Armor

[IHateMMOs]

In the earlier alpha build of Planetside 2, in many pictures you could see soldiers of the same exact class wearing completely different armor from one another, some weren't even wearing helmets, so is it possible to equip/unequip armor, and if you can, will there be different types of armor that not only changes your stats but also your appearance? Or is the only customization in the item shop?

[willaguy]

I think that since those things you mentioned were purely cosmetic that taking away/adding on armor is going to be something put in the store.

[EisenKreutzer]

Thats probably an example of the type of cosmetic customization options we will be able to purchase in the in-game store.

[Mechlord]

This was done for marketing images.

[IHateMMOs]

But what about stat changing armor? That's what I'm curious about.

[Oryon22]

But what about stat changing armor? That's what I'm curious about.

No loot. No pay to win.

[Gonefshn]

With the F2P model it wouldn't surprise me if we don't see armor progress visually with your Battle Rank. I would love for this to be in the game but it could take away from possible cash shop cosmetic options.

[Oryon22]

With the F2P model it wouldn't surprise me if we don't see armor progress visually with your Battle Rank. I would love for this to be in the game but it could take away from possible cash shop cosmetic options.

I'm almost positive your armor will change visually with battle rank, except it will involve increasing faction specific colors. Different colors/patterns are found in the cash shop.

[EisenKreutzer]

But what about stat changing armor? That's what I'm curious about.

PS2 doesn't have an inventory, so I don't think there will be equippable items or anything like that. Also, as has been said, it's not pay to win, so theres not going to be any stat-changing armor or other items in the in-game shop.

[Gonefshn]

I'm almost positive your armor will change visually with battle rank, except it will involve increasing faction specific colors. Different colors/patterns are found in the cash shop.

It's certainly possible you are right. I hope that is the case.

I just feel like from the screenshots and gameplay we have been shown so far there is little to support the theory but honestly maybe I'm not observant enough.

[Hamma]

If you are looking for the classic "paper doll" to pimp yourself out it doesn't exist. You pick all this stuff in the customization screen.

[GhettoPrince]

I would be really surprised if there wasn't a basic uniform that changes with your battle rank. It would just be stupid to have a person at br 1 look exactly the same as a person at br 20+

I think the most popular store items are going to be skins and camo for vehicles anyway, unless they have unique hats, bandannas, stuff like that.

[Hamma]

It's been confirmed that uniforms don't change based on rank, it's totally customization based this time around.

[EisenKreutzer]

It's been confirmed that uniforms don't change based on rank, it's totally customization based this time around.

Honestly, this makes perfect sense with the F2P model in mind. If you want to look sharp, you're going to have to fork out the Station Cash for it.

I'm ok with that, and since the game is free, I'm going to spend the 60$ I'm saving on awesome cosmetic stuff!

[GhettoPrince]

That sounds like a misstep to me, I understand customization, but having no change between your first day and your first year is just weird. You think they'd at least bring back the uniform recolors from the first planetside.

When you see a high battle rank character you should be able to recognize that a lot of time has gone into it.

[CaptainRon]

That sounds like a misstep to me, I understand customization, but having no change between your first day and your first year is just weird. You think they'd at least bring back the uniform recolors from the first planetside.

When you see a high battle rank character you should be able to recognize that a lot of time has gone into it.

I'm actually kinda glad they didn't though, I didn't like the overall gold look on my NC guy and totally missed the blue with gold stripes. Plus as a CoH player, I like the idea I can look however way I want to look from day one as long as I'm willing to fork the cash to unlock some cosmetic items.

[EisenKreutzer]

That sounds like a misstep to me, I understand customization, but having no change between your first day and your first year is just weird. You think they'd at least bring back the uniform recolors from the first planetside.

When you see a high battle rank character you should be able to recognize that a lot of time has gone into it.

I don't neccessarily agree. remember, this game has a completely different model than the original Planetside. To stay afloat, the devs are going to have to give people a good reason to want to look special, and if you started looking cooler and cooler the higher you got up the ladder, a lot of people would just use those options, costing SOE profits.

[Oryon22]

It's been confirmed that uniforms don't change based on rank, it's totally customization based this time around.

Well, that's obviously news to me. Makes sense in a F2P model.

[JHendy]

Having pay2lookgood instead of pay2win is a good compromise, I think. SOE will rake in some serious duckets if the aesthetic tweaks they're selling really do look good.

Pink hearts and zebra stripes might not be as profitable though.

[Dagron]

Having pay2lookgood instead of pay2win is a good compromise, I think.

qft.

[Crator]

I'm guessing that they will probably have some sort of visual identifier to tell others what rank you are though. It might not come with a armor look change due to the customization options. Hamma said it was confirmed they will not be doing the look change for higher ranks, I didn't know that was fact until now. So, some sort of insignia to tell you rank or something.....

I wouldn't mind if they would limit color palette customization options according to rank though. Yes, it may limit income at first but it gives a global visual indicator and something for a player to take pride in and strive for.

