Since I'm fed up with this subject coming once a week or so, and no one picking up the glove, I thought I'll make one thread consolidating all information about this.
The guide is aimed at both the begining and experienced player. As such I will try to use as little jargon as possible, please comments if you think something can be made clearer.
My aim is to a) collect all OBJECTIVE data b) collect all opinions
Feedback on both is welcome, especially regarding opi, as I have very little to say about this breed, and regarding cons for soli.
No flames please. I will incorporate any constructive comment, and ignore/delete any meaningless trollage.
Nanomage
Pros:
Unique items for int and nanoskills twinking at early/mid-game.
First to cast and easiest to self each bot and nano.
Easiest to equip Tier and Arith armor.
Easiest to equip symbs at mid-game.
Best at most tradeskills
Cons:
Least HP (~1.5k less than soli at 220)
Hard to equip the best symbs at endgame.
Hardest to equip Combine Commandos armor.
Worst SB for clan.
Worst Burst, AS.
Summary/Opinion:
Best at early and mid-game (up to TL5 probably) where HP is rather meaningless and casting and selfing first is meaningfull, due to symbs and abilities.
Hardest for PvP at endgame due to lack of perks and HP.
Cheapest to play as it doesn't require much to self everything.
Solitus:
Pros:
Decent HP.
Good enough nano skills.
Easy to equip endgame symbs.
Good endgame perks for PvP.
Cons:
Most IP to max abilities
Summary/Opinion:
With good HP and nanoskills mix probably the best overall breed for the average player, not looking for unique advantages.
Good endgame PvP due to perks (and SB for omni).
Opifex:
Pros:
Best weapons. Highest pistol combo. Best Pistol/Grenade AR.
Best evades.
Easiest to equip CSS.
Easiest to equip the important endgame symbs.
More AS.
Good burst.
Cons:
Slightly less HP than soli.
SB for clan is bad.
HP regen tick is slowest
Summary/Opinion:
Best choice for an evade engi. Slight loss of HP is covered up by better evades, if one chooses to play this way.
Atrox:
Pros:
Best HP (~1.5k more than soli/opi, ~3k more than NM).
Mongo Rage, an endgame Perk which might be usefull for PvP.
Easiest to put on strong/merc armor.
Least IP to max abilities.
Fastest HP regen tick.
Best Burst.
Good AS.
Cons:
Hardest to put symbs in. Even the 250 symbs are very hard at 220.
Hardest to self bots and nanos.
Hardest to put Tier armor/CSS/Scout/Officer.
Worst at tradeskilling
Summary/Opinion:
Worst for start and mid-game.
HP, SB and maybe MR make it good for endgame PvP.
Not a good choice for the beginner player and a challange to everyone.
Most expensive to play as it requires much to self anything.
See Beornin's thread for more information.