First Mission System Update Today

[HereticusXZ]

https://forums.station.sony.com/ps2/index.php?threads/scheduled-maintenance-march-27th-6-am-pt.179856/

All servers will come down for scheduled maintenance beginning at 6:00 AM PT (2 PM CET). Players may note the following changes.The notes in italic parentheses are additional information from your Community Manager and may not be representative of the intent of it's preceding patch note.


Members Only Double Experience Weekends!
As a thank you to our loyal members starting this week, double XP weekends once a month starting now! Thanks again, we couldn’t make this game without you guys!


Still in Progress:

Major Issue Status:
https://forums.station.sony.com/ps2/index.php?threads/major-live-issues-for-3-26-2014.179848/
Input latency fix. Give us feedback.
Area desync fix. We’ll be monitoring results on live.

Straight Pull Bolts:
We’re still implementing your feedback from their time on Test. We know you are anxious to get them in game and we hope to have them out soon, but we also want them to be awesome.


Updates:

Missions Phase 1

Two types of Missions, which are automatically created by the system:

Attack missions are always created at any capturable enemy facility.
Defend missions will be created if there is significant enemy presence at a vulnerable friendly facility or a friendly facility is being contested. They will not end until that enemy presence has been removed and the facility is fully resecured. (The guy who keeps accidentally TKing you with C4 is not technically an enemy).

Mission Assignment

Missions are automatically created and assigned based on proximity to capturable/contested facilities. Players wishing a different mission can go to the region of choice and the appropriate mission will be automatically assigned.
The closest mission to the player’s region by lattice-links is the primary selection logic, then action scoring if there is more than one. (If you didn't understand this, it's ok. It just means we are always going to point you in a direction that may get you killed.)
Players in vehicles (especially aircraft) will experience delays in mission assignment as a convenience to avoid rapid re-assignment spam while travelling around a continent. (Your Outfit leader however may continue to yell conflicting orders more quickly.)

Squads & Missions

Players in a squad always inherit their squad leader’s mission. No action by the squad leader is necessary for this behavior.
The rules for squad leader mission assignment are the same as players not in a squad.

Mission Rewards

Players in a squad that are in the area of their squad’s mission will receive a 15% experience bonus for staying together and participating in the squad’s mission. (Once again TKing the guy in the squad for improper C4 use does not get a bonus.)
There is currently no reward for completing a mission for this phase of the system. (Completion is it's own reward. Right? Right?!?)


UI Changes

The Mission information panel is now above the Minimap in the HUD. This panel contains the target mission, distance, and direction.
If the player is in the target facility area the direction and distance indicator is replaced by capture point status and progress.
If the player’s target mission is on another continent the direction and distance is replaced by the continent name. (While it might be funny to just randomly point you in a direction and call it Amerish, this probably makes more sense.
The Mission Waypoint will always direct players to the currently assigned facility mission.
The Mission Waypoint will be hidden while the player is in the facility area of the target facility mission.

Death Screen

Minor modifications and polish to the layout.
Personal Stats now appear on the Suicide screen. (We still don't advocate killing yourself. Nanites aren't free you know.
Life stats now stay in the Session stats panel. Previously they were transitioning out to quickly to be perceived.
Messaging has been added to let you know when you’re being revived while on the death screen. (Text may include "Seriously again? How many times is this?")

Misc

Lowered the respawn time after redeploy from 15 to 5 seconds
Increased presence of membership status to highlight those benefits.

Purchasing

Removed SMS payment support.

Bugs Fixed

WDS Dominator titles should appear correctly for previous winners.
Fixed laser sight attachments on the MKV Suppressed having grenade launcher attachment descriptions. (Supression of Grenade Launchers seemed interesting but not plausible.)
Flashes should no longer have the wrong faction decal. (We get it. You don't want to be subtly brainwashed.)
Multiple environment bugs fixed (special thanks to player DarkTexas for all the help on Test server)

[HereticusXZ]

Personally.... I like the dynamic of the Mission Systems... But I hate that it's created by the system automatically, Give the power to create missions to Platoon Leaders!

[ChipMHazard]

Agreed. Not entirely sure that I trust the game to be able to generate these missions without also mocking it up.

[bpostal]

As far as I'm concerned the mission system has NOT been implemented yet. I don't know what to call this...thing but it's not the mission system.

Let me know when we're able to create our own missions on the PTS, then I'll come check it out.

[mrmrmrj]

The description of the mission system reads like it will just steer people to the a contested point along the lattice - the places we all go anyway. Just a free 15% exp bonus for doing what we do.

[Calista]

Will be interesting to see how this double XP for members works out. Seems it would cause more of the rich getting richer syndrome and widen the gap between free players (which is a HUGE percentage of players) and members.

[Redshift]

Will be interesting to see how this double XP for members works out. Seems it would cause more of the rich getting richer syndrome and widen the gap between free players (which is a HUGE percentage of players) and members.

