Yes but you use Gauss' arcade shots in close/medium range - the projectile is fast enough so there's very little planning you need to do. It almost hits instantly. A better argument you could give for Smoky is that the turret rotates faster, allowing it to hit fast Wasps on Nitro where the Gauss might not be able to.

The reason I like the Gauss is because it has no alterations, stock is already good - don't need to pay 240k crystals on an expensive alteration to get the best out of it. If I had the crystals I'd go with Railgun + Large Caliber Rounds Hammer + Duplet Magnum + Reinforced Gun Carriage All overpowered combos especially on Hornet with DD active. Since I'm not willing to give TO any more money because of their bad updates killing the game, Gauss is the way to go.

I love how you can play it like a Smoky, with slightly longer reload time in exchange for splash damage of a Thunder. I think it even outclasses Smoky in its own role because Gauss mk2 deals more damage than my Smoky mk6! For long range you can turn into a Shaft without the laser, like a real sneaky sniper that Shaft used to be pre-laser patch. Very versatile turret. I just hate how Hornet is the best hull for it. I'm not a fan of the Hornet's looks and drifts and the bad reputation that comes to Hornet players, but the OD works so well with the Gauss it's a real handicap not to use it.. I love Hunter for the stability and it looks badass with the Gauss, but the OD doesn't really synergize well with Gauss because you're mostly staying in medium-long range. Oh the dillemma.. Style or practicality?

Isida is almost useless in the current state of TO.. It used to be that Isida was important in a team since the only other way to heal up was to use/grab a Repair Kit, but things have changed that indirectly nerfed the Isida and made it redundant: Most players are druggers at this point, using RK to heal up Dictator's overdrive, giving free supplies and healing Hornet's overdrive, combined with high damage turrets, alterations, drones and DD to ONE SHOT KILL medium hulls and below. Healing is pointless if your opponents can one-shot your teammates with full health. Viking's overdrive, dealing extremely fast damage that your healing can't keep up. Again what's the point of healing if your teammate dies in 2 seconds? Various defensive and healing drones The overal damage output has increased significantly, tanks die faster than ever. There are also more ways to repair than before so an Isida is not exactly essential. The only place where the Isida can shine is in PRO no-drug and no-overdrive games.

What's the best hull to use for Gauss? Going by overdrives I assume it's Hornet and Dictator?

Yeah, smokies can also show off

Perfect balance is possible, I know several games that are balanced. TO's developers are just incompetent.

Smoky needs to hit every shot in order to be effective and maximize its damage, the Smoky needs constant pressure so you're forced to keep thinking ahead and aiming while at the same time driving. The most skillful combo is Smoky+Wasp because now you need to worry about not just hitting every shot but also dodging enemy shots, navigating the map or grabbing the flag. It's a lot of multi-tasking and stress. Railgun only needs to worry about landing one hit before ducking back behind cover. Less brain power involved than a Smoky. If we're gonna talk about steep learning curve, Smoky + Wasp is probably the number #1 candidate because it's extremely hard to master. Usually you're sacrificing movement for aim or vice versa, it takes a lot of skill to hit all your shots while at the same turning your hull and zipping around obstacles. I have tried both at the highest level, and the Railgun is easier to play with than the Smoky in my experience. If I want a relaxing game I go Railgun because it's easier and I need to think less. Shoot, hide, shoot, hide, shoot hide, occasionally changing locations if the enemy is close.

Hornet Railgun has NO WEAKNESS. It is definitely OVERPOWERED. "But the Hornet has low HP!" - That doesn't matter when the Railgunner is hiding behind a wall and only revealing himself for 1 second to fire. If you try to kill the Railgun, he'll retreat behind other cover with its faster speed. Double Damage + Large Caliber Rounds + Hornet's Overdrive (ignoring enemy protection and Double Armor) = currently the most overpowered tank. Let's look at other powerful high damage Hornet combos, which at least they have some weakness you can exploit: Hornet Hammer, they require to get close so at least you can take hit them back. Hornet Shaft, requires standing still for its best damage, so you can flank them. Hornet Striker/Magnum, long reloading and clunky to use. Also can damage itself. Hornet Railgun is the only one that doesn't have a weakness to exploit, as long as you hide behind walls and avoid direct confrontation which is easy with Hornet's speed and small profile. If you try to catch it with your own Hornet or Wasp - keep dreaming because he only needs 1 shot to kill you.

Smoky needs more skill than Railgun.

We're way past the point of reviving this game, they have done too much damage and too many players have quit because of the horrible updates. The developers have killed the game with all the money sinks and wallet-sucking modules/alterations/overdrives/drones/batteries/premiums/coins and whatever other artificial items they will come up with next. They're milking so hard it's not even funny, just sad. It's like a cow that can't produce any more milk but the farmer keeps trying to milk it for any last drop of $$$