Planetside 2 Catch-All

Well, that was terrible, although it's hard to figure out how much of it is a "beta" issue.

After you fire the game up, you're asked to blindly pick a faction, a face, and some other character details, and then you're literally dropped into the starter zone. That rush you experience as you freefall to the map was my highlight.

Once you land, you're free to run around and take on anyone you see. However, don't expect any instruction of any kind. There isn't even a window or loading screen popup to cover the basic controls. Want to know how you switched to your knife? Guess. Want to know how to switch back? Guess again. Are you supposed to move like you're in molasses, or have you just engaged some kind of slow mode? Guess again. Again.

Not that it really matters, ultimately, because someone who has figured out the controls will be along to shoot you soon enough. You won't really know if they're supposed to be someone you're supposed to shoot before they open fire, though, because the UI doesn't (or at least didn't to me) clearly demarcate friend from foe, and the only instruction I did get was a warning about friendly fire.

And once you're dead, the game's helpful spawn system will respawn you a few feet from where you died. If you guessed that this means that an intrepid opponent could hang out a little bit away from where you died and just shoot you as soon as you regenerate, you'd be correct!

When I got spawn camped four times in a row by enemies that were able to run circles around me while I fumbled with that damn knife and a gun that just felt completely unsatisfying to shoot... I just called it.

I'm sure I was playing it wrong, though, so I'll give it another shot at some point.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

Well, that was terrible, although it's hard to figure out how much of it is a "beta" issue.

After you fire the game up, you're asked to blindly pick a faction, a face, and some other character details, and then you're literally dropped into the starter zone. That rush you experience as you freefall to the map was my highlight.

Once you land, you're free to run around and take on anyone you see. However, don't expect any instruction of any kind. There isn't even a window or loading screen popup to cover the basic controls. Want to know how you switched to your knife? Guess. Want to know how to switch back? Guess again. Are you supposed to move like you're in molasses, or have you just engaged some kind of slow mode? Guess again. Again.

Not that it really matters, ultimately, because someone who has figured out the controls will be along to shoot you soon enough. You won't really know if they're supposed to be someone you're supposed to shoot before they open fire, though, because the UI doesn't (or at least didn't to me) clearly demarcate friend from foe, and the only instruction I did get was a warning about friendly fire.

And once you're dead, the game's helpful spawn system will respawn you a few feet from where you died. If you guessed that this means that an intrepid opponent could hang out a little bit away from where you died and just shoot you as soon as you regenerate, you'd be correct!

When I got spawn camped four times in a row by enemies that were able to run circles around me while I fumbled with that damn knife and a gun that just felt completely unsatisfying to shoot... I just called it.

I'm sure I was playing it wrong, though, so I'll give it another shot at some point.

Having played quite a bit of Planetside 1 and a decent amount of Planetside 2, everything you've said is spot on. The game can really have some great moments, but unfortunately they are very few and far between. If you have the time to run with an outfit, I highly recommend it. Otherwise, you'll have play sessions where you just wander for an hour without being able to find a real fight and the fights you do get into tend to lack any real direction.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

Well, that was terrible, although it's hard to figure out how much of it is a "beta" issue.

After you fire the game up, you're asked to blindly pick a faction, a face, and some other character details, and then you're literally dropped into the starter zone. That rush you experience as you freefall to the map was my highlight.

Once you land, you're free to run around and take on anyone you see. However, don't expect any instruction of any kind. There isn't even a window or loading screen popup to cover the basic controls. Want to know how you switched to your knife? Guess. Want to know how to switch back? Guess again. Are you supposed to move like you're in molasses, or have you just engaged some kind of slow mode? Guess again. Again.

Not that it really matters, ultimately, because someone who has figured out the controls will be along to shoot you soon enough. You won't really know if they're supposed to be someone you're supposed to shoot before they open fire, though, because the UI doesn't (or at least didn't to me) clearly demarcate friend from foe, and the only instruction I did get was a warning about friendly fire.

And once you're dead, the game's helpful spawn system will respawn you a few feet from where you died. If you guessed that this means that an intrepid opponent could hang out a little bit away from where you died and just shoot you as soon as you regenerate, you'd be correct!

When I got spawn camped four times in a row by enemies that were able to run circles around me while I fumbled with that damn knife and a gun that just felt completely unsatisfying to shoot... I just called it.

I'm sure I was playing it wrong, though, so I'll give it another shot at some point.

Sounds like you had the normal Planetside 2 experience

I just went into the settings menu and looked at all my key bindings to figure stuff out, but that was on pc.
It should be impossible to spawn camp in the traditional sense, you're supposed to be spawned into a spawn room that's impervious to enemy fire and you're supposed to be able to pick where you spawn, so maybe it's a bug. I've definitely been spawned in the middle of the wilderness before, but it's rare. You can shoot from inside it, but not rockets or grenades. Covering fire is important. I really wish spawn room breakouts were more coordinated than just piling up 30 dudes and rushing.

