Science Vessel Nebula equals no purchase. Im not wasting hard earned money on something that is worthless to me as a tactical officer. To be right they should release 3 versions one Cruiser with the extra nacelles, One Escort with the Weapons Pod, and One Science with the Sensor Pod.
I'd like to chime in here, having had the chance to play around with the Nebula class a bit.
As of this writing, the Nebula is a Science Vessel, with 3 hard points front and 3 back, and stacked with Science consoles. That may be subject to change, but I think it is a good fit.
Why? Because gameplay-wise, the Nebula is a solid support ship. The low-tier version has an impressive scan ability, and the high-tier is able to create a tachyon web amongst nearby ships, which increases stealth detection by a good margin. This is a very effective PVP vessel because it can smoke out cloaked enemies from a wider distance than standard sensor scan, and good timing can shut down a cloak rush before it happens.
This also makes it a high-priority target for teams that use cloak, because if you are able to knock out the Nebula before it uses its ability you are free to use battle cloak more effectively until the Nebula re-enters the fight.
And since the Nebula currently has a universal boff station, there is a large amount of flexibility available. Obviously not as much as a Bird-of-prey, but a skilled Nebula captain will undoubtedly be able to turn fights to his or her advantage by predicting rushes and adjusting accordingly.
And keep in mind that boffs can be traded out during PVP as long as the ship is out of combat, so the amount of flexibility on the Nebula is unparalleled on the Fed side.
3 Slots Forward and 3 aft for weapons on a ship with a torpedo pod thats insane. I was looking forward to this ship more than any other ship you guys had announced or released so far. Now Im dissapointed severely and probably wont be purchasing the Nebula. Its being really let down with the lack of weapons. Big Miss guys Big Miss.
The last time i checked most Nebula class ships where all use as science/ medical ships. the USS Farragut NCC-60597 in 2371 helped recovery the crew of the USS Enterprise-D from Veridian III fellowing a warp core breach. The USS Bellerophon was also a science ship which participated in the battle against the borg at wolf 359. Bellerophon was later name after an intrepid class which become admiral Ross. The USS Lexington was also a science ship. i can name all the nebula class ships which was in service as science and medical ship so i dont see you point. you should just thank the development team for even making it possible for the Nebula class to make into the game. if you like the ship so much as you clam then it shouldn't be a problem to you whether its a science or cruiser or for that matter an escort.
The last time i checked most Nebula class ships where all use as science/ medical ships. the USS Farragut NCC-60597 in 2371 helped recovery the crew of the USS Enterprise-D from Veridian III fellowing a warp core breach. The USS Bellerophon was also a science ship which participated in the battle against the borg at wolf 359. Bellerophon was later name after an intrepid class which become admiral Ross. The USS Lexington was also a science ship. i can name all the nebula class ships which was in service as science and medical ship so i dont see you point. you should just thank the development team for even making it possible for the Nebula class to make into the game. if you like the ship so much as you clam then it shouldn't be a problem to you whether its a science or cruiser or for that matter an escort.
How do you come to the conclusion that it was a science/medical ship in all of those events you just mentioned??? Just saying something is so doesn't make it true...
I really agree with those of you who have mentioned that the core of our issue with ships is the classification system and lack of personal modification options. But I think its highly unlikely that Cryptic will ever change the system, at least not within the next year given all that needs done. Not to mention redoing it would mean that they're original System was fundamentally flawed, which I'm not sure they'll ever admit.
So having said all that, I think that they should do what would satisfy the majority of players. To my mind The original build would have allowed ALL classes to use the ship effectively, and give Sci players a LTC slot on a cruiser, while dealing upper moderate DPS (4-4 hardpoints) and tanking at the same Time. so while Sci players should get a Sci ship, lets just say for a moment that the nebula was given a star cruiser base, Is that really that un-appealing to a Sci player? I mean it would be highly functional imo...No? You could easily make that work, and be effective even if its not quite what you had in mind. Now by comparison the same cannot be said about a Tac or to some degree an Engy player in a sci ship(DSSV). Its simply just not that usefull. Add in that Sci consoles are too nerfed and not as usefull compared to thier counterparts, only 3-3 hardpoints, and smaller hull and I really don't see a Tac or engy being that effective in this build.There needs to be a great new ship with a DSSV base, I just know that the Nebula isn't quite right for it.
