Assault rifle seems rather lackluster.

[Yurai]

I might just have been unlucky with assault rifle drops, but the damage it does seems really low, even factoring in multiple hits. The launcher blows it out of the water (as it should, considering it doesn't let you strafe), but even in situations where I have to remain mobile, my gunlance seems to outdamage it. I'm just level 10, and as I said, the drops I've gotten might have skewered the data I've gotten. What are your experiences in this? Do you feel the assault rifle is able to compete with the other two ranged options?

[Mike]

Two words: Weak Bullet.

[Narue Moon]

It seems pretty weak compared to the launcher.

[DayDreamer]

Two words: Weak Bullet.

^That

[renrinken]

I agree, gunblade seems superior in every way.

[Miyoko]

Two more: Diffusion shot.

Also, that one PA where you unload 15 bullets in rapid succession is AMAZING. Once you get that, you'll change your tune about assault rifles.

[Arande]

I love it compared to the launcher O.o Snipe shot, pierce shot, rocket, shotgun, and homing scatter laser for PA's makes it hugely versatile. Latter two have knockdown on it, giving you massive CC while keeping your full mobility. Snipe shot can let you get some nice hits if aimed right.

Edit: the laser PA is diffusion shot? bleh, still gotta get my names right, was calling caterdagon stretchy dragons earlier XD

[Yurai]

All righty, good to hear that it gets better as you move along. I'll just stick with the others until I pick up more skill discs for the rifle then

[Hrith]

You must not know how to use it well yet, because the rifle outdamages the launcher very easily.

I have not faced one situation where the rifle is not the best option (different PAs, of course, but same weapon).

If anything, the rifle is way too versatile; the numerous PAs for that weapon are quite different from one another and cover every need.

[Geistritter]

They're the all-around weapon; they do everything with reliability. They won't blow you away, but you can never go wrong.

And they also have Weak Bullet, which is pretty freaking great. Assault Rifles in general are a go-to boss weapon, largely because of this.