I'm new, but I need loads of help

[lpjuunin]

Hey guys! I'm new to the community...but things are going way too fast, and way too crazy and complicated for me. First I have some questions that needs some answering...:

- After using the 2week free trial for online play...does it charge me when it's over? Or does it play fair, and notifies me before any billings occur? (note, I haven't used the free two-week trial yet, just so you know)

- About the 8 player online mode or something...in the websites/decriptions/etc,etc. it says unlike the full, online version, this feature is free. Is this true?

And I really need help on this topic:

- I CANNOT STEER OR HELL, EVEN CONTROL THIS PLANE. Yes I know, this is a simulation, and it tries to be as realistic as possible, so I know it is supposed to be hard. So I woke up extra early this morning (it's raining here, so I won't be going out for a while xD   ), to "fiddle" around with the controls. I FINALLY learned how to start up the plane, and get it off the ground. But I have NO CLUE on how to turn and steer, and move the plane up and down, and etc. I know I use A, S, and D...but it goes way out of control. (I press A (default= turn left), and it doesn't stop turning left, 'till I'm freakin' upsidedown, and about to crash). I don't even know how to move the plane up and down (switching the elevation). I looked in the controls section of both the in-game menu, and the readme short web manual the game comes with. No help at all from there.

So I'm hoping, that an experienced pilot(s) helps me out here. Maybe (if the 8 player mode is free), one of you guys can teach me like they do in the Air force, sort of like fly along side me, and talk to each other through mics to tell me what to do to get me started on the basics...nd yeah, the questions need answering as well.xD

I know this is a lot to ask for, so I apologize if I'm acting like a total newb. But thank you all firsthand for any future help.

-Kevin Kim

[The Fugitive]

At the end of your two weeks, it will not let you fly the Main arenas with out paying.

The free head to head (H2H) arenas are free and hosted by other players. Settings in these arenas vary widely and it is tough to learn much in them.

Flying CAN be done with a mouse, but a joystick is recomended. Some people are pretty good using a mouse, but in most cases guys weith a joystick will tear you up.

Once you are a paying customer, there is a training arena with some very good people who will take all the time you need to get as good as you want to be, provided your willing to put in the time and practice.

[lpjuunin]

Thanks for the post.

But is the H2H you are talking about, the 8 player mode I was talking about? I'm confused...

And I'm thinking about getting a joystick, but I don't think it all adds up for me...I mean after all, I won't be playing the online arena, I'll only be playing the single player, and the "H2H"'s. Once I start going hardcore (by paying for the full online), maybe I'll get a joystiq, but until then, I might need to reconsider that...=/

Thanks anyways.

[trotter]

Hi and welcome to the community. Excellent first post, I think you have the right positive attitude and will be able to pick up the game if you stick with it. However, you are not going to be able to appreciate all the game has to offer if you don't use a joystick. Without one, you may never get to the point where you decide to purchase the full version. With one, chances are that you will.

Furthermore, the decision to hold back on buying a joystick doesn't make sense from a standpoint of learning the controls. You will need to relearn everything you have learned about using the mouse and keyboard to fly. Joysticks are not expensive, you can get a decent one for around $20.

Good luck

[Lusche]

Originally posted by lpjuunin

- I CANNOT STEER OR HELL, EVEN CONTROL THIS PLANE. Yes I know, this is a simulation, and it tries to be as realistic as possible, so I know it is supposed to be hard. So I woke up extra early this morning (it's raining here, so I won't be going out for a while xD   ), to "fiddle" around with the controls. I FINALLY learned how to start up the plane, and get it off the ground. But I have NO CLUE on how to turn and steer, and move the plane up and down, and etc. I know I use A, S, and D...but it goes way out of control. (I press A (default= turn left), and it doesn't stop turning left, 'till I'm freakin' upsidedown, and about to crash). I don't even know how to move the plane up and down (switching the elevation). I looked in the controls section of both the in-game menu, and the readme short web manual the game comes with. No help at all from there.

You can't steer your plane using keyboard only. You either have to configure & use your mouse or preferably
use a joystick.

And how to set up your controls? Just look at The Aces High Trainer Corps Webpage You will find loads of other information there, too.

[The Fugitive]

Yes the H2H arenas and the 8 player arenas are one and the same.

Like trotter said buying a cheap joystick will  make the game far more enjoyable even if you only plan on playing in the free arenas.


And just to clarify, where trotter said where you decide to purchase the full version he ment a subscription to the main arenas. The game you play in the off-line, and H2H arenas is the full version of the game, just not with all the people

[lpjuunin]

Hey, thanks guys. I printed out the Mouse setup manual one of you guys provided me with (the link), and I am on my way to set it up, and try out the single player. =D

But does anyone want to tutor me through H2H? I'd appreciate all the help I can get. I have to admit, this is quite a difficult game, but I want this to be as fun as possible. xD

Thank you all again. I shall be back later.

[NateWolf]

During your two week trial you can go into the Training Arena, where people can teach you there. After two weeks you will have to pay, but the money is well worth it.

[lpjuunin]

Ah, I just got back, and although just as hard, it was quite fun. I managed to give chace to an enemy plane, and chased it down for like half an hour, until I finally gave up. I did clip his right wing pretty good though, for smoke was coming out of it, constantly.

But you guys right, the mouse is not made for flight sims...it was WAY too sensitive for me to get get control and precision. I'm going to save up and buy a Joystick from Best Buy. Any suggestions?

