The reason I'm asking is this: My science character owns the "Science" Vesta, and I LOVE it, I really do. Using dual heavy cannons, it's just too convenient to use a tac officer in the Lt Commander universal slot and get more DPS than any other science ship would using Cannon Rapid Fire. Especially with sensor analysis on top of that.
HOWEVER, I can't help but feel I'm missing out on the TRUE science ship experience...Commander AND Lt Commander science Boffs, for all the variety of science powers that would bring, as well as subsystem targeting using beams or dual beams. I've been thinking about buying a science ship that I could use to get that "true" science ship experience. One that cannot equip dual cannons, therefore taking that out of the equation and allowing me to utilize ALL science ship abilities, ie subsystem targeting.
So I guess my question is this: Besides the Vesta, is there any C-store science ship you love, or would definitely consider buying? Do you believe there is a good reason to use a "non Vesta" science ship? Does this feeling of wanting a "true" science experience make sense to anyone else?
Thanks for your time!
Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do anything that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference.
-Captain James T. Kirk
The artox has some nice shience abilitys plus carrier, and cannons.
I'm quite fond of the noobula, more of an engineers sci ship.
And theres always the wells time ship.
It's really down to what your playstyle is more than being "science". Since most science is controll or debuff, if thats not what you like to do then you wont like having more of those abilitys.
What science abilitys do you use?
As a time traveller, Am I supposed to pack underwear or underwhen?
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
I for one didnt care all that much for the vesta so i didnt get it...I do however have the Atrox, which is great IMO for tac, Eng, OR Sci...I havethe LRSVR for Sci and Tac...it does pretty well with Polarized Tetryon beam arrays heheh...that being said...i am not a pvp...I am a PvE player...and use i use DHC...but unlike alot of people in this game who thing DPS is the winning thing...i like using the other weapons also heh.
I've flown the Nebula, the Intrepid Retro, the DSSV, and the RSV all at Vice Admiral.
I now fly the Vesta. I don't really see a need to go back. The Vesta can do most of what I could do before (no tachyon detection grid, for instance, but a better turtle shell power than the intrepid). And it pulls better weapon damage output. And it has a hangar. It's just got more. And you know what that little girl says in that annoying cell phone commercial about more ...
I've never considered subsystem targeting worth doing most of the time. I guess it might be good for PvP, but it's pretty much a why bother thing for PvE. So I would say that you can get the full sci ship experience just by using the Aux DHCs and an LtC sci on your Vesta. That's what I do and I'm quite happy with it. Obviously I'm not doing as much DPS as I could be, but I get to pack a nice set of sci abilities in exchange, and it winds up being able to do quite a bit, including handling both sides of probes in KASE.
I use Scramble Sensors and Gravity Well in my Lt Commander and Commander slots. I love hitting groups of Borg spheres with those two. As for lower end abilities, I don't quite know which abilities I like yet. So far I've been using healing abilities like TSS and HE are nice, and I can throw them on others, too.
So I would say that you can get the full sci ship experience just by using the Aux DHCs and an LtC sci on your Vesta. That's what I do and I'm quite happy with it. Obviously I'm not doing as much DPS as I could be, but I get to pack a nice set of sci abilities in exchange, and it winds up being able to do quite a bit, including handling both sides of probes in KASE.
This is where most will call me crazy. I think the phaser proc is mostly useless. So I don't use the Aux DHCs. Instead I tune my power settings for 100/50/25/25, use Romulan Plasma DHCs, and FIVE +9% plasma scaling consoles. I know the point of the Aux DHCs is for the Auxiliary power to be maxed, but I'm specced into Auxiliary power so it usually sits about 68/25 anyway. Add in MACO shields, and it's very often 77/25. Finally, I pop Auxiliary batteries in those moments when I really want my science abilities to shine.
As for the extra science abilities, I guess I could try a science in the Lt Commander slot for a while, but I just feel it'll be a waste of the Vesta's particular strength. Thats why I was thinking a different science ship altogether when I want the whole package.
OH, and you do bring up a good point though: Along with this, I was wondering if subsystem targeting is really very useful anyway...
Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do anything that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference.
-Captain James T. Kirk
I use Scramble Sensors and Gravity Well in my Lt Commander and Commander slots. I love hitting groups of Borg spheres with those two. As for lower end abilities, I don't quite know which abilities I like yet. So far I've been using healing abilities like TSS and HE are nice, and I can throw them on others, too.
