Panel Discussion

What are the advantages to using your class?

Sean "Apostle" McGrath - First off the class I normally use is the Spec ops class with the AK74U. The advantage for this gun is mainly for close up fighting such as defending A Bomb on mp_crash. It would be the ideal class for any situation like that.

Jesse "Nrv" Daly - The spec-ops/smg class has some great advantages to it. It has always been looked at as the over-powered class in CoD4 since it has been pretty easy to kill players with it whether it be at close range or even sniping people across the map by tap-shooting. With the recent changes that the DAMN mod has brought to CoD4 I'm sure the different classes will be much more balanced. One thing that will not change though is the longer sprint time that the SMG's get. The SMG's can sprint longer distances than someone playing an assault class which makes them more useful for taking over certain areas of the map off the start of the round. Also, SMG's are better used for clearing out close quarter locations on maps and rushing certain areas because they have a small spray radius.

Keith Hullenaar - The advantage of using the smg class is its ability to move quickly with a high-damage weapon. AK74, at least pre-DAMN, could pretty much play itself. With little "brainwork" you could outfrag someone holding a spot or a site just because the weapon killed in 2-3 hits. Now with DAMN, most guns kill in 4-6 hits, so SMG has gotten a bit more balanced. Hopefully this balance will lead to more thoughtful and methodical play, instead of mindless run'n'gunning.

Steven “limitless” Kietzer - The Spec-Op class is probably the most versatile class in the game. The clear advantages would be its dominance in close quarter situations and the capability of moving around the map hastily. With that being said the SMG’s major roles would be rushing bomb sites to clear them out for the planters to come in, taking over key locations on the map, pressuring the flank, and also very useful in the defensive positions.

Adam "deny" Phan - The only real advantage I see to using spec ops is that you have an increased player movement speed (both in and out of iron sights), which really sets the class apart. It allows for a much different type of play style compared to the assault class player.


What are some disadvantages to your class? In what ways do you compensate for those disadvantages?

Sean "Apostle" McGrath - The disadvantage of this class would be damage and accuracy at a distance. Although it can easily overcame by avoiding and long distance fights by minimizing your time out in open space. However if I find I need to use the AK74U to get a pick, its just a simple tab which if done right is very effective.

Jesse "Nrv" Daly - Obviously the SMG's are looked at as more of an in your face type of weapon. Typically an SMG wouldn't be very good in a long distance battle and the assault/sniper classes definitely have the advantage in such a situation. In order to compensate for this disadvantage, it is actually very possible with practice to get good at "sniping" other players across the map by quickly tapping your gun. This eliminates most of the recoil that would stop you from hitting your target and (if you're good at it) allows you to kill people at very long distances.

Keith Hullenaar - I guess you can say that long range is the smg's weakness, but if you ask any teammate of mine or any player on EG, the smg barely has any disadvantages. You can easily compensate for range disadvantage by focusing your shots and taking your time when your fighting long range. Before DAMN, smg could outpick most weapons outside the sniper, and even there are some times where I was able do that on a long-range map like strike.

Steven “limitless” Kietzer - In promod3 there were not too many disadvantages to the Spec-Op class that the user couldn’t control. Range would be a factor but if you can control the SMG it was not that big of a deal. Just had to burst fire or tap it. In DAMN mod the range disadvantage is greater than it was before, now you have to burst at ranges verses spraying or— use the G36C.

Adam "deny" Phan - Some disadvantages of being a spec ops would have to be the obvious long range battles versus an assault player, and of course trying to dodge those nades! I know people complain about how a 74u can "snipe" long range, but if you're wielding an ak47 and get outshot by a 74u at long distances, that's your own damn fault.


How does your class affect your player movement in the game?

Sean "Apostle" McGrath - The spec ops almost makes you seem more agile. Quicker with your movements, I actually use a really high mouse sensitivity which I find very successful with the class.

