🚀 go-pugleaf

I'd have to agree about the dubious value of proximity bombs.  The 
standard warhead for Descent concussion and homing missiles seems to do about
the same amount of damage per target as level 1 and 2 laser fire (about 
24 to 26 points of shields per hit).  Moreover, the radius of activation is
such that should you chose not to detonate the bomb with fire, its generally
possible to skirt the bomb itself in most tunnels.  They would be more 
effective and desireable if 1) the robots were more pursuant or 2) 
they were considerably stronger than laser fire, or 3) their activation 
radius was comparable to the blast radius.  Also, like the flares, they
seem to have too short a period of activity.  Why do they self-detonate after
45 seconds?  This considerably limits their strategic utility in denying 
corridors of approach, or building obstacles.

Likewise, with the vulcan cannon, the main advantage I've found is that the
projectiles hit the target IMMEDIATELY, without any opportunity for evasive
action.  It's curious that the vulcan is faster than the laser.  Tachyon 
technology, anyone?  It's other main merit is that it gives fewer cues to 
the source of the fire, which is particularly useful when sniping at 
human opponents otherwise engaged.  8)  It does expend ammo at a horrendous
rate, though.  Even in present day fighter planes, there is enough 20mm ammo
so that the vulcan can fire continuously for upwards of 30 seconds.  I
haven't timed it, but I think 5000 rounds provided for only about 12 seconds
of automatic fire in Descent.

As for the spreadfire cannon, as far as I can tell the main advantage is that
it offers a better chance to make a hit.

Also, we are notified when a supermech has got a missile lock on us, but how
do we know when our own homing missile has found a target?  I feel like I'm
firing these things blind.

And WHAT is the deal with those robot generators?  Are they affected by
damage, or do they simply have a limited supply of raw materials to create
robots with?  

And before any of you get the idea that I'm full of nothing but gripes, 
I have to say that this is the first game that I've been excited about in
ages.  Bravo.

Darryl