Author Topic: Side balancing (Read 357 times)

davidpt40 · « **on:** February 01, 2003, 04:00:17 AM »

As often happens in snap-shots, everyone wants to fly allied aircraft. Germand and Japanese aircraft slots are usually the last to be filled. Should there be an incentive for pilots to fly Axis aircraft? Perhaps if the results of the Tour of Duty were posted weekly on the message board main forum, pilots would fly the lesser equipped aircraft in order to show their skill.

As for me, theres no way I'm going to fly a German or Japanese death-trap, give me a big blue F4U

Arlo · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2003, 11:07:20 AM »

HT mentioned implementation of AI working in conjunction with (and in some case, in place of) the players. Although AI isn't as creative as a live opponent (obviously) .... it is steady, relentless and follows orders to perfection (some may say to too much). I picture AI filling in to help maintain an artificial "population" 24/7. Ground forces would probably be mostly AI and working a constant strategy game.

Whether the Allied side (or Axis .... I've seen many LW/Japan fanatics in most communities) has a larger proportion of live players than the other side will remain to be seen. *ShruG*

Taiaha · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2003, 05:06:54 PM »

I think they are leaving themselves a lot of room to maneuvre with the simple points promotion system as it's been outlined at this stage. If it turns out that more people are flying the Allied rides, they can always bump the promotion points up for the Axis side if they feel it's necessary. The point thing also allows them potentially to scale some of the missions, so that a really dangerous mission (attacking B17 formations in a 109E

) provides greater rewards and potential for promotion, as in life.

But there will be a long break-in period for this. Allied rides tend to be more popular in the scenarios and TODs because of the demographic of AH, but also because the snapshots, scenarios, etc., are only occasional events. If this kind of thing is happening all the time, it actually provides a much greater incentive to try alternatives and swap to the other side. It will probably be much more like the CT in that respect, where side-switching for numbers, or just to play with new equipment, is common.

Batz · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2003, 05:52:32 PM »

in the mission structure its self there could be a limit on the number of people per mission.

This would offset any inbalance in that mission.

It wont be like the main where you up and head to the closest field.

So the types of imbalances we see thee wont be a problem. As for snapshots and events they dont necessarily appeal to the to die lw or axis players. The "rpg" nature of the new AH:ToD if it lives up to the hype so far should have significant appeal to atleast have a decent number of axis pilots.

crowbaby · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2003, 06:32:21 AM »

There's also the 'target rich' aspect of flying for the unpopular side.
If it did happen that more folks enlisted for, say, the allies, then they would find themselves flying against AI more often than their counterparts on the Axis side. I think this would help balance the numbers as it's inherently more satisfying to shoot down 'real pilots' than AI.

mrsid2 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2003, 06:55:23 AM »

I hope HT improves the AI from the current offline mode

Heheh..

I wonder how the hardware can handle (possibly hundreds) of AI planes flying in the arena simultaneously..?

Arlo · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2003, 09:25:18 AM »

Oh ... I bet the hardware ... and maybe even the software (cod willing) can handle it just fine ... on HT's end.

My guess.

Pongo · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2003, 09:35:17 AM »

The server will have to have some concept of who it has to play with(make a mission for) Pre sign up will likley be necessary, along with the appropriate AWOL penalty. I think the server has to have an idea of how many people it has..not make some random mission and hope enough players show up for each side to make it interesting.

Arlo · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2003, 09:56:07 AM »

With AI implemented, there may always be "someone" available for mission slots. But live players can bump them.

Pollock · « **Reply #9 on:** February 03, 2003, 08:56:06 AM »

Perhaps, there can be 2 Character pilots for each subscriber 1 allied and 1 axis, this would build incentive as my first ride as those who know me will be the P-47 in an ETO. However I wouldnt mind having an alter ego in either in the IJN or the Luftwaffe who knows. This opens up even more fun for as on some nights you may want to go against a paticular player or squad that normally flies in your theater of operations or something to that sort. This is gonna be great I cannot wait...