe an adjustment to the ring values would be in order.

And you get 6 shield cells on the B6 rather than the 1 with the A6
 
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Where are you getting 230 million from?
You can kit out an A-class python for 60-70 million (except for power, but A7 is rarely needed)
 
Thanks for this informative review. Have some rep!
I'm not flying one myself yet, but this is pretty much what i see when watching player pythons in CZs.
 
Those numbers sound pretty good to me, the Python is forced to stay in a blind spot rather than box with a Anaconda.. sort of boring and cheesy, but like I said about the shields.. I'm not saying boost the shields it's just there is no time to react at times under full strain of a Anaconda's attacks. maybe an adjustment to the ring values would be in order.

And you get 6 shield cells on the B6 rather than the 1 with the A6

Yep, I think that something was wrong with those shield rings from Day 1. Outer ring seem to have more charge than the inner one. I am using 2 A6 shield cell banks. But what I do not understand from the patch notes is this:

- Increased ammo for the top range shield cell banks slightly

Actually, the ammo did not increase from Beta 1.1 to 1.1 release in relation to A6 shield cell banks. Probably, this is worth a ticket.

Have you fought NPC or PC Anaconda? I've done some tests vs NPCs and had 0 issues with shields and I was almost always able to outmanoeuvre them. Of course 0 pips to shields 2 or 4 to engines, 4 or 2 to weapons and boost as often as possible.

I'd say that shield's value might be slightly increased to 300 (15% increase compared to the current value, 30% decrease from 390 in 1.00-1.07).

Where are you getting 230 million from?
You can kit out an A-class python for 60-70 million (except for power, but A7 is rarely needed)

Quite opposite, A rated costs about 250M Cr with discounts. A7 power plant is a must have, especially due to SCB increased power usage as it provides 30MW of power. Currently my ship requires a little bit more than that, so 1 SCB is off.

A7 PP - 51M Cr;
Top hull upgrades - over 109-120M Cr;
A6 Thrusters - 16.5M Cr;
A6 Shields - 16.5M Cr;
A7 power distributor - 9.8M Cr;
A6 sensors - 3.4M Cr;
A5 FSD - 5.1M Cr;
2xA6 SCB - 2x3.4 MCr.
 
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Where are you getting 230 million from?
You can kit out an A-class python for 60-70 million (except for power, but A7 is rarely needed)

At the time of outfitting I had a bit over 280-285 mill in the bank.. after fitting I had about 150m... at the cost of the ship it comes up to about 230m for that ship I tested.
 
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Those numbers sound pretty good to me, the Python is forced to stay in a blind spot rather than box with a Anaconda.. sort of boring and cheesy, but like I said about the shields.. I'm not saying boost the shields it's just there is no time to react at times under full strain of a Anaconda's attacks. maybe an adjustment to the ring values would be in order.

And you get 6 shield cells on the B6 rather than the 1 with the A6

B6 SCB has 6 charges and weighs 64t

A6 SCB has 5 charges and weighs 40t


The A6 has more juice than the B6 and it will *nearly* replenish the shield (3rd ring is medium blue) from 1 ring so you dont need to fire a pair
 
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Have you fought NPC or PC Anaconda? I've done some tests vs NPCs and had 0 issues with shields and I was almost always able to outmanoeuvre them. Of course 0 pips to shields 2 or 4 to engines, 4 or 2 to weapons and boost as often as possible.

I heard of an Anaconda in YEMBO that was just killing traders.. I went over for an hour and tried to corner him but never had the chance to engage him.. so no CMDR data yet..

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B6 SCB has 6 charges and weighs 64t

A6 SCB has 5 charges and weighs 40t


The A6 has more juice than the B5 and it will *nearly* replenish the shield (3rd ring is medium blue) from 1 ring so you dont need to fire a pair


WOW thanks for telling me that bro I thought the A6 only had 1 Shield Cell in it but it was HUGE so I avoided it.. thanks for the heads up..
 
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I heard of an Anaconda in YEMBO that was just killing traders.. I went over for an hour and tried to corner him but never had the chance to engage him.. so no CMDR data yet..

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WOW thanks for telling me that bro I thought the A6 only had 1 Shield Cell in it but it was HUGE so I avoided it.. thanks for the heads up..

That was always the point of A-graded SCBs. They always had less charges than B-graded but came with lighter mass and provided more charge.
 
I tried a Python in the 1.1 beta for fun.
All fixed beam lasers.

I was frying small ships, but my smile froze when I saw the overheat ... before I could realize I had MILLIONS of hull damage just from the heat!

Definitely not a ship for reckless... Loving my ASP.

mongo2006 is right, I am nowhere near the needed skill level. This what I love with ED: skill is something you must develop in your mind and body, it is not just some numbers on a character sheet that you get by farming mindlessly.
 
WOW thanks for telling me that bro I thought the A6 only had 1 Shield Cell in it but it was HUGE so I avoided it.. thanks for the heads up..


Yeah, when you buy an SCB it only has one charge in it. You have to top em up in munitions before heading out.


Seems kinda stingy to me lol.

