I realize this is a touchy topic, and I'm not trying to start up a flamewar or anything. I should also point out that I typically play a rifleman.
During any iteration of these "bolt-action rifle vs. SMG" debates, someone always refers to the "challenge of playing a bolter" - or something to that effect. This is confusing to me, because...well...I've never had much trouble playing a rifleman. It's an exceptionally accurate and powerful weapon; one shot is often all it takes to kill an opponent, and there is little of the inaccuracy found in semi-automatics and submachine-guns. With this in mind, it's incredibly simple to use: just point, click, and bolt. In close quarters, of course, riflemen have a whole new set of challenges. But if you have quick reflexes and a bayonet equipped, a rifleman can still hold their own.
Given the difficulties of other classes - assault troopers have to get in close for optimal effect; machine-gunners must position themselves carefully to have a good field of fire without leaving themselves vulnerable, snipers need a good vantage point and a decent framerate - a rifleman's difficulties don't stand out as being much more grievous than other classes. Heck, on the class selection screen, a rifleman's difficulty is listed as 'medium.'
I'm curious. What makes the rifleman stand out as a challenge to the player?
During any iteration of these "bolt-action rifle vs. SMG" debates, someone always refers to the "challenge of playing a bolter" - or something to that effect. This is confusing to me, because...well...I've never had much trouble playing a rifleman. It's an exceptionally accurate and powerful weapon; one shot is often all it takes to kill an opponent, and there is little of the inaccuracy found in semi-automatics and submachine-guns. With this in mind, it's incredibly simple to use: just point, click, and bolt. In close quarters, of course, riflemen have a whole new set of challenges. But if you have quick reflexes and a bayonet equipped, a rifleman can still hold their own.
Given the difficulties of other classes - assault troopers have to get in close for optimal effect; machine-gunners must position themselves carefully to have a good field of fire without leaving themselves vulnerable, snipers need a good vantage point and a decent framerate - a rifleman's difficulties don't stand out as being much more grievous than other classes. Heck, on the class selection screen, a rifleman's difficulty is listed as 'medium.'
I'm curious. What makes the rifleman stand out as a challenge to the player?