Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Wishlist => Topic started by: SlipKnt on March 04, 2022, 07:27:24 PM

Title: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: SlipKnt on March 04, 2022, 07:27:24 PM
I have no clue what this would take but had a random thought hit me and wanted to put this out there and see what the masses think.

This would actually open up some possibilities for advertising I think also.

My suggestion is this:

Recreate the EW, MW, and LW.

Early War - use same programming as we had with early stage of AH2 (the old town that took 100% to white flag)

Mid War - use same programming as we had with late stage of AH2 (current town that takes 90% to white flag)

Late war - current MA

I know that EW had a very small following.  The limited plane set could be used as a marketing tactic to draw in new players.  Perhaps make EW credit card free, and a 3 month free trial.  I’m not tech savvy but isn’t there a way to ping the IP address so once they get the free trial, they can never switch things and come back for another 3?  And they would be committed exclusively to EW.

Then, MW can be used for 1 month free (either after EW is used up or in conjunction with). 

Then LW, standard setup as we have now with free 2 weeks. 

Players with a paid account can access all 3 arenas.

I am sure that EW and MW would always have lower numbers, as they were before.  Just use them as a way to get potentially new players hooked and wanting more.  I think the 3 months in EW gives the opportunity for getting past the steep learning curve enough to subscribe without intimidation of the stressors of the LW. 

Personally, I preferred the MW as a place to learn.  The fights can be better and more 1v1 play happens there.  In addition, players tend to take new players under their wing in there than anything I’ve seen in LW.  It’s also a great place for FSO squads to practice in a more realistic environment. 

As much as I prefer and enjoy flying my favorite plane sets (F6F) it is near impossible to fight against most LW style planes.  Particularly against the skilled LW cannon Jockies.

I’ve been playing since 2008.  Most players I know from the MW days left the game.  They simply didn’t enjoy the LW and many had computers that can not handle AH3.  Would it be possible to set up an EW and MW arena with the AH2 settings? 

I don’t know the first thing about programming and coding but thought I’d bring up the idea while I was thinking about it. 

Thanks for reading.

<<S>> SlipKnoT
AKSlpKnT
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Eagler on March 05, 2022, 06:50:38 AM
Great ideas but I see it as it would only be worth doing if the additional work was profitable..

It would have to draw the additional subscribers to cover the additional expense in time and hardware


I am all for MW over LW .. it was the best in its day

I would like to see the plane sets limited by the map so we could enjoy them all 3 now in MA ..

If someone didn't like the planeset/map combo, they just have to wait for the map to be won for a different experience

Eagler
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: PFactorDavid on March 05, 2022, 08:03:31 AM
HiTech has a massive list of emails of everyone who has ever played Aces High, or at least they should have...

If it were me, I would send mass emails out to everyone who ever played and is not a current subscriber...  Offer a free month, or whatever...  Include testimonials from actual players, choose some of the long term recognizable names...  Talk about VR and how cool it is to feel like you are sitting in the cockpit.

Such a campaign would cost almost nothing, and I would wager that it would draw a fair number of people back into the game.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: The Fugitive on March 05, 2022, 10:28:56 AM
Im against anything that splits the already low numbers we have in the MA now. Sure Id love to be able to compete in the MA while flying an F6F, one of my favorite planes from AW, but the only way that is going to happen is if HTC removed all the uber planes in the set and just didnt have any late war monsters anymore. Not going to happen.

If we had 500-600 players in the MA weeknights I could see a return to the EW, MW, LW splits but again, we just dont have the numbers, Not going to happen.

There are 3 major issues with the game these days....

Game adjustments like these, other than the Emails to call back more sharks  :D isnt going to help much. The game needs more players.....period. Giving away 6 months free, or having a sub-set of free planes in the MA could bring in players but it would need to be advertised. Rebranded, maybe

ACES HIGH 4!
Fully VR optimized!

Free limited planeset available in the Main arena for ever!

Learn to fly against some of the best WWII simulation pilots in the world in over 100 beautifully rendered aircraft, in a full on world running 24/7!
Engage with aircraft launched from player guided aircraft carriers! Bombbard shore line base with Battleship battle groups! Bomb strategic targets deep behind enemy lines in 3 plane bomber formations controlled by a single player!

