Other- Squad improvement; Point system; Basing Planet
A real ‘points system’ to measure and showcase squad competition should be implemented. Unfortunately, The flaws in ‘timed takeover’ that take dominance in iEra’s gang systems are already shining through on iZone. Squads can take over a planet during server downtime, and gain hours with little opposition. First and foremost, This seriously needs to be doctored up before making any additions to Squad activity. If the proposed basing system is implemented without it, it would mirror iEra’s tactless system where guilds merely idle in a base during inactive hours and rack up points; which doesn't test any level of skill at all-- It favors quantity to quality; and perhaps even geographical location.
Points rewarded for time should be minimal, and include the added perquisite of contest. By this, I mean that squads must be within a reasonable PAR of each other in order to get 'time points' in a face off, and they must have an adequate amount members online to provide contest. I would suggest that, the gangs must be within five tiers of each other for 'time' points to be counted. Meaning, the #1 Squad couldn't gain time points against the #6 Squad; however, kills and deaths would still be counted, this way lower tier squads could still have a chance to come up, and the game can take place without discrimination. Kills would add points, deaths would subtract points.
Also, the addition of a real "Basing" planet, including a full PK gmap, and Five "Bases" that are awarded to the top 5 Squads of the week. These bases are considered Squad territory, and therefore should be protected. Again, squad points would be awarded for kills, and subtracted for deaths. This again would reinforce that leaders be more selective when adding members.
This would also invite the suggestion of base "upgrades"-- A central location on the new planet where Squad leaders can purchase upgrades with their accumulated squad points. This would force leaders to take more of a responsibility role, as the sole proprietor of the entire squad's hard work. Such a system would give squads reward for kicking ass. Examples of upgrades would be turrets, larger bases, maybe even a squad gun or bot upgrade(limited distribution; again, at the discretion on the Squad Leader). Of course, upgrades would need to be regulated to where they're not overpowered. It'd be a step backwards to make the rich richer. Of course, squads would lose their base if they cannot maintain that top five; but hey- competition brings players.
Squad alliances would be possible. To act as a check-and balance to prevent a powerhouse of squads aligning with one-another, the point distribution system would discourage frivolous alliances. i.e. A victory by a single squad (three members from the same squad) would mean 15 points for that squad, however a victory by three combined squads(three members, each from a different squad) would mean 5 points per squad.
While the plan is to create more emphasis on leadership and ‘skill’ to stimulate competition, it’s not to be misunderstood as newbie discrimination, but as a means that would enourage them to improve their game. By nature, this system will create a hierarchy of squads. Newbies will form newbie squads, battle other newbie squads, and eventually graduate to the upper-tier. This gives newbies something more to shoot for.
This kind of system would give real Squads the clout they deserve. It's a system I've been wanting to see implemented on Era, and iEra for the past six years. Most people didn't play Era back when gang loyalty meant something, and leaders were forced to lead. It cringes me to see the same bad habits that have plagued both servers for so long emulated to Zone Squads. Nip it in the bud now. Any group of nitwits can melee a chest or sit at a capture point; winning sheerly on their superior number. The hell with the chests and capture points; Do it up old school-- Give virtuous squads a base, force leaders to lead, and call it a day. Nothing says "my squad's better than yours" than idling in your living room, PKing your squad upon entry.
|