Am I missing something?
Its a fundamental issue I know, But I feel like the original would have worked for everyone, but now it just works for Some, and on such a popular design, is that really nessesary? So I guess my question to you all is, was the original build really that bad for a sci player? and Before you answer please compare your Success or failure in that build to that of the Current build with a tac or engy in it....would you still keep it a DSSV base? I really am curious to the mindset here behind the switch to DSSV base, as I don't see alot of them in game nemore. Thanks for humoring me on this shpeal
I never got any science players to respond to me on this. Why was the original build so bad. why not keep it? Just out of principle? just because its a cruiser?
I never got any science players to respond to me on this. Why was the original build so bad. why not keep it? Just out of principle? just because its a cruiser?
As someone who plays an Engineer in a Science Vessel as their main alt, I am going to ask you why should it be a cruiser? Why can science captains use cruisers and escorts but tactical and engineering captains cannot use science vessels? You do know that your career does not force you into a specific ship class. If you really want to use a Nebula, go ahead. Use it. You may need to adjust your playstyle however.
The Galaxy-X and Excelsior were both cruisers, time for some other ship denominations to get some love.
Now the supposed setup isn't what I would have gone with. I would have taken the Excelsior principle and applied it to Science Vessels. Namely had a unique BO setup with a Lt. Comm Engineer, Commander Science, Lt. Science, Ensign Science, and Lt. Tactical and otherwise made it comparable to the existing science vessels.
Honestly, I couldn't possibly care less about game mechanics. I'm going to fly the ship that I like best. However, the Trek community in general has accepted that the Nebula was a science-based ship for years and years, so I'm glad to see it as a Science ship in game. Weapon hardpoints and DPS and such nonsense mean so little to me that they shouldn't even be factored into the conversation.
Honestly, I couldn't possibly care less about game mechanics. I'm going to fly the ship that I like best. However, the Trek community in general has accepted that the Nebula was a science-based ship for years and years, so I'm glad to see it as a Science ship in game. Weapon hardpoints and DPS and such nonsense mean so little to me that they shouldn't even be factored into the conversation.
So even if the ship had boomsticks instead phasers and shot snowballs out of it torpedo tubes, its engines was capable only of warp 1 and 5 impulse speed, BUT it had nebula model, you would fly it ? oh..great :rolleyes:
Probably. I'm still flying my Galaxy-class at RA,UH 4, as I have not yet qualified for the Galaxy-refit and still prefer that ship over my other options. I see myself quite likely doing the same with the Nebula if I make any new science ship pilots. Fly the T3 version through T3 and T4, then upgrade to the refit at T5. It's my favorite ship, period. I'm going to fly it.
Probably. I'm still flying my Galaxy-class at RA,UH 4, as I have not yet qualified for the Galaxy-refit and still prefer that ship over my other options. I see myself quite likely doing the same with the Nebula if I make any new science ship pilots. Fly the T3 version through T3 and T4, then upgrade to the refit at T5. It's my favorite ship, period. I'm going to fly it.
But majority of players want competitive ship. While im sure there are individuals, who would stick with miranda for whole game.
I trust in the devs to balance every ship in the game. But blance is not all about DPS and weapons slots. There are other factors involved, and I'll not worry myself over them. Where the ship may fall short for some, it will prove exemplary for others. I'll not suggest that one concern is more correct than the other.
But majority of players want competitive ship. While im sure there are individuals, who would stick with miranda for whole game.
I think that is part of the issue... "competitive". First off the game does not revolve around PVP. Second I wouldn't be surprise if they up coming space balance fix (what ever that is) will help balance all the ships to be "competitive". I base that on D saying they wanted to re look at all the ships and powers.
I think that is part of the issue... "competitive". First off the game does not revolve around PVP. Second I wouldn't be surprise if they up coming space balance fix (what ever that is) will help balance all the ships to be "competitive". I base that on D saying they wanted to re look at all the ships and powers.
