I'll suffer the grind to strip the ship of its bits. Then I'll probably strap them onto my Vesta and laugh at anyone that actually flies this ugly, ugly thing.
This ^
The only reason I'm running the project for the ship is to save the secondary deflector for when it becomes available on the vesta
Initial impression is that my sci Dhelan is better than the hybrid destroyer--more hull, better turning, better weapons, and I am able to use a better BOFF layout--but it could be a loadout issue so I will defer judgement
My gut reaction toward the Fed version is not very favorable.
Art:
The hallmark of Federation starships is that, by and large, they appear to be sleek and graceful. This ship is not that, in my opinion. There are too many harsh lines and the ship is bulky enough to look blocky. The default color scheme only reinforces that perception.
I'm still struggling to put into words what this ship makes me think of, but the only word that comes to my mind is -- I'm sorry -- ugly. It bears some slight outward resemblance to the Obelisk carrier, but without the lattice-like structures, the sweeping curves, and the sense of open space inside the superstructure. This ship might have looked better if even more design cues had been taken from the Obelisk carrier and from the external architecture of the Spires.
As an aside, I am beginning to wonder if Cryptic is having trouble designing new Fed ships that look distinct but still follow all of the usual design cues. My thought about that is that I think Cryptic should consider developing hybridized design cues that take some inspiration from both Klingon and Romulan ships while maintaining some form of saucer and nacelle.
Gameplay - Power Tray Defaults
One of the things that contributed to my negative reaction to the ship was the random arrangement of powers in the power tray. Cryptic, it really breaks story immersion when you have to spend a few minutes rearranging the power tray before you can jump into the action... or if you jump in anyway, you're struggling to operate the ship's abilities.
The switch to Tactical Mode didn't help. The power trays rearranged themselves again.
Some kind of sensible preset arrangements within the mission would have alleviated this. I'm sure when we have the ability to save power tray configuration on the permanent ship, that would help too.
Gameplay - Powers
I love the idea of special "Hero" abilities that we can use in an FE. But the decision to also include all the bells and whistles of the equipment set might not have been the way to go. If the intent was to get us to play with those console and set powers so we want to get them all, the reality is that I naturally preferred to concentrate on trying to use the Hero powers effectively and didn't spend enough time getting the feel of the ship's equipment.
In short, there were simply too many new powers to deal with all at once. And that leads me to the observation that 3 and 4 piece sets don't give much bang for the buck because you end up having 'gimmick' powers that you really don't use unless they're passive. I experienced pretty much the same thing with the Vesta 3 piece set. (I have yet to use the Vesta's Quantum shields in combat, and rarely ever use the Gravimetric 'push'.)
That said, I have a vague favorable impression of most of those special powers. The subspace fold, I never really got a chance to use. If I decide to replay, I'm sure my impressions will get more detailed.
The ship feels noticeably more responsive and powerful in Tactical mode and I suspect that those who get the ship will end up spending most of their time in it.
Overall
I have to be honest. I want to like this ship. But from my first impression, I don't.
The look of the ship is a real turn-off for me, and it's a disincentive to participate in the daily Qmendation chore. I won't care to fly it, and much prefer my Vesta.
In science mode, the ship feels a bit clunky. In reality, I think it probably flies about as well as the Vesta does but the ship's appearance contributes to that feeling of being ungainly and slow to turn.
My views may not represent those of Cryptic Studios or Perfect World Entertainment. You can file a "forums and website" support ticket here Link: How to PM - Twitter @STOMod_Bluegeek
Nothing weak about it, completely schools in CEE and ISE.
Based on the build links provided, we have very different build standards
I couldn't get the Vesta's DPS anywhere near my Mobius, Fleet Advanced Escort, JHAS, etc. -- these typically push 10k/sec, even with <5 targets present. The hangar pets couldn't quite make up for the missing 4th forward weapon slot, and it was difficult maintaining 125+ weapon power non-stop. What kind of numbers are your builds posting in ISE?
The integrated dual heavy proton cannon on the Dyson Sci-Destroyers requires using the Dyson auto-targeting tac consoles to make their damage worth while, but at least there is an integrated 4th forward weapon, and the dynamic Tactical Commander BOFF station isn't too shabby.
