Dkamanus
2012-09-03, 07:52 AM
This is a message I made on the forums of SOE, trying to give some pointers for infantry towards tank drivers.
Hi there.
I'm doing this post as a Vanguard Driver and as a Combat medic. I saw the need to do something like this 'cause, as a tank driver, I've seem some STUPID things that I would never do (anymore at least) as an infantry. First, people need to understand. Tank drivers need space. A LOT of Space to move. Why? The way tanks are currently makes the need to move a must. We can't stand on the same spot for too much time, even more with shells being lobbed at us.
Why must I do such a thread? Me, as a combat medic, MUST mind my surroundings a lot. A dead medic is a useless medic, and therefore, I must keep on my toes. That is specially truth when I see tanks rolling in. The driver is already tasked with driving (Moving to position, avoiding getting hit by other tanks and infantry), shooting (involving the focus to calculate the shoots and all) and surivivng (which can be tough, considering the Air).
The LAST place someone will want to use as cover is the side, front or behind of a tank. Once engaged in combat, infantry simply ceases to exist and I'm commited in destroying the other tank, which could cause lots of troubles for the infantry. Today I had a big problem with that. Since I'm spending quite more time (and Certs) on my vanguard MBT, I'm using it way much more. And I saw players actually using me as cover, or either ignoring me completely.
When in combat, It's impossible for me to focus on all those things, and still the little dots that are my infantry allies. I might run people over, but most that I do think I should be paying attention more on them then on the enemy armor (ground AND air). I do consider myself a quite competent tank driver, and I use a Vanguard with the AP Turret, top armor, and AA Gun, which make me useless against infantry.
Which takes me to the pointers:
- Don't try to use a tank as cover.
The driver's vision is limited to its turret, which only faces in a 130º arc, 65º to the left of the gun, 65º to the right of the gun. We can't see people on our cone of vision unless they are in front of us, and in combat, we WON'T pay a huge attention to the radar, unless to know where our fellow tank drivers are. We can't be keeping track of infantry at all.
- Man a tank's turret, even for a while
You will help you either your tank driver by being extra damage (or covering an entire section, like the Air) and your fellow infantry/air fighters, and you'll be protected from infantry fire. In my case, I know the tanks worst enemy is air fighters, so I get an AA gun on the tank, which will help somewhat negate the air advantage, or, at least, make the fighter think twice before engaging me head-on. The AA gun on the Vanguard is VERY STRONG if you can keep hitting the target, and it is the bane of Liberators and galaxies.
- STAY CLEAR of a tank's possible path
This one is important. When you see a tank, give him passage. Tanks take more time from stopping and resuming movement then infantry, and they can't stop instantly to avoid hitting an infantry. Tanks take huge time to traverse mountains, and they'll mostly take roads. Use the sides of the roads for moving, not the center of it.
- Let your tank driver know you're empty on the gunner seat
Tanks, as of now, don't hold enough ammo, if the driver is good enough to survive (A record of mine was 40+/- without losing it). It will run out of ammo. Let the driver know you're empty, and he'll try to grab ammo somewhere (because a gunner seat manned is VERY IMPORTANT).
- DON'T REPAIR if you (don't know what to do/aren't asked to)
This is also a major pointer, and one that actually makes tanks get weapon locked quite easily. Do tank drivers like repairs? YES, WE DO! What we don't like is an enginner trying to repair us while we're in moving combat. Why? The hitbox of the tank will run over people, even if YOU seem to be a foot away from the tank. That happens a lot.
Normally a driver will be an Enginner himself and will know when to pull out and repair. IF the driver is shooting stationary, you may repair if you want, but MIND THE TREADS POSITION. It is to where the driver will move forward or retreat, and he wants you to stay clear. Don't try repairing a moving tank, you have a BIG chance of being run over.
These are some pointers I think infantry should be aware. We tank drivers want to help infantry with heavy ordenance, or AV support, but we will (as I did for the First time today since I got into Beta) get weapon locked with infantry throwing themselves against a tank because they are clueless of their surroundings.
Thank you.
What are your opinions on the matter? Should the tank driver be MORE responsible, or is it actually an infantrys fault? Its a sort of discussion (and problem) most drivers want to happen. Not saying change the game mechanics (unless they are bugs), but trying to create a conscience, some sort of mentality for the game.
