2013-12-27 01:47

Foreword



Over my sporadic tenure in Battlefield 4, I have noticed very few laser markers coming out during gameplay. The frequency of these are so few, that I'd think it a safe bet to say I see one in twenty full matches It is a shame, because laser designation is such an integral (and often necessary) part of squad and teamplay. I feel the reason that we do not see these often, is because this is time that can be spent raising K/D and overall score with long range recon sniper shots. Thus, I propose that a lazing recon get "assist counts as kill" for lazing a destroyed target that had occupants.



Why SOFLAM should get Assist Counts as Kill



Not too long ago, I would not have suggested this to be a mechanic, and the reason is that mortars and soflams were resupplyable through support classes. Now, Recon players only get one per life (or if they manage to get a supply drop and switch between classes to get it back). Thus, if their equipment is destroyed, that slot is completely useless for them until they die next.



It is important for Recon to place their SOFLAM in locations not easily visible, so that it can tag vehicles as they rally to that particular area. Placing one right in the middle of the road is a surefire way to lose it, while placing it out of the way on a hill would be much wiser. So, recon should get SOFLAM assists as well as their points, as the equipment is essentially fragile.



Laser designated kills do not happen as often, nor would they with assist count as kill



It takes a lot for a recon to successfully get into position to properly designate several vehicles in a row without being killed. Similarly, the SOFLAM would likely not survive through more than one or two designations before it is discovered and destroyed. Thus, the rush back to Recon (should this be implemented) would be balanced with proper responses from armor and support infantry wishing to ensure their armor was not compromised.



Additionally, other recon would likely take up a defensive posture behind moving armor, to eliminate designating recon. Inasmuch, they're more apt to spot SOFLAM equipment with their PLD and react accordingly.



With more Recon designating targets, other support vehicles (such as the Attack Heli with TOW and Laser missiles and LAVs) would be stronger



As it stands right now, Attack helicopters have very little use in the game (a whole other story, I assure you), but do carry equipment which would allow both the pilot and gunner to benefit from laser designated targets. In turn, this would make them a more menacing target at a distance, allowing for TOW missiles to be used alongside laser guided missiles.



Indirectly, Support would become a more prominent role as well



The amount of points to be racked up for resupplying engineers to continue their missile offensives would be more in demand, allowing for the support role to fulfill that as well as mortar infantry that is trying to take out both the armor and engineers themselves.



Most of all, Recon would be more aptly rewarded for playing the designator patiently



K/D does factor in for a decent amount of the skill and score, and their time spent with designating targets does not aptly reward them for supporting their team, causing many not to laser targets despite many engineers being on their team. Their score bursts between successful laser designations are few and far in between, and this would help make designation an incentive. This would also, ultimately, help establish better team against team fronts when they're fighting armor to armor.



In Conclus ion



I sincerely hope that DICEA takes this into consideration for the few recon that are out there designating targets, as I sincerely believe it'd help make this aspect of the role more popular.



Best Regards,



~Koulnis