I have a question. How is it that someone already has the science destroyer? I thought it was supposed to take a minimum of 15 days to obtain enough qmendations to get one, yet I saw someone in sector space outside the dyson gate with one after I completed the new mission. Anyone have an explanation?
I have a question. How is it that someone already has the science destroyer? I thought it was supposed to take a minimum of 15 days to obtain enough qmendations to get one, yet I saw someone in sector space outside the dyson gate with one after I completed the new mission. Anyone have an explanation?
Based on the build links provided, we have very different build standards
I couldn't get the Vesta's DPS anywhere near my Mobius, Fleet Advanced Escort, JHAS, etc. -- these typically push 10k/sec, even with <5 targets present. The hangar pets couldn't quite make up for the missing 4th forward weapon slot, and it was difficult maintaining 125+ weapon power non-stop. What kind of numbers are your builds posting in ISE?
The integrated dual heavy proton cannon on the Dyson Sci-Destroyers requires using the Dyson auto-targeting tac consoles to make their damage worth while, but at least there is an integrated 4th forward weapon, and the dynamic Tactical Commander BOFF station isn't too shabby.
Not really what you'd consider high, high DPS but definitely close to that mark (9k-10k). The quality of life improvement comes from the control through GW3 and Voth Doffed TCB2. Lead with GW3 on the nanite probes, TCB the spheres to them, run like hell, turn around, and torp spread them with the Graviton Photons. In every case, I will get at least two mini procs which causes a cascading effect. When the spheres start popping in a cluster like the one you just caused, substantial bonus damage kicks in.
Mind you, this is also done with juggling BFAW2, EPtW2, and EPtS3 with double DCE doffs, GW aftershock doffs, and a Deflector Officer Doff.
Thats what I did, I got the fed one last night.. Almost got the full set to try out, but RL took over. So far the ship is pretty neat.. pretty gimmick.
but at least there is an integrated 4th forward weapon, and the dynamic Tactical Commander BOFF station isn't too shabby.
The problem with the integrated weapon is, that it's proton and that it isn't removable. No way to buff it, without gimping your damage elsewhere and you're either "forced" into a cannon-build or into having a weapon slot that doesn't profit from having a boff-skill-modifier (e.g. when using beams & FAW/BO).
Tac Boff-wise, it's a bummer that we have a Cmdr and an Ensign Tac slot, which pretty much prevents any efficient use of 2 different types of weapons (torps/cannons, DBB/cannons) in combination with 2 TTs, especially when the ship is in Sci-mode.
I said that the new ship was like a weak Vesta and a weak escort combined, not that the Vesta is weak.
I agree with that. I've been comparing it to my Temp Destroyer and Temp Science ship ship on the same character and both ships fulfill their roles much better than the Hybrid.
It's big, theoretical advantage, that the Dyson destroyer could act more flexible is completely countermanded by the long, 60 second CD on the Tac/Sci mode switch.
The problem with the integrated weapon is, that it's proton and that it isn't removable. No way to buff it, without gimping your damage elsewhere and you're either "forced" into a cannon-build or into having a weapon slot that doesn't profit from having a boff-skill-modifier (e.g. when using beams & FAW/BO).
Tac Boff-wise, it's a bummer that we have a Cmdr and an Ensign Tac slot, which pretty much prevents any efficient use of 2 different types of weapons (torps/cannons, DBB/cannons) in combination with 2 TTs, especially when the ship is in Sci-mode.
I agree with that. I've been comparing it to my Temp Destroyer and Temp Science ship ship on the same character and both ships fulfill their roles much better than the Hybrid.
It's big, theoretical advantage, that the Dyson destroyer could act more flexible is completely countermanded by the long, 60 second CD on the Tac/Sci mode switch.
I'll be going with my hybrid 'shield popper' build that I use on a lot of my escorts: a DBB w/ BO, cannons and a torp forward.
While yes, I *DO* happen to find Vesta's weak, reading comprehension should tell you that is not what I in fact said.
I said that the new ship was like a weak Vesta and a weak escort combined, not that the Vesta is weak.
I do happen to also not care for the Vesta... but that is a topic for another thread.