Jesse "Nrv" Daly - The SMG's definitely have the fastest paced movement of any class in the game. One could argue that the sniper has the same amount of movement abilities due to the similar run speed, but the way the sniper class plays out would cause you to camp out certain areas and angles rather than rushing around like you would with an SMG. While rushing with an SMG you have to be really good at moving through different areas in very efficient ways which include checking certain spots, making skilled jumps, and running in a way which would stop you from being picked across the map.

Keith Hullenaar - The ability to move quickly while iron-sighted withthe SMG is pretty much its bread and butter. That speed, along with its silence while moving, opens up A LOT of options when you are lurking throughout the map trying to open up the round. The pure speed of the iron-sighted smg, most of the times, catches players off guard since they don't expect people to be there that quickly.

Steven “limitless” Kietzer - As I said previously, the Spec-Op class allows the user to move around the map very fast compared to the other classes. The class is very useful in clutch situations where you can move from bombsite to bombsite in a short amount of time; also, being able to walk around without making noise while iron sighting to out maneuver your opponent.

Adam "deny" Phan - In the words of JeFFY, movement becomes fast and f***ing furious when playing as spec ops, and I couldn't agree more. When I got my hands on that ak74u or my long lost love(mp5reddot), movement becomes top notch. I'm allowed to explore the map freely, quickly and most importantly, quietly. Having the little extra kick of speed allows you to get into the face of the other team, right up in their grill.


What kind of skills do you think are required to use your class?

Sean "Apostle" McGrath - The most important skill I find is having a quick reaction time. If your reaction time isn’t the greatest then this isn’t the class for you. Also you need to be able to control your unironsited aiming. Many people think that you just spray and pray but truth be told just like every game and every gun, they have their own spray patterns. Once you use the gun more often you become more familiar with it.

Jesse "Nrv" Daly - A great knowledge of the game in general will help you use any class. Knowing your role with the SMG in certainly very important because you can impact the round more than any other player if you make the correct moves. Having great game smarts to change up your position and point of attack when needed is a good skill to have. I could say great aim, but this is obviously a skilled that is required to succeed with any class that you're using. Having an amazing feel for the movement of the SMG class is definitely a required skill if you want to master the class. If you can get a good feel for the length of the sprint you have, the distances you can strafe jump, and the way the gun shoots, you will surely be a successful SMG.

Keith Hullenaar - A solid quick-brain is required to use the smg class. Aim does come into play, but you can get away with having less than amazing aim and still frag-a-lag. Quick reaction times can come more into play each round, than opportunities to smoothly aim at someone.

Steven “limitless” Kietzer - Once the user has learned to control the recoil of the SMG they are using: they need good aim, fast reaction times, being able to select which opponents to kill first when there are several of them, knowing when to push or flank the other team, and always thinking about the opponents’ next move.

Adam "deny" Phan - Well most people argue that there isn't much skill to using spec ops. However, I believe that to be an effective spec ops requires good movement, fast reactions, good knowledge of the game, and knowing exactly what you're doing at all times.


If you could give one tip to someone who is just starting out using your class, what would it be?

Sean "Apostle" McGrath - Be willing to move fast, and get your hands dirty. If you can’t handle dying early on in a round every once and a while then I’d drop the class now and pick up a scope, then talk to Rob “griM_” Koster for spawn strategies and amazing cooked nades =]

Jesse "Nrv" Daly - The same tip I would give for any class….Practice. It is literally the one and only thing you can do to make yourself better. The more you play, the better you will get. Everything will eventually feel incredibly natural and you will definitely begin to impress yourself with the things you can do in-game. Spectating other players who are better than you can help you to learn many things as well. Also, downloading and reviewing demo's from some of the best in the game is surely something that could help you along your way.

Keith Hullenaar - Don't be another COD player!!! I can give this tip to usually anyone. Use your brain, play methodical, attempt to outsmart instead of just being a crazed maniac with a pretty good weapon; you will go so much farther. Having intelligent gameplay will take you farther than aim, quick reaction times, and set nades EVER WILL!

Steven “limitless” Kietzer - Practice in TDM or DM servers where everything is fast paced to build your skills needed to be a good Spec-Op.

Adam "deny" Phan - Look out for nades, and stay the f*** out of my way!

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