In this thread I will address some of the general game changes made that I think are positive and hope will remain coming into final release. This thread will be updated
I will explain briefly each point. Please keep arguing/cluttering this thread to a minimum, but feel free to make brief posts on whether you agree/disagree with certain points or if you wish to add something I've missed
I also hope to put together a run-down of each faction (or each one I've played) if I get time. The run down's will focus on positives, so the devs can get an idea about what works well, however there will still be balance suggestions.
Ramming:
Big positives here. I think re-worked ramming is brilliant. Increases to ramming damage mean that the decision to ram now carries weight, and it also means it's much more worthwhile, especially for factions which rely on ramming damage.
Only one change suggested here:
All Eldar ships (potentially excluding a few examples) should probably have a max ship 'weight' of Cruiser or even LC. It seems reasonable that even being rammed by an LC should punish Eldar ships significantly, and in addition Eldar ships shouldn't have any incentive to ram their opponent.
Aside from this one recommendation, ramming is spot on.
Escorts
Escort pricing seems good (perhaps Eldar versions could be cheaper) and the buffing the range of 'scan' to 13k was a good choice, solidifying their role and making them properly useful ships.
Capture points
I think the entire closed beta team agrees with this point, and for the most part I'm on their side, that escorts should not be able to cap and only line ships should be able to. The devs can decide, but what we do need is that capture points need to capture/recapture much faster, the current pace really hurts the flow of the game.
Asteroids and Gas clouds
Where did these go? Is this a beta bug they barely spawn now? It probably wouldn't hurt to have a few more of these spawn. Don't over do it though!
Ordnances
Overall positive here. Fighters attacking defence turrets is good, strike craft regaining charges on survival is good. 100% bonus to turret accuracy while on brace is a little much, however there are also some scenarios where you need it, as having ships instantly hulked by carrier spam from tyranids can cause problems. The devs have almost got this sorted, but be careful, as ordnances could easily be made very over powered on factions that can spam them.
Ship pricing
This is better addressed per faction, however changes to ship pricing have generally made a lot more cruisers/LCs more viable which is good. There are still a few issues to be ironed out but a big step has been taken in the right direction.
Scuttling
I like this mechanic, it's a neat idea but the damage is a bit high which really punishes certain factions. Perhaps lower scuttle damage, or give it a delay so players have a chance to dodge the area of effect.
An Imperial Navy and Necron post will hopefully follow in the next few days, thanks for reading.
PLEASE SEE ASHARDLONS POST BELOW FOR SOME CORRECTIONS ON MY POINTS