I'm familiar enough with your post history to know your opinion on the Vesta, reading comprehension is not the problem here. However, in the spirit of constructive discussions, I'll be more than happy to agree that it was not what you posted here. My point still stands on its own regardless of whom I quoted.
My strategy was to stay in science mode, then uncloak. Before uncloak, I used Tac Team and Emergency Power to Weapons. As soon as I uncloaked, I popped Temporal Inversion Field and dropped a Grav Well, while keeping FAW and Spread 3 loaded up. I then used my Photonic Fleet and dropped the Rupture. I switched to Tactical mode, burned Scatter Volley 3 and my Tyken's Rift. I feel like the Temporal Warfare set is pretty essential to any science character looking to DPS with science skills, since it speeds up the recharge time of all powers, making the wretched cooldown between grav well and rift less of a burden.
EDIT: When the triple-pack comes out, I plan on ditching the Elachi console, as well as the Assimilated Module. Hopefully I can make up the lost crit chance with Boffs.
Sardak (Science Officer): Captain of a 23k DPS R'Mor Temporal Science Vessel, R.R.W. Vathos Odan Brota (Science Officer): Captain of a 28k DPS Scryer Intel Science Vessel, U.S.S. Kepler Patiently waiting for a Romulan Science Vessel
On the topic of the Vesta, the new sci deflectors and ship loadouts will change her game entirely. Carriers won't be getting the deflectors, and loadouts will let her flexibility actually mean something. As it stands now, I pretty much set my ships with universal slots and forget them, or have a couple load outs ready to go to switch between PvE and PvP, but soon we will be able to take a Vesta and change her into all kinds of builds on the fly. That and the new deflectors will give her one hell of a facelift.
If I'm being honest? I can't ever get on with the Vesta because I know the glory of flying a Kar'Fi... A Vesta is a poor substitute. New features are going to radically change my views on this very shortly, tho.
Edit: Damn you now I want to waste a whole day flying my damned Karp again! I guess its my KDF's turn to hit the new mission...
I once again match my character. Behold the power of PINK!
Fleet Admiral Space Orphidian Possiblities Wizard
It's big, theoretical advantage, that the Dyson destroyer could act more flexible is completely countermanded by the long, 60 second CD on the Tac/Sci mode switch.
The cooldown is only on the switch *to* Tac mode. You start in Sci mode, then can switch to Tac mode for 2 seconds or 2 minutes. When you switch back, then you get the 60 second cooldown.
honestly, from a min/maxer point of view, that won't make much difference. But then you weren't gonna like this ship regardless.
"You Iconians just hung a vacancy sign on your asses and my foot's looking for a room!"
--Red Annorax
Honestly after watching a YT vid of the FE and seeing the Fed version, I'm not impressed ...
Its nice enough, but there are many, many other ships already in game, that I don't have to grind for, or even try all that hard to get, So I don't think I'll bother on my Fed and Klink ...
My Romulan Sci Toon is salivating over the ship though ... She's almost got me half convinced to get it for her, and I have to agree it is ... gorgeous ... IMO
But then again, it's really just the skin that we both like, so maybe just wait for the C-Store version?
I haven't seen a lot of word on the forums about the new ships, at least not any word that isn't drowning in a sea of "discussion" about grinding or lockboxes. Let's put aside all of that for this thread and just look at the ships themselves, and what we know about them in the hours before they all go live.
My gut reaction was this: Cryptic is doing it again. Applying a band-aid to a gaping chest wound and failing at it.
These ships are literally nothing more than an attempt to turn 'science' into dps ships (ergo, tactical).
Instead of getting off their rear ends and FIXING science (this meaning returning it to its ability to defeat enemies with SCIENCE abilities not brute weapon DPS) they are introducing new 'science' ships that are literally a tier 4 escort inserted into the rear end of a tier 5 science ship.
All stats aside the design choice for the Fed ship is poor. That has to be the ugliest none Trek looking ship yet. They all seem to be moving the art design away from Star Trek.
I'm happy with the KDF version of this ship. We had nothing like it at all and we were the ones a Sci/Tact hybrid made the most sense with. Try being a Sci Kling - Vo'Quv or bust, basically.