This is where most will call me crazy. I think the phaser proc is mostly useless. So I don't use the Aux DHCs. Instead I tune my power settings for 100/50/25/25, use Romulan Plasma DHCs, and FIVE +9% plasma scaling consoles. I know the point of the Aux DHCs is for the Auxiliary power to be maxed, but I'm specced into Auxiliary power so it usually sits about 68/25 anyway. Add in MACO shields, and it's very often 77/25. Finally, I pop Auxiliary batteries in those moments when I really want my science abilities to shine.
As for the extra science abilities, I guess I could try a science in the Lt Commander slot for a while, but I just feel it'll be a waste of the Vesta's particular strength. Thats why I was thinking a different science ship altogether when I want the whole package.
OH, and you do bring up a good point though: Along with this, I was wondering if subsystem targeting is really very useful anyway...
Well if you really only use the crowd controll abilitys you could try another ship entirely.
The cstore advanced escort has a ltc sci so you would have to pic eith ss or gw (unless you drop a heal)
The ambassador also has a ltc sci but lacks cannons
Carriers have a good science slot and can mount cannons, after LOR launches you may even be able to turn one.
Theres also the oddy which has a version with sensor scan and has a universal ltc combined with its LT sci slot you end up with 5 science powers.
And the ever trusty nooobula. which has a universal LT slot so it is fairly customizable.
Point is it doesent seem like its "science" you like, its just the ability to ruin a day. And any ship that can carry those abilitys will suit you.
As for the innate sub system targeting, They are the same as the ensign level tac abilitys but you cant skill them up to reduce the cool down.
As a time traveller, Am I supposed to pack underwear or underwhen?
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
I'm not spending money on the Vesta when I can get a really nice ship for free.
The point of the Vesta is that it's a strictly better ship. The Universal BOff slots give it versatility in loadout, the Aux Cannons let it deal strong damage while maintaining strong Sci powers, the hangar is a pure DPS add... it's just tough to justify using anything but the Vesta for a Sci ship.
Personally, I really want to like the Fleet Intrepid that I have, but it's just impossible to justify flying it when the Vesta does literally everything that it can do, and more.
__________________________________________________
Joined January 2010.
The point of the Vesta is that it's a strictly better ship. The Universal BOff slots give it versatility in loadout, the Aux Cannons let it deal strong damage while maintaining strong Sci powers, the hangar is a pure DPS add... it's just tough to justify using anything but the Vesta for a Sci ship.
Personally, I really want to like the Fleet Intrepid that I have, but it's just impossible to justify flying it when the Vesta does literally everything that it can do, and more.
Except I prefer the look of the Intrepid FAR more than I do the Vesta. As such I don't care if the Vesta had 21 consoles and 4 universal commander boff slots. I like my Intrepid and there's really nothing that will make me switch. I suppose I play more to have fun and less to improve my personal spreadsheets.
If you're a Min/Max player, the Vesta is the "End All, Be All" Sci vessel for the entire game. It literally does everything, even brings breakfast in bed for you.
Hell, I bought the 3 pack.
That said, I do not fly her anymore.
For Starfleet Ships, I've always kept to canon ships. The Nebulas, Intrepids, Novas, and even those "bubble headed" Sci ships. I've always preferred their appearances, and again, they've actually been shown onscreen. Not to mention the Nebula and Novas are not bad Sci vessels at all.
My Fed SCI Captain uses the Fleet Nebula, and it suits quite nicely while still screaming a traditional Starfleet look.
Let's see... there's a couple BOff layouts the Vesta can't replicate (Fleet Nova, Fleet Research Science Vessel, and maybe the Fleet Nebula w/ 2 LT Tac officers), and a few it doesn't turn as fast as (the Fleet Recon Science Vessel, Fleet Research Science Vessel, Fleet Nova, and the Wells class).
Overall, the only reason to use a Fleet Sci ship who's BOff layout the Vesta can match comes down to: Not wanting to muck with using the hangar, no interest/need of DHC's, and the desire to have a more durable ship. You're big loss is the hangar, which can add a ton of potential CC or damage output to the ship, though not so much you should feel obligated to fly it.
If you feel Keel'el's effect is well designed, please, for your own safety, be very careful around shallow pools of water.
And that's fine for those who want to spend money for that.
or time.. As we can say... Play to win.
I personally like most sci ships out there with versality in them, vesta, research, orb beawer, recluse etc.
I dont think theres any bad sci ships out there, its all about preference and the abilities you want to your ship or where you want to specialize in. I can't go full science... or full tactical... or full engineering... That's just not for me, it's boring as FK.
