Automated Strategic Bombing Missions in the MA

[Sabre]

This idea could potentially be used as a side balancing mechanism. At regularly scheduled intervals, an automated strategic bombing raid would be launched from each country. The enemy target would be random, and would potential include any of the strat objects. Size of the raid would be based on the relative numbers of players; a side with fewer players would face a proportionally smaller incoming raid than a more player-heavy country. The launch field would be known to the side launching the raid, and would have to be a rear-echelon large field, so a player could grab a plane and “tag along” as either a buff pilot or an escort. This feature would make use of the code used to generate and control sorties in custom missions. Just the bare-bones of a concept. Feel free to embellish or eviscerate.

[jimson]

This idea could potentially be used as a side balancing mechanism. At regularly scheduled intervals, an automated strategic bombing raid would be launched from each country. The enemy target would be random, and would potential include any of the strat objects. Size of the raid would be based on the relative numbers of players; a side with fewer players would face a proportionally smaller incoming raid than a more player-heavy country. The launch field would be known to the side launching the raid, and would have to be a rear-echelon large field, so a player could grab a plane and “tag along” as either a buff pilot or an escort. This feature would make use of the code used to generate and control sorties in custom missions. Just the bare-bones of a concept. Feel free to embellish or eviscerate.

Something we tried in AvA with some success but we didn't have the scheduler then which will make it much better now.

[Sabre]

Interesting. I didn't know you guys had tried something like this in the AvA; I've been off-line from AH for the last year, and only got back on a couple weeks ago. I'm curious to hear how it was set up and executed. My desire is to create combat centers of gravity, i.e. events that would draw players to a time and place to fight, much like base captures do. I wanted an idea that would not deprive players of options directly or warp the arena play too much, but would provide a regular opportunity to participate in a classic historical mission.

[jimson]

It was over a year ago. We didn't have the scheduler so we had to create one big mission where the planes would basically fly in circles for hours.

Then the system went buggy. Once the new version comes out we will probably do some similar things but we will actually be able to launch recurring bombing missions

[Lucifer]

Those automated raids are interesting, to be sure people know when to go up to intercept them, an automated message in main chat like "Enemy Strategic Raid forming" at the moment they appear ingame would be perfect.

It was over a year ago. We didn't have the scheduler so we had to create one big mission where the planes would basically fly in circles for hours.

Then the system went buggy. Once the new version comes out we will probably do some similar things but we will actually be able to launch recurring bombing missions

[jimson]

I believe there will be a lot of resistance to putting AI in the MA but they will definitely be used in other arenas.

[Sabre]

There's always resistance to change, but I'm not sure this would invoke a big back-lash. I'm sure I'm not the only one that was disappointed when AH2 launched without the long-promised campaign game, with it's heavy reliance on AI.  So long as the the auto-gunners on the bombers was sufficiently neutered, and auto-bombing was not JDAM accurate, this would not keep people from playing the game as they choose. And if integrated properly into the side-balancing mechanism, it could go along way toward improving side-balance. I could see some kind of raid warning being broadcast to all sides. However, if you also set a specific, predictable launch time, it might not be necessary. That, along with the bar-dar, would provide advance warning of the raid forming up, and from where. The main aim is to draw a fight around the raid, just as finding a CVBG can do the same at sea.

[Ack-Ack]

This idea could potentially be used as a side balancing mechanism. At regularly scheduled intervals, an automated strategic bombing raid would be launched from each country. The enemy target would be random, and would potential include any of the strat objects. Size of the raid would be based on the relative numbers of players; a side with fewer players would face a proportionally smaller incoming raid than a more player-heavy country. The launch field would be known to the side launching the raid, and would have to be a rear-echelon large field, so a player could grab a plane and “tag along” as either a buff pilot or an escort. This feature would make use of the code used to generate and control sorties in custom missions. Just the bare-bones of a concept. Feel free to embellish or eviscerate.

I think in the new version of AH, we may see an arena or two with a set up like this that would have PvE and PvP staged missions where players have to defend and intercept mass bombing raids.

[Volron]

I think in the new version of AH, we may see an arena or two with a set up like this that would have PvE and PvP staged missions where players have to defend and intercept mass bombing raids.

I hope so.  I know I'd end up flying along with those AI Bomber streams in my own sets of bombers.  Wingman one of the AI, get into position and hit the wingman mode command, then sit back and enjoy the ride.  I really do love flying in large bomber streams when I can, and if the target is known to be a Strat, I'll bail from whatever I'm doing.  It is something I am very much against doing. "Take it out, bring it back." is my line of thinking.  But even if it's not a strat, I'll happily carpet bomb a base for the hell of it, so long as I'm in a large bomber stream.

[bustr]

The AvA AI I chased usually had 2-3 boxes of ju88 with several fighters for each box. No icons but, radar was setup to show everything to help you find the AI. The AI fighters were a pain in the rear and you always ended up on the deck with them barely seeing them for the terrain. They liked to slip up under you at the worst moments after you lost sight of them in the bump mapping dots.

I ran one of those downloadable AI missions offline once years ago. I swear one of the AI F4u I fought, it's moves were programmed from films of MntMan. By coincidence I had fought him in the MA several times the night before. Wonder if Hitech had to write his own AI code or, there is an SDK you can purchase with much of the frame work in place. Then the coder can input the AI's responses per how many levels of responses associated.

[Sabre]

Good question, Bustr. Personally, I wouldn't include any AI escorts if this was implemented in the MA; Sgt Otto would be the only AI defenses. If a country wants those buffs to reach their targets, people need to escort them. 

[bustr]

Lusche would have a schedule for you after a week. Then be waiting in his Me410 or Ta152 and slaughter the AI.

[Volron]

It wouldn't take Lusche a week to figure the AI schedule.  I would say 3 days, at most.

[Lusche]

It wouldn't take Lusche a week to figure the AI schedule.  I would say 3 days, at most.

That's arguable, as Lusche isn't exactly excited about such an arena and may just take a single peek at it.... 

[Volron]

lol