So got to fly the Fed version in the mission now too. I can give an opinion. Personally, I do love the lines on the Fed version and will be getting it for my Fed Joined Trill Sci.
Those who seem to think what it looses changing between the two modes are missing the point. This ship is a Hybrid of the Science and Escorts.
Let me repeat and rephrase that: Science-Escort Hybrid
It IS supposed to lose out on advantages of one mode while in the other. This balances it out. Now, is it a C-store or Fleet Ship? Hardly but it holds it's own nicely and I am betting the one we use in the mission IS the C-Store version because some of those powers are not listed in the Dev Blog.
Using the full Tech Set it has negates the turn rate issues as the Engines boost turn rate from weapon's fire whose source is Energy-based. This does help out in either mode. It is probably easier to adjust if you are coming from a T5 Science ships you get at level up into this one as the play styles are the same or off the T5 Escorts. Either way, you will easily get the hang of this ship's handling in either mode. Cruiser Captains may also enjoy this one as well.
As far as the BOff seating goes...Nothing really to say here save they would of done better making the Ensign Slot a Universal Slot for this preview ship. The C-store version might have this though so not too much. Otherwise it works very well.
Build wise...I'd favor the Dyson Beam/Torp/Console with Fleet or Dyson Consoles to round it out.
being most sci ships only have 3 fore whepions and this has 4 in tac mode. so its a bit extra dps and the gun responds both to beam and cannon skills so you will not be losing your subsystem targeting in tac mode cannon fit.
i say built right on the correct class this ship can be something to fear.
and who said there not fixing science there all getting the second deflector that will add ability and buffs.
and for kdf side i gotta agree heck the ship even looks nicer.
These Dyson Science Destroyers have got me back playing STO after giving up playing 3 months ago due to the heavy favoritism given to DPS.
I see these new ships as a chance to try and build a proper star trek vessel, one like the movies and series where it can tank, dps and use science abilities in fairly equal measure.
It may not be my dream ship, but its a step closer.
My dream ship would be a science focused battle cruiser (let the criticism begin...) :P
These dyson ships are the closest I'm likely to get to that for a while to come.
But...I am back playing STO and enjoying it again, so these ships aren't all bad.
These Dyson Science Destroyers have got me back playing STO after giving up playing 3 months ago due to the heavy favoritism given to DPS.
I see these new ships as a chance to try and build a proper star trek vessel, one like the movies and series where it can tank, dps and use science abilities in fairly equal measure.
It may not be my dream ship, but its a step closer.
My dream ship would be a science focused battle cruiser (let the criticism begin...) :P
These dyson ships are the closest I'm likely to get to that for a while to come.
But...I am back playing STO and enjoying it again, so these ships aren't all bad.
It is not a step closer. Don't you see they are selling you a weapon-dps centric 'science' ship? You're not doing science with it.
A science focused battlecruiser is literally the Nebula. Look at how BAD it sucks in the game. This new science destroyer is only better than the nebula because it gets a lot of escort-like abilities stapled onto it. It is NOT a science ship. Its an escort with science abilities.
Pre-F2P when the science ships actually existed as science ships, the weapons on them were there to compliment the science abilities. You would never defeat a cruiser or an escort with gun dps no matter how hard you spec'd and equipped the ship for it. Science ship were NASTY to fight against because they had a veritable bag of tricks to toss at you... but look at them now. The meta is weapon dps above anything with science being used to assist weapons. This science destroyer would be as obsolete and useless as the Nebula is now if it did not have all that escort stuff on it.
The Vesta was a first bad step now this. Rather than fixing science they are burying it further by merging it with escort dps junk.
The new ship has a Proton cannon... that combined with the prototype cannon and a protonic dual beam or dual cannon plus Dyson consoles (and there ARE +20-30 ish consoles)
my ship's fore weaponry is very formidable already. I also used the Dyson consoles with photon torpedo boosts... and the gravity photon torp.. not a bad setup .. fleet Photon in rear with 2 fleet anti proton beam arrays.
Comments
Now the hirogens however, cute, sweet, trek like
I don't fly my Vesta, and I have good escorts...