Say the word, it saves the world. CUUCUUMBEER!"-With slight partigen with it." Proud member or DPS-800"-We kill dem mines with our scitter turrets."
Does the Atrox Count? it is basically an overgrown Science ship with Hangars.
Also the D'Kyr... Comes with an awesome "Small Ship" looks amazing and is tough as nails. Not the biggest DPS'er anymore with Science nerfed into the ground but still a solid ship.
I've flown the Nebula, the Intrepid Retro, the DSSV, and the RSV all at Vice Admiral.
I now fly the Vesta. I don't really see a need to go back. The Vesta can do most of what I could do before (no tachyon detection grid, for instance, but a better turtle shell power than the intrepid). And it pulls better weapon damage output. And it has a hangar. It's just got more. And you know what that little girl says in that annoying cell phone commercial about more ...
Just for the record, you should be shoved out of the closest airlock, beamed to sickbay so they can resuscitate you and then rinse and repeat several trillion times....just for mentioning that fraking commercial!!!!
but in all seriousness with the Intrepid...is it worth using it as a sci or are you better off with a eng captain geared towards sci?
My Fed SCI Captain uses the Fleet Nebula, and it suits quite nicely while still screaming a traditional Starfleet look.
I love the Nebula class but Cryptic royally fubar'd the ship post F2P. Its just utterly obsolete.
My sci capt is using the T5 Embassador cruiser now and its just so much better. With it I can do everything the sci ship just couldn't do. It can tank..it can toss science abilities, it can do damage (4 beams 4 torps WOOT) and its very nimble.
The Nebula oth is a fat cow when it comes to turning, only tanks if fully specced (sci and eng) for shield and hull heals (ergo, it doesnt do science really), only does damage if it sacrifices science and some tanking for it.. and can't really do science unless it completely gives up any chance of tanking (no sci team nor shield transfer 3/2 available if full sci)...which means a random AOE kills the ship.
In comparison the embassador does everything the nebula does minus the cmdr level sci slot..but gains a cmdr level engineer slot...which is insanely useful.
Just for the record, you should be shoved out of the closest airlock, beamed to sickbay so they can resuscitate you and then rinse and repeat several trillion times....just for mentioning that fraking commercial!!!!
Sorry. It's one of those that just gets stuck in one's head.
but in all seriousness with the Intrepid...is it worth using it as a sci or are you better off with a eng captain geared towards sci?
I logged the most minutes in it as an Eng captain geared toward sci. I even made a huge effort ages ago to get my BOFFs done up with sci captain training provided by a friend to build this fun little drain build back when they worked better. The eng captain abilities made me a bit tougher so I rarely used the ablative armor.
So for my experience, I found it really easy going as an Eng in a sci ship. This particular character has flown a ton of science ships, heh.
Do any of you play as a Tactical Captain in an Intrepid? I have always loved the look of the ship and just refuse to play escorts (the only T5 I have is the HEC). I use the Tac Vesta and do enjoy it. Just wondering (before spending the money) if the Intrepid would play similar (minus the hanger of course). I don't feel I have to be tope of the charts dps...just wanna do my best and be able to contribute. Also, the disable sub-systems ability that science shisp have...does anyone find this effective in PvE?
Of the "regular" science ships, I've always been partial to the RSV. Heck, I've got my Vesta running the RSV's BOff setup...
On that note, the one and only "problem" I have with the regular science line is that outside of isolated instances (probe duty on Khitomer Space), there's little to no need for lots of crowd control - heck, a GW III combined with BFaW and a torp spread is enough to wipe out most of a typical 3 frigate patrol, and Tractor beam / sensor scan does a lot of damage to the big boys)...
Therefore, and with the PvE game's "reliance" on DPS DPS DPS, for science captains the best ships are the Vesta (Aux DHCs and suite of "damage" powers) or carriers (Atrox / Recluse) are handy, I flew the Recluse till the Vesta came out and might spend more time in the Recluse once the Mesh Weaver hangers are released...
Detecting big-time "anti-old-school" bias here. NX? Lobi. TOS/TMP Connie? Super-promotion-box. (aka the two hardest ways to get ships) Excelsior & all 3 TNG "big hero" ships? C-Store. Please Equalize...
To rob a line: [quote: Mariemaia Kushrenada] Forum Posting is much like an endless waltz. The three beats of war, peace and revolution continue on forever. However, opinions will change upon the reading of my post.[/quote]
My Fleet Nova (Rhode Island) is the one ship I can't mothball for long. It's the one ship that, no matter what new and shiny ships come along, I ALWAYS go back to.
