[Dragon]

I wonder if anyone use specialized weapons in FS1/2?
Also, I'd like to hear any opinions about those weapons, for example, what would you change in the FS ones, if you would like them to appear in more mods, or pretty much anything you have to say about them. Opinions about non canon special cannons (INFR1 Mace comes to mind) are also welcome.

[Spoon]

I usually don't use any because there is little need for them if a Prom S or Kayser is available. In other words, the all purpose weapons.
Honestly, I think a more interesting campaign could be created by just removing all purpose weapons and have all specialized weapons instead

[Droid803]

The only Specialized weapon I use is the anti-hull weapon (the Maxim), but since you don't have that up there... I picked other.

Edit: Since you said the Maxim doesn't count, changed to "none".

[General Battuta]

Let's be frank: they're awful.

[The E]

The only specialized weapons that I consider taking along are anti-subsystem guns. Shield breakers or energy Leechers are mostly useless, unless the mission specifically calls for them.

[Dragon]

Maxim is more like a normal combat weapon with stats that make it usefull for specialized purpose (you can kill a fighter with Maxim, but not with Circe) and disruptors are usefull only if mission specifficaly calls for them (though if they're also shield breakers, like INFA Shreiker, they become hell for any fighter with big engine subsystem).

[Droid803]

You can kill people with repeated Morning Star fire. Just not very well.
That was my strategy when I first started FS2.

[IronBeer]

On missions where I didn't get to choose my loadout, and was equipped S-Breakers or Circes, I've appreciated them. Not really my cup of tea, but they are effective when used properly. Energy leechers... I don't see the AI affected by them, so I don't use them.

Just a thought, one setup that would be VERY specialized but possibly quite nasty would be Circe paired with Lamprey- it would simply shut your opponent down...

[Dragon]

Just a thought, one setup that would be VERY specialized but possibly quite nasty would be Circe paired with Lamprey- it would simply shut your opponent down...

I've made a combined cannon which leeches power from reactor, which basically means it works like such combo (it has no hull damage though).
And while it is possible to kill opponents with MS (though Flail is better at it) or Lamprey fire, it's pathetic enough not to be a factor.

[el_magnifico]

Kinetic weapons and shield breakers.

Avenger + Flail is a nice combination, especially useful with Apollos and Athenas. Avenger + Banshee is also surprisingly effective (especially in Clash of the Titans).
The Morning star seems to me to be less effective than the Flail. It still has its uses, though.

Specialized cannons allow you adapt. You can intercept bombs, dogfight, deplete bomber shields or break their bombing runs. All of this with reasonable energy consumption.
Try doing that with a Prometheus O and its annoying lack of range, high energy demands and low rate of fire. I mean, it can be done. But why bother?

However, when the fighter can handle it, Prometheus (S and O) and Kayser are nice to have available.

[Colonol Dekker]

The only specialist cannon i use is a maxim, if you can call it that.


4+K of insta- subsys damage

[Rodo]

Let's be frank: they're awful.

QFT

not a single one is usefull in a FS style mission, so... no.

[Scotty]

Maxim if I'm on a convoy-intercept, Akheton if I'm on a convoy-escort.  I never use them anywhere else.

[CP5670]

I use the Maxim quite often against both fighters and larger ships. The Morning Star is useful online in TvT and dogfight games, but in singleplayer the knock-back effect is usually a bad thing due to how the FS AI works. The other stuff is pretty much useless.

[Timerlane]

I like combining the Leech with the Prometheus on the Herc in FS1(technically, ST/ST:R). After having it used on me to annoying effect in ST:R's Exodus, I feel it does make a difference in keeping lighter AI ships from getting too AB-happy. Otherwise, I'm Avenger all the way, save for Banshees on Lokis.

Taking a cue from FS2/the Maxim, I do now put Disruptors on my FS1-era Ursa's 'gun rack' for quick turret busting.

In FS2, cannons are too high-power-damage-focused for tactical cannons to be really competitive(in SP, at least), IMO.

[Black Wolf]

I've gotten addicted to the leech playtesting TI missions, but in regular FS it's less useful I'll admit.

[QuantumDelta]

Disruptor on occasion, Maxim quite regularly, Morning Star only for multi when I wanna take my time and annoy people xP

[NGTM-1R]

Circe/Maxim when hunting Shivan bombers on anything that has six+ gun slots. Though you could argue it's really more of Circe/Trebuchet.

[Androgeos Exeunt]

I used to think the Leech Cannon was just as good as the Banshee, so that counts. I've also used the S-Breaker on certain missions, and the Flail in early stages of FS1.

[Klaustrophobia]

maxim is pretty much it.  i used the s-breaker a couple of times in later ST playthroughs.