If i remember correctly, there was no rule in the spell creation section of SR3 that didn´t allow a combat spell be of limited range. In SR4 this backdoor is unfortunately missing, but what do you think of a e.g. acid stream spell with a limited range of magic*force meters and therefore limited drain? This option would make such high-drain-spells much more attractive. Any opinions?

Sounds like a good idea, without trying to think of game-breaking reasons why not. It kind of "makes sense" that a stream of acid, or spray of water, or flamethrower, or whatever, would be physically limited in range.

Just don't limit the drain too much, methinks...

Gah! The double negatives!

That said, I figure a -1 or -2 to drain for putting a limited range of F*Magic would be reasonable.

Edit: Range subject to adjustment with net hits if desired ala AoE.

I'd limit the range of everything and leave the Drain the same.

Hehe. I agree, though: *really* close-range makes sense for a lower Drain.

It's a great idea. I'm tired of seeing only mana & power bolts thrown in combat. Stupid elemental spells with their ridiculous drain! Or mana & power bolts have drain that is too low, yeah, probably that.

Your teams never up against drones or other vehicles, those are pretty hard to harm with direct combat spells, thanks to their high OR.

yes, drones are the exception. I've seen some Sparks used on them rather commonly. In that case, it's worth the drain.

You have to beat their OR with indirect combat spells as well don't you?

Depends on how you read the rules. One possible reading is that you do, which is crazy.

I agree. I've always hated that LOS was the default for spells.

Nope, the rules for for resolving indirect combat spell attack says absolutely nothing about objeck resistance.
Also it would make absolutely zero sense considering that the elemental spells create an actual natural elemental effect.

Ah..the good ol' days of 1st & 2nd ed. Limited range combat spells.
Demoted to only Detection spells in 3rd.

Back then it was -1 DL, so I can see a -2DV to drain.

I find it kind of funny for LOS elemental spells at a long range.

lil' jimmy: "Mommy, look at the lightning above us!"
Mommy (looking in purse): There's no lightning honey, there's not a cloud in the sky.
lil' Jimmy: THERE IS! It came from the top of that building and hit the top of the other building WAY over there!
Mommy: Uh, huh. That's nice dear.

Lil' Jimmy must of gotten into Mommy's BTL's again, hmm?

What else do you think she was looking in her purse for? Checking that none were missing