Planetside 2 | A Forgotten FPS Gem | Needs a Revival
A growing coalition of players is voicing frustrations about Planetside 2, launched in 2012, facing a declining player base. Despite its capability for up to 8,000 players across four maps, many call it a shadow of its former glory.
Unique Gameplay, but Declining Visitation
Planetside 2 offers a distinctive 100vs100vs100 gaming format, enabling monumental battles without the regular stresses seen in many modern shooters. Even so, players face longer wait times for matches. One player noted, "I tried to play it but couldn’t find a server with more than 2 people on. It's a shame because it looks like a genius idea for a game."
Nostalgically, another player remarked, "I always wanna download it and play, but I just assume it’s dead whenever I see posts about it." Concerns grow about fewer new players joining the game.
The Current State and Community Sentiment
Interestingly, some players moved on to other games while pointing out that no shooter currently matches Planetside 2's scale. "FPS has devolved over the last 15 years, culminating in games like BF6, which are simply a shadow of their former glory," one commented. Feedback reveals a deep mixed sentiment: nostalgia intermingled with frustration over neglect.
Suggestions for Improvement
Players shared various suggestions:
Incorporate Bots: "It would benefit if it had bots in it to maintain its longevity better," said one commenter, highlighting a desire for a more vibrant environment during low player counts.
Dynamic Strategies: Another expressed enjoyment in sneaking behind enemy lines with just one or two allies, noting, "It will never not be hilarious."
Battle Size Misconceptions: A player clarified past misconceptions, stating, "It was never thousands, but around 200 per team or so?"
Monetization Complaints: Criticisms regarding the pay-to-win model resurfaced, with a player stating, "The game was pay to win and therefore quite boring."
As discussions continue, many call for a sequel. "A sequel should’ve happened years ago, but it’ll probably never happen because nobody has the guts to try anything new anymore," said a long-time fan. Despite trending toward smaller teams, there's an unfulfilled appetite for the massive scale of Planetside 2's battles.
Changes Needed for a Bright Future
Many fans stress that enhancing the FPS genre requires innovation. Calls for merging console and PC servers emerge, aiming to boost a more active community.
"They messed up by splitting the game when they released the PS4 version," reasoned a player, pushing for a return to a unified playing experience.
Key Insights
△ Theoretical player limits peak at 8,000, yet actual engagements are low.
▽ Sentiment is mixed, with nostalgia contrasting against frustration over neglect.
※ "It looks like a genius idea for a game; wish I could have seen it in its prime," said a reflective player.
As the community explores potential futures, it’s clear Planetside 2 deserves renewed attention. Will developers step up and breathe life into this FPS classic?