Fleet Admiral Space Orphidian Possiblities Wizard
http://imgur.com/a/ZF7NO
i love that ship
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
This ^
The only reason I'm running the project for the ship is to save the secondary deflector for when it becomes available on the vesta
Rear Admiral , Engineering Division
U.S.S. Sheffield N.C.C. 92016
My ship of choice says hi;
http://skillplanner.stoacademy.com/?build=gravwellodoom_0
Nothing weak about it, completely schools in CEE and ISE.
Art:
The hallmark of Federation starships is that, by and large, they appear to be sleek and graceful. This ship is not that, in my opinion. There are too many harsh lines and the ship is bulky enough to look blocky. The default color scheme only reinforces that perception.
I'm still struggling to put into words what this ship makes me think of, but the only word that comes to my mind is -- I'm sorry -- ugly. It bears some slight outward resemblance to the Obelisk carrier, but without the lattice-like structures, the sweeping curves, and the sense of open space inside the superstructure. This ship might have looked better if even more design cues had been taken from the Obelisk carrier and from the external architecture of the Spires.
As an aside, I am beginning to wonder if Cryptic is having trouble designing new Fed ships that look distinct but still follow all of the usual design cues. My thought about that is that I think Cryptic should consider developing hybridized design cues that take some inspiration from both Klingon and Romulan ships while maintaining some form of saucer and nacelle.
Gameplay - Power Tray Defaults
One of the things that contributed to my negative reaction to the ship was the random arrangement of powers in the power tray. Cryptic, it really breaks story immersion when you have to spend a few minutes rearranging the power tray before you can jump into the action... or if you jump in anyway, you're struggling to operate the ship's abilities.
The switch to Tactical Mode didn't help. The power trays rearranged themselves again.
Some kind of sensible preset arrangements within the mission would have alleviated this. I'm sure when we have the ability to save power tray configuration on the permanent ship, that would help too.
Gameplay - Powers
I love the idea of special "Hero" abilities that we can use in an FE. But the decision to also include all the bells and whistles of the equipment set might not have been the way to go. If the intent was to get us to play with those console and set powers so we want to get them all, the reality is that I naturally preferred to concentrate on trying to use the Hero powers effectively and didn't spend enough time getting the feel of the ship's equipment.
In short, there were simply too many new powers to deal with all at once. And that leads me to the observation that 3 and 4 piece sets don't give much bang for the buck because you end up having 'gimmick' powers that you really don't use unless they're passive. I experienced pretty much the same thing with the Vesta 3 piece set. (I have yet to use the Vesta's Quantum shields in combat, and rarely ever use the Gravimetric 'push'.)
That said, I have a vague favorable impression of most of those special powers. The subspace fold, I never really got a chance to use. If I decide to replay, I'm sure my impressions will get more detailed.
The ship feels noticeably more responsive and powerful in Tactical mode and I suspect that those who get the ship will end up spending most of their time in it.
Overall
I have to be honest. I want to like this ship. But from my first impression, I don't.
The look of the ship is a real turn-off for me, and it's a disincentive to participate in the daily Qmendation chore. I won't care to fly it, and much prefer my Vesta.
In science mode, the ship feels a bit clunky. In reality, I think it probably flies about as well as the Vesta does but the ship's appearance contributes to that feeling of being ungainly and slow to turn.
Link: How to PM - Twitter @STOMod_Bluegeek
That said, I will get one for my Fed Sci toon, but that's probably it.
My Foundry missions | My STO Wiki page | My Twitter home page
Based on the build links provided, we have very different build standards
I couldn't get the Vesta's DPS anywhere near my Mobius, Fleet Advanced Escort, JHAS, etc. -- these typically push 10k/sec, even with <5 targets present. The hangar pets couldn't quite make up for the missing 4th forward weapon slot, and it was difficult maintaining 125+ weapon power non-stop. What kind of numbers are your builds posting in ISE?
The integrated dual heavy proton cannon on the Dyson Sci-Destroyers requires using the Dyson auto-targeting tac consoles to make their damage worth while, but at least there is an integrated 4th forward weapon, and the dynamic Tactical Commander BOFF station isn't too shabby.
Lobi store qmendation boxes.
