Using cover.

I have a cat. · 12-09-2006

As stupid as it sounds, in most fights I rarely find myself taking cover. Usually the fights close in short range-ish, so it doesn't make much sense to be sitting still like an idiot. But anyway, for a game that's supposed to put focus on its cover system, it doesn't seem to be as much of a factor as you'd expect.

In short range cover is sort of obsolete, except if you use it with some crafty shotgun timing. Medium range it's very useful, particularly on maps like War Machine and Clocktower, but with the increased accuracy and smaller target you also aren't moving, and that can be dangerous if there is a sniper in the area. As for long range, well, you only fight in long range if you have the Longshot, and you kind of need to be sitting still for that, so yeah, cover is nice. But, the spread of short-mid-long range kills seems to be something like 60-30-10.

So, what does everyone think about the cover system here? In a couple of months from now when people really start to get "good" at the game, will the use of cover be essential to high level play, or mainly an afterthought that comes in handy every once in awhile?

IMO it all depends on the Lancer, if a team can fight the lag well enough to stop people from getting into close range more often, then I think that you'll see more and more people using cover for the extra accuracy and smaller hit box. But, I've been wrong on many an occassion. It's a shame that the starting weapon wasn't customizable though, because a Hammerburst start would have much more kills happening in mid-range.

MartyR · 12-09-2006

Yeah, I find myself using cover alot more in campaign.

Hence, Gameplay may change during online play.

Darkstar · 12-09-2006

I use the cover when I need to use the cover, on every map, A LOT!!! As they say, the A button is your best friend in this game. I use the cover when needed.

Dread · 12-09-2006

Almost all conflicts end in short range kills (Chainsaw, Melee, Destroyed by shotgun from a couple feet) but before all those cover is very important and it's a very good way to peak around corners. Cover is still a BIG factor in the game (Lancer fights.. Can't just rush someone when you are getting lit up).

I have a cat. · 12-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstar

I use the cover when I need to use the cover, on every map, A LOT!!! As they say, the A button is your best friend in this game. I use the cover when needed.

When does your use of cover actually win you a fight, and how many times does that happen compared to everything else? What I'm saying is that cover is great for healing at range, and for fighting for position, but most actual kills involve no cover at all.

It usually goes like this: You see some guy at range, and try to bring him down with your Lancer as he moves from cover to cover. Even if his health gets low he'll pause for a couple seconds behind a car or something, then continue moving forward. Then when he gets close enough he rolls at you with a shotgun in the middle of an open room.

Quote:

Almost all conflicts end in short range kills (Chainsaw, Melee, Destroyed by shotgun from a couple feet) but before all those cover is very important and it's a very good way to peak around corners. Cover is still a BIG factor in the game (Lancer fights.. Can't just rush someone when you are getting lit up).

Ok, but if you keep winning Lancer duels at range, but the guy keeps getting back to full health then moves up and kills you with a pistol, then what exactly did those earlier fights accomplish?

hellakool · 12-10-2006

I use cover then wait for someone to come close then I chainsaw um. LOL. I am a noob.

SurrealPanic · 12-10-2006

Clearly cover is important, but I think I understand what you are saying. In my opinion, cover will become more important in combat as players get better at blind fire (especially shotguns, nades, pistols, and snipers), but probably more important would be if the lag issues in GOW were improved (either through a patch or through better player techniques) so that a stationary player firing from behind cover would have a distinct advantage at mid-range against a moving opponent who is exposed. As for snipers, well, you always have to be aware of the snipers on the other team and whether firing from cover will expose you to a headshot. Snipers do have an effect, but I don't think that in and of itself would make firing from cover irrelevant.

tG x ChRoNiC · 12-10-2006

I hardly ever use cover unless I move in to it by accident or I am 2vs1. UI let the other people use cover and kill them with the shotgun.

Brutal Irken · 12-10-2006

I think cover is very important.It gives you a much clearer view on enemy location and moving from cover to cover is a much safer way of navigating the maps.If you are not host than cover is a must imo.Staying in cover and distracting while sending others on the flank is a good strategy that doesn't always work but it does most of the time.Plus your shots are more accurate.Taking cover by the power weapons and waiting for the other guy to make the mistake of rushing the power weapon is also a good strategy as well.