I'd like to hear your opinion on the Pershing buff that I was thinking about recently. First off, however, a diclaimer: I do not want to create another whine thread. If you want to reply: "No", or "USF fanboy", you are unwanted on this thread. I would like to hear your opinions and create a civilized discussion.
Secondly, I have noticed that many many people on forums argue about things without taking into account the fact that 1 vs 1s are something different than 4 vs 4s. That, obviously, makes any potential changes that more difficult to implement. Opinions might vary because of that fact but I'd like to hear your thoughts anyways.
Lastly I am not the best player in the community and I am mostly a team games player. I might be wrong on some points and I might be making mistakes using it. So now straight to the point!
As you all know, Pershing is the long awaited Heavy Tank for the USF. As you all know 2, many people in the community argue that its price does not reflect its potential. 600 manpower and 230 fuel? (O.O) Many people are screaming that it's trash and other stuff. For a long time I refused this, but after a little time spent with it, I must agree.. Personally I got super-super hyped, when I heard it announced. I would never think, that I would be playing with Tactical Support Company (Calliope) more than with the Heavy Cavalry Company (Pershing). After the commander was released I tried to squeeze the most of the company and always stumbled upon the same problem. Pershing just does not stand a chance against other heavies. And yes, before you attack me. I know that it is supposed to be more agile with better firepower. Nevertheless, its agility does not serve very much use even if you flank other heavies because it is quickly prioritised as the biggest threat and taken down in a matter of seconds. USF is focused around agility, versatility and combined arms. Thus, using Pershing as a tank (literally) and distraction is presumably a perfect idea when the rest of the army attacks from a different side. However, It's super hard when Pershing goes down so quickly.
The USF heavy apparently has more armor and better firepower than the Tiger but still goes down faster. It feels like it was not created to stand 1 to 1 with a german "counterpart". Claiming that Pershing is okay, because it has a better gun does not seem justified to me considering it comes super late game (as other heavies) and rarely battles Panzer IVs but rather Tigers, KTs and stuff like that. More health of a Tiger still makes it better against Pershing as the latter will simply not last through all of the Tiger's shots and Pershing's better gun seems to be there only to make up for the fact, that without it, the tank would be the worst thing in the US army. The gun simply does not grant any advantage over German heavies due to their health level.
Having all that in mind, I thought about suggesting giving it a buff. Maybe someone would be so kind to create a simple mod for a try? Stugs have sideskirts, m20 has a sideskirt upgrade, I know there is something else which has sideskirts as well, but I cannot recall this right now. Why not give the Pershing an armor/health upgrade/skirt-like and convert it to Super Pershing? (Yes there is such a thing. The main difference is more armour and a slightly better gun, but I would stick to the armour upgrade only) Screenshots below.
That would be an upgrade obtainable by either:
a) A super expensive muni-based armour upgrade (200?) to give it additional armor (actually health since buffing armor would be even more frustrating to German players)
b) Changing its veterancy bonuses - Currently vet 2 grenades are as useful as a chocolate teapot. Really. Grenades, when used even, tend to targe vehicles instead of infantry :/ Lelic...
c) Any other hard-to-meet requirement (maybe all tiers built?) which would make it stand a bit longer in the late game?
I think that this upgrade would have to be pretty hard to obtain but would offer the USF players a bit more chance in the late game. Let's be honest, Allies still struggle with German lates. And I am not whining about it, that is completely reasonable as German tanks were always superior and that is fine. Nevertheless, having a heavy tank with so little chance in the late game, when there are Elefants, Tigers, KTs or Jags is a bit frustrating. If the super expensive health upgrade would be in, I would be a bit mor cautious with it and try to obtain the so-much-needed health boost when I have the resources.
What do you guys think? I am very curious to hear your opinion on that since I know there are a lot of people who, just like me, were pretty disappointed with what they received with the commander and just do not use him any more. Again, please do not treat this as a whine thread. I just put my thoughts here with a little hope for someone noticing this and maybe having a similar opinion.
Thanks guys!
Pershing:
![](http://media.moddb.com/images/groups/1/4/3681/1962_0.jpg)
Super Pershing:
![](http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z446/fynsdad/001-7.jpg)