Slugs, lasers, missiles, and beams do not provide enough weapon/strategic diversity. Here are some ideas for new weapons that could fall under the current kinetic and energy categories:

Kinetic:


Railgun - A medium range variant of slugs with a longer RoF.

Visual: Cannon-like kinetic weapon

Long: 75%

Medium: 100%

Short: 75%

Perk: 10% base crit chance

RoF: Similar to lasers but slower


Rockets - A short range variant of missiles.

Visual: Unguided missiles that travel in a straight line

Long: 0%

Medium: 80%

Short: 100%

Perk: 25% rocket health

RoF: Similar to missiles but faster


Boarding Pods - Short range only kinetic weapon

Visual: Large pods fired from tube-like turrets

Long: 0%

Medium: 0%

Short: 100%

Perk: Bonus manpower or deals additional crew damage

RoF: Similar to beams


Energy:


Plasma - Long range energy weapon

Visual: Balls of explosive energy

Long: 100%

Medium: 80%

Short: 0%

Perk: 5% Flotilla damage

RoF: Similar to missiles


Pulse - Short range energy variant of slugs (could counter plasma instead)

Visual: Lighter variant of lasers with longer beams of energy

Long: 80%

Medium: 100%

Short: 100%

Perk: Increased damage at short range

RoF: Similar to slugs


Arc - Medium range energy weapon

Visual: Electric weapon

Long: 0%

Medium: 100%

Short: 80%

Perk: 

RoF: Similar to beams