Main Arena Icons Too Long

[funked]

I don't think we should get a colored icon at 9000 yds.  That's about 5 miles.  I really doubt any of us could see a WW2 fighter well enough to tell what markings it has at 5 miles.  

Also at that range I think it would be pretty hard to judge the distance in 100 yd. increments like we can.

I blame this, as well as the in-flight radar and sector counters, for the dominance of "stand-off" fighting in the main arena.  I see very little dogfighting, mostly lots of climbing and running to friends, then gangbanging one or two bandits.

The icons allow you, from 5 miles away, to know exactly how many friends or enemies are in the fight, and judge their energy states.  What I see people doing is being agressive if they have a numbers/energy advantage, or extending and climbing if they don't.

In WW2 people made the same decisions, but they had to get a LOT closer than 5 miles before they make them.  Usually they had to get nearly in guns range before they could assess the situation accurately.  By that point one was often committed to the fight, like it or not.

Take away the WW3 laser range finder and IFF transponders and we might see something like WW2 combat.  But if we allow people to make decisions about the enemy's numbers and energy state at 5 miles, we'll see the same dull tactics being utilized.

Take a look at what Vyper (a real fighter jock) has said.  I have read quotes by several other pilots (including WW2 vets) who state very similar numbers.  And keep in mind Vyper is talking about aircraft that are a bit larger than WW2 fighters.

[This message has been edited by funked (edited 05-19-2000).]

[gatt]

I agree FUNKED. I think that range could become visible at less than 6,000yds, and a/c type at 3-4,000yds


[This message has been edited by gatt (edited 05-19-2000).]

[Citabria]

preach on brother funked!  

[Jochen]

I agree, reduce icon range! Atleast plane type should not be visible at extreme ranges. I think it should already be possible to configure them?

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jochen Jagdflieger JG 2 'Richthofen' Aces High
jochen Geschwaderkommodore (on leave) Jagdgeschwader 2 'Richthofen'  Warbirds

Thanks for the Fw 190A-5 HTC!

Ladysmith wants you forthwith to come to her relief
Burn your briefs you leave for France tonight
Carefully cut the straps of the booby-traps and set the captives free
But don't shoot 'til you see her big blue eyes

[Fishu]

Icons would be nice from 3000-4000 yards  
I hope they convert those 'dots' into 'planes' soon though. (can't see differences on plane in distance if it has camouflage or pure metal colour, which reflects sun like mirror)

[funked]

I hope it didn't sound too whiny.  It's not like I'm having a problem getting kills with the current system.  

I just think a change in the system would encourage a form of fighting that is closer to what was done in the war, and probably more enjoyable for the players.

[Vermillion]

*gasp* Never thought it would be you Funked that would break the "icon debate" truce, tsk tsk and only after a single day.  

While your proposal wouldnt' hurt me any (make my job easier and make my kills go up) you guys gotta think about the average player once in a while. Most of them need these "crutches" as you call them, while they build up their skills.

And funked.....

 

I blame this, as well as the in-flight radar and sector counters, for the dominance of "stand-off" fighting in the main arena. I see very little dogfighting, mostly lots of climbing and running to friends, then gangbanging one or two bandits.

LOL!! Come on my friend   You if anybody here, knows that this is really what the whole war was about.

Hit and Run, E Fighting, Gangbanging, and speed & firepower, turned into the utter stark horrible reality of air combat in WWII.

Either way is fine by me however, since reduced icons actually make Hit and Run, BnZ tactics even more effective.

This "good dogfight", knights of the air, honorable one versus one fight bullpucky, just wasn't the reality of the war.

If you want to fight that way in the Arena, fine by me   Have fun.

Just don't try to convince me thats the way the real war was.  

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Vermillion
**MOL**, Men of Leisure
"Real Men fly Radials, Nancy Boys fly Spitfires"

[Kieren]

Vermillion (sorry to join you in breaking truce)-

I think they are talking about the SEA/HA, and want the ability to change icon setting type. At least I hope that's what they meant, because I agree the MA has too many beginners or low-end equipment users or color-blind people, etc. to deal with to make this work IMHO.  

[funked]

Vermillion you are confusing WW2 E-fighting with the ability to get IFF and energy estimates at 5 miles range.  

WW2 pilots could NOT do that.
You had to get almost into the fight BEFORE you knew what the numbers were.


[This message has been edited by funked (edited 05-19-2000).]

[Vermillion]

I didn't claim the pilots could do that Funked.

I just stated that the tactics which you were commenting on as "unrealistic", were the bread and butter of WWII fighter pilots.

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Vermillion
**MOL**, Men of Leisure
"Real Men fly Radials, Nancy Boys fly Spitfires"

[funked]

Bread and butter of SOME WWII fighter pilots.    

My proposal:

Nothing beyond 3.0k
Inside 3.0k give range info with a neutral color.
Inside 2.0k add country and type info.
Inside 1.0k disable range info.



[This message has been edited by funked (edited 05-19-2000).]

[Koed]

I thought I saw a post here from someone who explained how far they could actualy recognize planes. or at least plane categories.as far as I can assess the icons in AH are fairly right. But I agree something has to change.
Maybe it would be more fun when (in order of distance)

A You see a dot
B You see the crafts type
C You see the distance to the craft
D You see if it's an enemy or not !

This feels a lot better and more logical to me.. also shortening the range counter to kick in at 3K or so might help..

[funked]

There a link to it in my first post - click on Vyper.

[Wanker]

Yep, I'll jump on this bandwagon. Right now it's just too easy to avoid a fight. I like Funked's suggestions.

[Badger]

Go funked Go !!!!

With ya 100%....