Not really what you'd consider high, high DPS but definitely close to that mark (9k-10k). The quality of life improvement comes from the control through GW3 and Voth Doffed TCB2. Lead with GW3 on the nanite probes, TCB the spheres to them, run like hell, turn around, and torp spread them with the Graviton Photons. In every case, I will get at least two mini procs which causes a cascading effect. When the spheres start popping in a cluster like the one you just caused, substantial bonus damage kicks in.
Mind you, this is also done with juggling BFAW2, EPtW2, and EPtS3 with double DCE doffs, GW aftershock doffs, and a Deflector Officer Doff.
Thats what I did, I got the fed one last night.. Almost got the full set to try out, but RL took over. So far the ship is pretty neat.. pretty gimmick.
I said that the new ship was like a weak Vesta and a weak escort combined, not that the Vesta is weak.
I do happen to also not care for the Vesta... but that is a topic for another thread.
Fleet Admiral Space Orphidian Possiblities Wizard
The problem with the integrated weapon is, that it's proton and that it isn't removable. No way to buff it, without gimping your damage elsewhere and you're either "forced" into a cannon-build or into having a weapon slot that doesn't profit from having a boff-skill-modifier (e.g. when using beams & FAW/BO).
Tac Boff-wise, it's a bummer that we have a Cmdr and an Ensign Tac slot, which pretty much prevents any efficient use of 2 different types of weapons (torps/cannons, DBB/cannons) in combination with 2 TTs, especially when the ship is in Sci-mode.
I agree with that. I've been comparing it to my Temp Destroyer and Temp Science ship ship on the same character and both ships fulfill their roles much better than the Hybrid.
It's big, theoretical advantage, that the Dyson destroyer could act more flexible is completely countermanded by the long, 60 second CD on the Tac/Sci mode switch.
I'll be going with my hybrid 'shield popper' build that I use on a lot of my escorts: a DBB w/ BO, cannons and a torp forward.
I'm familiar enough with your post history to know your opinion on the Vesta, reading comprehension is not the problem here. However, in the spirit of constructive discussions, I'll be more than happy to agree that it was not what you posted here. My point still stands on its own regardless of whom I quoted.
I'd link skill planner, but it's not updated yet, so here we go:
Fore: Dyson Grav Torp, Experimental Proton Weapon, Chroniton Dual Beam Bank, Proton Quads
Aft: Kinetic Cutting Beam, Omni-Directional Antiproton, Temporal Disruption Device
Engines, Shields, Core, Deflector(s): All the items from the mission, Mk XII
Science Consoles: 2x Graviton Gens Mk XII [ShH] [-Th] Fleet, 2x Particle Gens Mk XII [ShH] [-Th] Fleet
Engineering Consoles: Assimilated Module, Proton Particle Stabilizer
Tactical Consoles: Tachyokinetic Converter, Plasmonic Leech, Elachi Subspace Rupture.
My strategy was to stay in science mode, then uncloak. Before uncloak, I used Tac Team and Emergency Power to Weapons. As soon as I uncloaked, I popped Temporal Inversion Field and dropped a Grav Well, while keeping FAW and Spread 3 loaded up. I then used my Photonic Fleet and dropped the Rupture. I switched to Tactical mode, burned Scatter Volley 3 and my Tyken's Rift. I feel like the Temporal Warfare set is pretty essential to any science character looking to DPS with science skills, since it speeds up the recharge time of all powers, making the wretched cooldown between grav well and rift less of a burden.
EDIT: When the triple-pack comes out, I plan on ditching the Elachi console, as well as the Assimilated Module. Hopefully I can make up the lost crit chance with Boffs.
Odan Brota (Science Officer): Captain of a 28k DPS Scryer Intel Science Vessel, U.S.S. Kepler
Patiently waiting for a Romulan Science Vessel
If I'm being honest? I can't ever get on with the Vesta because I know the glory of flying a Kar'Fi... A Vesta is a poor substitute. New features are going to radically change my views on this very shortly, tho.
Edit: Damn you now I want to waste a whole day flying my damned Karp again! I guess its my KDF's turn to hit the new mission...
Fleet Admiral Space Orphidian Possiblities Wizard
honestly, from a min/maxer point of view, that won't make much difference. But then you weren't gonna like this ship regardless.
