Why are neutron blasters and mass drivers where they are?

[Red Earth]

It took me a while to question why the neutron blaster does not come from neutron physics, nor does its upgrades. Instead it's where the mass driver is which historically was at physics.
So why swap them? When they decided mass weapons were shield piercing did they think it was too early for them? Considering you might not have shields at the time that wouldn't be overpowered. Did they not want the second of the three point defense cannons to be so early in the game? Considering how overpowered missiles are I don't think better point defense earlier would be that bad.
It does seem like mass drivers would overshadow other guns early on, but since missiles overshadow everything it seems like it would be fine if one energy weapon were viable early on.
So what's the deal with mass drivers?

[CommanderCrain]

Good points!

[Captain Keen]

Well clearly it's for balance. Whether you agree with the choice or not.

Why they didn't simply rename them to fit the tech they arise from is another matter. But honestly, who cares?!

[Exoclyps]

I kinda do. But back when I wanted to do something about it the weapons wasn't moddable. Might give it another go someday :P

[Red Earth]

Originally posted by Captain Keen:

... But honestly, who cares?!

Well there's me, the two others who replied, and you seem unusually bitter about the topic even being discussed. Bitter enough to reply and use an exclamation point AND a question mark?! So clearly you do care. That's four people or 100% of respondents. That's quite the groundswell of support!

[martin77]

a shield piercing weapon make no sence when no race has actually shields at this stage

[Red Earth]

True. But a weapon that doesn't dissipate with range would be useful in being able to do damage at range while missiles are still in flight.

[ekolis]

Originally posted by martin77:

a shield piercing weapon make no sence when no race has actually shields at this stage

Actually, it sort of does make sense. It keeps the weapon useful even when more advanced weapons are discovered - do you go for more raw damage, or use the old weapon which can now pierce shields?

[Captain Keen]

Originally posted by Red Earth:

Well there's me, the two others who replied, and you seem unusually bitter about the topic even being discussed. Bitter enough to reply and use an exclamation point AND a question mark?! So clearly you do care. That's four people or 100% of respondents. That's quite the groundswell of support!

You've read too few comic books as a boy. Can't blame you, but if you don't know what ?! means, what am I to do?!

[frdnwsm]

?!

!?

[frdnwsm]

I don't think I have ever used a neutron blaster. It's a pretty dinky energy weapon that comes at a stage when targeting computers are woefully inaccurate and missiles rule. Mass drivers, on the other hand, will be your best PD weapons pretty much forever. But even they aren't that useful without decent computers.

[martin77]

Originally posted by frdnwsm:

I don't think I have ever used a neutron blaster. It's a pretty dinky energy weapon that comes at a stage when targeting computers are woefully inaccurate and missiles rule. Mass drivers, on the other hand, will be your best PD weapons pretty much forever. But even they aren't that useful without decent computers.

yes. exactly what i think.
I think the neutron blaster is only there because of "history" (moo2)
i cand find a proper use of this weapon.
in Moo2 it was a powerfull blaster for boarding, but that is not in this game.

[ekolis]

Since there's no boarding or crew in this game that I'm aware of, maybe the neutron blaster could get some other special effect? I haven't played enough to discover all the techs yet, but maybe something like slowing down the ship or disabling weapons, if such abilities exist?

[Red Earth]

They do not exist. However in the .yaml files there are references to boarding party modules, tractor beams, and other things MoO2 had. So they may be in the future but we can't know. Not all developers can be Paradox who start talking about the next expansion the week after the last expansion is released.

[Space Dog]

I find myself skipping Neutron Blasters and Fusion Beams every time. And Laser Cannons too. Missiles are so superior in the early game because of targeting computer inaccuracy. And the first beam weapons also come so early in research they become obsolete before you actually have to fight.

I wouldn't let nostalgia get in the way of overhauling the weapon progression completely...