Outfit Fears

[Durandal]

Ok, so I've been pondering this one for a while now, I'm kinda worried about the whole "Outfit Specialization" thing, while it is really cool that an outfit can go really deep into being super specialized in lets say infiltartor. This amount of super specialization can be detrimental to outfits from the original PS.

While there are alot of people who will stick it out with their original outfit just based on name alone, it seems that it will force players to make a difficult decision on whether or not to stay with an outfit that they know from the original game, just because that's where their friends are OR join a new faction because it makes they a better infiltrator.

I feel that this sort of super specialization should be relegated to platoons, not entire outfits. That way you can have all of your friends AND get your super specialized bonuses without having to sacrifice one or the other.

Any thought on this?

[willaguy]

I've never heard of a Super Specialization bonus, link please?

[DukeTerror]

Yeah, I think your mis-understanding statements. I've only heard them talk about how outfits can choose to specialize in GAL drops or running Tank columns, but nothing about it being a bonus granted in any of the skills or exp for those outfits. It's more of a social decision and really, it's mostly just TotalBiscuit rambling; I don't think any of the devs made that comment.

[Durandal]

Yeah, it was on the TB videos, but id imagine he has some idea of what he speaks?

[SgtExo]

Its more about a group a ppl that want to specialize in those things and getting together in an outfit. The outfit wont give specific bonus for a role, they will just help ppl work on that with like minded ppl.

[Flaropri]

I think TB just wants a Loverator Outfit with BaconMAX ground support.


In the mean time, there's been some Dev comments on how you can have an Outfit choose to specialize, but as said before, there has been zero mention of getting mechanical bonuses and benefits to specific things as an Outfit... just that it's a valid option (hopefully) to do socially.

[CuddlyChud]

I think the devs intend for there to be a mechanical difference between outfits. When they were talking about the 20% power difference, they specifically included outfit bonuses. Really though, if you're friends with the people in your outfit generally you'll do the same things they do together, so it doesn't seem that big of a deal.

[Amichai]

I think OP is referring to the Outfit Cert Tree.

Per the PSU Info Thread: "Outfits have a skill tree for improved specialization"
(http://www.planetside-universe.com/showthread.php?t=37350)


Other Sources:
http://comms.planetsidesyndicate.com/showthread.php?t=4516

http://kotaku.com/5819356/how-planetside-2-will-blow-the-roof-off-the-massively-multiplayer-online-first+person-shooter-genre

http://www.planetside-universe.com/showthread.php?t=40642

[DukeTerror]

It seems like it's very old references there.

Also it seems completely counter to what players want out of outfits. Most outfits want to have a mixed force in their squads, and the ability to dynamically react to the battlefield. All infiltrators in outfit would be fairly dull after awhile just like an entire outfit in any one vehicle or class. Kinda hard to be all Maxes with no engineers, no scouting, and no revives.

If anything an outfit will have only one of their squads specialised at a task, or pick nights that the whole outfit goes tanks or aircraft just for the fun of it. Any specialization bonus in the game would need a cost/drawback, and that just wouldn't be worth it to use.

[Durandal]

Also it seems completely counter to what players want out of outfits. Most outfits want to have a mixed force in their squads, and the ability to dynamically react to the battlefield.

Exactly my fear...and all the info we have so far indicates that this not is the way it is going to be. But who knows.

[CuddlyChud]

I think it makes sense. Most of the notable outfits in PS1 did something particularly well, whether it was max crashes, mossie swarms, tank columns, etc... I think its good to have outfits specialize a little bit. Its not like because your outfit specced into something, you can't do anything else. It's just a bonus; There's no real penalty.

[Durandal]

but there is a penalty, i mean obviously you aren't losing stats, but you aren't gaining them either, making you at a deficit. That's why i think outfits should be able to spec platoons, so that everyone who wants to be in that outfit can be in the same outfit with their friends and still gain the benfits.