Assault got better. BUT
I will start with the positives. Or positive rather.
The breacher path is now decent, transporting more grenades is always good. Also affects the grenade launcher (explosive and thermobaric) which is good. Double the Frag, double the fun.
Problem is, double of "meh" is not much.
This adrenaline shot thing needs to go. Seriously, it is useless. Temporary sprint boost is nice and all, but when one can simply pull out the knife and run just as fast, it is laughable. "Yes but you can equip the hammer AND run faster". And... why would I do that ? The hammer is a niche thing, it's not bad, mind you. But if I really want to use the hammer, I will equip it on a Support or Engineer, and use the Defib or Blowtorch to sprint, and I will not have a 8 seconds sprint.
Before going further, I feel the Rally squad ability is fine where it is. Contradictory ? Maybe. But here is the thing. This one affects your teammates too. You are calling to push. The idea is good. Maybe needs some tweaking, better stats or what not, but I don't dislike it. Plus the animation is way quicker (or so it feels).
Now, I am not here to just complain and propose nothing. Simply put, give us the Redsec assault class. Give us the Assault Ladder as default gadget. It benefits you, it benefits the team, it is in line with the theme of frontline killer, you proved it is doable, because well... you did it in Redsec.
As for the adrenaline shot, I have a suggestion to salvage it. It might be overpowered, so I am open to any form of criticism and tweaking. Here I go:
- Make the adrenaline shot an equipable gadget
- Can only carry one at a time. No possibility to go above 1 with Support bags
- Very slow to restock at support bags
- Current Adrenaline shot effects are still kept.
Here is the major thing that will explain those suggestions:
- Adrenaline shot can be used in a "downed" state to self-revive.
- Adrenaline shot self revive gives you 50% health only (same as a non-support team mate)
- To balance it a bit (maybe more would be needed), Adrenaline self-revive cannot be used if the player was downed by a headshot. I am not talking about the Sniper path Fatal headshot. If anyone shot you in the head, with any kind of weapon, you would be too concussed to use it properly. Maybe also if you were downed by explosives ?
- Of course, the adrenaline shot can be used as a normal gadget, if you need that effect while alive and well.
All of the above is ONLY if you are decided to keep that "frontline killer" theme. I was initially opposed to it, but I am more and more tempted to split ammo and health supply crates, and give them to distinct classes. I don't know if Assault should become the medic or ammo supplier, I'll let the BF3 / 4 and Bad Company 2 fanboys tear each other apart on this question (I am neither, I only played BF1 and 6). But here we are. Please give the assault boys some love.