I am usually a close range fighter. How do I use my Supernova well, and what situations should I use it for?
How do I use the Supernova effectively?
If enemies are out of your typical sword range, shoot at them in a sweeping motion. Try to corner one or more of them if possible. If enemies are close to you, you'll be at a disadvantage using it so just don't unless you're finishing them off or leading them into an attack.
Also consider flinching turrets at a distance and using the charge at close range, but only if you have to.
Use it on approach and retreat, like you would with any other gun-toting swordsman. ;-)
Well, that's the simple answer. I own a Polaris, which is effective against all turret types, so the only reason I'd bring a Supernova would be for using its explosive powers against enemies resistant to elemental damage. That would be gremlins and wolvers. Gremlines tend to dodge backwards, which puts them farther away from you and thus within the greater damage range of Supernova, making them ideal targets. This same backward dodge makes them a pain to attack with swords.
So like I said in my opening sentence, use it on approach. If you can't reliably hit that one darn gremlin with your sword, whip out your Supernova and keep plodding toward him with your finger on the trigger.
Supernova is also a great kiting gun for Tortodrone battles. It can deal fair damage while keeping you relatively safe with it's range.
As a veteran pulsar user, the best way to use supernova and its variants is run away from a mob of enemies, once they are almost off screen, start spamming your shots. I can guarantee you that they won't get close to you, especially in a narrow passage way. Once you spammed a few salvo and the enemies are weakened, finish them off with swords, supernova is also the bane of minis when you don't have bombs.
When against devilites, turn off AT and spread out your shots, make sure the energy balls lined up in a zig-zag line and those fiends won't be able to dodge them. Same tactic can be applied to gorgos. Wolvers on the other hand, you should probably use swords.
Pulsars' charge attack is worthless, most likely to balance out its amazing normal attack, so don't use it, you are better off trusting your swords than banking on the charge shot push the mobs back.
Last but not least, Pulsar are the banes of all turrets in SK, even without ASI, these guns can chain stun a turret for a long time, perfect if you are having trouble with a clockwork tunnels filled with turrets.