Synaptic Reaper
Speaking once again of the Combat Rigs in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, one in particular really needs to be looked at – the Synaptic Combat Rig. This is the speed/close quarters focused class, and that’s something that is pretty unique and will prove to be useful in the maze-like maps that are present in the game. However, when new approaches are introduced, there tends to be a huge issue with balance. How do you take a class that is built on being close and deadly and make it feel useful in a first person shooter when everyone is focused on staying far and alive? It seems that the only answer to this is by making it hilariously overpowered.
While the Synaptic Rig can be dealt with like any other before using its Payload (think Specialist Abilities in Black Ops III), it becomes a whole different ballgame once Reaper is unleashed. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’s Synaptic class seems to be the only one that isn’t human, allowing it to transform into a dog-like robot that is A) terrifying to see charging you, and B) virtually unstoppable. This quick moving form lunges at players delivering an instant kill while taking little damage from gun-fire.
It’s almost like the Hunter’s Bladedancer Super in Destiny (before the patches), leading to frustrating encounters even if you spot them from long range. While it’s funny for now (because you can’t help but laugh at being slain by a crawling robot), it will definitely become an issue down the line.
