Balance: Separate Sunderer Abilities - Infantry OR Vehicle Support

[Zekeen]

As we all know, the Sunderer is being given a MUCH larger role in PS2 than the original PS, in order for it to be continuously used instead of left out of combat.

Originally it could just transport, now it can transport, provide ammo, provide medical support, and repair vehicles.

However, as it stands, it can just do too much at one time. It'll be the type of vehicle to just be there among all vehicles. A sort of area buffer, just used for that. However, I believe that if we separated its functions, it could become a much more tactical and enjoyable vehicle, rather than a do-it-all.

I am suggesting the Sunderer be separated to be infantry or vehicle support. Either a large infantry carrier with medical and ammo provisions, OR a vehicle repair and supply station, that carries fewer troops but can provide limited repairs and supply (as in number to be repaired/supplied at once), instead of supplying an entire area.

Just being there for troops works, but for vehicles, there has to be something else. Otherwise we will have columns of tanks with Sunderers constantly repairing the entire battalion just by being there. As many of us Vets understand, Planetside is about logistics and supply, not who has the most buff HoT casters. Even if they don't stack the local repair rate, it still would be a bit odd. Repairs need to be done in a more physical manner to fully fit Planetside.

Here is a concept of this idea.



As you can see, it replaces much of the troop capacity and protection with repair arms. Each arm goes to a different side, allowing it to repair two vehicles positioned beside it at once. Rather than a slow just-be-close AOE, I suggest a shorter, quicker, direct repair. The arms are autonomous and repair any damaged vehicle that is beside the Sunderer and at 0 KPH. During this time, ammo is also supplied. This is much better and more challenging, but the direct nature gives more to the players than an AOE.

In Planetside, more direct nature improves connection between players. An AOE is a coincidence, a direct repair is an act of comradery. AOE squad heals are a good addition to Planetside, but AOE Sunderers repair vehicles, not mobile assault players. Repairing on the move is the problem, and adding in a bit of direct visual, stationary function, and positioning for the repair is not all that much, but adds so much more depth to it.