Anyway, must be a PS4 beta thing. Last time I fired it up they changed stuff and I had this extremely annoying bunch of pop-ups that explained stuff I already knew whenever I did anything. I've been playing since beta.

There are two visual indicator of enemies. 1) The dorito. 2) The color of their outfit. If still in starter area, everyone is supposed to be lower than level 15? and probably aren't kitted out in those goddamn annoying skins that take me longer to recognize, but what's really fun is buying the snow outfits and playing on Esamir (ice continent).

You can also change the colors of the doritos and stuff on the minimap, I like to keep them coordinated with each faction's primary color. It's much more tactically useful to know if someone is part of an assault or just f*cking around and it really makes no sense to see red blips on the minimap as the enemy when I'm playing the guys wearing red.

dudes running circles around you: Your crosshair is very important, and not just its location It's 'diameter' shows you your cone of fire, notice how it gets bigger when you do full auto. If an enemy is close, just shoot. If farther away, aim down sights. Different guns are better for different roles. Beginners get all-rounders. Medics get assault rifles, which are the best, generally.
Something probably added to your aggravation without you knowing, weapons have equip times.
Shotguns act like videogame shotguns, get inside 10m or worthless, unless you get slug ammo.

I got spawned in the open outside a building literally within touching distance of the guy who killed me. I sure hope that's a bug.

The cone of fire stuff sounds pretty standard, but it's good to know. My problem was that the enemy was literally running circles around me. I seemed to be moving at about half the speed of everyone else (and no, I wasn't crouching). I don't remember picking any kind of class, but maybe armor had something to do with it.

I felt like a snail. A very vulnerable snail that regrew next to the foot that stomped it.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

Well, that was terrible, although it's hard to figure out how much of it is a "beta" issue.

I'm pretty sure it's not in beta on the PC and you just described my experience. Nice to know it wasn't just me.

Release date for PS4 finally set: June 23.

Any plans for a PS4 GWJ outfit?

OldMud wrote:

Any plans for a PS4 GWJ outfit?

Depending on how the game shakes out and if I can get a reliable internet connection, I'd love too. I've been looking forward to this one for awhile.

I was able to play for a bit yesterday on PS4 but the servers have been down for a while now. I went with New Conglomerate On the Genudine server I think.

Also NC on Genudine. Though I kinda doubt there is enough interest here for a proper outfit, but who knows.

Had a lot of fun last night, some real crazy battles. Occasional problems, you can tell they struggled with player density, there was a couple times when enemies would just pop into existence well after they should have been visible (no not cloakers). Screen tear can be an issue. A couple times the game just up and crashed. But it's addictive as hell.

AcidCat wrote:

Had a lot of fun last night, some real crazy battles. Occasional problems, you can tell they struggled with player density, there was a couple times when enemies would just pop into existence well after they should have been visible (no not cloakers). Screen tear can be an issue. A couple times the game just up and crashed. But it's addictive as hell.

That's been a problem since beta. The more people in the same area the lower the render distance gets. It can be really silly because it applies to EVERYTHING. At a certain point you can't spot opposing infantry from distances longer than 50m. And if it gets really bad even enemy vehicles and aircraft will only show up at 100m or so.

This is what render distance looks like on a good day. Bad rendering screws over snipers more than anyone else.
IMAGE(http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/885218947537776236/EDDEED7F76F866CCA7D837F60579F2FBAEFF794E/)
The same guy through 12x magnification. I've hit but not killed people at this distance, the damage dropoff for bolt action rifles is such that you have to get a headshot to be lethal at any range, but closer range does more damage.
IMAGE(http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/885218947537779253/96D2BADAA4477B7AF23354A811D02F5C4BB2BAA4/)
IMAGE(http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/867220656181104379/1704EBD8EBD836A064CE3DFFE0A43ECFCC065346/)
IMAGE(http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/864968594085300618/2735E62B4DCF920DD7B1BEB7D2BDEF51206FD72D/)

I was able to play a little today. Seems like a lot of potential but might struggle with a lack of squad coordination. They didn't really bend over backwards for tutorials did they? Nothing like getting fragged while you're plinking way trying to figure out how to throw a grenade.

Edit: What a difference a few hours makes. Came home try and get a few more rounds in and familiarize myself, but once again the servers are down.
This is pretty embarrassing for such a large, much anticipated launch on the ps4. It makes me wonder if they beta tested it with a barrel full of drunk monkeys. I'm still downloading some files, maybe the sauce that makes this hot mess look like a polished release is in those files.

I've put some time in with the PS4 version, and the thing it did best was make me want to play more... on PC. I'll keep playing a bit because of a friend that wants to play on PS4, but it's a much better experience on PC.