--Red Annorax
Honestly after watching a YT vid of the FE and seeing the Fed version, I'm not impressed ...
Its nice enough, but there are many, many other ships already in game, that I don't have to grind for, or even try all that hard to get, So I don't think I'll bother on my Fed and Klink ...
My Romulan Sci Toon is salivating over the ship though ... She's almost got me half convinced to get it for her, and I have to agree it is ... gorgeous ... IMO
But then again, it's really just the skin that we both like, so maybe just wait for the C-Store version?
My gut reaction was this: Cryptic is doing it again. Applying a band-aid to a gaping chest wound and failing at it.
These ships are literally nothing more than an attempt to turn 'science' into dps ships (ergo, tactical).
Instead of getting off their rear ends and FIXING science (this meaning returning it to its ability to defeat enemies with SCIENCE abilities not brute weapon DPS) they are introducing new 'science' ships that are literally a tier 4 escort inserted into the rear end of a tier 5 science ship.
Science destroyers ...what a joke.
I thought i was the only one who thought this.
Those who seem to think what it looses changing between the two modes are missing the point. This ship is a Hybrid of the Science and Escorts.
Let me repeat and rephrase that: Science-Escort Hybrid
It IS supposed to lose out on advantages of one mode while in the other. This balances it out. Now, is it a C-store or Fleet Ship? Hardly but it holds it's own nicely and I am betting the one we use in the mission IS the C-Store version because some of those powers are not listed in the Dev Blog.
Using the full Tech Set it has negates the turn rate issues as the Engines boost turn rate from weapon's fire whose source is Energy-based. This does help out in either mode. It is probably easier to adjust if you are coming from a T5 Science ships you get at level up into this one as the play styles are the same or off the T5 Escorts. Either way, you will easily get the hang of this ship's handling in either mode. Cruiser Captains may also enjoy this one as well.
As far as the BOff seating goes...Nothing really to say here save they would of done better making the Ensign Slot a Universal Slot for this preview ship. The C-store version might have this though so not too much. Otherwise it works very well.
Build wise...I'd favor the Dyson Beam/Torp/Console with Fleet or Dyson Consoles to round it out.
i say built right on the correct class this ship can be something to fear.
and who said there not fixing science there all getting the second deflector that will add ability and buffs.
and for kdf side i gotta agree heck the ship even looks nicer.
i have ti fitted with wide angle quantom, and 2 fleet phaser DBB for and 2 fleet phaser turrets and the cutting beam rear
and using the new hybrid tech set full 4pc just because i think my old set up was better though of 2pc mk xii borg and mk xii maco shield
I see these new ships as a chance to try and build a proper star trek vessel, one like the movies and series where it can tank, dps and use science abilities in fairly equal measure.
It may not be my dream ship, but its a step closer.
My dream ship would be a science focused battle cruiser (let the criticism begin...) :P
These dyson ships are the closest I'm likely to get to that for a while to come.
But...I am back playing STO and enjoying it again, so these ships aren't all bad.
It is not a step closer. Don't you see they are selling you a weapon-dps centric 'science' ship? You're not doing science with it.
A science focused battlecruiser is literally the Nebula. Look at how BAD it sucks in the game. This new science destroyer is only better than the nebula because it gets a lot of escort-like abilities stapled onto it. It is NOT a science ship. Its an escort with science abilities.
Pre-F2P when the science ships actually existed as science ships, the weapons on them were there to compliment the science abilities. You would never defeat a cruiser or an escort with gun dps no matter how hard you spec'd and equipped the ship for it. Science ship were NASTY to fight against because they had a veritable bag of tricks to toss at you... but look at them now. The meta is weapon dps above anything with science being used to assist weapons. This science destroyer would be as obsolete and useless as the Nebula is now if it did not have all that escort stuff on it.
The Vesta was a first bad step now this. Rather than fixing science they are burying it further by merging it with escort dps junk.
my ship's fore weaponry is very formidable already. I also used the Dyson consoles with photon torpedo boosts... and the gravity photon torp.. not a bad setup .. fleet Photon in rear with 2 fleet anti proton beam arrays.
I'm so far pleased with it..