Competitive doesnt mean only pvp, but pve also. Its difference to kill a ship in 10s and 3 minutes for example. I just dont want that nebula ends like the Kar'Fi of the federation. But since the special ability is clearly a pvp one, the ship is more or less meant for pvp.
Competitive doesnt mean only pvp, but pve also. Its difference to kill a ship in 10s and 3 minutes for example. I just dont want that nebula ends like the Kar'Fi of the federation. But since the special ability is clearly a pvp one, the ship is more or less meant for pvp.
I disagree, the specials really don't mean alot in either case, The Phaser lance on the Gal X or the transwarp on the Exe. So I don't think there is a pvp focus here for the ship, only something to make it science like.
I don't see the Nebula being like the carrier from the depths of Klingon hell. However, ultimately it is gonna have to be tested first to see what it will be like.
I disagree, the specials really don't mean alot in either case, The Phaser lance on the Gal X or the transwarp on the Exe. So I don't think there is a pvp focus here for the ship, only something to make it science like.
I don't see the Nebula being like the carrier from the depths of Klingon hell. However, ultimately it is gonna have to be tested first to see what it will be like.
People said Kar'Fi will be TRIBBLE before it was put on live. People tested Kar'Fi only to prove what they knew before, the ship was implemented anyway...almost noone is flying it, except few RPers and enthusiasts. I have seen ONE in weeks.
I hope Nebula wont suffer same fate.
The difference is, that Nebula is also sold in C-Store...
Unfortunately, Im getting tired of people ruining this game on the grounds of if it is canon or not.
I just want a game I feel comfortable playing every day. If sticking with a strict code of canon ruins that (which it tends to do) then developers should do what they need to make things in the game get approval by the IP holder then shoot the moon with the rest of it. If they have fun making a game they shouldnt have to go to the forums to ask for recommendations or for approval.
As far as canon is concerned. The Nebula being a science service type ship is very canon.
The Galaxy-X and Excelsior were both cruisers, time for some other ship denominations to get some love.
the problem with your reasoning is you've assumed there were only two camps. I know I at least like the idea of a multi-role ship (something that doesn't exist fed side) I don't care about the "cruiser" or "science" designation, but objectively speaking a cruiser with more weapons and balanced subsystem boosts is most able to shift roles.
So to me every time someone says:
"there are fewer science ships than cruisers I want the nebula to be sciene to balance things out"
I hear:
"They have 5 and I only have 3, give me your 1 so that everything will be in balance".
To me and anyone else who saw the Nebula as something that hadn't been done before (not as 'another cruiser') all this arguing about it being "yet another cruiser" sounds petty, and greedy.
the problem with your reasoning is you've assumed there were only two camps. I know I at least like the idea of a multi-role ship (something that doesn't exist fed side) I don't care about the "cruiser" or "science" designation, but objectively speaking a cruiser with more weapons and balanced subsystem boosts is most able to shift roles.
So to me every time someone says:
"there are fewer science ships than cruisers I want the nebula to be sciene to balance things out"
I hear: "They have 5 and I only have 3, give me your 1 so that everything will be in balance".
To me and anyone else who saw the Nebula as something that hadn't been done before (not as 'another cruiser') all this arguing about it being "yet another cruiser" sounds petty, and greedy.
Yet making it Cruisers having 6 then will surely even things out right? :rolleyes:
Yet making it Cruisers having 6 then will surely even things out right? :rolleyes:
No,
The point is "evening things out" is in my mind a worthless goal in this case. The goal should instead be to make a ship that fills an as yet unfilled gameplay role. In this case that role was (for the cruiser version of the nebula) a ship that can change specialtys based on context. A ship like that gains no benefit from the science or escort design packages, but does benefit from the cruiser package.
There being more crusers than science ships doesn't make the science ships less effective. If there are more gameplay roles that can be filled by new cruisers, than I say make more cruisers.
Now all that said. I'm not against the science version of the nebula, because As I see it it fills the role of sencore specialost/C&C ship. That role having been somewhat underwhelmingly performed by existing science ships. My problem is with the argument that "they have more than me", and the fact that it seems to be the only argument for the nebula being C&C ship rather than a multi-role, when the latter is more supported by the soft canon sarounding the design.
