For the most part, heavy lasers and large cannons are really just upsized versions of their smaller counterparts. Somewhat more damage, a bit more range, and that's it. I'm not saying they aren't useless, it's just that they don't feel... unique, and there's almost no point in keeping range unless you're looking to minimise damage.
My proposal:
- Heavy lasers and large cannons get a huge range and damage buff. Capital slugging matches will feel more like capital slugging matches and smaller weapons will be considered as a secondary armament.
- Smaller weapons (notably the small laser, electro bolt, and small cannon) will receive a small damage buff and a medium fire rate buff. This should increase their DPS meaning people will not want to get into the range of those secondary guns unless they really have to.
- High-explosive missiles will get the medium range, a bit larger than smaller guns but not as much as heavy weaponry. EMP missiles could probably get a bit more range than even heavy armaments, and nukes would basically be short range torpedoes which have the about thesame reach as small weapons.
- Another tier above the heavy laser and large cannon, but I'm pretty sure they are already planned. Similar range to heavy weaponry, but I guess more damage.
Let me know what you think.