Maybe it would generate some intrest. Maybe they could get more people in the arena staying a bit longer. Maybe there could be a way to get the sharks limited, must get 50 kills in MW planes before they can fly LW monsters again that month. We need more players.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: SlipKnt on March 05, 2022, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: PFactorDavid on March 05, 2022, 08:03:31 AM
HiTech has a massive list of emails of everyone who has ever played Aces High, or at least they should have...

If it were me, I would send mass emails out to everyone who ever played and is not a current subscriber...  Offer a free month, or whatever...  Include testimonials from actual players, choose some of the long term recognizable names...  Talk about VR and how cool it is to feel like you are sitting in the cockpit.

Such a campaign would cost almost nothing, and I would wager that it would draw a fair number of people back into the game.

A news letter would be a fantastic idea.  If Hitech was interested in a monthly email I’d be happy to generate something for him to send out.

Perhaps stick with it all being current AH3 for each arena and just tweak each arena for requirements to white flag a town.  EW 100% to WF, mid war 90%, LW as it is now.  There is no doubt that people would run maps like before but if you’re outnumbered it is defendable off the attacker needs to kill more buildings to white flag.  I like your idea on a newsletter campaign.  I like it a lot!!!

I don’t know anything about press release graphics but I can come up with the language.  I don’t think it would be cost prohibitive at all. 

And the VR experience is incredible.  A total game changer.  When I first started playing, I had a $300 Walmart special computer and stick.  By todays gaming standards (for any game) you have to have a beefed up system to handle the graphics and game play. 

I started flying in DCS last year and am part of a virtual carrier group in a Marine Squadron flying the AV8B Harrier.  It amazes me how many people are there.  It tells me that if someone is passionate about combat flight sims, they will spend the money. 

I’ve invested over $4000 into my new system last year to handle my nasty gaming habit.  In DCS alone, I’ve spent about $400 in planes, maps, and campaigns.  And it is worth every penny.  Honestly, at $15 to $20 a month for AH3, to basically fly anything you want, more people would fly if they knew about it.  Many people I know in DCS never heard of AH3 so I’ve been spreading the word. 

Again, I’ve flown multiplayer in DCS.  Many of the servers don’t have more than 3 to 4 people at a time in them.  Setting up EW and MW would have curb appeal to that player base IMHO.  And I think we would get a lot of older players to come back. 

HiTech, if you’re reading this and you’re interested in some sort of news letter, PM me and I’ll volunteer to help with it.  You’ve been really good to me over the years and I’d like to help if I can.  Do you have an email list of past and present players that you could send out if we were to create a news letter?  Of course you would have to be the one to send it out.  The list of clients is yours and yours alone.  Your business so you get final editorial decisions to send a blast. 

Let me know and I’ll jump on it this week.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: SlipKnt on March 05, 2022, 10:51:09 AM
Quote from: The Fugitive on March 05, 2022, 10:28:56 AM
Im against anything that splits the already low numbers we have in the MA now. Sure Id love to be able to compete in the MA while flying an F6F, one of my favorite planes from AW, but the only way that is going to happen is if HTC removed all the uber planes in the set and just didnt have any late war monsters anymore. Not going to happen.

If we had 500-600 players in the MA weeknights I could see a return to the EW, MW, LW splits but again, we just dont have the numbers, Not going to happen.

There are 3 major issues with the game these days....
  • Big learning curve. Easy to get started but tough to get good
  • Sharks, long time players in LW monsters eating all the prey
  • Toxic Atmosphere, again mostly long time players beating on newbies for not "playing right"

Game adjustments like these, other than the Emails to call back more sharks  :D isnt going to help much. The game needs more players.....period. Giving away 6 months free, or having a sub-set of free planes in the MA could bring in players but it would need to be advertised. Rebranded, maybe

ACES HIGH 4!
Fully VR optimized!

Free limited planeset available in the Main arena for ever!

Learn to fly against some of the best WWII simulation pilots in the world in over 100 beautifully rendered aircraft, in a full on world running 24/7!
Engage with aircraft launched from player guided aircraft carriers! Bombbard shore line base with Battleship battle groups! Bomb strategic targets deep behind enemy lines in 3 plane bomber formations controlled by a single player!

Maybe it would generate some intrest. Maybe they could get more people in the arena staying a bit longer. Maybe there could be a way to get the sharks limited, must get 50 kills in MW planes before they can fly LW monsters again that month. We need more players.

