A possible solution

[Tinkles]

I think the best thing that HTC can do to make it easier for new comers and to make it so the flight-model doesn't get changed (Which I doubt would happen).

 Is to have a tutorial session that happens the moment the new account is made, that shows the basics.  Then shows some other things. Like how to do certain moves (obviously not making you a pro in a day) but it could be implemented.

You want to learn how to do a hammerhead?  It recommends a plane for you (p38) and then you see a 'ghost' or perhaps an AI with a name, and you follow the AI.  They would have a basic tutorial for showing how to take off and land (recommending an easy to fly plane), and showing how to properly aim etc.  It could have a list of air combat moves that could be performed, like the scissors, the "rope a dope" etc.  Categorizing these moves in the form of basic, intermediate and advanced.

I also think allowing the training arena to be free would be very very beneficial.  However, I don't think allowing the Dueling Arena would be beneficial at all.  For those who fly in the DA know what I mean.  Take channel 200 put it in "all" times it by 2 and you have the DA.   Some look for quick fights in the DA and wouldn't want to be bothered by a troll, who is solely there to ruin your day.  Plus, I doubt newbies want to go there to be slaughtered by the more experienced.

To balance this 'free' training arena, the non-subscriber accounts would only be able to stay in the training arena for 4 hours max per 24 hours.  

Perhaps even going so far as to allow them access into the custom arena but ONLY if someone else (who is a subscriber) 'made' the server.  

Just some ideas.

What are your thoughts?

 


P.S.

Also I think it would be beneficial for HTC to have a list of 'player recommended' hardware for players to read and look at.

From joysticks, rudder pedals to programs/things used to 'enhance the experience' like trackerIR and the Rift.    Perhaps even going so far as to recommend computer components (video card, etc) that could run aces high on medium ++ graphics. 

[Max]

All great stuff as far as I'm concerned...and long overdue.

[Bino]

Personally, I much prefer the human Trainers who are already present to any sort of hypothetical, canned training program.

[Hap]

Air Warrior used to have scheduled training nights.  Was a boon.

[Max]

Would one on one training be more thorough? Sure. There's also the Help & Training section of the BBS and Vudu's tutorials. All great stuff if you KNOW where to find it. Trouble is, many of the 2 weekers don't.

Think back to your 1st online experience after downloading the game. How long did it take you to figure out the "radio", how to select and load out a plane or GV, how to launch from the runway? All simple stuff, once you know HOW.

A few rudimentary tutorials would probably allay a lot of frustration for the 1st time player.

[Hap]

I believe Vudu15 has videos in help and training covering what you ask.

[Max]

It does indeed. Now tell me how a new player, who may not be aware of the BBS, let alone Vudu's You Tubes, finds them.

[Tinkles]

Personally, I much prefer the human Trainers who are already present to any sort of hypothetical, canned training program.

I'm not saying that this should replace trainers. But, speaking realistically, trainers have lives and can't be available for easy-access all the time.  At least with a small tutorial the player can learn the basics and if they want more information or are interested, the tutorial could have a link to the trainers list (as seen here ---> http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,355650.0.html  )

It would at least be a jumpstart. Rather than the ineffective method now, of the player going to the most populated server (late war) to get bombarded with the usual troll responses of "alt-f4 for this that or the other".  Or "GO TO THE TA", yet no one is there.

At least with this, they could get most of the basic questions answered, and if interested, could match up with a trainer or someone experienced and get the other bits they were looking for.

There are some who help these guys who ask these questions (I've helped any who I've encountered.. on any side). But they shouldn't have to walk into the arena blind. There should be a default tutorial that is noticeable, giving them a heads-up that what they are walking into isn't going to be a "jump in and play" setting.  They will at least need to know a few things before they can even take off, and then the tutorial can ask the player if they want a basic tutorial of flight or GV gameplay.   Perhaps even before the flight tutorial giving a brief explanation of each arena.


Just some more ideas. But I think that HTC needs to address this, or at least put something in an effort to help new guys.  I know many here would be willing to take a few minutes and help a newbie out.  But this would be for those moments when none of those people are online.  If we want more subscribers then we have to show that we are willing to help, and this tutorial I think would be a good testament to that.



 

P.S.

You guys keep posting so I have to keep updating my posts

It does indeed. Now tell me how a new player, who may not be aware of the BBS, let alone Vudu's You Tubes, finds them.

I think the tutorial could also give links and mention vudu15 (and other community members with youtube accounts, like dolby, latrobe etc) and his excessive collection of helpful videos.



It took me roughly 2 years before I found out about these forums, and I've been playing for 6 1/2 years.   

