A Simple Idea

[UncleDynamite]

So a really simple idea came to me today, and I think that it would make for a great addition to PS.

Basically, imagine that you're on the Continent Map. My idea is to put a large number next to each friendly base that represents the exact number of friendlies in the SOI of each base. Right now, we have warning messages "Massive Enemy Force!" to give us an idea of where hostile activity is, but why can't we have basic intelligence on our own troops?

Knowing exactly how many players are in each friendly base will give everyone a good idea of where defense is strong and where it isn't. Defensive players and well-organized outfits could quickly look at a map, find a base with 0 Defenders (and therefore a base that's highly likely for a ghost hack) and then proceed to move in and shore up defenses.

This wouldn't help very much in large zergs, of course, but it'll certainly give an additional line of defense against ninja hackers. At the very least, CRs should be given this ability, since it's assumed that being the commanders of the military forces, they should at least know where their troops are deployed.

What do you guys think?

[Sokko]

I think it's a very good idea.

*STAMP of approval*

[Incompetent]

*STAMP of approval*

Very nice, i like.

[Rbstr]

Well commanders do have that to a limited extent with the 'reveal friendlys' ability after they get CR2, you use it and little blue dots show were every friendly is on the cont map

[Duffman]

i like this idea but make it for cr2s and above or squad leaders maybe i dont think everyone should see it

[easypickings]

great idea.

simple yet fantastic,

[Krinsath]

Beautiful UncleDynamite....simply beautiful.

This is like the idea for a CE deployable HUD...so obvious we all cry that we didn't think of it sooner.

Brillant job, now go beat Smoke over the head until he puts it in.

[SilverLord]

I like.

[2mthsTheSniper]

It's attractive - but unless it was restricted (say to a CR rank) then it would be a might nice bit of info for anyone that was 'spying'? In fact wouldn't it be in danger of making such activities more worthwhile?

[TheN00b]

Perhaps you're right, 2. It might be smart to make it so that only players with CR could use the ability. But, to a certain extent, anything like this that lightens the load of carrying out logistics in Planetside is a potential tool for spying; It's just that in this case at least, the benefits outweigh the downsides.

[BadAsh]

I like the idea a lot.

The whole potential spying thing does not really bother me... to me it's just not worth the time to spy as you don't get much gain from it. So a spy might be able to tell what base has 0 defenders... you can't instantly take the base especially one far to the rear with no links so the only thing you can do is blow the gen and once you do everyone will converge to that base to resecure. I can already assume a base way to the rear has 0-5 defenders anyway... nothing my Galaxy drop gen killer squad can't handle and nothing a good ghost hacker can't avoid...

With all of the auto-notifications in this game I think spying is of minimal use especially if the spy is with the defending force tipping off the attackers... like I won't notice a horde of red dots heading to the rear door, enemy force warning indicators, hot spot indicators, and the normal /l and /b messages from players requesting backup...

My conclusion is that spying = waste of time

[dscytherulez]

/agreed

[UncleDynamite]

Ideally, for every spy that notices an undefended base, there will be dozens of loyal soldiers that will do their best to make sure that the base gets some support. I'm not sure if that'll be the case in real gameplay, but I think that a number representing defenders at a base will benefit friendlies far more than spies.

[LimpBIT]

best idea i have heard of so far on PSU. I would enjoy knowing where to go and where to just give up on.

[Warborn]

Hack/HART times would also be good to see on the map. Plenty of stuff that could be added to the interface.