[edit]
to clarify I'm against the "balance it out" argument not the science nebula. So here's a free _good_ argument for those who can't think of one themselves (and those who missed it when someone brought it up ocasionally):
the tachion detection grid boosts sencores. On a cruiser that's not very useful. However a science ship has not only more opertunity to take powers boosted by it, but also the subsystem targeting powers which benafit. Thus there is stronger synergy with the science build, than with the cruiser build.
No, The point is "evening things out" is in my mind a worthless goal in this case. The goal should instead be to make a ship that fills an as yet unfilled gameplay role. In this case that role was (for the cruiser version of the nebula) a ship that can change specialtys based on context. A ship like that gains no benefit from the science or escort design packages, but does benefit from the cruiser package.
There being more crusers than science ships doesn't make the science ships less effective. If there are more gameplay roles that can be filled by new cruisers, than I say make more cruisers.
Now all that said. I'm not against the science version of the nebula, because As I see it it fills the role of sencore specialost/C&C ship. That role having been somewhat underwhelmingly performed by existing science ships. My problem is with the argument that "they have more than me", and the fact that it seems to be the only argument for the nebula being C&C ship rather than a multi-role, when the latter is more supported by the soft canon sarounding the design.
Out of curiosity, what ship do you favor flying if I may ask? And I'm not just referring to the Nebula.
So even if the ship had boomsticks instead phasers and shot snowballs out of it torpedo tubes, its engines was capable only of warp 1 and 5 impulse speed, BUT it had nebula model, you would fly it ? oh..great :rolleyes:
If I could run out to S-mart and get a Nebula I would in a heart beat!! Yay boomstick!!!
I have no problems with the ship being Science. I'm a tactical officer and I've always used science ships, well until I hit T4, I then switched to cruiser because I've never liked the flying garden spade. But when I hit T5, i'll probably respec yet again to fly the Nebula. My only concern is with the turn rate. That's total TRIBBLE. Otherwise i'm sure i'll be happy with the ship, though an extra weapon hard point forward would be nice to represent the weapons pod. Just how I see it.
Out of curiosity, what ship do you favor flying if I may ask? And I'm not just referring to the Nebula.
I prefer science ships, over all (tried to get into escorts or cruisers while levelign but always wen back to science by the end of the tier). Though I've been using an assault cruiser more than my Deep space Science ship now that I'm at tier 5, but that may just be because the DSSV is a piece of junk (I've heard it's not very popular).
I prefer science ships, over all (tried to get into escorts or cruisers while levelign but always wen back to science by the end of the tier). Though I've been using an assault cruiser more than my Deep space Science ship now that I'm at tier 5, but that may just be because the DSSV is a piece of junk (I've heard it's not very popular).
Forget for a moment about the perception of what is popular according to the people you've spoken to. Think what skills you'd want to run on a ship. Now tell me, if in my case, wanting to use higher tier science BoF skills, would going cruiser make sense? The devs will soon test the Nebula on Tribble Server. You want to give your input on making it a better Science Vessel? Then test it. After you test it, submit your opinions on it. With enough input I'm sure the devs are reasonable enough to adjust it. But to argue that making it a Cruiser is the best decision based on a view of what is presumed to be popular is ludicrous. I see the devs releasing the Nebula as a Science Vessel instead of the default cruiser as a step into finally evening out the playing field as far as ship options for all play styles. My hope is to see all 3 ship classes on the Fed side and all 4 on Klingon side have an equal set of viable options. Not just cater to one groups sense of "fair play".
Forget for a moment about the perception of what is popular according to the people you've spoken to. Think what skills you'd want to run on a ship. Now tell me, if in my case, wanting to use higher tier science BoF skills, would going cruiser make sense? The devs will soon test the Nebula on Tribble Server. You want to give your input on making it a better Science Vessel? Then test it. After you test it, submit your opinions on it. With enough input I'm sure the devs are reasonable enough to adjust it. But to argue that making it a Cruiser is the best decision based on a view of what is presumed to be popular is ludicrous. I see the devs releasing the Nebula as a Science Vessel instead of the default cruiser as a step into finally evening out the playing field as far as ship options for all play styles. My hope is to see all 3 ship classes on the Fed side and all 4 on Klingon side have an equal set of viable options. Not just cater to one groups sense of "fair play".