[EisenKreutzer]

I'll be happy as long as there is some sort of helmet that covers my face, ala the Infiltrator skins we've seen. Because honestly? Those 70's sci-fi helmets with the goofy visors aren't doing anything for me. ^^

[Sledgecrushr]

I'll be happy as long as there is some sort of helmet that covers my face, ala the Infiltrator skins we've seen. Because honestly? Those 70's sci-fi helmets with the goofy visors aren't doing anything for me. ^^

I saw in an interviEw with tray during E3 that they will have lots of helmets to choose from in the cash shop.

[SgtExo]

Can we chose Higby's hair?

[QuantumMechanic]

I'm guessing that they will probably have some sort of visual identifier to tell others what rank you are though.

I was a bit saddened when I realized there was no armor progression through the battle ranks, but I understand how that conflicts with their monetization model.

Plus as you say, it doesn't have to be an armor thing. All I want is a way to identify if a soldier is lower BR, about the same BR or higher BR than myself.

So how 'bout this: paint a soldier's BR number on his/her shoulder plate. Or on the back somewhere. Anywhere that can be seen if somebody wants to look. Or if the Battle Ranks have symbols associatedd with them, then paint the symbol on the armor. Or pin it on the chest.

I do think it's important to be able to visually identify another soldier's rank, and there has to be more ways like this to accomplish that without intruding on cosmetic customization.

[EisenKreutzer]

It would be cool if there was some sort of medal or crest on your chest that was optional, which showed your rank.

[kaffis]

That sounds like a misstep to me, I understand customization, but having no change between your first day and your first year is just weird. You think they'd at least bring back the uniform recolors from the first planetside.

When you see a high battle rank character you should be able to recognize that a lot of time has gone into it.
Except that the only way to show off your l33t time investment would be to... NOT spend money supporting the game.

It's counterproductive to the business model to make time/advancement-based prestige items that are incompatible with monetization-based prestige items.

[GhettoPrince]

No it isn't , World of Tanks didn't even have skins until this year, and that was the smash hit of the free to play games, and I'm sure most people will be buying xp boosts and maybe the occasional weapon, that's what free 2 play means, you don't pay to get it, but you "subscribe" to the game by buying your monthly xp boost/premium time.

Somehow, I don't think FPS players will want to spend a lot of money to play virtual dress up.

It's just strange to have an hour old character look the same as a month old character.

[IHateMMOs]

Guys, I think you didn't quite understand me correctly, I mean armor that you can buy IN GAME that will effect you're stats, like example a certain armor gives you more def but it will make you slower, another does the opposite, and you buy these armors with resources, not SC. And would they effect your appearance in any way. I'm not saying I want to pimp myself out without paying a dime, I'm saying will it just look different.

[EisenKreutzer]

Somehow, I don't think FPS players will want to spend a lot of money to play virtual dress up.

Ever played Team Fortress 2?

Guys, I think you didn't quite understand me correctly, I mean armor that you can buy IN GAME that will effect you're stats, like example a certain armor gives you more def but it will make you slower, another does the opposite, and you buy these armors with resources, not SC. And would they effect your appearance in any way. I'm not saying I want to pimp myself out without paying a dime, I'm saying will it just look different.

As far as we know, no.

[SgtExo]

Guys, I think you didn't quite understand me correctly, I mean armor that you can buy IN GAME that will effect you're stats, like example a certain armor gives you more def but it will make you slower, another does the opposite, and you buy these armors with resources, not SC. And would they effect your appearance in any way. I'm not saying I want to pimp myself out without paying a dime, I'm saying will it just look different.

I am sure that will all be done thru certs.

[Rasui]

I'm fine with not having our armor color change based on rank, but I think it would be a huge missed opportunity if you didn't get unique armor pieces from merits. Think the old merit ribbons except they're armor pieces. They're super visible and definitely not something everyone will have. Which is exactly what Vet players want, something to differentiate themselves from the newbies.

It'd be cool as hell to look at someone and see he has a shoulder pad that signifies 10,000 kills with X.

[Tehroth]

As long as they keep using the money we fork over for cosmetic items to create more sandbox content and features we would like to see in game I am down.

On that note I wonder what the 15monthly subscription entails.

[Ratstomper]

I'm fine with not having our armor color change based on rank, but I think it would be a huge missed opportunity if you didn't get unique armor pieces from merits. Think the old merit ribbons except they're armor pieces. They're super visible and definitely not something everyone will have. Which is exactly what Vet players want, something to differentiate themselves from the newbies.

It'd be cool as hell to look at someone and see he has a shoulder pad that signifies 10,000 kills with X.

I'm all for this. You could look at someone and go "Oh, he's a sniper" or "that guy is whatever". Put these in as rewards for accomplishments in addition, but independent from, the bought customization in the shop. Make it merit slots like in PS1, so you could only wear 1-3 at a time.

