Author Topic: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse  (Read 36062 times)

Offline CptTrips

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 7813
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #135 on: June 24, 2019, 05:08:10 PM »
Maybe I'm old fashioned but I'm suspicious for any flightsim that can be played on a mobile phone.

I'm interested to see that.

Of course, AHIII allows mouse.  There would be much difference between moving a mouse cursor around and using the device tilt sensors.  Tap the screen to fire.

Toxic, psychotic, self-aggrandizing drama queens simply aren't worth me spending my time on.

Offline Archie

  • Zinc Member
  • *
  • Posts: 94
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #136 on: July 11, 2019, 12:25:37 PM »
Found some interesting news on their forum, Wild Bill has opened up the code to volunteers who are helping in making flight models and skins  :salute

An interesting talk and a summary of latest update from june :

''Will all the reworked FM's work as they do now in the new WB 2020 format? Asking just to confirm that this wont all have to be changed again once the new game is implemented. '

' the flightmodels should work as they do now in Warbirds 2020'

'They are working hard to make sure existing physics will work the same with the new updated code, testing the physics engine as we speak.......thats the goal anyway'


'---== UPDATE FL2071: NAVAL STRIKE FORCES ==---
By: Robert, Grumpy, Bollok and Iart7
All made possible by: Bcamel (creator of the program used to model the airplanes), and Idunno (who has shared a vast amount of aerodynamical knowledge).


--= TBD-1 Devastator =--
This update brings a rehaul to the "Devastator" naval torpedo bomber. It has been fully remodeled and should now quite closely match real ww2 performance. Pilots will note a significant change in performance since the TBD-1 now has it's historical Pratt and Whitney R-1830-64 Twin Wasp engine rated at 900 hp, not a 2150 hp engine as it was previously modeled with. See further down for details.

--= D3A2 Val =--
This update brings a rehaul to the "Val" naval dive bomber. It has been fully remodeled and should now quite closely match real ww2 performance. Note that it has now been modeled as the improved D3A2 instead of the D3A1. See further down for details.

--= B5N2 Kate =--
This update brings a rehaul to the "Kate" naval torpedo bomber. It has been fully remodeled and should now quite closely match real ww2 performance. See further down for details.

--= New skins =--
Beautiful new skins available, made by IArt7.
* MiG-3: Desert and Winter camo
* Fokker D.XXI: repainted default skin and a new Luftwaffe camo.
* P-36C: improved default skin and a new pursuit squad silver skin.
* Hawk75: Improvements to existing skins as well as a new Mohawk IV Bengal 1943 camo.
* F-86: Improvements to existing skins plus new Canadian and German skins.

--= Rear gun accuracy fix =--
Slight fix to the dispersion for all single engine dive bombers defensive machine guns, as well as the Bf 110's. The accuracy of the defensive guns will now have a more comparative dispersion relative to each other, based on type of gun and mount.

--= Engine torque fix =--
The Bf 110's and P-38's will now have torque applied correctly from respective engine regarding yaw. If only the right engine is running the airplane will now yaw to the left and vice versa.

--= P-51D no Rockets =--
The rockets have been removed from the P-51D. This since rockets were never used for the Mustang in the European theather, and in the Pacific theatre they were only used on rare occasions from Spring 1945.


---== THE DOUGLAS TBD-1 "DEVASTATOR" FULL REHAUL ==---
The TBD-1 Devastator was a major step in performance compared to the earlier biplane bombers of the US Navy and was in service by 1937. Although quite underpowered for it's loaded weight, this torpedo bomber made a good record of itself early in the Pacific war and was used in many different roles up until Midway 1942. In this battle the TBD-1's suffered heavy casualties without sinking a single carrier. This was in part due to the Devastator's slow speed and poor armor, but the largest factor was the absence of fighter cover and the significant faults with the Mark 13 torpedos, which often failed to explode or ran to deep. The TBD-1's were removed from active service after Midway, replaced by SBD's and TBF's, and thereafter instead used as trainers.

While an improvement from the earlier biplanes, the TBD-1 is inferior performance wise to the Japanese carrier bombers. The engine is relatively weak, it's radial R-1830-64 Twin Wasp engine capable of only 900 hp at sea level, and the Devastator's climb rate and maneuverability is poor. To put it simple the TBD-1 is quite a dog, and the SBD and TBF were better replacements. That being said, the TBD-1 can carry 3x 500 lb bombs, making it effective against enemy ground targets. The bombardier view also allows it to level bomb. (Please note that the previous TBD-1 Devastator flightmodel in Warbirds had somehow been given a ~2150 hp engine and has been significantly overperforming compared to it's historical data up until this update).


