Systems: Possible Sanctuary System

[MasterChief096]

I was a bit alarmed when I read that there would be no sanctuaries in PlanetSide 2. I understand their reasoning behind it, but I do not understand why it has to be such a harsh solution as removing them from the sequel altogether. After all I was one of those CR5s in PlanetSide that enjoyed forming raids in sanctuary after our empire was done finishing a continent. I enjoyed using it as a staging ground between outfits and squads. I want to see this same type of safe staging area in PlanetSide 2.

What I propose is that have a sanctuary in game, as well as the spawn on squad mate system, merely have the player choose at log-in or in-game which system he or she would like to use. If you want to spawn into a sanctuary and take your time getting to the fight, then use the sanctuary. If you want to instantly be spawned into the action, use the already discussed squad-spawn system.

I can't see any possible draw backs to having optional sanctuary usage in PlanetSide 2. The players who do not enjoy spending possible 5+ minutes to get to the fight will not have to use it all. In addition, outfits, the empire, squads, and platoons will have a staging area to regroup, form up, and roll out.

Having a sanctuary would also allow for easy access to all terminals, pads, and VR training that are present in-game. SOE has stated that weapon lethality is increased in PlanetSide Next, and there are thousands not hundreds fighting. Some players might appreciate an area where they can leave the fight, gather themselves, and then head back into the fray. To me, having you always spawn into combat seems like a bad idea for some people, (again not all).

If it were up to me, I would just say implement sanctuaries in PlanetSide 2 the same way as they are done in PlanetSide 1. A zone that can't be accessed by the other empires. Having this also allows for a HART system as well (getting 20+ people in my outfit to HART drop into a fight was always a good experience).

In order to make sanctuaries not effect the territorial control system present in PlanetSide 2, just make sure that you leave sanctuary in the same way that you would enter combat if you were NOT using sanctuary. What I mean by this is that you could spawn into/recall your group to sanctuary, but in order to LEAVE sanctuary you would use the pre-existing methods that are already in the game, such as spawning on squad mates or however SOE plans to make vehicles travel between continents.

But what if you have no squad-mates to spawn into with your group since you all recalled to sanctuary? Well I don't have a good answer for this because I don't know how SOE plans to have someone who wants to solo spawn into the battlefield. I would need more info to be able to offer a solution to this.

Overall sanctuaries I think are a must for a game of this scale. It provides a staging ground that potentially thousands of players (in the new game) can gather at before setting off to wreak havoc. It just makes sense.