Battlefield

[LSD-39]

Does anyone else find the Recon class in BF3 redundant after the latest patch?

I loved recon when the game was released not only for the surveillance toys but the exclusive ability to engage at ultra long range on the large maps.  However,  with the bipod changes they introduced you can pretty much snipe with anything now.

My support class M27 for example,  I use it with the flash suppressor and bipod.  Its like running around with an assault rifle,  which performs well on the move,  yet always having the option to drop the bipod almost anywhere in an instant - transforming the gun into a 750RPM laser beam sniper killing machine.  

If that isn't enough the support kit gives infinite ammo,  has the option of C4 or even claymores to cover your back / doorway / whatever.  The Inf ammo means its the best kit to use alternative specialisations,  like COVR or SUPR.  

The SOFLAM gadget is often underused and the other 2 basically do the same thing (except one can fly) so really they could have done away with TUGS and given recon an alternative gadget.  I'm thinking BC1 JDAM,  so at least it would have some anti-vehicle role in such a vehicle oriented game.

Hope they re-think the classes for Bad Company 3,  because they've killed the recon class in this game,  the only reason to play it is the motion sensors but that isn't enough.  Since they fixed the MAV surfers recons have mostly disappeared,  this is a 3 class game now. 

[ShootBob79]

If enough people used the soflam/javelin combo it would be handy. I agree its probably the most useless out of the classes. To be honest the Medic isn't all that on vehicle heavy maps.

[rancidpunk]

I wouldn't say redundant, but you need to be in a squad with friends to make it useful. Usually get one in our squad playing recon and setting up the soflam in a decent spot. With it now virtually indestructible against vehicles it can really tip the balance on the vehicle heavy maps.

Unfortuantely I still see too many selfish recons picking people off at long distance in games where they'd be better served using the soflam as well, or getting in on the objective once in a while. I lost a couple of games by a handfull of tickets yesterday playing with randoms, where two in my squad were completely out of the action protecting their kdr, but ultimately losing the match by being two players down

[Noxage]

Sniping recons bring nothing to the game IMO, dudes who finish the game on 7 kills 1 death with 0 Objectives captured are pretty useless to me lol.

The SOFLAM should have been hand held and have faster target aquisition IMO, to give them something better to do when using PDW'S/Shotguns.

The current state of SOFLAM sucks, especialy on auto when it changes targets every 2 seconds, Engineers dont get enough time to fire, and even if they do the Recon wont get the "designation assist" since by that time his lock has gone! It's all a bit annoying in the end

[LSD-39]

Agreed,  it was a mistake not making the SOFLAM handheld.  

I hope the new guns in the DLC add something special to the recon class,  having motion sensors down on the new CQB maps would be useful.  It might cause a lot of confusion though,  on a multi level map you often end up chasing phantom red dots of people who are downstairs.  

[NOZonline]

One thing that bugs me is any class can spot yet the class that should only be able to spot is Recon (it's in the name)...
As this is highly unlikely dice would do this I think to give recon more of an edge make it a permanent spot untill spotter or spotted enemy is toast!

[Celtic-Assasinz]

I think all of the lock on weapons should have a cycle mode. So that you can stay locked on the desired target rather than having it change up each time another enemy vehicle gets in the way causing the target aquisition to change targets.

[Occident]

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NOZonline wrote:
One thing that bugs me is any class can spot yet the class that should only be able to spot is Recon (it's in the name)...
As this is highly unlikely dice would do this I think to give recon more of an edge make it a permanent spot untill spotter or spotted enemy is toast!

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No spotting is one of the best features DICE added to the series and all classes should be able to do it. Its one of the few game mechanics that enhances teamwork for everyone in the team and the games better for it.

Think about it like this. Can you depend on a recon to use a SOFLAM? Can you depend on a recon to put down a useful spawn beacon? Can you depend on a recon to go for the objective?

All classes being able to spot is a great feature and I wouldn't want to rely on a class that's already notorious for letting the team down.

[Occident]

I think the recon class is quite good its just most players don't use them for anything but sitting on a hill and getting one kill every ten minutes. I also think its a much more useful class in Rush than in Conquest.

Using SOFLAMs is about the only way for infantry to defend itself against good pilots. The MAV is great for spotting incoming enemies and holding the line against Rush attackers. My personal favourite is switching out a sniper rifle for a PDW and planting a sneaky spawn beacon near an enemy M-COM.

I think the recon class is quite good its just bad players not using them well that makes them seem useless. One thing I will agree on though is that the SOFLAM is way too dependant on teamwork. Relying on someone to notice you've disignated something, hoping they have a javelin, and hoping the enemy doesn't use countermeasures is just way too much hassle.

[LSD-39]

I think its DICE's dodgy design of the recon class that stops most of them getting forward to the objectives.  

If you want to play the objectives there are much better kits with useful items for that.  The recon has no explosive ability unlike all the others which is why I suggested the JDAM.  At least they could have left C4 as an 'All Kits' choice for any class,  that would have been better.  

There's enough bolt action rifles now we don't need any more in the DLC packs.  Something fully automatic would help them move forward.  Also as mentioned above there aren't many good spawn beacons put down.  Thats because in the absence of better choices,  one way to get a high score with the kit IS to sit on the hill sniping - for the marksman score bonus,  and if you know you're going to play that way there isn't much point joining a squad,  so you can't use the beacons anyway.  

Playing the objectives as recon with a PDW feels like a handicap,  yes you can do it,  but you're missing out on so many other score bonuses like resupplies,  revives & repairs.  Instead DICE gave them no explosive capacity and a marksman headshot multiplier,  its like they designed him specifically to sit uselessly up on the hill.  

Like I said,  I hope the Bad Company 3 classes are better.