Ships Multiple Python Variants

[Ceekay]

I use an armed trader Python build for CG's and general trading but with the advent of Mk 4 Vipers and Cobra's I reckon the Python could do with some additional models as well.

Lets take the currently available model and refer to it as the Multi-Role so what we've got ATM is the Python MR, generally a well balanced ship with a little too much cargo space for it's size TBH, huge quantities of power (at a cost!) good weapon placement, shields armour...

For the MR I'd suggest losing a class 6 bay and dropping the power plant to max class 6, drop a class 3 weapon to class 2 and what other changes are needed for balance

A cheaper variant would be the cargo transport focused Python the Python T let's say, with the same cargo capacity as the current version, 4 - 5 class 2 weapon mounts and a max class 5 power plant, less armour along with a lower price 30 - 40 mil for example

A more expensive variant would be a combat focused Python the Python C with mil spec armour as standard, lighter, faster and more agile but with a lot less internal compartments, weapon fit TBD possibly 3 x M and 3 x L, class 7 power plant and more utility slots priced around 90 mil

 

[DragoonKnight]

So basically you want to nerf the Python into the ground so that no one uses it for trading or combat - so basically no one will use it at all. Why bother if the Clipper can do both jobs better than your proposed Python MR and is half the price?
On top of that you want something that rivals the firepower of an Anaconda, but is also lighter, faster, and cheaper than the Anaconda.
Not going to happen! EVER!

 

[Ceekay]

Is that a no then?

Seeing as we have multiple variants of the Dropship it's a logical progression that there would be a similar range for the Python, the MR would be a ship almost as capable as the current Python or unchanged (that's what the discussion topic is for).

The current Python for example unless it's got a hold full of SCB's (like below) has no need for a class 7 powerplant

http://coriolis.io/outfit/python/07...04f5n5n5i5i5d02002h.AwRj4yoo.Aw19gjATAzALPEQ=

or this

http://coriolis.io/outfit/python/27...04f5n5n5i5i5d02002h.AwRj4yoo.Aw19gjATAzALPEQ=

compared with a decent cargo hauler build

http://coriolis.io/outfit/python/26...04f050504040302002h.AwRj4yoo.Aw19gjATAzALPEQ=

The big advantage the Python class has over the Clipper (apart from not being an Empire ship ) is it's medium pad ability something I and I'm sure plenty other commanders find really useful and it's not rank dependent either again something that's important to non aligned players, so a cheaper cargo version is to me a logical expansion of the Python range as there really isn't a decent mid range hauler (up to 50 mil equipped) other than the Clipper.

With the improvements to the FDL (people said never EVER about that too! ) and the current FAS the Python isn't as mean a ship as it used to be, so I do see the need for a combat focused variant although it'd have to go a long way to be competition for an Anaconda.

I'd compare the combat Python more with the FDL (powerful, fast, runs cool) more a very heavy fighter than a corvette class vessel like the Anaconda, modest improvements in speed, agility and firepower would bring it in line with the FDL/FAS abilities.

 

[Sendraks]

Seeing as we have multiple variants of the Dropship it's a logical progression that there would be a similar range for the Python.

Why is this a logical progression?

There are two versions of the dropship (gunship and dropship) because, well, the makers of the dropship wanted there to be a combat version or something? It doesn't logically following that the makers of the Python would have any such aspirations to create a role specific version of a multi-role ship that can already perform different roles very well.

There doesn't need to be a combat version of the Python, just because people who like the Python want a version that's "best" at combat. Which is what this comes down to really. Players harkening back to the days when the Python was "the best" ship in the game before it got appropriately nerfed. Even after the nerf, it is still one of the best ships in the game and as a multi-role class, is pretty much second to none. It is quietly rightly "not the mean" ship it used to be, because it isn't supposed to be the meanest combat vessel out there.

Can we not have something more imaginative than "I like the Python, but I want a version that is best at combat, like it used to be."

 

[Crash Landing]

Hey

Hands off me serpent

 

[Ceekay]

Why is this a logical progression?

There are two versions of the dropship (gunship and dropship) because, well, the makers of the dropship wanted there to be a combat version or something? It doesn't logically following that the makers of the Python would have any such aspirations to create a role specific version of a multi-role ship that can already perform different roles very well.

There doesn't need to be a combat version of the Python, just because people who like the Python want a version that's "best" at combat. Which is what this comes down to really. Players harkening back to the days when the Python was "the best" ship in the game before it got appropriately nerfed. Even after the nerf, it is still one of the best ships in the game and as a multi-role class, is pretty much second to none. It is quietly rightly "not the mean" ship it used to be, because it isn't supposed to be the meanest combat vessel out there.

Can we not have something more imaginative than "I like the Python, but I want a version that is best at combat, like it used to be."

Well so far we have, Cobra mk3 soon mk4, Viper mk3 soon mk4, Lakon 6 soon Keelback, Asp explorer soon Asp Scout, Eagle currently i Eagle, i Clipper soon i Cutter (I know they're not really variants but they're so alike they could be! ) seems like a fair basis for a logical progression to me

The original Python was rebalanced well before I could afford to buy it so this isn't a "let bring back the old Python" thread and by all accounts it was totally OP, however this game is constantly evolving with new ships, weapons, heat mechanics etc so I believe some ships need to evolve as well.
The FDL was recently updated and with the FAS these are two ships that threaten the Pythons position as a desirable combat vessel, even with the best thrusters it'll struggle to turn with these ships and the FDL's power upgrade will allow it to make better use of it's class 4 slot and run huge shields as well.

 

[Sendraks]

Well so far we have, Cobra mk3 soon mk4, Viper mk3 soon mk4, Lakon 6 soon Keelback, Asp explorer soon Asp Scout, Eagle currently i Eagle, i Clipper soon i Cutter (I know they're not really variants but they're so alike they could be! ) seems like a fair basis for a logical progression to me

Except the argument is little more than "other ships have variants therefore the python should." This isn't logical progression, its just begging the question.

Also - both Cobras are still multi-role vessels as are the imperial ships. Both Vipers are still interceptor type combat vessels. There really is only the Dropship that has something which can be considered to be the "combat variant" of the multi-role ship.

The FDL was recently updated and with the FAS these are two ships that threaten the Pythons position as a desirable combat vessel,

They should, they are dedicated combat vessels and the Python isn't. That those two ships got buffed, isn't an argument for there being a buff to the combat ability of a multi-role vessel. Even with the buffs to those two ships, the Python isn't exactly a push over in combat and for the player who wants to be able to fight, trade and be flexible with missions, the Python still wins hands down.

If you want to fly a medium sized dedicated combat vessel, fly the FDL or the Gunship.