Couple questions from a prospective player about the races...

[XeeN]

I'm really interested in Planetside (as well as some of my friends) and I have a couple questions about the balance between the races.

What do you guys think will be the complaints about each race? In most games where you have teams with different advantages you get a huge amount of envy and angry rivalry going because team A thinks that some of their equipment sucks and thinks that team B's equipment is way overpowered, and team A and B think that team C gets it too easy.

I've read a lot about Verant thinking that Vanu are stupid and it seems that a lot of people on this forum look down on them (and some others lift them up). I'd like to know why. Do they seem to kill too easily, or does their technology become more annoying than anything else? I heard they are very good hackers... but can't that be the same for all sides?

I would think that the Vanu would be the underdogs, with less weaponry and less armor but more tech toys.

Thanks for any reply,

XeeN

[Jinxmasta]

I really don't think there should be any complaints about the empire you are because if you chose it, then you should know the pros and cons and should accept them. For example, if the Vanu have the best weapons in the game and you're primary concern is weapons, you go and join the TR and you don't like their weapons, DON'T COMPLAIN! You chose to go TR so you shouldn't be mad because it is your fault that you didn't go Vanu :p

Oh and about the whole Vanu thing... I think they're just jealous of our uber purple and teal armor!

[Geiden]

From what I've seen so far the 3 empires are VERY evenly matched. And I think any inconsistencies will be worked out in Beta. I guarantee you that there will be whiners bitching about how Empire A is unbalanced because Empire B has X... But that will happen regardless of whether there is a true imbalance or the whiner is just a suck-ass player.

Vanu get a bad rap from the fact that they were all peace-loving hippie scientists before the Wormhole closed. Also, their pansie armor is purple and teal. It doesn't have anything to do with their effectiveness in battle. We'll still have to see how their energy weapons compare to the ballistic weapons of the other empires, but I imagine they'll be pretty good.

[Marsman]

Most of what you are seeing is just good hearted rivalry. Since the game is barely in internal beta, balance issues have yet to be tested but as someone stated, the devs have worked hard to achieve balance. At this point, it just poking fun at each other and not based upon any gameplay issues. ;)

[powdahound]

I also think that the beta will smooth things out VERY nicely. At release things should be very evenly matched. The only problem I hope we can avoid is a stacking of empires. Hopefully there aren't twice as many TR as there are NC... etc. Diversity will make things much more fun. :)

[�io]

Originally posted by Geiden
I guarantee you that there will be whiners bitching about how Empire A is unbalanced because Empire B has X... But that will happen regardless of whether there is a true imbalance or the whiner is just a suck-ass player.

Yep this happens in EVERY game with all kinds of sore losers and idiots. It's life.(unfortunately)

As for balance yeah all 3 empires seem to be very balanced and all seem to be evenly matched in player support all though TR is a bit ahead. (I blame Smokejumper, that traitor should have joined VS! :D)

[Hamma]

In my experience (even though it wasnt that long hehe) the empires were very evenly matched. Each empire has its own advantages and disadvantages. No empire was owning it up in battle - I think it should be very interesting to see how it works out on the large scale.

[Zarparchior]

I have mixed feelings about all of the teams.

I like the Vanu because their outfits look damn cool, they embrace technology, they use a logical approach to things, and according to most - they are the underdog. :D

I like the Terrans because their outfits look damn cool, they've upheld peace and prosperity for over 1000 years, I like their vehicles/equipment, and the goggles - they do nothing. :D

I like the NC because of their weapons. That's about it... Their doctrine, while good in intention, is something I don't agree with. Anarchy = Pain. And their uniforms are ghey. Standard issue, kind of klunky looking, not very stylish at all. In all liklihood, I prolly won't join the NC. :ugh:

When PS rolls around, I'm going to be sitting at the Empire selection screen for a long ass time. :(

[�io]

Originally posted by Zarparchior
When PS rolls around, I'm going to be sitting at the Empire selection screen for a long ass time. :(

:lol::lol::lol:

As for VS being the underdog right now on the official polls we are no longer. We have a bit more than the NC. :(

But combine official polls with the peeps here and the VS isn't far from the underdog status. I'm hoping we are indeed the underdog, more challenge, more fun and more glory when we 0wnz NC f00s. :p

[Geiden]

The only problem I hope we can avoid is a stacking of empires.


Supposedly there will be measures in place to keep populations balanced, such as bonus rewards for Empires that are undermanned and the ability for entire Outfits to switch to Empires with the lowest populations... Time will tell what gets implemented and how.

[Corbie]

well, I think that each empire offers something to a different player. For example..if you like up close and personal, one hit kills, and the satisfying KABOOM! of a large and highly overpower handcannon..then the NC are for you. They are all about powerful weapons and head on attacks.

If you like spraying lead all over the place, walking into a room and leaving it looking like swiss cheese, and defending..then TR is for you. They are about high rates of fire, and defense.

If you like speed and precision, lightning raids, and like to have a choice between a gun that is powerful, or a gun that has a high rate of fire, then Vanu are for you. They are all about speed and versatility.

some people may disagree with my perception of the three factions, but thats how I see em.

As you can see..these three factions all have different strengths, if you pick the one that best fits your play style..then you should feel right at home. This isnt to say that you cant be a head on offensive guy on Vanu, or have a good defense on NC..the common pool makes sure of that.

