While there are a million other topics that i could explain much more in depth, the idea hit me and i could not back down.
Why choose a fighter?
1) Very fast. This is why
2) you can maneuver much better. Your turn and acceleration add greatly to outrunning those pesky defense gobblers like missiles and rockets.
3) Along the same lines, and even moreso when you are fitted with afterburners, you can jet out of the way of cannon and turret fire when something goes hostile.
4) Your armor may not be that of a cruiser, but if you fit yourself wisely, you can be just as powerful as one.
5) The trick here is mastering your fire. While many people say that you should just auto-pilot at them blazing, i think that auto-piloting is a sure fire path to death. You can always do the monty python if you are fitted with the right arsenal. When fighting things that can only fire rockets from teh front like crescent and UE, i recommend a maneuver called, as i named it, "playing circly". Just always stay behind them. It makes them much less powerful in the long run.
Closing argument: I do not recommend going up against the Dreadnought in a krait. No sir. Find something a bit more heavily armored like a helian, arada. I recommend the Miranu Gunship, but even a Zidara is a good choice, an excellent choice. Key thing to remember: Stay behind them and as far out of reach as you can. Always remain firing, and always be ready to fly off suddenly should they launch seekers.
Why choose a Cruiser?
1) Heavy Shields and armor.
2) More weapon room so you can load up on the big "whoppers" like the defense system and many many seeking weapons.
3) More slots for guns and turrets. The more guns, the harder the punch
4) Even though they are very slow, usually, if fitted wisely, they can take out things before they lose significant armor. The main problem is that cruisers are so slow, that they get hit much more than fighters. It actually evens out, because cruisers will lose armor and shields much faster.
5) The monty python maneuver is one of the most important moves you can use. If you can prevent yourself from being hit, you can destroy almost anything, and faster than a fighter, allowing less time for enemy reinforcements surface.
Closing argument: Use a cruiser if you can use your ammunition wisely. Many times I have noticed that I feel invincible in a cruiser and I will spend my ammunition on fighters, frigates, and whatnot. This is a BAD idea. You forget the main idea behind a figher, that it can outrun those things. Also, in EVO, ECM systems are greatly enhanced, so generally, seeking missiles are only effective at close range because of their un-reliability. That is why, you should use the monty python maneuver as much as possible, only fire rockets and missiles if you know they will hit, and always watch your shields and armor. Many times you will think you are safe but you will really be far from it. This is especially important if you are playing in strict mode but you should already know that if you are in strict mode.
Verdict: Can i say this any simpler? They are exactly equal. The only thing that defines which is better is your experience and preference. The purpose of this was to enlighten some of you on the good and bad points of both the fighter and the cruiser, to help you, the reader, decide which best suits you.
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Ace Battlepilot
<mercenary for hire>
"My contract is simple. Give me a Miranu Gunship, give me upgrade funds, and turn this mad dog loose, cus once I'm let out, there's no hope for you..."