Planetside 2

[RadioActiveLobster]

http://www.planetside2.com/alpha-squad

Q. What comes in the Alpha Squad package?
A. The Alpha Squad package comes with 4000 Station Cash ($40.00 in-game value) upon purchase to spend in-game at launch (or now in most SOE run games) and a number of exclusive in-game perks, including an exclusive decal, an exclusive title “Founder”, an exclusive camo set, a 6 month 10% experience and resource boost, and three weapon unlocks for each of the three empires. You'll also receive instant Beta access!

 

[Inu]

So far its very much that PS1 nostalgia feeling. It does feel a little daunting at first if you've never played the original. The gun animations / aiming feels fairly tight and satisfying though.

However the game runs like crap. Choppy animations also even at high fps. I expect to see this fixed up before launch, otherwise i won't be interested.

 

[dremic]

So far its very much that PS1 nostalgia feeling. It does feel a little daunting at first if you've never played the original. The gun animations / aiming feels fairly tight and satisfying though.

However the game runs like crap. Choppy animations also even at high fps. I expect to see this fixed up before launch, otherwise i won't be interested.

its far from release in my opinion needs a lot of work.

 

[Harkamus]

Well I was able to play a few times yesterday before the patch. Now the client keeps BSODing and resetting my system again trying to update. I tried updating 3 or 4 times tonight before I got tired of the client always crashing my computer. I give up. The beta was fun when I did manage to log in, but this client crashing my comp is trying my patience. I realize it's a beta and probably full of bugs. Can't say that I didn't try. At this point I feel no desire to deal with the client updating anymore. I will continue to follow the game though since it is one I'm very much hyped about. Will prob get it on day one.

Out of sheer boredom I tried logging in again, meaning I tried getting the client to finish updating. It did finish updating, but I had to "validate game assets" which found that several of the game assets were corrupted and had to be downloaded again. As predicted, the client crashed while trying to download some of those files again. Every time the client BSODed my pc, some game assets got downloaded all screwy.

At this point I give up 100% on this beta, knowing full well that it is just a beta and subject to issues. I still have complete faith in the product because it has such potential. I look forward to release.

EDIT: Alpha Squad package is out for 40 bucks. A few neat perks included. http://www.planetside2.com/alpha-squad So I guess that makes me wonder if Planetside 2, on release, will have you pay for the client. I always thought you'd have to pay for the actual game, just not monthly fees (that's the f2p part). But if the client is free, that's awesome too. However, I might be convinced to buy the Alpha Squad package since you do get 40 bucks worth of station cash and 6 months worth of +10% xp boost.

 

[Krieger91]

Serious balancing issues over the past month, NC always owns ~80% of the map.

 

[WarriorX]

Out of sheer boredom I tried logging in again, meaning I tried getting the client to finish updating. It did finish updating, but I had to "validate game assets" which found that several of the game assets were corrupted and had to be downloaded again. As predicted, the client crashed while trying to download some of those files again. Every time the client BSODed my pc, some game assets got downloaded all screwy.

At this point I give up 100% on this beta, knowing full well that it is just a beta and subject to issues. I still have complete faith in the product because it has such potential. I look forward to release.

EDIT: Alpha Squad package is out for 40 bucks. A few neat perks included. http://www.planetside2.com/alpha-squad So I guess that makes me wonder if Planetside 2, on release, will have you pay for the client. I always thought you'd have to pay for the actual game, just not monthly fees (that's the f2p part). But if the client is free, that's awesome too. However, I might be convinced to buy the Alpha Squad package since you do get 40 bucks worth of station cash and 6 months worth of +10% xp boost.

Sucks to hear about your install issues. I installed the other day in one go. Sounds like BF3 on release lol. 50/50 on people with install issues, and no issues.

 

[awwc]

Serious balancing issues over the past month, NC always owns ~80% of the map.

West 01 - NC usually has map control until TR or VS decide to push upward. Always with the upward.

Not a balancing issue imo. Pop control isn't really in place, so what can you expect.

 

[Johnked6]

One of the devs stated that the next continent should be released soon, so hopefully in the next few weeks.