There is no gap, good players are good with stock weapons and a 30 cert scope.
When you get your arse handed to you by a lvl 100 it's not because they had more shit, it's because they've got 10000 hours experience...

[Crator]

Agreed. Not entirely sure that I trust the game to be able to generate these missions without also mocking it up.

I really never understood how a player-controlled mission system would work tbh. I always thought player-controlled system would be a mess. This automated system would be cleaner I think. Software does what you tell it, people don't always do that though. I would think if people had the power to create missions there would be way too many hands in the cookie jar so to speak, hence a mess.

Having said all that, I never really thought a mission system was really needed in this game.

[bpostal]

...I would think if people had the power to create missions there would be way too many hands in the cookie jar so to speak, hence a mess...

It needs to be locked behind some kind of something, that's for sure. What's the PS2 equivalent of CR3?

[HereticusXZ]

It's essentially giving your squad free 15% XP just to be a squad regardless of where you are in the world as long as your squads with you then you get the free XP... Isn't that what Squad Boosts are for?


The automatic system is boring and adds nothing to the game. When players asked for a Mission System it was suppose to be something along the lines of Platoon leaders being able to set mission objectives for there squads.

Example: Platoon Leader orders Alpha squad go defend a Generator, Bravo set up AA on this platform, Charlie go repair the Tanks in this area.... If your squad was within the small area-of-operation set by the "Mission" then you would get the bonus XP.

Isn't that what was proposed on the forums oh so long ago? NOT what we have now? I'll wait and see what happens with the rest of the Mission System yet to be implemented but thus far with this introduction....

Not happy at all, This is a disappointment.

[camycamera]

It's essentially giving your squad free 15% XP just to be a squad regardless of where you are in the world as long as your squads with you then you get the free XP... Isn't that what Squad Boosts are for?


The automatic system is boring and adds nothing to the game. When players asked for a Mission System it was suppose to be something along the lines of Platoon leaders being able to set mission objectives for there squads.

Example: Platoon Leader orders Alpha squad go defend a Generator, Bravo set up AA on this platform, Charlie go repair the Tanks in this area.... If your squad was within the small area-of-operation set by the "Mission" then you would get the bonus XP.

Isn't that what was proposed on the forums oh so long ago? NOT what we have now? I'll wait and see what happens with the rest of the Mission System yet to be implemented but thus far with this introduction....

Not happy at all, This is a disappointment.
i am pretty sure that is planned for future phases for the mission system, this is just the first phase, calm your tits.

overall this is a positive change. hopefully it'll reduce ghost capping even more, and generate fights, as well as teach new/solo players where to go.

[synkrotron]

I'm not really taking any notice of it and I would like to be able to turn it off.

[KesTro]

There's only one mission I'm interested in accomplishing.

http://i.imgur.com/zh0QblG.jpg

[CraazyCanuck]

Now that shit is funny. Ware Kestro and his cupid bolts Hereticus! That crossbow implementation was all his doing just to improve his accuracy.

[Elahhez]

The mission system is not a bad idea.. but appears it need some tweaking, although i realize it is hard to predict which way the battles are going.

But in example.

Yesterday, we (vanu) were fighting the NC around the NS Material / Howling Pass bases.. and Frequently it would suggest "defend NS Material", when the logical step would be to make an assault on howling, and visa versa.

But all in all i think it is a nice addition to the game, which will most likely help the younger players finding (even if only minor, temporary and shallow) goal on what to do in the game.

*thumbs up*

[Mastachief]

Neither wanted or needed.

Not having the ability to toggle it off pisses me off.

It's obstructing shots, cluttering the already small amount of screen space.

Irritating noise.

After 1200 hours i don't need telling where to go, especially when I never follow the zerg. It's designed for idiots and newbies.

[Gimpylung]

The Killscreen and the Mission System both need a toggle on/off in the settings menu.

I have no problem with them being defaulted to on as this will satisfy the need to make this game a little friendly for new players.

But I'm a big boy now, out of kindergarden and in big school, I can cycle a 2 wheel bike and everything, but I'd like the ability to remove the stabilisers please.

[Acantha]

I like the mission system but could you do it so if your in a squad/platoon the leader can change it. how it is now it is good for a lone wolf type thing

[Elahhez]

Only beef i have with the deathscreen is it telling me how bad i am, until i press a key to confirm i am bad.. Well sometimes anyways :)

[PredatorFour]

Everything thats been added needs a toggle on and off. When i'm chasing someone down the last thing i want is to be asked if i want to buy premium membership.

[Elahhez]

Everything thats been added needs a toggle on and off. When i'm chasing someone down the last thing i want is to be asked if i want to buy premium membership.

It does that?, that's bad.. should be a thing for browsing menus, terminals or whatever, not something to happen in such situations where you need your attention on well the game...

