Currently, the ESFs and all other planes have "helicopter mechanics", e.g. the ability to hover for the Liberators and Galaxies, and insane VTOL control for the ESFs. Rather than having a hybrid of a fighter and a VTOL, why not make two sets of ESFs? This is what I propose:
The current set of ESFs should be changed so that they are no longer VTOL, and fly like actual fighter jets. This includes taking off and landing on runways (have one at major bases and the warpgate), inability of changing height by pressing control or space, and increased speed to promote air to air fighting, strafing runs, escorts and whatnot.
A new set of ESFs could be introduced as helicopters, where the vertical control is buffed. They should be able to hover at a spot and do all sorts of maneuvers that you'd expect from that sort of control. These helicopters would no double be slower, but have better armor and a wide arsenal of weapons to choose from, as well as the ability to hold more than just a pilot.
So what potential do I think this idea has?
I think that by taking away VTOL abilities, pilots can engage in air to air combat more easily, without having random ESFs popping up from the ground. Ground to air attacks would be much harder since the ESFs would be faster, but air to ground attacks will still have their use as a suppressor. Also, this discourages players from flying an ESF and going on solo ghost capping missions, which defies the purpose of team play in this game.
The introduction of helicopter suppression would encourage a better team co-ordination since it makes it easier to have air support in outdoor areas that is awkward for the current ESFs to operate effectively. Players can fast rope down helicopters to get behind enemy lines, while the chopper can provide cover. This sort of teamwork is what Planetside is lacking right now, all we see are tank crashes and platoons with little or no co-ordination. By making the roles of the ESFs more specific, I believe that it will encourage better platoon plays.
TL : DR
ESFs should be in two sets: Fighters (without VTOL control) and Helicopters
Suggestions for each: Fighters with speed buff, armor nerf, Helicopters with speed nerf, armor and weapon buff
Important notes: Fighters will need a "runway" (amp stations, biolabs, warpgate) and helicopters can drop passengers.
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