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.

[OutlawDr]

heh kinda weird, you must have read my mind.
I was just thinking how the passive AoE repair of the Sunderer removes the need for supporting engineers, and really any supporting players out in the field. I was thinking of ways to make it a more active process requiring player interaction.

Instead of passive repair arms, I would make them player controlled. Think of them as big Nano Dispensers. Also have the repair arms have a small, supporting coaxial turret, so it gives those players something to do in between repairs. Since it requires additional players, I'd allow repairs on the move. It will up the interactive factor, and allow for more interesting gameplay.

[Baneblade]

Disallow the spawn Galaxy from being used as a transport and you have a deal.

[Zekeen]

Originally Posted by Baneblade

Disallow the spawn Galaxy from being used as a transport and you have a deal.

Agreed, I prefer specializing with mods than a do it all.

[Hosp]

I like this idea.

[Dagron]

I support the idea in the OP and this:

Originally Posted by Baneblade

Disallow the spawn Galaxy from being used as a transport and you have a deal.

[Lanka]

That's one use for Sunderer that'd fit well under my idea of http://www.planetside-universe.com/s...ad.php?t=42708
I'm sure any outfit using primarily tanks or mechanized infantry would benefit from mobile repair unit.

[Sikee Atric]

I support this idea as well.

The versatility of the Sunderer seems to be a major plus point and I can see many sub-classes of it to further a users' style. I could also see a sort of 'light gun' platform, which surrenders any repair capability and carries only a half squad. The upshot is this form of Sunderer can carry a heavier weapon in a custom turret, maybe even an Anti-air ack-ack gun....

[Zekeen]

Originally Posted by Sikee Atric

I support this idea as well.

The versatility of the Sunderer seems to be a major plus point and I can see many sub-classes of it to further a users' style. I could also see a sort of 'light gun' platform, which surrenders any repair capability and carries only a half squad. The upshot is this form of Sunderer can carry a heavier weapon in a custom turret, maybe even an Anti-air ack-ack gun....

Yeah, the modifications of the Sunderer should be used to give it a more clear role than an every role. I also think that these specific modifications should change the looks drastically, so that it's not a "it could be this or that type" of vehicle, but a "it is THIS type" of vehicle. Being able to tell that it is set up for combat, repair, or transportation is vital. The devs are working on empire looks being different, but they need to work on variations of vehicles looking different to identify the role. Right now you could strafe run a tank from the sky and not know if it's vulnerable or anti air. That's why I gave a more radical design and style to the repair Sunderer concept here.

[Sikee Atric]

Agreed with that as well....

Making a unique Sunderer with the custom certs must mean the outer shape changes, to make it easier to ID from a distance.