No, flyign a cruiser if you want to be a sceince specialist is redicilous, but there are already 3 ships at tier 5 that can have high level science BO powers, you don't need a new ship to do that if that is your goal.
_However_
what _I_ would like to be able to do is use mid-level powers from all discaplines effectively. There is no ship that does this, and the science version of the nebula will not be as good at it as the cruiser version would have been (mostly because tactical powers will be less useful on a ship with fewer weapon options and no boost to weapons power, but also because engineering powers synergize better with powers from other discaplines than science powers do).
So form my view it wasn't a choice between (having 6 cruisers and 4 science ships vs 5 cruisers and 4 sceince ships) rather it was (between 1 multi-role and 3 science ships vs 0 multi role and 4 sceince ships).
And it bugs me a bit that the argument of "there aren't enough ships for my play style" is being used by people who already have at least one ship sutable for that play style.
For the record, they never said prior to 7's construction that there was no astrometrics lab, nor even that there wasn't already one in place of what we later see. As far as anyone knows, 7 just took what was already there and improved it with Borg technology, adding a few extra things like a better screen.
Sorry to resurrect this thread but... "for the record"... in season 7's episode "Shattered", when Chakotay is talking to a Janeway from the past about going there, Janeway specifically states "Voyager doesn't have an astrometrics lab."
So I'll happily stand by my belief that the Intrepid class was designed for speed and maneuverability which are both assets to close range combat. Given the class's limited photon supply, it was likely either intended for heavy phaser use or short duration missions.
In theory it could have been designed to fill the gap between the Defiant class and larger, more conventional cruiser designs.
Sorry to resurrect this thread but... "for the record"... in season 7's episode "Shattered", when Chakotay is talking to a Janeway from the past about going there, Janeway specifically states "Voyager doesn't have an astrometrics lab."
So I'll happily stand by my belief that the Intrepid class was designed for speed and maneuverability which are both assets to close range combat. Given the class's limited photon supply, it was likely either intended for heavy phaser use or short duration missions.
In theory it could have been designed to fill the gap between the Defiant class and larger, more conventional cruiser designs.
I always took the Voyager or the Intrepid class to be a Frigate anyway. It seems the right size and outfit for that role and it would make sense in the ST universe.
I always took the Voyager or the Intrepid class to be a Frigate anyway. It seems the right size and outfit for that role and it would make sense in the ST universe.
They'd actually work very nicely in tandem with a Defiant class. Have two Intrepids come in quick, take the first blows, weaken the enemies, then warp out... then have a Defiant come in, flank, and blow the snot out of them. A potent combination for hit and run attacks.
No, flyign a cruiser if you want to be a sceince specialist is redicilous, but there are already 3 ships at tier 5 that can have high level science BO powers, you don't need a new ship to do that if that is your goal.
_However_
what _I_ would like to be able to do is use mid-level powers from all discaplines effectively. There is no ship that does this, and the science version of the nebula will not be as good at it as the cruiser version would have been (mostly because tactical powers will be less useful on a ship with fewer weapon options and no boost to weapons power, but also because engineering powers synergize better with powers from other discaplines than science powers do).
So form my view it wasn't a choice between (having 6 cruisers and 4 science ships vs 5 cruisers and 4 sceince ships) rather it was (between 1 multi-role and 3 science ships vs 0 multi role and 4 sceince ships).
And it bugs me a bit that the argument of "there aren't enough ships for my play style" is being used by people who already have at least one ship sutable for that play style.
But on the other hand...there needs to be another cruiser in the game considering how many high level ones already exist? Are you kidding me?:mad:
Comments
3 Slots Forward and 3 aft for weapons on a ship with a torpedo pod thats insane. I was looking forward to this ship more than any other ship you guys had announced or released so far. Now Im dissapointed severely and probably wont be purchasing the Nebula. Its being really let down with the lack of weapons. Big Miss guys Big Miss.
How do you come to the conclusion that it was a science/medical ship in all of those events you just mentioned??? Just saying something is so doesn't make it true...
