PlanetSide 2's Ice Continent Dropping This Weekend
PlanetSide 2 takes place on a planet. An entire planet. If it didn't, it'd be named Countryside, LargeLandmassSide, or Fred. And so, in that spirit, SOE's adding a whole new continent - one of two more that are ultimately planned for the launch version. This one's called Esamir, and it appears to be the estranged landson of the ice planet Hoth, what with all its frigid unpleasantness and potential for series-defining moments starring Harrison Ford. Take a peek at its peaks, valleys, and dangerously low-flying aircraft after the break.
So it certainly looks cold, but that's not all. Continuing an encouraging trend a couple recent multiplayer games have picked up, Esamir's less-than-favorable weather will wind its chilly fingers into gameplay's gears. SOE explained:
"On Esamir, base capture methods will be adjusted - strategize accordingly. Shield generators won't be disabled as easily, so expect to run an overload process to secure victory. Additionally, soldiers will have new certifications to handle vehicles and weapons better, along with new sidegrades (LMGs, Carbines, Assault/Sniper Rifles) for each empire."
Further, as you'd expect of a place that's not exactly prime real estate, it's only got 15 small outposts as opposed to Indar's 52. Expect strength-in-numbers, then, to be a far less viable tactic.
Esamir will surface in PlanetSide 2's beta sometime this weekend, so keep an eye out for it. Not that it should be that hard to find, seeing as, you know, it's a continent and all.