I love this also!  Maybe drop the notion of EW and still create MW.  Some sort of live MA for new players to go without having to go thru the humility of our current MA.  If I didn’t have the experiences I had in MW, and was thrusted into the MA as it is today, I would not have continued playing from the beginning.  It’s just too much at once.  There needs to be an arena for newer players to cut their teeth and develop thru that learning curve.  In MW, people were more willing to help new players understand the game, develop strategies and tactics.  It literally taught me how to play the game from every aspect it was intended.  It is much slower paced and takes the pressure off the new players and allows time to develop. 
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Eagler on March 05, 2022, 11:27:05 AM
Maps with limited plansets

One map MW then the next reg MA next map EW next map regular MA ..rinse and repeat

Maybe smaller maps for earlier slower planeset

I would think you'd get the same numbers or more as word of this change got out

Limited planesets changes everything and would add a variety to gameplay that is not there with todays MA configuration IMO

Not sure how hard that would be to implement/test

Eagler
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: SlipKnt on March 05, 2022, 11:36:23 AM
Quote from: Eagler on March 05, 2022, 11:27:05 AM
Maps with limited plansets

One map MW then the next reg MA next map EW next map regular MA ..rinse and repeat

Maybe smaller maps for earlier slower planeset

I would think you'd get the same numbers or more as word of this change got out

Limited planesets changes everything and would add a variety to gameplay that is not there with todays MA configuration IMO

Not sure how hard that would be to implement/test

Eagler

Initial set up would be setting the plane sets per map.  Some effort but nothing too complex IMHO. 

I need to learn the art of making maps.  I wouldn’t mind implementing smaller variations of some of the maps we use in FSO, just make them smaller and 3 sided.  I’ll have to start looking into that again. 
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: CptTrips on March 05, 2022, 11:53:38 AM
Quote from: SlipKnt on March 05, 2022, 11:36:23 AM
Initial set up would be setting the plane sets per map.  Some effort but nothing too complex IMHO. 

I need to learn the art of making maps.  I wouldn’t mind implementing smaller variations of some of the maps we use in FSO, just make them smaller and 3 sided.  I’ll have to start looking into that again.

Start with a MW Custom Arena.  If you can pull 16 players regularly, you'd have more leverage to convince HT a MW arena would get used.

$0.02.


Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Bixby on March 05, 2022, 06:00:23 PM
I'm interested in this post because...

I began playing Ah2 in 2014 when I retired at 65. I got my keester kicked right from the get go in LW. Found the MidWar arena and a great bunch of guys including one named "Shuffler" and many others including the "Regulators" who kindly taught me the game/sim.

The numbers were higher back then, I get it. However, it was a great way to learn the game. I do miss it. BTW, I still get my keester kicked!

 Just my thoughts...Now TangoRay in game.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Eagler on March 06, 2022, 06:39:18 AM
Numbers not high enough to split into different arenas anymore...

Game play should cycle different map/planeset so the game and strategies change and would vary with each different combination with each map change..I would look forward to the map change more myself..right now it doesn't matter to me as the next map is just more of the same

Can't do anything but increase gameplay variety in IMO

Eagler
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: The Fugitive on March 06, 2022, 10:22:40 AM
Quote from: Eagler on March 06, 2022, 06:39:18 AM
Numbers not high enough to split into different arenas anymore...

Game play should cycle different map/planeset so the game and strategies change and would vary with each different combination with each map change..I would look forward to the map change more myself..right now it doesn't matter to me as the next map is just more of the same

Can't do anything but increase gameplay variety in IMO

Eagler

Eagler, have you found any films yet?   :D

Quote from: SlipKnt on March 05, 2022, 10:41:23 AM
A news letter would be a fantastic idea.  If Hitech was interested in a monthly email I’d be happy to generate something for him to send out.

Perhaps stick with it all being current AH3 for each arena and just tweak each arena for requirements to white flag a town.  EW 100% to WF, mid war 90%, LW as it is now.  There is no doubt that people would run maps like before but if you’re outnumbered it is defendable off the attacker needs to kill more buildings to white flag.  I like your idea on a newsletter campaign.  I like it a lot!!!

I don’t know anything about press release graphics but I can come up with the language.  I don’t think it would be cost prohibitive at all. 

And the VR experience is incredible.  A total game changer.  When I first started playing, I had a $300 Walmart special computer and stick.  By todays gaming standards (for any game) you have to have a beefed up system to handle the graphics and game play. 