[StuB]

When you sign up for the 2 week free trial it does not ask for any credit card or other payment info.  

Once the 2 weeks is up it prompts you that you will need to pay $14.95 a month to continue. If you decide to sign up it then asks for the payment info.

(I probably don't have to say the following for you....but for any other new players....)

BEFORE you step one virtual foot into the MA's (main Arenas)you should practice as much as you can off-line to get the hang of controlling the aircraft and shooting at the drones.  Read the help info and try something relating to each topic and learn all of the controls.  
If you go into any of the MA's and start asking a bunch of "How do I..." type of questions that you could have learned yourself offline, you will find alot of people losing patience with you and not helping you at all.  It's hard enough tryig to survive yourself without being distracted by a new guy asking for help on every little thing.  It will also garner some respect from thoise who see that you gave enough of a crap to learn stuff wiothout having your hand held.

Good luck lpjuunin....with your attitude I think you will do very well, just remember that it takes quite a while to become proficient in one aircraft in AH....so be patient.

Originally posted by lpjuunin
..... I have some questions that needs some answering...:

- After using the 2week free trial for online play...does it charge me when it's over? Or does it play fair, and notifies me before any billings occur? (note, I haven't used the free two-week trial yet, just so you know)
/etc,etc. it says unlike the full, online version, this feature is free. Is this true?

[StuB]

I picked up a Saitek AV8TOR USB joystick for about 40 bucks at Best Buy a few months ago.  
It's not as good as having a HOTAS rig but it's good enough to get you started.
It has two throttles and in addition to the coolie hat and buttons on the grip it has a bunch of toggle switches on the base that you can program for whatever function you wish (raise/lower flaps, RPM, landing gear, speed brake, etc...).  
It is also a "twisty stick" meaning that you can twist the grip to activate the rudders, but regular rudder pedals would give better control.

Originally posted by lpjuunin
Ah, I just got back, and although just as hard, it was quite fun. I managed to give chace to an enemy plane, and chased it down for like half an hour, until I finally gave up. I did clip his right wing pretty good though, for smoke was coming out of it, constantly.

But you guys right, the mouse is not made for flight sims...it was WAY too sensitive for me to get get control and precision. I'm going to save up and buy a Joystick from Best Buy. Any suggestions?

[Ghosth]

First off welcome to the addiction!
This monkey is likely to be on your back for a LONG long time, so take the time to set yourself up right.

On joysticks, saitek is the best of the low priced sticks. CH has a very good reputation, but they are NOT cheap. Anything from a ST290 to a Cyborg EVO will get you up & flying.

H2H aka 8 player, all same same, all free, enjoy. Just be aware that there are a multitude of settings that the host (person who starts and runs the 8 player server) has many controls at his fingertips. Everything from fuel burn, ammo load, to mute and eject of a player. Many servers are good, some are not so enjoyable.

Once you log into an online arena other than the free 8 player, your 2 weeks starts. Plan on doing a LOT of reading first at the AH Trainers site and http://www.netaces.org. You have a lot to learn, and many of the guys flying here have a 3 - 6 year head start. So leave the ego at the door for the first 6 months, fly, learn try to enjoy the journey.

By all means once you get online check into the TA, be patient. Trainers are players too, and we have real lives to live as well. So its not staffed 24/7.
However there are a lot of good vets who can help just as much as a trainer.

There is a ton of help on the Hitechcreations.com site as well as others.
Read, fly, practice, rinse, repeat as needed.

Like anyone in a strange place at first try to listen much, talk little, ask intelligent questions.

[lpjuunin]

Originally posted by StuB
When you sign up for the 2 week free trial it does not ask for any credit card or other payment info.  

Once the 2 weeks is up it prompts you that you will need to pay $14.95 a month to continue. If you decide to sign up it then asks for the payment info.

(I probably don't have to say the following for you....but for any other new players....)

BEFORE you step one virtual foot into the MA's (main Arenas)you should practice as much as you can off-line to get the hang of controlling the aircraft and shooting at the drones.  Read the help info and try something relating to each topic and learn all of the controls.  
If you go into any of the MA's and start asking a bunch of "How do I..." type of questions that you could have learned yourself offline, you will find alot of people losing patience with you and not helping you at all.  It's hard enough tryig to survive yourself without being distracted by a new guy asking for help on every little thing.  It will also garner some respect from thoise who see that you gave enough of a crap to learn stuff wiothout having your hand held.

Good luck lpjuunin....with your attitude I think you will do very well, just remember that it takes quite a while to become proficient in one aircraft in AH....so be patient.

Yup, ever since noticing this game is harder than I thought, I decided I would have to lay off the two week trial offer until I at least know how to ahem...fly. xD It'll be a waste if I can't even have fun in a server. And besides, shooting down practice AI's are fun as it is. ;D

I hope to see you all in like 6-12 months from now. =D

BTW...how many players play on the H2H feature on a daily basis average? If there's plenty, it's all good for me.

[WMDnow]

Welcome to the community!  As for playing offline, I would suggest working on some maneuvers, gunnery, and what will make a plane tick.  I estimate this would take 7 days to get familiar with the controls.  I have been playing for 5 months, and I will say it takes at least 3 months to get decent.  Best of luck to you and hope to see you in the skies!

-WMD

[WMDnow]

To answer your question about the 8 player arenas, there are usually plenty of people on.  8 player is key in figuring out how combat works.  You will learn some of the terms, and maybe make some friends.  In 8 player, some people are very nice and some are just plain bitter.  Hope this helps.

-WMD