Add multiple fire modes to the Smart Gun to create a more robust weapons platform, bringing it in-line with heavier Specialist weapons. Possible modes include three shots in rapid succession, three shots flying side-by-side, or five shots at five random points in a 3x3 square.
Benefits (How this will benefit the server and game as a whole):
The current balance is in favor of the other Specialist weapons since the Smartgun lacks any advantage in real combat utility over other Specialist weapons, or even damage output over the M41. By focusing on its existing role as a suppression and area fire weapon and enhancing its effectiveness, the Smartgun can be rendered a viable choice that retains usefulness into later alien tiers. The Smartgun would receive additional depth-of-play and become truly the most sophisticated weapon in the hands of the Specialist. At the same time, these new fire modes are checked by their increased ammunition use, the need to change fire modes through the slow right-click system, and the possibility of being in the wrong fire mode for a given tactical situation. Furthermore the weapon will receive no increase in damage on a per-bullet or per-magazine basis. Forethought, prudence and economy will be the hallmarks of successful Smartgun operators. Rash and careless Smartgun users will rapidly deplete their ammo with incorrectly selected fire modes or overzealous operation.
Details (Description of how you think this would work, the benefits, etc):
Each fire mode below is named after real-world machine gun techniques for authenticity. It may be thought of as setting the smart gun to an electronically determined firing pattern.
The standard fire mode shall remain as the weapon presently operates and will serve as a ammo-conserving setting.
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...
.1. <-|-
...Enfilade Burst will fire three shots in rapid succession at the designated square. There will be no deviation in the angle. This setting greatly increases firepower to an identifed point target or enemies in enfilade attempting to force a door or other narrow passage.
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...
.3. <-|-
...Traversing Burst will fire three shots in rapid succession. One shot will be at the designated square, and one shot will be to the left and right squares of the designated squares relative to the initial path of fire. This setting improves the odds of a hit against moving or unknown enemies.
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.1.
.1. <-|-
.1.Searching Fire will fire five shots in rapid succession. Each shot will be at a randomly selected point in a 3x3 area centered on the designated square, but not including the designated square. Duplicate shots will be allowed. This setting tremendously improves firepower and can be used against clusters of enemies or powerful targets at point-blank. However, the unpredictability of the weapon's aim in this mode renders it generally unsuitable for sustained periods of time, and the omission of the central square means only 2/8 bullet paths will cross the center square. Firing directly at the feet of the user results in a "death blossom" of bullets flying from the user.
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???
?.? <-|-
???In all instances, bullets will continue on their given paths beyond their aim points. This will result in tighter or wider patterns depending on the distance of the designated square from the gun.
Searching Fire or all burst modes may have a brief cool-down between shots.
Implementation (Optional, if you have an idea how to implement it):
The menu shall display as follows:
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I. Right click Smartgun
A. Set Fire Mode
1. Standard
2. Enfilade Burst
3. Traversing Burst
4. Searching Fire
B. Other Options
