Why? It gives you more shots than the plasma rifle does before "overheating" and actually doesn't truly overheat. Also, it looks cooler than the Reach Plasma Rifle (though the Halo 3 version tops it).
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The Plasma Rifle and Repeater have the same kill times though. At least, that's what I've found out through testing.
I use it because it sounds cooler. I never liked how Bungie switched to a "bew bew bew" sound for the plasma weapons after the first game.
I also love the AR. Firing it in bursts makes it one of the most effective guns in the entire game, more effective than most people realise.
@Warsaw
More shots ≠ more power.
Before I even drain the shields of another person with an Assault Rifle my shields are already down and I'm losing health. That mixed with having to lead my shots only decreasing my chance of hitting the person. Really the only way to kill the person would be to hope their controller disconnects or melee them after immediately draining their shields.
Also, I too hate the new plasma weapon sounds. Instead of sounding like an alien weapon they sound like a gun being fired underwater.
I liked the original Assault rifle, but both its successors are just irritating as all hell. Automatic weapons in Bungie games were never meant to be accurate, stop trying to make them that way!
fake e: before anyone comments that firing in bursts is not spam, it is. It's just mid range spam. read: battle rifle
Is it just me, or is the Plasma Rifle basically useless in matchmaking? :/
I just used it in multiplayer for the first time today...and yeah...
Quick burst + punch = easy kill
I use it up close and personal though. I would never use it at mid range except as a last resort. Half the time I end up just depressing the trigger and unloading.
Also, the original assault rifle worked very well in bursts, too, on PC (Xbox version was a goddamn laser beam). What are you on about?
@Annihilation: wait, are you talking about the AR or the Plasma Repeater now? The Plasma Repeater was just as effective as the plasma rifle as I recall it, and actually had a slight edge since it was never out of commission 100% while it cooled.