Sizing it Down

May I say that mini-crit rockets are severely less fun than normal crit rockets. However, mini-crit afterburn is pretty useful. *Ahem*.

The idea behind mini-crits becomes apparent once you delve into the facts. First, let's take a look at what mini-crits there are in the game at this moment.

Jarate minicrits
The more obvious of the two, since it is its primary function. These mini-crits reward Snipers (and their teammates) for being able to take out and douse the enemy with... bodily fluids. Regardless, Jarate-ing multiple enemies is not always an easy task, and it's hard to learn the projectile curve of the jar, considering you have to wait pretty long to throw another one. (Let's leave achievementbox maps outta this.) So if the Sniper does manage to dampen the enemies' will to live, their health will lower at a similar rate.

Flare-onto-burning-enemy minicrits
Ah yes, the satisfying *DING!* of a flare mini-crit. Upon landing successive flare hits unto an enemy, the Pyro can deal that extra 35% damage due to a minicrit. Now this is a way to make the flare more viable and more useful after the enemy is already ignited. The Pyro's aim is rewarded by a reassuring sound that


Long story short, mini-crits are rewards for a player's skill. Although random crits are designed to be strongly influenced by skill, they are random. Mini-crits are a fine addition to Team Fortress 2's increasing player content, and I feel they are an example of what the game is supposed to be.

Giddy'up, Pardner

I thought I might throw some Engie unlockables at you.

EMP Shottie (Primary Slot)

Shoots an electromagnetic pulse at the enemy, disrupting Spies' cloaks, and "painting" any disguised enemy Spies (without necessarily removing their disguise, but rendering it pretty useless). However, the heavy modifications unto this weapon reduced it's firerate, and it's larger shell size means less per clip.
+ Disrupts enemy cloak

+ Paints enemy Spies

- Reduced clipsize (4 instead of 6)
- Reduced damage? (90%?)

- Slower firerate

Anti-Sap-o-Matic (Drill) (Secondary Slot)
A power tool which allows the user to remove sappers at a faster rate than the Wrench can supply. However, it's not very good for anything else. (Uses ammo?)
+ Removes sappers lickety-split (Faster than 3 hits of the wrench, but not too fast.)
- No pistol means less firepower going forward

'Ol Bessie (Primary Slot)
A trusty dual-barreled shotgun sure to leave a mark. This firearm is good for those who want to get some damage in at farther ranges. Perfect for any outdoor excursion!
+ More range (less spread and falloff)
+ Increased firerate
+ Damage? (120%?)
- Clipsize of only 2 shells
- Slower reload


I chose 2 Primary slot unlockables because the Wrench and Build+Demolish Panels are good as they are, and Valve already decided "3 weapons, any slots". Also, I can't think of another pistol replacement. Maybe a revolver would fit with Engie's character, I dunno. I think 'Ol Bessie's a better match.

Before I forget...

Oh yeah, Left 4 Dead 2. Coming November, so the first game will be a year old when this comes out.

But don't trust Valve time. I'm sure we'll have to wait longer.

Trying to start again

I'll start to post more updates here on the blog, so if anybody's out there, stay tuned. Most of the stuff pouring out will be gaming/life stuff that doesn't really belong in DA journal posts.

GO TO DEVIANTART

I *actually* update there, you know.

http://supasoldier.deviantart.com

Snoipah Unlochabuhls

Sniper class time.

The Overheater: A sniper rifle that functions more or less like the original, but suffers 60% damage. Ignites the target with a powerful burn.

Tranquilizer: Every hit slows the target. Slower firerate.

Club: 50% damage, but deals 100% crit on tranquilized and overheated enimies.

Scout Unlockables -edit

Uh, more Scout ideas.

The Boomer: Pushes people back just like Natascha. 75% damage.

Desert Eagle: Same principle as the Scout revolver idea; more damage, lower firing rate and clipsize.

Stunstick: Flashes sparks on the target's screen and "Sentry pushes" if you hit, but swings dramatically slower. (Make sure you can't do this to teammates. That would be bad.)