UAVs

Tool · 2012-01-28, 07:48 PM

Concept based on real world technology incorporated into planetside. The idea is that small, remote, player controlled UAVs be accessed through something such as a reconnaissance cert tree. Its capabilities and respective abilities could include more usage time, decreased time between uses, cloaking, flares, etc.

Also if there happens to be a spotting mechanic akin to Battlefields, it could be used to do such. Although hopefully not the annoying tracking triangles of Battlefield, but that's another topic.

A few roles could benefit from such a utility, recon/spec-ops types, leaders at various levels, etc.

Their parameters are up for debate but I feel like it could add a new layer to the Planetside cake.

Zulthus · 2012-01-28, 07:59 PM

I disagree. Especially if it's in the form of the MAV from BF3, since they seem to be getting alot of stuff from it. The MAV was nothing but annoying.

Saintlycow · 2012-01-28, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Zulthus

I disagree. Especially if it's in the form of the MAV from BF3, since they seem to be getting alot of stuff from it. The MAV was nothing but annoying.

I disagree. It was only annoying if someone else was using it. It was brilliant when you were using it. But yes, it doesn't have a place in this game

Zulthus · 2012-01-28, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Saintlycow

It was brilliant when you were using it.

Well... you do make a good point...

Warborn · 2012-01-28, 10:04 PM

I'd actually prefer if the stealth class had deployable motion sensors similar to PS1, only not as easy to spot/destroy. They could accomplish a similar function of giving temporary recon over an area of the map, not unlike this. Would be more interesting gameplay than just clicking a button and having a UAV show up automatically.

WaryWizard · 2012-01-28, 10:27 PM

A uav could be usefull. Make it have two cameras. One could look forward so you can fly, and the other can look straight down for recon. Maybe allow it to zoom in a little. Drop some flares for night time, and heat vision or night vision for those sneak attacks. Since the player would have to control it though, making a scouting plane could do this instead.

Shade Millith · 2012-01-28, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by WaryWizard

A uav could be usefull. Make it have two cameras. One could look forward so you can fly, and the other can look straight down for recon. Maybe allow it to zoom in a little. Drop some flares for night time, and heat vision or night vision for those sneak attacks. Since the player would have to control it though, making a scouting plane could do this instead.

This I would be fine with. A direct LOS camera. Requires teamwork, by being nothing more. Any info gleaned from the thing would have to be spotted by you, and informing team mates would require you actually telling them. Flare drop (Actual physical object that falls) during the night to illuminated hostiles.

What I wouldn't be fine with is a 'Find everything super radar that detects everything, no matter what is between the UAV and the enemies, then broadcasts everyTHING to everyONE instantly'. Ala BF3/BF2

Leave the super radar to a manned aircraft at the very least.

HELLFISH88 · 2012-01-29, 01:10 AM

UAV's could be a medium through which to process think's like issuing order's, Idenfiying targets on friendly HUDSs and other command/intel features. Think of it like a Flying CUD. The UAV could provide buffs or other assistance to allies either through the squad system or as a sphere on influence in the vehicles AOR

Conq · 2012-01-29, 02:29 AM

I like how BF2142 did them, there was no toy helicopter. The Commander (only one per team) could just choose the area and light up enemies and it was on a long cool down. Simple, sweet, not overpowered or annoying.

No reason why it couldn't be handled like an Orbital Strike.

Sirisian · 2012-01-29, 02:34 AM

I wouldn't mind a resource based one to light up enemies. Would be cool to have one that put a spotlight on an enemy. Lot of cool things a UAV could be used for. Engineer, commander, or medic specific ones would be interesting.

General M · 2012-01-29, 08:52 AM

I like the idea of some form of recon vehicle for scouting/support

DviddLeff · 2012-01-29, 09:48 AM

I would want one for recon, but not one that can guide in rockets or to have C4 strapped to it...

Tool · 2012-01-29, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by DviddLeff

I would want one for recon, but not one that can guide in rockets or to have C4 strapped to it...

I agree

I mentioned the spotting mechanic due to many references made by Smedly on Battllefield and its successes as an FPS.

Personally I feel UAVs could be a great alternative to the massive amount of ways to find enemy positions that were prevalent in PS1.

Hmr85 · 2012-01-29, 10:15 AM

I agree for Recon it would be fantastic. I can think of quite a few situations I would put that thing to use.

examples being:
1. scouting enemy positions prior to an assault to mark targets.
2. calling out inc targets coming into range of my ambush I have setup.
so on and so on.

So yeah a UAV for a certain amount of resources a pop would be great.

DayOne · 2012-01-29, 10:28 AM

I agree so long as:
No auto spotting radar, you'd have to communicate through voice or chat.
It isn't super small and is fairly easy to take out.
I like the idea of flares being dropped above a battlefield, maybe add flares to the game anyway?
Thermal or night vision to be unlocked later, maybe even replacing the forward camera and the downwards one so no switching between views.
No cloaking.
You can't carry a main weapon when using it, just a pistol. So you're walking around holding the UAV.
That or it must be spawned in from a vehicle terminal. I think when it's like this you should be able to have a mode where it just flies in circle, with this you can either access the downward facing camera or just leave it flying about, but it's useless like this and can be shot down.