[Blynd]

The Killscreen and the Mission System both need a toggle on/off in the settings menu.

I have no problem with them being defaulted to on as this will satisfy the need to make this game a little friendly for new players.

But I'm a big boy now, out of kindergarden and in big school, I can cycle a 2 wheel bike and everything, but I'd like the ability to remove the stabilisers please.

I didn't realise they did stabilisers for the mag I need a set. :)

[NewSith]

Well, Malorn did warn everyone from the start, that the mission system is going to be automated at first, so they can find flaws and exploits in it, before giving power to the people.

[HereticusXZ]

There's only one mission I'm interested in accomplishing.

http://i.imgur.com/zh0QblG.jpg





You really know how to make a man /blush Kestro....

http://media.tumblr.com/f344145ede9d788f0d3fddb8b933ce20/tumblr_inline_mllf16jG5t1qz4rgp.gif

[NewSith]

You really know how to make a man /blush Kestro....

http://media.tumblr.com/f344145ede9d788f0d3fddb8b933ce20/tumblr_inline_mllf16jG5t1qz4rgp.gif


The ORIGINAL PICTURE (http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130309101404/fairytail/images/2/23/Ichiya%27s_smile.png) caused me go all like:
http://weknowgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/shaq-laughing-gif.gif

Sry for 4chan here...

[Calista]

There is no gap, good players are good with stock weapons and a 30 cert scope.
When you get your arse handed to you by a lvl 100 it's not because they had more shit, it's because they've got 10000 hours experience...

Have you tried playing with entry level gear? I have seen several posts where high level players with much time in the game have tried it using alts and found it to be an abysmal experience.

[Blynd]

Have you tried playing with entry level gear? I have seen several posts where high level players with much time in the game have tried it using alts and found it to be an abysmal experience.

That's not cause the gear is crap but the fact they have spent 90%of their time with different weapons and it's a case of just getting used to the basic stuff again that's all.

[KesTro]

That's not cause the gear is crap but the fact they have spent 90%of their time with different weapons and it's a case of just getting used to the basic stuff again that's all.

I can confirm this for me as well. There is a gap between players when it comes to suit slots and the like but as far as weapons go; stick with a squad and that gap can be mitigated fairly easily. Once the Outfit recruitment stuff gets added I really think it's going to help out new players quite a bit to not feel so intimidated by the game.

On the mission system though. This just seems like a temporary addition to see how it goes over and if the system is working. I want to believe that SOE will let us create our own missions in the future but we'll see how that goes.

[Babyfark McGeez]

Logged in, noticed the mission system only showed me either the base i was currently in or the next base in the lane. Shouldn't "work in progress" be on the test server?
Got annoyed by the additional screen clutter and noise and proceeded to look on the forums if i can turn it off...which apparently isn't possible (what a surprise).
Alt-Tabbed back into the game, thought i got a squad invite, turned out to be an ad. Got disconnected a minute later.

Finally uninstalled. This buggy live-beta is not remotely going into a direction i could consider playworthy, and everything i saw from Ps2 in the past half year just brought my piss to a boil.

Now waiting for Planetside to go F2P. And wondering how they will mess that up.

[KesTro]

Logged in, noticed the mission system only showed me either the base i was currently in or the next base in the lane. Shouldn't "work in progress" be on the test server?
Got annoyed by the additional screen clutter and noise and proceeded to look on the forums if i can turn it off...which apparently isn't possible (what a surprise).
Alt-Tabbed back into the game, thought i got a squad invite, turned out to be an ad. Got disconnected a minute later.

Finally uninstalled. This buggy live-beta is not remotely going into a direction i could consider playworthy, and everything i saw from Ps2 in the past half year just brought my piss to a boil.

Now waiting for Planetside to go F2P. And wondering how they will mess that up.


Have a good'un. Can't say I'll miss 'ya but your criticism is fair enough even if your wording can be viewed as biased. Ads don't mean much to me personally as I barely notice that anyway, nor the mission system clutter. The noise makes me jump here and there but it's something I'll get used to I'm sure.

[Belhade]

Only beef i have with the deathscreen is it telling me how bad i am, until i press a key to confirm i am bad.. Well sometimes anyways :)

First the deathcam screen was "hit a keyboard key to continue" then you could click your mouse instead now it's keyboard only again?? This. Is. BULLSHIT!

[bpostal]

First the deathcam screen was "hit a keyboard key to continue" then you could click your mouse instead now it's keyboard only again?? This. Is. BULLSHIT!

That has to be a bug, it was the only part of the death screen that I liked. Try /bug to report it and hopefully they'll get around to fixing it.

[almalino]

I do not mind mission system because it changed noting for me so far.