---== THE AICHI D3A2 "VAL" FULL REHAUL ==---
The Aichi D3A1 made entry in 1940 and featured a 1070 hp Kinsei 44 engine. In Autumn 1942 it was replaced by the D3A2, which fielded the stronger Kinsei 54 engine able to produce 1300 hp. The "Val" was a potent dive bomber with a speed and climb performance outmatching that of any American naval bomber. It was quite maneuverable and sometimes used in a backup fighter role, although underarmed for this duty. The D3A2 had a fairly sturdy construction and sunk many ships during ww2, most often used in a combination with the B5N2 Torpedo bomber. The weakness of the D3A2 is that it's payload is quite small, able to carry only a 250 kg bomb and 2x 60 kg bombs. It is a good choice though for the pilot who wants a naval bomber able to more quickly get to the target at altitude, and with it's large wings the D3A2 can even turn with a Zero, although it's not as maneuverable or fast as the A6M fighter. This does however allow the "Val" pilot a chance of defending himself against enemy fighters. Also of note is that the D3A2 has a high service ceiling of 35700 ft.


---== THE NAKAJIMA B5N2 "KATE" FULL REHAUL ==---
This Nakajima torpedo bomber was quite a modern asset when it entered service in 1937, and it's performance easily outshone that of the TBD-1 Devastator. The B5N2 "Kate" was powered by the Sakae 11 engine, producing 1000 hp at sea level, and was also 800 lb lighter than the TBD-1. Used in combination with the D3A "Val", the "Kate" sunk many ships during the war and was used to bomb Allied ground targets as well. With adequate fighter cover the Japanese B5N2 and D3A2 were potent naval bombers, but started to suffer heavier casualties as Allied air dominance grew stronger with each year of the war. While not having as good speed and climb performance as the D3A2, The B5N2 can carry a higher payload, use torpedos and has a bombardier view, allowing it to level bomb. The "Kate" has no forward firing guns and while it's single defensive 7.7 mm rear gunner could bring an enemy fighter down with enough hits, don't count on this as a reliable defensive tactic. The "Kate" also has poor armor. Fortunately the B5N2 is fairly light with a large wing area and can turn just as well as the D3A2, allowing it to use it's tight turning radius to survive until help arrives. All in all the B5N2 is as good a choice for carrier operations as it's American counterparts.'
« Last Edit: July 11, 2019, 12:28:49 PM by Archie »

Offline FLS

  • AH Training Corps
  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 11602
      • Trainer's Website
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #137 on: July 11, 2019, 12:41:38 PM »
This just keeps getting funnier.

Offline Archie

  • Zinc Member
  • *
  • Posts: 94
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #138 on: July 11, 2019, 01:21:33 PM »
So that's how they will do it..... they got a band of volunteers who are helping to make the game :)

Interesting move by Bill, interesting

Offline FLS

  • AH Training Corps
  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 11602
      • Trainer's Website
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #139 on: July 11, 2019, 01:39:18 PM »
Nice to see an active community. Glad they still have somewhere to go if that doesn't work out.   :aok

Offline Arlo

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 24759
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #140 on: July 11, 2019, 02:08:24 PM »

Offline Shuffler

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 26789
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #141 on: July 11, 2019, 04:01:51 PM »
(Image removed from quote.)

Dang..... I just messed up my screen.....


 :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl
80th FS "Headhunters"

S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning In A Bottle)

Offline Ack-Ack

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 25260
      • FlameWarriors
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #142 on: July 12, 2019, 06:11:22 AM »
So that's how they will do it..... they got a band of volunteers who are helping to make the game :)

Interesting move by Bill, interesting

It's not that interesting at all.  It's a common move by low budget studios that can't afford to hire or contract programmers.  The low budget studio then makes up some marketing vlast about how they're going to open source the code so the community can get actively involved in developing the game.  I've seen it many times in my years in the gaming industry.

There is also the issue of quality control.
"If Jesus came back as an airplane, he would be a P-38." - WW2 P-38 pilot
Elite Top Aces +1 Mexican Official Squadron Song

Offline Archie

  • Zinc Member
  • *
  • Posts: 94
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #143 on: July 13, 2019, 12:19:54 AM »
It's not that interesting at all.  It's a common move by low budget studios that can't afford to hire or contract programmers.  The low budget studio then makes up some marketing vlast about how they're going to open source the code so the community can get actively involved in developing the game.  I've seen it many times in my years in the gaming industry.

There is also the issue of quality control.