The fact that I, personally, think the Nova/Rhode Island is the best design that Trek ever produced (again - my personal opinion), I love the BOFF layout, particuarly that Lt-Cmdr Tac. Have Dispersal pattern beta at my disposal, and can drop GWIII on the enemy and then dump some Tric mins on top of them. And with a few Embassy consoles and MkXII [Purple] Field generator, those shields can take some serious punishment.
I know that the Vesta can do everything the Fleet Nova can do, and can do most of it better, but sometimes that's not enough. I prefer my Rhode Island's look/design, I prefer her slightly better manuverability and the BOFF and cosonsole layout are absolutely fine in my eyes.
I maintain, no matter what new shiny ships come along, I sincerely doubt my Rhode Island will ever spend much time in mothballs - drop dead favorite ship.
The Fleet Nova is one of those ships that immediately jumped right out at me. It's like the MVAE's "sister" since both are TAC and SCI heavy, with the MVAE being more TAC and Nova being more SCI. But both can hit pretty hard in with the combination of those 2 skills.
I love my T5 Nebula for my sci. I will probably be getting him the Fleet Nebula very soon. The DSSV is very good as well, just not as tough or versatile as the Neb'.
Comments
I'm quite fond of the noobula, more of an engineers sci ship.
And theres always the wells time ship.
It's really down to what your playstyle is more than being "science". Since most science is controll or debuff, if thats not what you like to do then you wont like having more of those abilitys.
What science abilitys do you use?
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
Occidere populo et effercio confractus
I now fly the Vesta. I don't really see a need to go back. The Vesta can do most of what I could do before (no tachyon detection grid, for instance, but a better turtle shell power than the intrepid). And it pulls better weapon damage output. And it has a hangar. It's just got more. And you know what that little girl says in that annoying cell phone commercial about more ...
I use Scramble Sensors and Gravity Well in my Lt Commander and Commander slots. I love hitting groups of Borg spheres with those two. As for lower end abilities, I don't quite know which abilities I like yet. So far I've been using healing abilities like TSS and HE are nice, and I can throw them on others, too.
This is where most will call me crazy. I think the phaser proc is mostly useless. So I don't use the Aux DHCs. Instead I tune my power settings for 100/50/25/25, use Romulan Plasma DHCs, and FIVE +9% plasma scaling consoles. I know the point of the Aux DHCs is for the Auxiliary power to be maxed, but I'm specced into Auxiliary power so it usually sits about 68/25 anyway. Add in MACO shields, and it's very often 77/25. Finally, I pop Auxiliary batteries in those moments when I really want my science abilities to shine.
As for the extra science abilities, I guess I could try a science in the Lt Commander slot for a while, but I just feel it'll be a waste of the Vesta's particular strength. Thats why I was thinking a different science ship altogether when I want the whole package.
OH, and you do bring up a good point though: Along with this, I was wondering if subsystem targeting is really very useful anyway...
Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do anything that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference.
-Captain James T. Kirk
I love that flying shoe.
Well if you really only use the crowd controll abilitys you could try another ship entirely.
The cstore advanced escort has a ltc sci so you would have to pic eith ss or gw (unless you drop a heal)
The ambassador also has a ltc sci but lacks cannons
Carriers have a good science slot and can mount cannons, after LOR launches you may even be able to turn one.
Theres also the oddy which has a version with sensor scan and has a universal ltc combined with its LT sci slot you end up with 5 science powers.
And the ever trusty nooobula. which has a universal LT slot so it is fairly customizable.
Point is it doesent seem like its "science" you like, its just the ability to ruin a day. And any ship that can carry those abilitys will suit you.
As for the innate sub system targeting, They are the same as the ensign level tac abilitys but you cant skill them up to reduce the cool down.
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
Occidere populo et effercio confractus
Huzzah!
I'm not spending money on the Vesta when I can get a really nice ship for free.
The point of the Vesta is that it's a strictly better ship. The Universal BOff slots give it versatility in loadout, the Aux Cannons let it deal strong damage while maintaining strong Sci powers, the hangar is a pure DPS add... it's just tough to justify using anything but the Vesta for a Sci ship.
Personally, I really want to like the Fleet Intrepid that I have, but it's just impossible to justify flying it when the Vesta does literally everything that it can do, and more.
Joined January 2010.
In regard to hating Star Trek 2009:
And that's fine for those who want to spend money for that.
Except I prefer the look of the Intrepid FAR more than I do the Vesta. As such I don't care if the Vesta had 21 consoles and 4 universal commander boff slots. I like my Intrepid and there's really nothing that will make me switch. I suppose I play more to have fun and less to improve my personal spreadsheets.
