So let’s quickly make sure everyone is on the same page…
In the latest patch (21/04/2015) all sniper rifles received a nerf in the form of added scope sway that is applied while moving when scoped in. It appears that this change was left out of the patch notes so I don’t know if there was any other changes at this point in time.
Now, I do believe that the Sniper does need some form of nerf, however I feel the current addition is both ineffective and negativity effects the kinaesthetics of sniping. Honestly, I am pretty certain that this is not due to values related to new scope sway but the mechanic as a whole. First off, it feels odd to use due to the mechanic being really poorly implemented and the way yet more randomness is added. The reason it is fairly ineffective as a nerf is simple, it only actually nerfs more methodical snipers and not the quick/flick/jumping snipers that Splash Damage claim to be targeting.
This is due to the steps a player follows in order to snipe in Dirty Bomb.
You see your enemy, move crosshair towards enemy, scope, see final scope location, flick and shoot… Even when it comes down to the jumping snipers, you only need to know the location of your scope in relation to the person you plan to shoot. The act of flicking and shooting lasts less than 100ms and in that time, unless at the most extreme ranges, the sway would not effect the outcome of a shot in the vast majority of cases. What little difference it does make, does not seem worth the negatives added to more basic sniping that will effect everyone that uses the weapon. Also, it makes the weapon feel harder to use, less fun to use and simply random in many circumstances.
The game above was me playing around at trying to jump shot and flick shot. Honestly, I don’t know if I found it any harder overall but I am certain I found it much less fun and had a greater feeling of randomness even if the results were pretty much identical to what they would have been prior to the new system.
If jumping snipers are such an issue…
Reduce the jump height of players that jump while looking down the scope by around 30%. You also have the option (that I am personally hoping for generally) to slow the time it takes you to enter the full scoped state. I think this time could be doubled. It would reduce these instant quick scopes, nerf people that jump and then scope when they see someone and overall pull the weapon more in line with the rest.
Personally I am disappointed to see this be the first port of call for numerous reasons. I would hope to see it removed completely and replaced by nerfs that target its problem areas more directly. What does everyone else think?