Why It Doesn't Matter Whether We Have Links or Hexes...

[NewSith]

So, I hink we've all seen the new WIP. The problem I see with it is that links will automatically cut off the possibility of implementation of a whole level of metagame.


What I imply is following, let's take Company of Heroes for example. Being on a friendly territory gives you certain abilities, or to put it properly being on an enemy, neutral or unconnected territory gives you penalties.

Here're the examples:

• You can only build defensive structures on a friendly territory.
• You cannot upgrade buildings outside friendly territory.
• You cannot upgrade units outside friendly territory.
• Certain units (British) move slower on enemy territory unless they have a commander unit with them.
• Certain abilities, like Scorched Earth (Automated Artillery working for a certain period of time, hitting enemies) only work on friendly territory.

...and so forth... There were certain units and companies (a-la generals from CnC Generals) that specialized entirely in fighting on enemy territory, like Airborne Company for Americans, Royal Commandos Support for Brits, etc. Now PlanetSide 2 doesn't unfold the territories potential at all, that's why people only see territories as something tied only to resources.

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The removal of territories can completely eradicate such interesting concepts as territory denial or, hell even outfit benefits and facility ownership. Let's take a look at what we'll never get then:

• AMS having a longer spawn timner on an enemy territory.
• Squad Spawning only available on enemy territories for specialized outfits.
• Special Facilitiy upgrades
  • Reducing 2D/3D spotting time on the territory
  • Reucing respawn time on the territory
  • Adding territory radar
  • ...etc
• Special Commander abilities, tied to territory
• CE metagame, like having some CE deployable only outside enemy territory, like say MANA turrets or special terminals...
• ...and opening the ability via Outfit specialization.

I can come up with lots of stuff on this matter, but there's one final point. The new small hexes allow territory to be set by them and not just be radial, like in PS1 with its SOI's. This means that the benefits mentioned above will be valid on the whole entirety of the frontline.


TL;DR Think twice before embracing the Good Ol' Lattice, represented by links instead of hexes.