Like buying a Ferrari and only getting enough gas in the tank to get you to the nearest BP garage on the corner...
 
Anyone can fly any ship they want. Python is not some Elite ship that only an 'Elite' pilot can fly. Also the shields on ALL ships are utter garbage. All shields melt off stupid fast. It has always been like that. Plus its stupid we have a visual read out for shield health. It should be digital or at least an option to switch it.
 
I tried a Python in the 1.1 beta for fun.
All fixed beam lasers.


mongo2006 is right, I am nowhere near the needed skill level. This what I love with ED: skill is something you must develop in your mind and body, it is not just some numbers on a character sheet that you get by farming mindlessly.

Well thank you bro, The Python seems to have a stigma of the rich and insti-killers.. well I'm here to let it be known.. there is more to the Python NOW...




Yeah, when you buy an SCB it only has one charge in it. You have to top em up in munitions before heading out.


Seems kinda stingy to me lol.

Like buying a Ferrari and only getting enough gas in the tank to get you to the nearest BP garage on the corner...


LOL good one..
 
Anyone can fly any ship they want. Python is not some Elite ship that only an 'Elite' pilot can fly. Also the shields on ALL ships are utter garbage. All shields melt off stupid fast. It has always been like that. Plus its stupid we have a visual read out for shield health. It should be digital or at least an option to switch it.

I'm not saying you or anyone else CAN'T buy and fly a Python, I'm saying if you can't pilot well you run the risk of not enjoying it or not keeping it very long..
 
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I tried a Python in the 1.1 beta for fun.
All fixed beam lasers.

I was frying small ships, but my smile froze when I saw the overheat ... before I could realize I had MILLIONS of hull damage just from the heat!

Definitely not a ship for reckless... Loving my ASP.

mongo2006 is right, I am nowhere near the needed skill level. This what I love with ED: skill is something you must develop in your mind and body, it is not just some numbers on a character sheet that you get by farming mindlessly.

I am using 3xC3 fixed beams and 2xG2 gimballed MCs = no overheating issues. ;)
 
CONCLUSION

The Python is not for the average pilot.. PERIOD, it's not for the rich dumb pilot.. PERIOD. The Python is for the pilot that has spent time in the Cobra's and Vipers and has MASTERED flight switching between flight assist on and off. If you don't fit this description don't buy it.. PERIOD. Now I'm talking about buying this ship for combat, there are some that fly the ship for trade, I will not belittle their enjoyment of using this ship for trade in any way shape or form, But I will say they are missing the spirit of a very thrilling and capable ship. But hauling freight in a Ferrari.... meh

Well said. That was the problem with the Python before 1.1, it was too easy for low skill, unexperienced players to get into and be gods in combat.

There were people who spent god knows how long trading - without doing any combat - getting into Pythons and dominating every man and his dog. Then, when they finally came across that guy in the Viper who's spent every waking hour PvPing, they cry that it's the Viper that's OP, because they got their backside handed to them.

I'm glad the Python actually takes some decent flying to get the most out of it now, because that's how every ship should be (And yes, the Viper takes some practice and experience in to get the most from it), instead of an all conquering master of all trades that had the best of everything at it's disposal.

+1
 
Have you tested a Python vs PC Anaconda?

What's the capacity of B6 shield cell banks?

I think that the max velocity of a Python might actually be fine. As far as I know A-rated Anaconda's velocities are 202/269 with 4 pips in engines. Python has 260/340 m/s with 4 pips in engines. Given that Python had 280/370 m/s (difference of 90 m/s between max velocity and boost velocity) the current Python's boost velocity should be increased to 350m/s to maintain 90m/s difference.

What I have found so far after 20 to 30 hours of combat in the Python is that it certainly requires more skill after 1.1. Skilled pilots in smaller ships now easily stick to your blind spots regardless of how much you boost and auto off. Unskilled pilots (new to the game with less than 10 hours of combat, and no use of Assist-off) still think the ship is overpowered just as they always have. Most don't realize that any ship with a skilled pilot can kill them in seconds, which is how skill based 3D sims have always been and should always be. If we dumb the game down so that all ships are the same in all aspects except 3d model, then the game will become a revolving door of new players who quickly lose interest. The skilled 3d sim players will have gone long before then.

Skilled pilots can kill an Anaconda in any ship quickly. I have done this even in a Hauler with a single beam laser (albeit, it does take 10-15 minutes). Cobra and Viper (my other two favorite combat ships) still kill Anaconda quickly after 1.1, but it takes much more skill and tact. Unskilled pilots have a hard time even attempting Anaconda kills after 1.1, and most are dead or shields off and running away within 15 to 30 seconds, regardless of ship model (Hats off to Sarah on her AI rework).

P.S. I don't run with the Mil spec armor upgrade on Python. If I get to down to armor in a fight I am running. The repair costs are just too high (can cost as much as three or four Viper base price) to even allow the shields to ever drop. Also the new AI Anaconda's seem to like ramming as much as they ever have, which is now even more damage than it was before, and sometimes the Python can be killed outright with a single instance of this, 8-9 million credits down the drain in that case.
 
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