[GreatMazinkaise]

Somehow, I don't think FPS players will want to spend a lot of money to play virtual dress up.

This is also an MMO, and MMO players most definitely do like to play virtual dress-up.

[OutlawDr]

From the videos, it looks like we have 5 slots to visually customize our guy.

Helmet, Armor, Armor Tint, Camo and Decal.
Stats come from the class itself and certs.

[Dagron]

Guys, I think you didn't quite understand me correctly, I mean armor that you can buy IN GAME that will effect you're stats...
I am sure that will all be done thru certs.
I agree, there's no reason to have equipment that modifies your stats when it's all already customizable through certs, it would just be extra work to balance things out.


would they effect your appearance in any way. I'm not saying I want to pimp myself out without paying a dime, I'm saying will it just look different.
As in different uniforms for different ranks, right? Well they could, i don't see a big problem in that.
But Hamma said they won't, and since he's been watching things way closer than i am, i believe him.
 

[JesNC]

The old merit system was awesome. You could always see if someone was really dedicated to a certain playstyle.

Back when I played frequently I was always glad if someone wearing the gold adv. med merit was around...

[gufftroad]

i love the merit slot idea a slot that could only have things unlocked by playing would be nice

also a lot more people then you'd think want to play virtual dress up they just haven't had the option yet take a look at some other FTP FPS games a see how many people spend $5 on a face mask with a skull

[Rasui]

The old merit system was cool, but the implementation was rather underwhelming. That's why I'm pushing for the idea of merits=armor pieces. Much more visually striking and cool to newbies even if they don't know what they stand for yet.

[Crator]

I'm down for giving higher ranks fluff armor pieces. Perhaps they are already doing this. Giving players slots for customization that they must unlock via higher ranks. idk if they are doing that though....

[Blackwolf]

But what about stat changing armor? That's what I'm curious about.

What stats?

[Ratstomper]

The old merit system was cool, but the implementation was rather underwhelming. That's why I'm pushing for the idea of merits=armor pieces. Much more visually striking and cool to newbies even if they don't know what they stand for yet.

It would have to be stuff that correspond to the merit and could be turned off if the player wanted. Thematic aesthetics that could be earned by spending ALOT of time doing things well. For instance, sniper merits would unlock some cool, futuristic looking shooting glasses. Maybe your typical infantry grunts could get some additional aesthetic armor. Hacking merits could award some hacking equipment that would show on your soldier's belt. Stuff like that would go a long way to incentivise players to get good at what they like to do. Make it so you can unlock all of it (theoretically, if you wanted) and allow players to have 1-3 equipped at any given time. That way you could look at a player and get an instant idea of what they can do. I really like the idea.

they would have to take a while to get and cant be TOO obtrusive. They still want to sell customization.

[XxAxMayxX]

As far as I know they're visual tweaks, you can buy different helmets, chestpeices, etc. for station cash and their are know gameplay advantages or disadvantages

[Rasui]

It would have to be stuff that correspond to the merit and could be turned off if the player wanted. Thematic aesthetics that could be earned by spending ALOT of time doing things well. For instance, sniper merits would unlock some cool, futuristic looking shooting glasses. Maybe your typical infantry grunts could get some additional aesthetic armor. Hacking merits could award some hacking equipment that would show on your soldier's belt. Stuff like that would go a long way to incentivise players to get good at what they like to do. Make it so you can unlock all of it (theoretically, if you wanted) and allow players to have 1-3 equipped at any given time. That way you could look at a player and get an instant idea of what they can do. I really like the idea.

they would have to take a while to get and cant be TOO obtrusive. They still want to sell customization.

If they're that worried about making money they can sell merit slots for $5 apiece or something. I don't really care, I just want something cool to differentiate myself as a veteran over time.

[Ratstomper]

If they're that worried about making money they can sell merit slots for $5 apiece or something. I don't really care, I just want something cool to differentiate myself as a veteran over time.

I agree and would really like something like this. Maybe you should write up a thread over on the ideas forum.

[Dagron]

I didn't play PS1 so i don't know how it was. By merits do you guys mean patches/medals?

[Ratstomper]

I didn't play PS1 so i don't know how it was. By merits do you guys mean patches/medals?

Yes. Sort of like achievements. If you got x amount of y you got a bar to wear on your shoulder. You could have up to 3 of them.

For instance, if you got 200 kills with the bolt driver, you got the basic sniper merit and unlocked a bar for it to show off.

[Dagron]

Cool.

I'd understand if they wanted to charge for the slot, but as a paying player i also wouldn't mind if it was free, it's just a way for people to show what they love to do.

[Crator]

Some were based on support roles too. So in that case it wasn't about x amount of y but more about how much support XP you got doing specific support activities.

[IHateMMOs]

Still would love to be able to take some armor off, like the helmet.

[Dagron]

Many games that also have tons of customizations have the option to toggle the helmet, i don't see why they wouldn't do it too.

[Baneblade]

You armor is tied into class.