I never got any science players to respond to me on this. Why was the original build so bad. why not keep it? Just out of principle? just because its a cruiser?
As someone who plays an Engineer in a Science Vessel as their main alt, I am going to ask you why should it be a cruiser? Why can science captains use cruisers and escorts but tactical and engineering captains cannot use science vessels? You do know that your career does not force you into a specific ship class. If you really want to use a Nebula, go ahead. Use it. You may need to adjust your playstyle however.
The Galaxy-X and Excelsior were both cruisers, time for some other ship denominations to get some love.
Now the supposed setup isn't what I would have gone with. I would have taken the Excelsior principle and applied it to Science Vessels. Namely had a unique BO setup with a Lt. Comm Engineer, Commander Science, Lt. Science, Ensign Science, and Lt. Tactical and otherwise made it comparable to the existing science vessels.
So even if the ship had boomsticks instead phasers and shot snowballs out of it torpedo tubes, its engines was capable only of warp 1 and 5 impulse speed, BUT it had nebula model, you would fly it ? oh..great :rolleyes:
But majority of players want competitive ship. While im sure there are individuals, who would stick with miranda for whole game.
I think that is part of the issue... "competitive". First off the game does not revolve around PVP. Second I wouldn't be surprise if they up coming space balance fix (what ever that is) will help balance all the ships to be "competitive". I base that on D saying they wanted to re look at all the ships and powers.
Competitive doesnt mean only pvp, but pve also. Its difference to kill a ship in 10s and 3 minutes for example. I just dont want that nebula ends like the Kar'Fi of the federation. But since the special ability is clearly a pvp one, the ship is more or less meant for pvp.
I disagree, the specials really don't mean alot in either case, The Phaser lance on the Gal X or the transwarp on the Exe. So I don't think there is a pvp focus here for the ship, only something to make it science like.
I don't see the Nebula being like the carrier from the depths of Klingon hell. However, ultimately it is gonna have to be tested first to see what it will be like.
People said Kar'Fi will be TRIBBLE before it was put on live. People tested Kar'Fi only to prove what they knew before, the ship was implemented anyway...almost noone is flying it, except few RPers and enthusiasts. I have seen ONE in weeks.
I hope Nebula wont suffer same fate.
The difference is, that Nebula is also sold in C-Store...
I just want a game I feel comfortable playing every day. If sticking with a strict code of canon ruins that (which it tends to do) then developers should do what they need to make things in the game get approval by the IP holder then shoot the moon with the rest of it. If they have fun making a game they shouldnt have to go to the forums to ask for recommendations or for approval.
As far as canon is concerned. The Nebula being a science service type ship is very canon.
Heh, it was supposed to say powerful Excelsior. I think the phone rang at that moment. Hate it, but what do you do?
the problem with your reasoning is you've assumed there were only two camps. I know I at least like the idea of a multi-role ship (something that doesn't exist fed side) I don't care about the "cruiser" or "science" designation, but objectively speaking a cruiser with more weapons and balanced subsystem boosts is most able to shift roles.
So to me every time someone says:
"there are fewer science ships than cruisers I want the nebula to be sciene to balance things out"
I hear:
"They have 5 and I only have 3, give me your 1 so that everything will be in balance".
To me and anyone else who saw the Nebula as something that hadn't been done before (not as 'another cruiser') all this arguing about it being "yet another cruiser" sounds petty, and greedy.
Yet making it Cruisers having 6 then will surely even things out right? :rolleyes:
No,
The point is "evening things out" is in my mind a worthless goal in this case. The goal should instead be to make a ship that fills an as yet unfilled gameplay role. In this case that role was (for the cruiser version of the nebula) a ship that can change specialtys based on context. A ship like that gains no benefit from the science or escort design packages, but does benefit from the cruiser package.
There being more crusers than science ships doesn't make the science ships less effective. If there are more gameplay roles that can be filled by new cruisers, than I say make more cruisers.
Now all that said. I'm not against the science version of the nebula, because As I see it it fills the role of sencore specialost/C&C ship. That role having been somewhat underwhelmingly performed by existing science ships. My problem is with the argument that "they have more than me", and the fact that it seems to be the only argument for the nebula being C&C ship rather than a multi-role, when the latter is more supported by the soft canon sarounding the design.