[Sandtaco]

It's not like we'll be lef tout in the cold, there is a single player isn't there? Try the different races out there.

[BLuE_ZeRO]

I dont think there is a single player... there is training if that's what you mean...

[Hamma]

There is no single player mode at all - but there is VR Training where you can try out any weapon/vehicle

[Zarparchior]

Even another Empire's? :confused:

[Hamma]

:confused:

not sure lol

[�io]

Originally posted by Hamma
:confused:

not sure lol

Hamma did you actually play the game or are you just yaking our chain? ;)

[Jinxmasta]

I will probably stick with Vanu even if NC matches my style of play ten times better than Vanu. I like the speed and precision of Vanu but when it really comes down to it, I would rather be up close blasting people with a Jackhammer.

The thing is though, I am a stealth and weapons and all that aren't very important. The only downside to the Vanu stealth are that they probably have the second crappiest pistol (first being TR). The good thing about the Beamer is it will probably be quiet and accurate but that's it. The NC's Mag-Scatter is much more powerful and therefore will be effective close range. Of course, the noise gives me away.

In all, I really don't know know why I am still Vanu :lol: Probably because of their philosophies because the NC's philosophies suck! Oh and loyalty too. However, at release, I will most probably have to try out a character from each of the three empires to see which one is for me. If I get into beta, I can do it there :D

[Hamma]

I sure did play it, but VR was the very first thing we did. I had to get my bearings first :)

I dont believe you can get other empires weapons tho.

[Zarparchior]

Originally posted by Jinxmasta
I will probably stick with Vanu even if NC matches my style of play ten times better than Vanu. Whoa! A fellow non-NCer for no good reason! My playing style fits them as well, but do we care? Nah... :D

Ah... I was hoping you'd be able to try all the different Empire weapons. It'll sux0r having to choose an Empire at the start - only to play your friends account for a day to find out you like his Empire more... I know you can switch sides and all, but that's not the point. I'd rather not have to switch sides if I don't have to. People'll think I'm some kind of traitor or something. :(

[Led]

I hope they come up with a better idea as to how to maintain empire balance, as that option to jump ship is very unappealing :( I, for one, would not jump after spending so much time and energy getting my empire on a winning streak. I doubt anyone else would want to switch as well... you would be leaving behind friends, your outfit, and all the people depending on you.

Not very nice at all! :D

[Jinxmasta]

The only way I would switch would be that I hate the weapons and vehicles and the people are idiots and/or mean. If the Vanu don't meet these requirements, I will stay with the Vanu :D

[�io]

Originally posted by Jinxmasta
The thing is though, I am a stealth and weapons and all that aren't very important. The only downside to the Vanu stealth are that they probably have the second crappiest pistol (first being TR). The good thing about the Beamer is it will probably be quiet and accurate but that's it. The NC's Mag-Scatter is much more powerful and therefore will be effective close range. Of course, the noise gives me away.

Ummm...


AMP
Source: Common Pool
Handling: Pistol
Damage: Medium
Maximum Range: Medium
Refire Rate: Very Fast

The AMP is designed for close range combat. It is the only fully automatic weapon of its type and can empty a full clip of ammunition very quickly. However, it suffers from poor recoil, causing it to be very inaccurate when fired in full automatic mode.

Repeater
Source: Terran Republic
Handling: Pistol
Damage: Medium
Maximum Range: Medium
Recoil Penalty: Medium
Refire Rate: Fast

This is the primary sidearm for Terran Republic officers. It is a sturdy workhorse with a decent clip size, good damage, and reasonable range, making it very handy for close-quarters fights.


Beamer
Source: Vanu Sovereignty
Handling: Energy Pistol
Damage: High
Maximum Range: Short
Refire Rate: Medium

The Beamer is the handy sidearm of the Vanu Sovereignty. It uses energy cells instead of regular ammunition, and thus has some flexibility over other sidearms. It can be converted from a regular energy blaster to a more focused, armor piercing shot that consumes more energy. Thus, it is good for regular close-in firefights as well as a reasonable anti-vehicular weapon.


MAG-Scatter
Source: New Conglomerate
Handling: Shotgun Pistol
Damage: High
Maximum Range: Short
Refire Rate: Fast

Essentially a handheld shotgun pistol, the Scatter Pistol is primarily designed for close quarters combat. Due to its short barrel design, the Scatter Pistol loses effectiveness beyond a relatively close range.

Now if you look closely you'll see that both NC and VS pistols have the same stats except the NC pistol is faster. The VS pistol however can pierce armor and is still effective at medium range. And the TR has a longer range. In short there is no better pistol just different advantages. :)

[Jinxmasta]

Well for up close I would say the Mag-Scatter is better just because it is a mini shotgun that somehow has a high refire rate. The beamer is nice but I would have to say the Mag-Scatter is better for a stealth who will probably be shooting from a few feet away. Of course, I will be using a knife w/ melee booster a lot.

[Led]

How well will an attacker remain cloaked? I would assume an almost total decloak if a projectile weapon was used. But if a knife was used instead, would the stealther remain invisible?

[�io]

Well the mag is a minishotgun yeah but the beamer has AP rounds. So i'm sure it will do it's fair share of damage on a med armor just as much as the mag and probably more damage on a MAX then the mag.

[Jinxmasta]

I would think a knife wouldn't have a great effect as a pistol would but it should make the attacker a little more visible. Oh and if you are firing a gun, you will be fully visible while you are still firing.