[disky]

I'm sure the mission system is going to get better, but I think that the developer's time would be better spent on:

1. The resource revamp.

2. Continental lattice.

3. Teaching new players how to play the game without holding their hands. An in-game tooltip tutorial similar to the one the original Planetside has would be fine.

[Edfishy]

I'm sure the mission system is going to get better, but I think that the developer's time would be better spent on:

1. The resource revamp.

2. Continental lattice.

3. Teaching new players how to play the game without holding their hands. An in-game tooltip tutorial similar to the one the original Planetside has would be fine.

Higby implied in one of the command centers that some other infrastructure has to be replaced before they can get to resource revamp, continental lattice, etc, which is why it's scheduled where it is.

While that's getting done, they apparently can have some guys work on fixing problems, i.e. "What am I supposed to do, where am I supposed to go!?" question the newbs keep asking. >.>

[Bobby Shaftoe]

Nothing more than a squad xp proximity waypoint ala PS1. (except horrendously restricted like most PS1 mechanics added to PS2)

Doesn't 'add' anything to the game, arguably reduces the need to look at the map for those that rarely looked before, there's even less reason to now.

Attack the next base down the 'lane', defend somewhere under attack... inspired. There was me thinking we already had Attack/Defend markers.

Just another step down the line of 'zero-thinking' in the same vein as alerts: Go fight here... because. It doesn't accomplish anything worthwhile but we'll give you a bunch of XP.

Would be nice if they actually gave some intrinsic value to bases, gets boring having to put up with the constant positive reinforcement spam: well-done-aren't-you-a-clever-person-capping-that-base-have-some-extra-xp-for-doing-what-the-game-is-about-in-the-first-place-here-have-some-more-xp-for-attacking-the-next-place-you-were-going-to-anyway.

[Edfishy]

Small moves, Bobby.

If they do end up giving Squads and Platoons more control over the creation of missions it could help quite a bit to organize pubbies.

I also like the Camikaze's thoughts on having a bulletin board of sorts for lone wolves like myself to accept player missions. (I.e. harass this area with air)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvlv-JbNt7I

[Falcon_br]

What I like about the new mission system:
It helps people to know where to got
It gives you 15% bonus to stick with your squad.

What I don't like:
If you are providing air support and is the squad leader, everytime you fly over a new base the mission will change! If it is no attackable, it will create a defend mission in a far away base.
If you are a squad leader that stay on the point, it work like a charm, also if you don't those things will happen.
Another thing I don't like is that you can't see how long to capture the base you are in, or who control the points if the mission is not on the base you are right now. Sometimes the mission change to the next base, the enemy flip the point and nobody on the squad see it because of the mission system.
Also, that great circle into you HUD really ruins long range snipering, I had to turn down my HUD several time because of that circle ruining my sight to the enemy position.

[Illtempered]

This development makes it harder and harder to support their cause, and it shows. My outfit, myself, people in general, are playing less. This ridiculous new "feature" is a perfect example of how out-of-touch they are with the real game. For a new player, it's just going to send them down the line, to the next base on the lattice. Nevermind if that base is a meatgrinder, and the whole time you'll be flanked by the enemy at a closer base, that you should be attacking instead, but because it's not on the same lattice-line you should ignore it. Don't worry little nub. The mission-system will make it all better for you....

That's not even to mention the spam in the chatbox, and the noise it makes, every few seconds. The other day I was soloing and it was trying to send me back to a base 2 links back, that didn't even have any enemies. They introduced an incomplete and bugged, I argue broken, feature, on the live-server, prematurely, again.

/fail

[Falcon_br]

Now the game has a control point flip voice warning.
It is good with small bases with just one point and everyone is camping the respawn to warm then to go back to the point.
But during a bio lab fight, everyone was screaming, OMG turn that voice off or I will get crazy!
A small bip would be better then a full frase. Maybe they can make that voice only activate once in 2 minutes, just a small bip during the cooldown time.

[Boomzor]

Well, it is newbie friendly in that it helps building awareness of what the hell is going on.
(have a look around or glance at the map/minimap to find what capture point is blinking/wrong colour!)

That said, once you already have that awareness, it gets tiresome - although not completely useless as even the most hardened veteran gets tunnel vision at times and that voice can snap you out of it.

Conclusion: Having the option to turn it off would be nice. Options and alternatives are never wrong.

[Illtempered]

It's not even newbie friendly because it will send them to the wrong base. Try standing on the border of a hex. If the two hexes are on different lattice lines, the "mission" will switch back and forth between the next enemy base as you move back and forth between hexes, which isn't that hard to do since the hexes are oddly shaped. Not only that but as I said in my previous post, I was soloing, which is what most nubs will do at first, and it kept trying to send me back to a base where the enemy didn't even have a connection, and had no enemy presence.

At least we get more audio spam in the form of announcements that you've "lost the control console". It's great in multiple-point bases when you can't even see which points are flipping, as a defender and an attacker.

/fail