Hi there.
I'm doing this post as a Vanguard Driver and as a Combat medic. I saw the need to do something like this 'cause, as a tank driver, I've seem some STUPID things that I would never do (anymore at least) as an infantry. First, people need to understand. Tank drivers need space. A LOT of Space to move. Why? The way tanks are currently makes the need to move a must. We can't stand on the same spot for too much time, even more with shells being lobbed at us.
Why must I do such a thread? Me, as a combat medic, MUST mind my surroundings a lot. A dead medic is a useless medic, and therefore, I must keep on my toes. That is specially truth when I see tanks rolling in. The driver is already tasked with driving (Moving to position, avoiding getting hit by other tanks and infantry), shooting (involving the focus to calculate the shoots and all) and surivivng (which can be tough, considering the Air).
The LAST place someone will want to use as cover is the side, front or behind of a tank. Once engaged in combat, infantry simply ceases to exist and I'm commited in destroying the other tank, which could cause lots of troubles for the infantry. Today I had a big problem with that. Since I'm spending quite more time (and Certs) on my vanguard MBT, I'm using it way much more. And I saw players actually using me as cover, or either ignoring me completely.
When in combat, It's impossible for me to focus on all those things, and still the little dots that are my infantry allies. I might run people over, but most that I do think I should be paying attention more on them then on the enemy armor (ground AND air). I do consider myself a quite competent tank driver, and I use a Vanguard with the AP Turret, top armor, and AA Gun, which make me useless against infantry.
Which takes me to the pointers:
- Don't try to use a tank as cover.
The driver's vision is limited to its turret, which only faces in a 130º arc, 65º to the left of the gun, 65º to the right of the gun. We can't see people on our cone of vision unless they are in front of us, and in combat, we WON'T pay a huge attention to the radar, unless to know where our fellow tank drivers are. We can't be keeping track of infantry at all.
- Man a tank's turret, even for a while
You will help you either your tank driver by being extra damage (or covering an entire section, like the Air) and your fellow infantry/air fighters, and you'll be protected from infantry fire. In my case, I know the tanks worst enemy is air fighters, so I get an AA gun on the tank, which will help somewhat negate the air advantage, or, at least, make the fighter think twice before engaging me head-on. The AA gun on the Vanguard is VERY STRONG if you can keep hitting the target, and it is the bane of Liberators and galaxies.
- STAY CLEAR of a tank's possible path
This one is important. When you see a tank, give him passage. Tanks take more time from stopping and resuming movement then infantry, and they can't stop instantly to avoid hitting an infantry. Tanks take huge time to traverse mountains, and they'll mostly take roads. Use the sides of the roads for moving, not the center of it.
- Let your tank driver know you're empty on the gunner seat
Tanks, as of now, don't hold enough ammo, if the driver is good enough to survive (A record of mine was 40+/- without losing it). It will run out of ammo. Let the driver know you're empty, and he'll try to grab ammo somewhere (because a gunner seat manned is VERY IMPORTANT).
- DON'T REPAIR if you (don't know what to do/aren't asked to)
This is also a major pointer, and one that actually makes tanks get weapon locked quite easily. Do tank drivers like repairs? YES, WE DO! What we don't like is an enginner trying to repair us while we're in moving combat. Why? The hitbox of the tank will run over people, even if YOU seem to be a foot away from the tank. That happens a lot.
Normally a driver will be an Enginner himself and will know when to pull out and repair. IF the driver is shooting stationary, you may repair if you want, but MIND THE TREADS POSITION. It is to where the driver will move forward or retreat, and he wants you to stay clear. Don't try repairing a moving tank, you have a BIG chance of being run over.
These are some pointers I think infantry should be aware. We tank drivers want to help infantry with heavy ordenance, or AV support, but we will (as I did for the First time today since I got into Beta) get weapon locked with infantry throwing themselves against a tank because they are clueless of their surroundings.
Thank you.
What are your opinions on the matter? Should the tank driver be MORE responsible, or is it actually an infantrys fault? Its a sort of discussion (and problem) most drivers want to happen. Not saying change the game mechanics (unless they are bugs), but trying to create a conscience, some sort of mentality for the game.