 

[MikeTrike]

It really really really needs more graphical optimization. My Crossfire 6950's lag out when running 3x23" screens in portrait Eyefinity (3492x1920). But runs pretty smooth at 1920x1080 on a single screen. So it makes me sad, granted I just jump on the spare rig whenever I want to play. But still, I'd like to use my Eyefinity rig.

 

[RanceJustice]

With regards to the client, I am 98% sure it will be completely free and the game itself will be free to play - they want a HUGE number of people playing, so making it F2P is part of that. That said, like all "free2play" titles you will likely be encouraged to spend something; many of us in beta are trying to ensure the game never feels so grindy or slow that you HAVE to purchase however. Also, those that buy things will never be superior to those that earn them through play time - someone can unlock that new weapon by playing and getting a certain resource to unlock it, or they can unlock it with Station Cash which is the RMT, but its the exact same weapon either way- one is just faster to unlock at the cost of investment. Likewise, they'll be selling "boosts" and the like as the primary way to finance the game. The UI suggests there will be some sort of "subscription" option, but what that entails we're not sure at this point. Guess it comes later.

If you're thinking of playing, I think Alpha Squad is a good deal, especially for PS1 vets that know they're interested. You get a full compliment of Station Cash for your $40, plus a bunch of unlocks, some neat cosmetic stuff, and instant Beta access. Even if you already are in the beta, it seems like a good deal and will likely start you off on the right foot once the game releases with some neat perks and a bunch of SC to spend how you wish to speed your enjoyment.

Please note, anyone who buys Alpha Squad and joins the Beta .. THIS IS A VERY EARLY, TRADITIONAL BETA. Not the normal "We're just doing this for promotional reasons and the game is basically done" beta we see in most MMO today. There are lots of BIG features not yet in the game, but feel free to give you feedback on what you want to see. From my perspective, the current game system doesn't even rival PS1, but hopefully it will be even better by the end if enough improvements are made. Just don't judge the game by what you see now; even Smed came out to allay our fears and let us know only 10% of stuff has been included thus far.

 

[Comixbooks]

I'm been stalking John Smed's posts on Twitter on this game and Everquest Next =)

 

[Bdonedge]

I'm been stalking John Smed's posts on Twitter on this game and Everquest Next =)

what EQ posts?

 

[Tyrsis]

Just updated my rig to play this.
Looking forward to it.

 

[Cantonious]

I'm genuinely intrigued by this game. I'll have to learn more about it later. I'm tempted to grab an alpha pack... Hmm..

 

[ShotFromBehind]

I just bit for the pack, I am excited.

 

[Mojo3k70]

Finally got my hands on a beta key the other day through an alienware promotion.

There is a lot of fun to be had here, especially with friends. Love the massive scale combat. I didn't find myself out of the action for too long either (others have said this was an issue). I'm holding off on the alpha package for now, but If they keep patching in the content they mentioned, I think they'll see some of my $ soon.

Couple minor complaints:
-Bugs and many of them. A few times I found myself either spawning half way into the ground or falling through the level. Can't get too upset though as it is an early beta.
-Graphics: The game has a lot of great-looking effects and animations, but I can't help but feel it's lacking in 2 specific areas: texture quality and physics(or lack of any I should say). Some object textures are almost shameful for a 2012 game and are worse than Rage

Looking forward to the final release.

 

[Banyan]

please tell me people are not going to be sniping crouched... that they put prone in the game?

 

[Johnked6]

New patch notes out,

General:

Commander Certifications are now available.
Players may no longer spawn/respawn into a MAX units.
Equipment Terminals will no longer heal players when used.
Warpgate Locations have been moved.
Resource Rewards have been slightly adjusted.
A number of map enhancements have been made.

Known Issues:

Waypoints are currently being worked on to allow different types. Currently waypoints are not working correctly at this time but are being worked on.

Notable Bug Fixes:

Vehicles that are locked to Squad/Platoon only will now allow Platoon members to enter.

Classes:

The MAX will no longer be available for respawn. Players will now access an equipment terminal to use the MAX.

Vehicles:

The Magrider's tune speed and strafe has been adjusted.

Items:

Spawn Beacon cost has been adjusted to 100 Alloys.
Med Kit cost has been adjusted to 150 Catalysts.
Restoration Kit cost has been adjusted to 75 Catalysts.
Claymore/Siphon Bomb/Bouncing Betty cost has been adjusted to 75 Polymers.
C4 cost has been adjusted to 100 Catalysts.
Sticky Grenade cost has been adjusted to 100 Alloys.
Frag Grenade cost has been adjusted to 45 Alloys.
Players can now deploy as many explosives as they can equip.

Certifications:

Infrared Night Vision Certifications are now available on vehicle weapons.
Commander certifications allow the use Command channels.
Certifications for the Heal and Repair tools have been added.

World:

The New Conglomerate Warpgate is now located in the eastern portion of the map.
The Terran Republic Warpgate is now located in the northern portion of the map.
The Vanu Sovereignty Warpgate is now located in the southern portion of the map.
Peris capture mechanics have been updated.
Players should now see enemy units more clearly on the mini-map.

Interface:

A toggle for the continent map is now available that will show a coordinate based grid which can be used to coordinate movement.
A “center on me” toggle has been added to the upper left corner of the map. Arrows around this toggle will allow the map to pan.
Facility names now appear on the continent map if the Facility toggle is on.
The continent map will now save your position and zoom level when you close the interface.
An activity indicator has been added to the region information panel. As you mouse over the regions with the Territory control toggle on you can see value listed for how busy that region is.
Hotspot indicators should more accurately drop players in the location they are requesting.

The big change seems to be that you can no longer spawn as a Max, that's actually how it was in the first Planetside.

 

[PrincessFrosty]

I'll be interested to see what the balance is like after the warpgate move, right now who ever is in the north seems to dominate the continent, now it's TRs turn to be on top

 

[Johnked6]

I'll be interested to see what the balance is like after the warpgate move, right now who ever is in the north seems to dominate the continent, now it's TRs turn to be on top

I really don't like the warpgate foothold method they've implemented for Planetside 2. They should have stuck with the sanctuary system of the original. This allowed an empire to attack any base and also allowed an empire to completely push the opposing faction off the map.

Of course the original had 10 continents while PS2 will have around 2-3 at launch. My biggest complaint at this point is the lack of continents.

 

[Amaroth]

So many years of these "press", "demo" betas has made it hard to get the point across to people that this is a real beta. They have been focusing primarily on stability and performance and in the last month come a long way from the widespread constant crashes to select cases.

 

[awwc]

No prone.

 

[TwistedAegis]

What does prone really add, anyway? It introduces so many balance issues, potential bugs, animation clipping...I know it's more realistic, but what does it truly add to the game, I guess I don't get the constant obsession with it.

 

[Banyan]

What does prone really add, anyway? It introduces so many balance issues, potential bugs, animation clipping...I know it's more realistic, but what does it truly add to the game, I guess I don't get the constant obsession with it.

what it means to me is more zerg-like cod style gameplay (assisted by tribes style flying infantry). besides, who does overwatch, defends all positions, or snipes crouched? balance issues? i'd call it balanced if everyone could lay down. never had clipping in bf2 and bf3 happen to me.

so this is making me think that they might have the same clunky hit boxes from ps1. i am not a sniping guy but i remember in ps1 you could shoot a guy in the head and it was the same as him getting hit in the foot - it became essential to use implant to see player health bars. if both are true i'm going to be extremely let down.

 

[Banyan]

Another improvement over PlanetSide is the introduction of locational damage for soldiers and vehicles (a.k.a. hitboxes).

well thank god for that

 

[Tyrsis]

so this is making me think that they might have the same clunky hit boxes from ps1. i am not a sniping guy but i remember in ps1 you could shoot a guy in the head and it was the same as him getting hit in the foot .

PS2 has real headshots, not at all like PS1.

 

[NickJames]

-Graphics: The game has a lot of great-looking effects and animations, but I can't help but feel it's lacking in 2 specific areas: texture quality and physics(or lack of any I should say). Some object textures are almost shameful for a 2012 game and are worse than Rage

Have you seen the press shots? There's no point in them releasing the final high-res textures, it will just up the download size and create even worse performance as the game hasn't even been optimized yet.

 

[xBanzai89]

Finally got my hands on a beta key the other day through an alienware promotion.

There is a lot of fun to be had here, especially with friends. Love the massive scale combat. I didn't find myself out of the action for too long either (others have said this was an issue). I'm holding off on the alpha package for now, but If they keep patching in the content they mentioned, I think they'll see some of my $ soon.

Couple minor complaints:
-Bugs and many of them. A few times I found myself either spawning half way into the ground or falling through the level. Can't get too upset though as it is an early beta.
-Graphics: The game has a lot of great-looking effects and animations, but I can't help but feel it's lacking in 2 specific areas: texture quality and physics(or lack of any I should say). Some object textures are almost shameful for a 2012 game and are worse than Rage

Looking forward to the final release.

How is well is your rig running this game? My Phenom X6 1035T with a 7950 is struggling regardless of settings. Still trying to figure out if its just more of a clock speed issue is all. I see your 965 is clocked decently.

Falling through the ground bug seems to be an AMD processor issue. I always play on my 2500K and my first time in with my 1035T I was dropping through the map. The textures look like shit in some spots. Been that way, since the tech test started in July.

I really don't like the warpgate foothold method they've implemented for Planetside 2. They should have stuck with the sanctuary system of the original. This allowed an empire to attack any base and also allowed an empire to completely push the opposing faction off the map.

Of course the original had 10 continents while PS2 will have around 2-3 at launch. My biggest complaint at this point is the lack of continents.

Keep in mind these conts are going to have far more detail and work put into them compared to the originals in PS1. That I'm excited for, some of the terrian on Indar is just jaw dropping. Really looking forward to what Esamir has to offer also. Now SOE thinks they may only launch with 2 maps at launch. I really hope once the game is launched they can put more effort into making more conts so we could have maybe 5-6 come a year after it came out.

 

[Johnked6]

For Planetside 2 and Guild Wars 2 I was getting janky performance in normal areas and unplayable in zergs with my Core 2 Duo E6750, 4gb ram. These newer games finally got me to upgrade my rig to an I5 3570k and 8gb ram. The difference is night and day, goes from janky to performing well in zergs. Well worth the upgrade.

In fact all my games run a lot smoother.

 

[TwistedAegis]

That's quite a large CPU upgrade there; grats, and no wonder every game runs a hell of a lot smoother!

 

[Tyrsis]

For Planetside 2 and Guild Wars 2 I was getting janky performance in normal areas and unplayable in zergs with my Core 2 Duo E6750, 4gb ram. These newer games finally got me to upgrade my rig to an I5 3570k and 8gb ram. The difference is night and day, goes from janky to performing well in zergs. Well worth the upgrade.

In fact all my games run a lot smoother.

Same. Going from a C2D to a i7 tonight. I'll let you know how it goes...

 

[Mojo3k70]

How is well is your rig running this game? My Phenom X6 1035T with a 7950 is struggling regardless of settings. Still trying to figure out if its just more of a clock speed issue is all. I see your 965 is clocked decently.

Falling through the ground bug seems to be an AMD processor issue. I always play on my 2500K and my first time in with my 1035T I was dropping through the map. The textures look like shit in some spots. Been that way, since the tech test started in July.

Game runs quite smooth. Much smoother than I was expecting . I don't have my FPS displayed while I play currently, but if I were to take a guess, i'd say roughly high 50s/low 60s out of combat and 45'ish in heavy combat/ really populated areas. All settings are set to 'High' , render quality 100%, fog shadow and blur off, 1680x1050 res.

Taking a quick look at component utilization, my CPU peaks around 60% usage in heavy combat while GPU is usually in the 90s.

 

[xBanzai89]

Damn nice. I would OC this 1035T, but I'm afraid of it blowing out my mobo. From what I read the x6s don't work well when OC in weaker boards meant for only 95W processors. IDK what to do now . May sell it off and get something I can run PS2 properly as its my secondary comp.

 

[WarriorX]

This game is pretty interesting. Played today attacking a few bases. WOW. Explosions everywhere, vehicles, infantry, was chaos lol. More overwhelming then BF3 when I first played hehe. Tried to fly and was doing great...till I crashed doh.

Maybe I need to tweak some settings but I have a hard time reading the fonts and also recognizing friend from foe. I know you can spot players but sometimes they dont get spotted and from a distance(or even up close lol) I had trouble. Was shooting almost anything that moved or look at me funny. Maybe with more time I will find it easier?

 

[Cantonious]

Picked it up. Getting a handle on it. Definitely needs some work, but it's looking good so far.

 

[Amaroth]

It has a solid core. Can't wait till they get the meta game flushed out and are finished with bug fixing/performance so they can focus on balance.

 

[Spewn]

For Planetside 2 and Guild Wars 2 I was getting janky performance in normal areas and unplayable in zergs with my Core 2 Duo E6750, 4gb ram. These newer games finally got me to upgrade my rig to an I5 3570k and 8gb ram. The difference is night and day, goes from janky to performing well in zergs. Well worth the upgrade.

In fact all my games run a lot smoother.

I'm looking at basically the same upgrade soon, good to know it's made a big difference for you.

 

[WarriorX]

If anybody is interested in joining up on a server to do some teamwork stuff let me know. Been messing around right now.

 

[jadams]

Game runs quite smooth. Much smoother than I was expecting . I don't have my FPS displayed while I play currently, but if I were to take a guess, i'd say roughly high 50s/low 60s out of combat and 45'ish in heavy combat/ really populated areas. All settings are set to 'High' , render quality 100%, fog shadow and blur off, 1680x1050 res.

Taking a quick look at component utilization, my CPU peaks around 60% usage in heavy combat while GPU is usually in the 90s.

The game right now is having serious performance issues. If you're in the beta ease spend time on their forum. The development actively respond to threads. In the 9/13 update it absolutely killed my frame rate, along with many others. Some said it was because of the ui and disableing fixed it. Not for others. I for one have a very difficult time getting over 45fps and most of the time I'm in the 30s. I've even lowered the Res amd detail as well as tender quality. No good. There's a thread about it and the development have responded saying they know what it is and they're gonna fix it soon.

 

[xBanzai89]

New Server names and a big patch came out recently. Be sure to hop on and check it out.

US East:

Themisto
Leda
Himalia

US West:

Metis
Adrastea
Amalthea

EU:

Thyone
Herse
Chaldene

General:

New certifications are now available to qualified infantry, pilots, and drivers.

Terran Republic and Vanu Sovereignty researchers have improved a few of their standard issue weapons. They request complete field testing, so good luck with that. Bring a helmet. See details below.

Notable Bug Fixes:

Iron sights now appear on Rocket Launchers.
Command has conceded that soldiers should have the ability to select their deployment point in Instant Action. You will no longer spawn in a different location than what you selected in the menu.
Vehicles should now be detected on the minimap when they are in close range unless they have Stealth certification.

Classes:

Engineers:

Nano Armor Kit technology is now available to all engineers. Certification is required for use. Use caution, they’re tiny.

Combat Medic:

Medic Applicators are now advanced enough to require further certification. These will change heal and revive speeds not to mention increase range.
Instructors at the Advanced Combat Medic Training Facilities have perfected a technique that now makes reviving a MAX unit possible however the stringent requirements will only bring them back at partial health.

Heavy Assault:

Certifying in improvements for the Nanite Mesh Generator will now increase the regeneration rate and may save your life on the battlefield.
With the proper training (certification) Heavy Assault will find the extra 3 pockets hidden on their suit enabling them to carry more rockets. We promise they are there!

Infiltrators:

Stolen encryption data will now allow an Infiltrator to hack an enemy equipment terminal and "liberate" supplies once certified. Many spies died to bring you this information so use it wisely.
Infiltrators may also use similar techniques to hack an enemy turret and higher levels of certification will allow them to do so more quickly. Turning them against your allies, no matter how funny, is strictly prohibited.
New Cloaking tech has now been approved for field testing which once certified will allow an Infiltrator to move much quicker when cloaked. Be warned that early results show a decreased effectiveness in armor when utilizing it. In fact, we can’t find the first few batches, so watch your toes. They’re out there. Just…invisible.
Controversial techniques now allow an Infiltrator to adjust their Cloak to provide more protection against damage. Certification in this skill is being required after the initial test subjects were brutally electrocuted. Whole lab still smells like bacon and regret.

MAX:

New manufacturing contracts will now allow soldiers to purchase a flamethrower for their MAX system for the low low price of 8,000 Auraxium! In unrelated sales, our patent pending” burn creams, ointment and do it yourself skin-graft™ “ kits can be had for the low low price of 9,000 Auraxium.
MAX units now require resources and have a respawn timer.

Vehicles:

There is extra space for more vehicle ammunition! With the proper certification we can show you how to stack, load, and store ammo more efficiently. Check out Relaod Speed increases as well. This may or may not involve the use of ridiculously priced bunjee cords.
Hover Control certifications are now available to show you how to make the Scythe, Mosquito, or Reaver hover better than a drill sergeant over a new recruit. Get trained today!
Due to new military aviation standards, ejection equipment is now available for certified pilots in all aircraft. While there is no dishonor in escape, remember that aircraft will be deducted from your standard pay.
Mineguard Certification is available to mitigate damage to your tank. Don't become a victim and ensure you are prepared. Remember the Nanite Systems slogan: “Mineguard: If it blows up, it’s probably your fault.”
All aircraft now have ECM packages available for Stealth certification to reduce detection range and increase lock on time.
A new alloy whose properties allow it to absorb more damage has been approved for use on all tanks. This will increase every tanks overall resistance to damage. Do not taunt the “new alloy.”
Pilots are now using minor magnetic fields around their aircraft to discourage Flak. As a result this weapon is very slightly less effective than it once was. Seroiusly how much impact will magnets have?
To combat overheating of Scythe and Reaver rocket pods, fire rates have been slowed.
The Skyguard Turret magazine size has been reduced to 40. Additional bolts have better secured it and reduced recoil.

Liberator:

A new resin on the exterior of the Liberator will now protect it better from rockets and missles. Yes, we said resin. Don't ask questions you don't want answers to.

Magrider:

Magburners are now standard issue on all Magrider tanks. Fuel Recycler certifications will not only recharge this ability more quickly but is better for the Auraxian environment.

Prowler:

In response to popular request, the Terran Republic command has authorized the use of additional front armor to increase defense of the Prowler.
The 120mm Prowler rounds have heavier loads which now do splash damage.

Sunderer:

New tech will now require certification to provide resupply and repair. Extended certifications will increase the effective range.
The Sunderer is now capable of use as a respawn point for infantry.
Valuable materials used in Sunderer production are in very short supply increasing the cost of this vehicle from 200 Alloys to 450. Don’t worry, we threw in the pine scented air freshener for free.

Vanguard:

Vanguard Shields are now a certification and item. Please remember to equip this item in order to ensure increased surviviability of the shield. We make a killing in resales.

Weapons:

Vanu Sovereignty scientists have found a way to increase the projectile speed of Vanu infantry weapon projectiles.
Experimentation is being done on light machine gun, carbine, and assault rifle weaponry for recoil. While vertical recoil is much more predictable, horizontal has been slightly increased. To be honest, just hope for a fat target.
New standard ammunition for Terran Republic Carbines, Assault Rifles, and Repeater have adjusted weapon damage.
Vanu Sovereignty Pistols are now doing increased damage. Seriously, Fred was just tinkering with it and bam! Don't touch any of the settings, we still haven't found two of his fingers.

World Design:

Facility Capture times have been changed. They increase based on the amount of influence and size. And before you say it, we verified with all sources and can confirm that is not what she said.
Warp Gate’s have been re-designed. It’s now easier to board your allies’ vehicles with less risk of being run over. Still be sure to look both ways before running out of the spawn area.