Destabilized Plasma Torpedo nerf

vorwoda · February 2016

From the February 25, 2016 patch notes:

•Destabilized Plasma Torpedo no longer benefits from cooldown reductions and other enhancements triggered by projectile weapons.
•This item is a Console, not a Weapon.

So, after 2 3/4 years, the Devs have suddenly decided to nerf the quintessential Romulan ship weapon, the Destabilized Plasma Torpedo. The signature weapon from the very first appearance of the Romulans in TOS is a true classic. The weapon already has significant drawbacks in speed and destructibility (both faithful to its on-screen appearance, and I am not complaining about them, merely pointing them out).

But now, in addition, they want to treat it differently from other torpedoes because it takes a console slot instead of a weapon slot! A torpedo is a torpedo, and should be treated the same. If that's not the case, are they going to give it a 360 degree field of fire? After all, it's not taking a fore or aft weapon slot, so why should its arc be restricted if their going to make a distinction? Are they similarly nerfing the other torpedo consoles (Ferengi missiles, Point Defense torpedoes, the recent six-shooter torpedo consoles, etc.)? Or are they simply singling out this ONE console?

I'd really like to know what they were thinking on this. If it's not just an arbitrary nerf, maybe a Dev could please comment. An explanation of why this was suddenly deemed necessary (and why NOW) would be much appreciated. And if feedback matters, please consider revoking this change.

pottsey5g · February 2016

To be fair to them they are only changing it to act like the other torpedo consoles and it was a bit overpowered giving you a fast firing extra weapon slot. The Ferengi missiles (*), Point Defense torpedoes, the recent six-shooter torpedo and other torpedo consoles don't benefits from cooldown reductions and other enhancements triggered by projectile weapons.

*Not the Ferengi missiles weapon slot, the other one.

vorwoda · February 2016

Thanks, Pottsey! If that's really true about the other consoles, then I understand.

I can't speak to the Ferengi missile console or the point defense one (I don't have them), but I have noticed that the recharge rate on my six-shooter DOES seem to significantly speed up sometimes. I don't know WHAT triggers it, but that console is certainly being enhanced by something at odd intervals.

kodachikuno · February 2016

if you dont like that console/torp no more, I have space on my warbirds

chipg7 · February 2016

Yeah, it now falls in line with a bunch of other weapon-like consoles. It is kinda strange that they're changing it now, after so long. But, I can also appreciate in general when the Devs do go back and fix things that - even years later - they feel need an update or change. Not always the best change, mind you, but still good they don't just release-and-forget like a lot of other games do.