[wpeters]

I think the best thing that HTC can do to make it easier for new comers and to make it so the flight-model doesn't get changed (Which I doubt would happen).

 Is to have a tutorial session that happens the moment the new account is made, that shows the basics.  Then shows some other things. Like how to do certain moves (obviously not making you a pro in a day) but it could be implemented.

You want to learn how to do a hammerhead?  It recommends a plane for you (p38) and then you see a 'ghost' or perhaps an AI with a name, and you follow the AI.  They would have a basic tutorial for showing how to take off and land (recommending an easy to fly plane), and showing how to properly aim etc.  It could have a list of air combat moves that could be performed, like the scissors, the "rope a dope" etc.  Categorizing these moves in the form of basic, intermediate and advanced.

I also think allowing the training arena to be free would be very very beneficial.  However, I don't think allowing the Dueling Arena would be beneficial at all.  For those who fly in the DA know what I mean.  Take channel 200 put it in "all" times it by 2 and you have the DA.   Some look for quick fights in the DA and wouldn't want to be bothered by a troll, who is solely there to ruin your day.  Plus, I doubt newbies want to go there to be slaughtered by the more experienced.

To balance this 'free' training arena, the non-subscriber accounts would only be able to stay in the training arena for 4 hours max per 24 hours.  

Perhaps even going so far as to allow them access into the custom arena but ONLY if someone else (who is a subscriber) 'made' the server.  

Just some ideas.

What are your thoughts?

 


P.S.

Also I think it would be beneficial for HTC to have a list of 'player recommended' hardware for players to read and look at.

From joysticks, rudder pedals to programs/things used to 'enhance the experience' like trackerIR and the Rift.    Perhaps even going so far as to recommend computer components (video card, etc) that could run aces high on medium ++ graphics. 

+1

[pembquist]

As a start without having to produce and code a tutorial, a selected set of links to already existing youtube videos could be on the homepage. I first tried Ah2 because I randomly saw one of Bbosens's (I think) videos on setting up views. Video is worth a bizillion words.

As a side note, I used MSFS, X-Plane, tried ROF and Mouse Thunder and IL-2 and the thing I can never really get past is the view settings. With AH snap views and a trigger hat combination I actually feel like I can look around. It might be that I didn't invest enough time in the other games to sort them out but with AH and Bbosen's video I didn't have to spend ANY time. Now where is that video? I have no idea.

[Rino]

     I wonder how the game will change if we provided a "kindergarten" for new flyers?  I sure there
are benefits and drawbacks.  The major problem I see is that there always seem to be more people
requiring instruction than instructors available to help.

[Max]

The same "kindergarten" was provided by Kesmai back in the mid-90's. 

Yeah, there's always a disparity between players and trainers. Just another reason to provide some "getting started" preliminaries.

[Tinkles]

     I wonder how the game will change if we provided a "kindergarten" for new flyers?  I sure there
are benefits and drawbacks.  The major problem I see is that there always seem to be more people
requiring instruction than instructors available to help.

I don't see that really.  I don't mind helping out, and I know there are quite a few like me, who if in an arena and someone needs help, will be glad to help them. 
All I see is benefits to be honest. If HTC puts the time and effort to make a decent tutorial that looks good, and informs the player of what needs to be done and how to do it, I don't see any issues with that. If they decide that the game is their taste, then there would be a link (among the many) showing trainers what times they are normally on and if they do 'schedules'.  Then, perhaps, a sub-list of those who are.. semi-trainers, or at least assistants. Who don't mind taking time out of their gameplay to assist a new player who needs help. 

I would rather have many people requiring assistance with something because they are new. Than hear the current 'elite' of aces high complain of fewer and fewer targets.  Not to mention, I think that we need more people in this game than we have now, and if that means I have to invest 1-2 hours of my gameplay every once in a while, for us to get a bigger subscriber base then I am willing to do that. 

 

 

[Zoney]

I don't see that really.  I don't mind helping out
I would rather have many people requiring assistance with something because they are new. Than hear the current 'elite' of aces high complain of fewer and fewer targets.  Not to mention, I think that we need more people in this game than we have now, and if that means I have to invest 1-2 hours of my gameplay every once in a while, for us to get a bigger subscriber base then I am willing to do that. 

 

Do this then.  Don't wait for the new guy to ask.  Many of them are too embarrassed to ask.  Find them and help them.  You can see new guys struggling all the time.  You haven't seen their name before, you can see them failing over and over at the same thing, you check their score and see they need help.  Go help them before the ask or quit.

[Ack-Ack]

When Combat Tour was in alpha there was a short tutorial you had to complete at the beginning. 

ack-ack