I started flying in DCS last year and am part of a virtual carrier group in a Marine Squadron flying the AV8B Harrier.  It amazes me how many people are there.  It tells me that if someone is passionate about combat flight sims, they will spend the money. 

I’ve invested over $4000 into my new system last year to handle my nasty gaming habit.  In DCS alone, I’ve spent about $400 in planes, maps, and campaigns.  And it is worth every penny.  Honestly, at $15 to $20 a month for AH3, to basically fly anything you want, more people would fly if they knew about it.  Many people I know in DCS never heard of AH3 so I’ve been spreading the word. 

Again, I’ve flown multiplayer in DCS.  Many of the servers don’t have more than 3 to 4 people at a time in them.  Setting up EW and MW would have curb appeal to that player base IMHO.  And I think we would get a lot of older players to come back. 

HiTech, if you’re reading this and you’re interested in some sort of news letter, PM me and I’ll volunteer to help with it.  You’ve been really good to me over the years and I’d like to help if I can.  Do you have an email list of past and present players that you could send out if we were to create a news letter?  Of course you would have to be the one to send it out.  The list of clients is yours and yours alone.  Your business so you get final editorial decisions to send a blast. 

Let me know and I’ll jump on it this week.

I dont think anyone can use the "my computer cant run AH3" excuse any more. Computers have come a long way since 2016 (when AH3 came out, I think), Even now a couple guys have posted that they bought a few laptops off Ebay so they can ru 2nd and 3rd accounts for bigger bomber raids. $300-400 these days can buy a computer to run AH with out issue, $700-800 for one that will run VR.

I think the biggest issue it time. Time in game to learn to be average and have a chance to win a fight. AW had a training arena. Once you hit 10,00 points you were considered practiced enough to try your hand in the Main arenas and the training arena would no longer supply you with ammo for your guns. The way the sharks couldnt come in and wipe out players and they more often than not played against other players of some what comparible skill.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Slade on March 07, 2022, 09:09:49 AM
+1

I like free EW for non-customers. Yay for more numbers!  :pray

PLUS, a percent of the free players would become paying customers!   :aok
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Eagler on March 07, 2022, 11:06:35 AM
If MW is your game try out MNM tonight for a fresh change

Eagler
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Bixby on March 07, 2022, 11:57:49 AM
Eagler...MNM is fun,wild and a blast. Agree there.


With other almost empty arenas already here...why not replace one and just see what happens.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: SlipKnt on March 11, 2022, 02:08:22 PM
Quote from: Eagler on March 07, 2022, 11:06:35 AM
If MW is your game try out MNM tonight for a fresh change

Eagler

Arabian Knights do squad night Monday nights.  We’ve discussed doing MNM once a month.  Quite frankly, I spent over $4000 on a new rig and gear last year.  The planes I love from WW2 are not the best planes in the MA.  I struggle to enjoy myself in the MA as of late.  I just don’t like the Uber planes that are available and when you get overwhelmed by big numbers in Uber planes, I tend to give up and shut it down. 

What I recalled from the earlier days is that in MW, sure people ran lopsided numbers on the maps.  However, one could up and defend pretty well.  You would fight more personal 1v1 or 2 v 1 fights and develop better skills.  It was literally like LW on a smaller scale. 

I was thinking my wishlist suggestion could draw in more people in that format (or something similar). 

Sure, the numbers appear to be low compared to what it used to be.  I can verify that over half of the old VF15 Satans Playmates stopped playing because either MW was taken away or because most of them couldn’t afford to upgrade.  No matter how you slice it, that is what happened.

I discovered DCS last year.  Once I figured out how things work in that environment, I truly enjoy it.  Most of the people I communicate with in there invest a lot of money for their combat sim experience.  Almost all of them never heard of AH3,  in fact they even have a following of WW2 planes (Europe).  Currently they are limited to the P51, Mossi, and Fw190.  And people are participating.  IMHO, AH3 is so much better regarding game play and there is no reason many DCS players wouldn’t also set up an account and start flying here also. 

Even if Hitech would simply open up EW to new potential customers for 3 months or so for free.  Allow them to accumulate Perk points but can’t use them without a paid account.  Open up MW for a month under similar circumstances.  Many new players would cut their teeth in there and most veteran players in those two arenas actually take new players under their wing and help teach newer players there.  Most usually leave MW and EW for the LW.  Many start to participate in special event so and FSO. 

