Rebalancing the Asp Scout

[MK Regular]

So I've flown the Scout a bit and I think the problem is not that there's something wrong with it, it's just that it's not good enough at anything compared to everything else.

But you can't change it from being an Asp-lite without removing its aspx versatility.

So I have a couple of weird ideas to add to the obvious one of just buffing it. One, making it the only Lakon ship which really handles heat well. Two, make it a small ship.

I think that part of the problem is that the AspS is supposed to be versatile without having the same number of outfitting options that other 'versatile' ship in the same price range have:

It has less internal slots than the Cobra III, Courier, DBX and VIper IV (all of which are at least 1M CR cheaper), and only beats out the Sidewinder by a single slot.

It has less utility mounts than the Courier, DBS, DBX, and Keelback (all of which are at least 800k CR cheaper), and only manages to tie with the Sidewinder.

If the AspS' defining feature is its versatility, it desperately needs an improvement as there are other ships that cost a fraction of the price that are just as or more versatile than the AspS. Instead, as it stands right now the AspS' defining features are its size 4 disatributor on a 2 small + 2 medium hardpoint setup and the fact that it is the 4th most maneuverable ship in the game, both of which are almost completely nullified by the fact that the Vulture exists and is:

• Faster
• More maneuverable
• Tankier
• A smaller target
• Has just as many optional internal slots AND an additional military slot
• Has more utility mounts
• Has better firepower and a better distributor

Instead of being a versatile ship, the AspS seems to only be used in very specialized roles with very specialized module and weapon loadouts. If players want a versatile ship, they would be a fool to not consider any of the less expensive ships that have just as many outfitting options (or in many cases MORE outfitting options) than the AspS.

 

[Lestat]

After this topic was written. Have we not gotten another Module slot? From the Supercruise Assist and Docking computer update.

 

[myothershipisacobraiv]

Yeah but a single 1 isn't making a huge difference. It is nice to put the DSS and makes the Asp S at least a half decent miner.

 

[Sterling MH]

Hello Commander Konnivar!

Yes, we agree that the Asp Scout could use a TLC and is a priority contender when we next look at ship tweaking.

I think it needs a different FEEL to fly. It sort of does now, it's quite nimble, but there's a lot missing from making it worth taking in the face of others that either outclass it elsewhere and are close or are more nimble altogether.
1) Increase the boost speed. If at least during boost it goes faster than the AspX, that makes it able to engage/disengage a lot easier.
2) Make it run cold. Both allowing it to boost a lot in combat AND to run as a silent running ship
3) Make the hull harder. Another bonus for someone wanting a stealth combat build that doesn't just buff.
4) Add at least the two missing module slots, it's a medium ship. If some other buff is needed (maybe #1 can't be done), make it able to take 6, as a unique medium class ship feature.
If the ship can run a hot furball better than most, or any, others, then it has a role for the fighter jock who wants that, that feature also lets it run a stealth build (if smuggling is ever beefed up) and it can carry more if it "doesn't need" a shield. Boosting VERY fast means if things go pear shaped you can exit, stage left, so you're not, unlike the DBX, left wallowing when you realise things have gone south.

Passenger carrying needs beefing up.
1) Add FIXED passenger cabins to SOME ships (means you don't have to have the volume cube spare, you can fit the "cabin" in any old area) can give those ships features that aid dabbling in passenger missions AND a role currently missing for them, without making them OP (as military slots did, or just generic (since you can't change them out))
a) Dolphin: Class 5 luxury added, a generic class 5 downgraded to class 4
b) Orca: Class 5 luxury added, a generic class 6 downgraded to class 5
c) Beluga: 2 Class 6 luxury added, lose a generic class 6
These give the luxury liners a reason to carry passengers: YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE, so any passengers are "free" profit.
d) Hauler gets a class 3 business class cabin
This turns the Hauler into a Taxi. Adder can add a class 3 but if it does so carries less than the Hauler. This becomes a noob starter into passenger hauling
e) Federal Dropship gets a class 5 Economy cabin
This becomes a troop transport (and, for the navy, who can fit a medibay, medevac) and explains why the FGS carries more cargo AND bigger and more guns.
f) Fer de Lance class 5 luxury or at least first class.
Players can RP that they use that cabin themselves, but it gives an option for dangerous passenger missions too, if you don't mind the jumping.

Passenger missions can do with a BIG overhaul too, but changing the ships first will get people doing passenger transport in the meantime.

 

[BartTP]

I'd do ASP Scout a typical combat ship, just as Keelback is to Hauler. Military slots and stuff. Asp Scout looks like Frontier Elite II Asp X, single thruster for example (which was typical Federation combat ship), I'd go that way instead of making it a lighter and cheaper version of Asp X. I mean, look at that ship, look at it's shape and size. You won't make it another DbS.

 

[gorankar]

I have a better idea. Have Lakon announce that they are going to halt production. Let current inventory be the end of it. Good riddance.

LOL, I just realized, that would make a bunch of people buy them just so they have one. Even if they never intend to fly it.

 

[metatheurgist]

The only way to give it that je ne sais quoi is to make it exclusive!