Can't agree here with you Ack-Ack, have you heard of Bethesda company studios?  They produce games like Elder Scrolls Skyrim, Oblivion etc, their games are bugged and broken at release.

The community at https://www.nexusmods.com/ fixed every single of their game, fixed hundreds of thousands of bugs, and created expansions, graphics, code and things which were not possible in base game and not done by the developers, and they do it ALL for free, they are continously fixing and adding new content, to games that are over 10-15 years old.

A dedicated community of volunteer programmers that knows what is doing is as efficient or even more than the developers themselves, because they are driven by fanboyism to the product.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2019, 12:28:49 AM by Archie »

Offline Arlo

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 24759
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #144 on: July 13, 2019, 12:57:28 AM »
Can't agree here with you Ack-Ack, have you heard of Bethesda company studios?  They produce games like Elder Scrolls Skyrim, Oblivion etc, their games are bugged and broken at release.

The community at https://www.nexusmods.com/ fixed every single of their game, fixed hundreds of thousands of bugs, and created expansions, graphics, code and things which were not possible in base game and not done by the developers, and they do it ALL for free, they are continously fixing and adding new content, to games that are over 10-15 years old.

A dedicated community of volunteer programmers that knows what is doing is as efficient or even more than the developers themselves, because they are driven by fanboyism to the product.

Does it/they have a forum you can transplant your fanboyism to? You could join a club of like minded Warbirdgasm posting geeks (the majority of whom might be tempted just to switch to AH if you start promoting it there instead of trying to promote vaporware here). :aok

The only 2 communities I've ever appreciated when it comes to player patches is RB III and SH IV. The latter of the two did so without the source code available (that could have been the case with Red Baron, as well). Both began when the game producers stopped supporting those specific games with no intention of resuming.

Offline CptTrips

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 7813
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #145 on: July 13, 2019, 01:09:08 AM »
The October release date is approaching like a freight train.

Is there going to be a beta before the release?

Toxic, psychotic, self-aggrandizing drama queens simply aren't worth me spending my time on.

Offline Archie

  • Zinc Member
  • *
  • Posts: 94
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #146 on: July 13, 2019, 01:19:43 AM »
Does it/they have a forum you can transplant your fanboyism to? You could join a club of like minded Warbirdgasm posting geeks (the majority of whom might be tempted just to switch to AH if you start promoting it there instead of trying to promote vaporware here). :aok

The only 2 communities I've ever appreciated when it comes to player patches is RB III and SH IV. The latter of the two did so without the source code available (that could have been the case with Red Baron, as well). Both began when the game producers stopped supporting those specific games with no intention of resuming.

Arlo i'm just a fan of WW2 games in general and not particularly Warbirds, it's just that Wild Bill seems to be the first out of involved parties in making the online ww2 games to be bringing his game into XXIst century.

Quote
The October release date is approaching like a freight train.

Is there going to be a beta before the release?

Idk, they are keeping their development old school, shut down behind their doors and are only posting screenshots from time to time.

Offline Arlo

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 24759
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #147 on: July 13, 2019, 01:25:27 AM »
Arlo i'm just a fan of WW2 games in general and not particularly Warbirds, it's just that Wild Bill seems to be the first out of involved parties in making the online ww2 games to be bringing his game into XXIst century.

And you mentioned it already. Then you broke out the pom-poms as if you're gonna be paid for the post count promoting it here.

Do you know of any other WWII flight combat MMOs that are producing the quality of VR that Dale is? I'm seeing nothing but positive feedback there. That's pretty damned 21st century.  ;)

Offline Archie

  • Zinc Member
  • *
  • Posts: 94
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #148 on: July 13, 2019, 01:27:21 AM »

Do you know of any other WWII flight combat MMOs that are producing the quality of VR that Dale is? That's pretty damned 21st century.  ;)

No I don't, ok AH got VR, but we know that's not what we are talking about here ;)

Offline Arlo

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 24759
Re: Return of Wild Bill and MicroProse
« Reply #149 on: July 13, 2019, 01:39:21 AM »
No I don't, ok AH got VR, but we know that's not what we are talking about here ;)

21st century technology seems pretty well on spot, concerning the subject (other than AH also being available for the players to experience in-game right this minute, unlike 'super-Warbirds'). As excited as you want to be about WB here based on rumor, you'd think you'd be more so, regarding the game this forum is related to. There was actually a forum rule against promoting competing games here, I think .... but I guess there's also one against my mentioning that to you. So, I might recommend you kinda relaxing and waiting to see if your dreams come true (actually functional) first. Just sayin'.