Starfleet Hazard Ops
Hell, I bought the 3 pack.
That said, I do not fly her anymore.
For Starfleet Ships, I've always kept to canon ships. The Nebulas, Intrepids, Novas, and even those "bubble headed" Sci ships. I've always preferred their appearances, and again, they've actually been shown onscreen. Not to mention the Nebula and Novas are not bad Sci vessels at all.
My Fed SCI Captain uses the Fleet Nebula, and it suits quite nicely while still screaming a traditional Starfleet look.
Overall, the only reason to use a Fleet Sci ship who's BOff layout the Vesta can match comes down to: Not wanting to muck with using the hangar, no interest/need of DHC's, and the desire to have a more durable ship. You're big loss is the hangar, which can add a ton of potential CC or damage output to the ship, though not so much you should feel obligated to fly it.
or time.. As we can say... Play to win.
I personally like most sci ships out there with versality in them, vesta, research, orb beawer, recluse etc.
I dont think theres any bad sci ships out there, its all about preference and the abilities you want to your ship or where you want to specialize in. I can't go full science... or full tactical... or full engineering... That's just not for me, it's boring as FK.
CUUCUUMBEER! "-With slight partigen with it."
Proud member or DPS-800 "-We kill dem mines with our scitter turrets."
ooo, good point. Yes true
Also the D'Kyr... Comes with an awesome "Small Ship" looks amazing and is tough as nails. Not the biggest DPS'er anymore with Science nerfed into the ground but still a solid ship.
Just for the record, you should be shoved out of the closest airlock, beamed to sickbay so they can resuscitate you and then rinse and repeat several trillion times....just for mentioning that fraking commercial!!!!
but in all seriousness with the Intrepid...is it worth using it as a sci or are you better off with a eng captain geared towards sci?
I love the Nebula class but Cryptic royally fubar'd the ship post F2P. Its just utterly obsolete.
My sci capt is using the T5 Embassador cruiser now and its just so much better. With it I can do everything the sci ship just couldn't do. It can tank..it can toss science abilities, it can do damage (4 beams 4 torps WOOT) and its very nimble.
The Nebula oth is a fat cow when it comes to turning, only tanks if fully specced (sci and eng) for shield and hull heals (ergo, it doesnt do science really), only does damage if it sacrifices science and some tanking for it.. and can't really do science unless it completely gives up any chance of tanking (no sci team nor shield transfer 3/2 available if full sci)...which means a random AOE kills the ship.
In comparison the embassador does everything the nebula does minus the cmdr level sci slot..but gains a cmdr level engineer slot...which is insanely useful.
I think Bran or Taco once posted that the Nova is their favorite ship to fly? Forget which one of them it was. I'm thinking Bran though.
The fleet and c-store should have the sci ensign converted to universal stations, that is all that's needed to reinvigorate the lineup.
Sorry. It's one of those that just gets stuck in one's head.
I logged the most minutes in it as an Eng captain geared toward sci. I even made a huge effort ages ago to get my BOFFs done up with sci captain training provided by a friend to build this fun little drain build back when they worked better. The eng captain abilities made me a bit tougher so I rarely used the ablative armor.
So for my experience, I found it really easy going as an Eng in a sci ship. This particular character has flown a ton of science ships, heh.
On that note, the one and only "problem" I have with the regular science line is that outside of isolated instances (probe duty on Khitomer Space), there's little to no need for lots of crowd control - heck, a GW III combined with BFaW and a torp spread is enough to wipe out most of a typical 3 frigate patrol, and Tractor beam / sensor scan does a lot of damage to the big boys)...
Therefore, and with the PvE game's "reliance" on DPS DPS DPS, for science captains the best ships are the Vesta (Aux DHCs and suite of "damage" powers) or carriers (Atrox / Recluse) are handy, I flew the Recluse till the Vesta came out and might spend more time in the Recluse once the Mesh Weaver hangers are released...
To rob a line: [quote: Mariemaia Kushrenada] Forum Posting is much like an endless waltz. The three beats of war, peace and revolution continue on forever. However, opinions will change upon the reading of my post.[/quote]
Please! devs, can the tachyon detection grid be made a universal (sci) console?
I'm working on a stealth ship setup.:D
The Fleet Nova is one of those ships that immediately jumped right out at me. It's like the MVAE's "sister" since both are TAC and SCI heavy, with the MVAE being more TAC and Nova being more SCI. But both can hit pretty hard in with the combination of those 2 skills.