I just think it could change the dynamic of recruiting new players.  I always try to advocate for AH3 and generate more people to check us out.  Admittedly, my participation in the MA has plummeted because I can’t fly the planes I like without getting out classed by better planes flown by players that make their payday with single kill passes.  I’ve known some with the ability to make a single pass in a P51 (b&d) on my B17s, and splash 2 of my 3 ship formation.  Somehow I am missing them from my guns.  I also go after B17s in the same plane and I am dumping half my ammo just to cripple or kill a single B17.  I’ve been playing since 2008.  I have a beefed up system and solid internet connection.  Yet I seem to struggle more than I should.  Different conversation for a different thread I suppose.

I do feel it possible to draw more people in (and perhaps older former players) if Hitech were to revive EW and MW.  Some have contended we can make our own arenas.  True.  However there is no reward for it.  No perkies.  And quite frankly, when I see an arena set up by another player, it is usually set up for a squad.  I rarely ever look to see what is there.  So I never join one. 

In my opinion, MW was the perfect balance for everything AH3 is.  Base taking, tanking, bombing, troop transportation, and air to air fighting.  It is just my perspective from my observations. 
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Eagler on March 12, 2022, 06:11:48 AM
I like the 109f the best in AH but its rare to get a setup in there that you can enjoy that plane due to the LW planes and gang play in MA these days..

So the 109f is for low number engagements if fights can be found then without flying around for 30 min to find a fight...

Or if the numbers are not too crazy I go for the 109g2 with gonds.
Then anything goes and you start getting the you hoed whines as they want you to turn fight their spit or hog and/or their 3 buddies...

If I want any real chance to land kills I usually fly the 109k as with it's speed with enough alt you can sometimes outrun the hordes.

Early morning east coast in MW are some of my best a2a memories and that was with just a couple of great guys who consistently showed up and engaged with respect

<S> Tankman2

Eagler
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: DmonSlyr on March 12, 2022, 01:06:45 PM
I would love to see the MW arena, the fights would be a lot more fun with MW planes only.

The only way it would work, is on a small map with about 5 bases  each that had about 10 mile bases. 2 teams only. This would ensure combat action and skirmishes. It's when you have to fly 17 miles from a back field to defend your base only to die quickly is when it makes the MW game play too slow (which was the main problem with the original as it was an even slower version of the MA). MW on a smaller closer quarters map where both teams can easily engage quickly and defend their bases more quickly would make it a fun arena for quicker gameplay. Something that AH is desperately missing.
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: SlipKnt on March 21, 2022, 09:21:34 PM
Quote from: DmonSlyr on March 12, 2022, 01:06:45 PM
I would love to see the MW arena, the fights would be a lot more fun with MW planes only.

The only way it would work, is on a small map with about 5 bases  each that had about 10 mile bases. 2 teams only. This would ensure combat action and skirmishes. It's when you have to fly 17 miles from a back field to defend your base only to die quickly is when it makes the MW game play too slow (which was the main problem with the original as it was an even slower version of the MA). MW on a smaller closer quarters map where both teams can easily engage quickly and defend their bases more quickly would make it a fun arena for quicker gameplay. Something that AH is desperately missing.

MW always had the small maps.  There were, of course the base takers and they all migrated to one side most of the time.  I always flew Knight in there.  I learned strategy, tactics, and how to win in MW.  I eventually started to get better with SA and ACM.  Lots of talent flew in there.  I do truly believe that you find really good fights rather quickly as there aren't as many people in there and all you had to do is either up and defend against 2 to 4 planes or fly to a base with DARBAR. 

I think that with the ground (GV) dar and the way the radar is set up now (can see landed C47s when you get close), it would be a little more difficult to roll a map.  Though, it was fun to roll maps, or defend against rolling of maps.  If the sides were lop sided (and they usually were), and you are defending, you rack up the perk points FAST because the way ENY is set up.

My best memories of AH3 are from MW.  I made some really good friends in there I am still in contact with today.  Maybe scrap the EW idea but add a MW for a little less intense (LW planes) action.  It does make sense to me and I do think it could generate more players to build tenure. 
Title: Re: EW, MW, & LW revival suggestion
Post by: Eagler on March 22, 2022, 06:49:57 AM
I would be for a rolling planeset tied to map size..

Have the map determine what planeset is available with it changing with each map reset

You could have ew, mw, lw, ew with mw, mw with lw and  ma (all 3)

The earlier (slower) the planes the smaller the map

Eagler