[edit]
to clarify I'm against the "balance it out" argument not the science nebula. So here's a free _good_ argument for those who can't think of one themselves (and those who missed it when someone brought it up ocasionally):
the tachion detection grid boosts sencores. On a cruiser that's not very useful. However a science ship has not only more opertunity to take powers boosted by it, but also the subsystem targeting powers which benafit. Thus there is stronger synergy with the science build, than with the cruiser build.
Out of curiosity, what ship do you favor flying if I may ask? And I'm not just referring to the Nebula.
If I could run out to S-mart and get a Nebula I would in a heart beat!! Yay boomstick!!!
I have no problems with the ship being Science. I'm a tactical officer and I've always used science ships, well until I hit T4, I then switched to cruiser because I've never liked the flying garden spade. But when I hit T5, i'll probably respec yet again to fly the Nebula. My only concern is with the turn rate. That's total TRIBBLE. Otherwise i'm sure i'll be happy with the ship, though an extra weapon hard point forward would be nice to represent the weapons pod. Just how I see it.
I prefer science ships, over all (tried to get into escorts or cruisers while levelign but always wen back to science by the end of the tier). Though I've been using an assault cruiser more than my Deep space Science ship now that I'm at tier 5, but that may just be because the DSSV is a piece of junk (I've heard it's not very popular).
Forget for a moment about the perception of what is popular according to the people you've spoken to. Think what skills you'd want to run on a ship. Now tell me, if in my case, wanting to use higher tier science BoF skills, would going cruiser make sense? The devs will soon test the Nebula on Tribble Server. You want to give your input on making it a better Science Vessel? Then test it. After you test it, submit your opinions on it. With enough input I'm sure the devs are reasonable enough to adjust it. But to argue that making it a Cruiser is the best decision based on a view of what is presumed to be popular is ludicrous. I see the devs releasing the Nebula as a Science Vessel instead of the default cruiser as a step into finally evening out the playing field as far as ship options for all play styles. My hope is to see all 3 ship classes on the Fed side and all 4 on Klingon side have an equal set of viable options. Not just cater to one groups sense of "fair play".
No, flyign a cruiser if you want to be a sceince specialist is redicilous, but there are already 3 ships at tier 5 that can have high level science BO powers, you don't need a new ship to do that if that is your goal.
_However_
what _I_ would like to be able to do is use mid-level powers from all discaplines effectively. There is no ship that does this, and the science version of the nebula will not be as good at it as the cruiser version would have been (mostly because tactical powers will be less useful on a ship with fewer weapon options and no boost to weapons power, but also because engineering powers synergize better with powers from other discaplines than science powers do).
So form my view it wasn't a choice between (having 6 cruisers and 4 science ships vs 5 cruisers and 4 sceince ships) rather it was (between 1 multi-role and 3 science ships vs 0 multi role and 4 sceince ships).
And it bugs me a bit that the argument of "there aren't enough ships for my play style" is being used by people who already have at least one ship sutable for that play style.
Sorry to resurrect this thread but... "for the record"... in season 7's episode "Shattered", when Chakotay is talking to a Janeway from the past about going there, Janeway specifically states "Voyager doesn't have an astrometrics lab."
So I'll happily stand by my belief that the Intrepid class was designed for speed and maneuverability which are both assets to close range combat. Given the class's limited photon supply, it was likely either intended for heavy phaser use or short duration missions.
In theory it could have been designed to fill the gap between the Defiant class and larger, more conventional cruiser designs.
I always took the Voyager or the Intrepid class to be a Frigate anyway. It seems the right size and outfit for that role and it would make sense in the ST universe.
They'd actually work very nicely in tandem with a Defiant class. Have two Intrepids come in quick, take the first blows, weaken the enemies, then warp out... then have a Defiant come in, flank, and blow the snot out of them. A potent combination for hit and run attacks.
I don't know, how is "Nebula" any more sciencey than "Galaxy"?
But on the other hand...there needs to be another cruiser in the game considering how many high level ones already exist? Are you kidding me?:mad: