PlanetSide 2 Interview

GameFront is offering an article-style interview with PlanetSide 2’s creative director Matt Higby. While it unfortunately lacks direct quotes, there’s still plenty of information for those who are interested in the title. Here’s a snip:

One of the first things we talked about was the mission system. When Planetside 2 launches, players will be able to complete missions that Sony Online Entertainment creates for them. Sometime after launch, SOE plans to add a system that will allow players to create their own missions. Higher level players will be able to create higher level missions, which will offer higher level rewards.

What makes this mission system interesting is how players will be able to use it to engender cooperation from other members of their faction. If I am trying to secure a base, I can create a mission for other players to assist me. In a game predicated on large numbers of players fighting to take and hold territory, it’s easy to see how a system like this could really be useful.

If you’re wondering just how you’ll be taking that territory we just mentioned, Higby explained that Planetside 2 will use a hex-grid system. When you attempt to capture a hex, the speed at which you capture it is directly affected by control of the surrounding hexes. If the hexes are neutral, the capture will take place as normal. If an opposing faction holds those hexes, capturing it will take longer. If your faction holds them, you can capture more quickly. Unlike the ‘˜front line’ system employed by games like Frontlines: Fuel of War, Planetside 2’²s grid system won’t eliminate the option of sneaking behind enemy lines to capture territory. Instead, it will make it a daunting task, one that will require teamwork and quick action to pull off. It will also help to focus the action on the contested hexes at the forward lines of each faction.