Yes, that's exactly the issue. Why does USF need another AT tank if they have the Jackson? The EZ8 needs a role. AI tank is already done by the normal Sherman on HE. Cheap TD is taken by the Wolverine, heavy TD by the Jackson, premium medium by the 76mm and and Brummbar-like breacher by the 105mm Bulldozer Sherman. Beefed up medium is taken by the Dozer blade upgrade. So what is left? If you can find a proper niche that is really worth filling, propose your solution. Mine is a "Panther-light", because that's the only thing were I could see myself use the unit in this lineup that is already overflowing from different shades of medium tanks. If the aim of this patch is to make all commanders viable - however achievable this might be - the EZ8 needs a new role, because the current one is overshadowed by at least two tanks. If we want to keep some historical authenticity we'll likely have to go with a better armored brawler type, because better armor was one of the main improvements of the EZ8.
The complete KV series, the complete Churchill series, IS2, Pershing, Comet. I think that's most of them.
I've made a relatively detailed suggestion how I think the EZ8 could look like, must have been a good week ago with a price point at around 160 fuel.
Technically Comet, Churchill and KV series are not true heavies because you can field more than 1. Cost is not in the 200+ fuel range either. Add ISU-152 as a true heavy. Pershing is a fake heavy because it has the same stats as Panther but with the gun of a Tiger but its very mobile for a 'heavy' so theres that.
I think Panther-lite could technically be considered E8s role right now but its too lite especially with the tanks it must face. Its Panther-super-lite and it doesn't really cut it.
Some people complain that having a beefy tank like the Panther and then a Jackson behind would be OP but they forget that its already a thing. Brits can field churchill/comet and firefly, Soviets can field a KV1 and SU-85, OKW have Jagdpanzer and Panther and finally Ost has Stug/Panther combo. Technically USF can have Pershing (which has the same defensive stats as a Panther) and a Jackson although its cost would the highest out of all combos. Now the question of does Pershing and Jackson completely break the game for its cost? It does not. You can still outrange the Jackson and do damage to the tank vehicle with a Panther or AT gun. Retreat is always an option if you've taken too much damage.
E8 with Panther like stats and cost probably won't break the game. It'll make Rifle Commander a lot more fun in the late-game too especially in team games.
I've said it before but I really like the current change to the E8 thats given it a better fighting chance against heavies but I'm afraid this ability is going to be an ability thats always active except for rare occasions.
I think a flat stat increase along with speed decrease and then an addition of the "Flanking Speed" ability with munition cost would be better suited for the E8. It makes sense to be slower with heavier armour. Now with Panther like stats and cost, flanking speed can be moved to vet 1 similar to Blitz on Panther.
With every change I feel like we are moving closer and closer to making the E8 an American Panther. I don't hate it but I welcome bringing back the E8 into the current meta.
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