OldMud wrote:

I've put some time in with the PS4 version, and the thing it did best was make me want to play more... on PC. I'll keep playing a bit because of a friend that wants to play on PS4, but it's a much better experience on PC.

No doubt. When I see the PC version it seems overly simplified in comparison. Now I understand a lot of console gamers maybe more casual players, but I do not understand the need for a complete UI overhaul.
What surprises me the most is the fact that they left out some key features at launch, namely the ability to squad up with friends. That's ridiculous.
I also wonder if they are trying to push sales of knick knacks on the consoles. One of the videos I saw orienting new players indicated that the factions have training facilities at their warp gates where you can test out weapons before purchase. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't believe you can do this on the console. I think you have to purchase the weapon in order to use it, in which case your s.o.l. if you don't like it.

This whole PS4 debacle has a been a huge white whale for the company and the game.

Tamren wrote:

This whole PS4 debacle has a been a huge white whale for the company and the game.

It's been quite stable since the last patch and apparently the next one, a 2GB monster, is supposed to drop soon. Hopefully it will fix many of the glaring omissions, such as Outfits (ie clans) that it will be adding.

Anyone interested in playing hit me up with a friend request, just put GWJ in the explanation.

I've been playing a bunch lately. It still has problems but when it works and folks are clicking the intensity and chaos is simply amazing. I just wish things were a little cheaper but I'm sure that'll be adjusted at some point.

Recently came back to PS2 after about a year off. Population seems to be about 2/3 of what it was back then but it's still no problem to find fights on Emerald. For me at least the game runs fine. Lots of changes but none of them so significant that I felt lost. And apparently base-building is coming soon. I recommend dropping back in again if you've been away for a while. Still nothing quite like it out there.

I always wanted to move my characters from East to West servers because the lag was killing me. Server transfers were outright denied by SOE, and Daybreak says they are coming "soon", I'm still waiting.

Looking at Steam, last played Feb 5. Still just as fun as I remembered.
Then MechWarrior Online happened.
I would love to see a fight between Battlemechs and planetside 2 forces.

Saw some videos about the recent changes including the base building. So I decided to try this again. Really is a pretty decent difference. Lots more focus and direction. That said everyone seems to be vets and there's so much new gear that it's really easy to get lost. Also was annoyed that I had next to nothing cert wise.

Amusingly it seems like I'm in the GWJ clan or something. Don't remember joining but probable did. Has one amazing fight which someone rightfully called the Vanu Alamo. Bunch of us holding a base against all comers. Didn't realize how bad it was til I stopped fighting and saw the map. Surrounded, cut off, and outnumbered. Was great. Then I have a dozen fights where I just sit around waiting for things to cap. More things change the more they stay the same. Was a nice refresher but I think I'll stick to rainbow siege for now.

The new stuff does look interesting. It's been a long time since I played mostly because even on the lowest settings, it ran like poo on my system. I've upgraded my graphics card and doubled my RAM since then, so I'll hop in soon to see how it runs now.

I'm curious now. I'll reinstall. Thanks for nudging me.

https://www.reddit.com/r/EmeraldPS2/...


Had time to kill at work, so randomly went to ps2 reddit sites and whoa!
Updating now and playing tonight and tomorrow so maybe I won't be so horrible.
Also, for the literal years that I played this game, I had Enhanced Pointer Precision enabled!
Will be very interested to see if I can be better due to having turned it off (learned it was enabled due to Overwatch).

edit: although I just read a reddit post suggesting that it is disabled, or rather, ignored, within the engine.

Having decided not to buy the Premium Pass, I'm now at the end of my time with Battlefield 1. I'm therefore considering scratching my FPS itch with Planetside 2 on the PS4.

I've watched IGN's review of the PS4 version, plus a few YouTube tutorials so I understand a little of what Planetside 2 is and what it is not. However, I'd welcome GWJers comments on whether this game is actually fun to play.

Is it fun to play? Does it take an eternity to earn credits for upgrades?

Or does the fact that this thread has been dormant for so long tell me all that I really need to know?

I haven't paid much attention to Planetside in years, but everything I hear tells me that Daybreak Studios has been circling the drain ever since SOE sold them off. Lots of layoffs, they cancelled EverquestNext and then recently (and quietly) cancelled Landmark as well.

I logged into the PS4 version a few months back but found the world to be empty and never logged back in. Kind of a shame because I remember this being a lot of fun on PC around launch.

Essentially most of the world is empty, except for one or two ares at a time filled with elitist high-level players welding rifles of n00b-pwning that you won't be able to get for a long time. If you enjoy being cannon fodder, this game is great!

An MMORPG-FPS that's pretty much dead after only 18 months?! I was able to play Killzone 3 multiplayer almost two years after release.

I guess I'll save the bandwidth for something more worthwhile...