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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 01:24:39 PM

Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 01:24:39 PM
This thread has sprung from a thread by oboe, in which he proposed giving people 30 (fighter) perks to change from the side with most numbers to the one with the fewest.  The details need to be worked out, but this sounds promising.

If this were combined with giving each player, say 100 fighter perks at the start of each month, AND we made perks mean something by charging for more planes, even just a few perks...then we might solve several problems:

1.  Promote more balanced numbers by bribing people with perks to switch sides.  Also, the side with fewest players will have the cheapest perk planes, and since so many popular planes would become perked...well you know how free markets work.

2.  Reduce the number of currently un-perked, yet uber planes, like the La-7, and P51-D.

3.  Encourage people to survive their missions, resulting in fewer dweebish suicides.  Even if you're not flying a perk plane, there will be more incentive to land your missions in order to get more perks (which now really have value).

4.  Increase the use of less popular planes for two reasons: they're free, and victories gained in them provide valuable perks for other rides.

===========================================

Now, here's the hard part:  which planes do you now charge perks to fly, and how much do you charge?  Here is a suggestion.  (Keep in mind that each player will receive 100 fighter perks at the start of each month, plus be able to get perks by changing to the side with fewest numbers.)

200 Perks

      Me-262
---------------------------------------
100 Perks

     Me-163
---------------------------------------
80 Perks

     Tempest
--------------------------------------
70 Perks

     Spit XIV
--------------------------------------
60 Perks

     Fw-190D-9, F4U-4
--------------------------------------
50 Perks

     La-7
-------------------------------------
45 Perks

     Bf-109G-10
-------------------------------------
40 Perks

     Ta-152
------------------------------------
30 Perks

     F4U-1C, Ki-84
-------------------------------------
 25 Perks

     P-51D
-------------------------------------
20 Perks

     Typhoon
-----------------------------------
12 Perks

     P-51B, F4U-1D
------------------------------------
10 Perks

     F4U-1, Yak -9U, Spit IX, La-5, all P-47s, all Fw-190s (except D-9)
------------------------------------
7 Perks

     P-38L, N1K2
------------------------------------
6 Perks

     C. 205
------------------------------------
4 Perks

      Spit V

===========================================

I'm looking forward to your thoughtful, constructive comments.

MRPLUTO

P.S.  On this scale, I'd probably put the Ki-84 at about 30 perks.
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: Karnak on September 13, 2004, 01:44:11 PM
The problem with the perk all the good stuff solution is that it very disproportionately affects newer and less skilled players.
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: hitech on September 13, 2004, 01:48:35 PM
PLUTO: Please remove the  bold type from your post.
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 01:50:44 PM
ok hitech

 mrpluto
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: RTSigma on September 13, 2004, 01:57:02 PM
Now would the purchase of these planes affect the loss of overall perks if the plane is lost?

For example, I buy X plane for 5 perks. I get shot down and I lose an addition 5 perks.

Or will it be a flat purchase with no loss if shot down?
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: rabbidrabbit on September 13, 2004, 02:06:04 PM
I would think a less extensive perk solution would handle the trick nicely.  Just a few perks points for the top 10 birds or so...
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: TexMurphy on September 13, 2004, 02:17:35 PM
How would the situation where Im a rook and I swich to knight get my perks and swich back be handled?

Also the likelyhood that the biggest side will be the ones using the highest perked planes is quite big. Simpley because hoarding makes you safer. Safety in numbers IS very true. So an attacking hoard would be flying higher perk planes then the defending side.

This really hurts defense and promotes offense.

Tex
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 02:23:49 PM
Karnak--

That's the biggest problem with this system.  But then, don't the inexperienced and less-skilled always suffer the most?  In fairness to the newbie, how about 500 perks for the two-week trial period, and another 500 when you sign up?  As for the less-skilled, they'd get the 100 perks a month, plus whatever they earn, plus bribes for fighting for the underdog side.  Also, how about this idea-----give 50 or 100 FIGHTER perks for field/base captures?  That might solve the shortage of C-47s and M-3s that often occurs.

RTSigma--

If you land, you get your orginal perks back, plus whatever you earned on the mission.  If you are shot down you lose the price of the plane, but get any points you earned, though not as many than if you had landed.  If you ditch, you lose half the perks you paid, I believe.

MRPLUTO
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 02:30:21 PM
rabbidrabbit--

That's another possibility.  I have a list of 13 Uber-planes I'd perk:

(these are already perked)

Me-262
Me-163
Ta-152
Tempest
F4U-4
F4U-1C
Spitfire XIV
-------------------------------
(I'd add these)

Ki-84
Bf-109G-10
Fw-190D-9
La-7
P-51D
Typhoon (maybe)


MRPLUTO
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 02:38:53 PM
Tex--

When you change sides you can't change again for 6 hours, I think it is now.  So if you change sides, you'd get your bribe, and it would be yours to keep, even if 6 hours later you changed back to a side with higher numbers.  No questions asked!

MRPLUTO
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: TexMurphy on September 13, 2004, 02:49:15 PM
Ohh didnt know there was a timer to it.. cool.. that will fix that part.

The part about the outnumbering side using more perk planes is still true though imho. The safer you are the more perks are you willing to spend.

Tex
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: peregrin on September 13, 2004, 03:05:26 PM
What stops the following?
"My squad is historical.  I have  to fly the P51D every time I fly.  Now that I'm out of perks I can't up the P51D.  It's ruining our squad, it ruins our missions. If I can't fly what I want when I want, I'm going to cancel my account."

Hmm.  come to think of it, I'm going to start a historical squad that only flies the F4U-4, and demand that HiTech unperk it for my squad.  Who wants to join up?
--Peregrine
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: oboe on September 13, 2004, 03:24:38 PM
Nothing would stop it Peregrine.   OTOH nothing would stop this:

"Guys, oboe lost all his perks again.   We're a '51D squad so lets run a fighter sweep and see if we can't help oboe earn some perks back.   oboe, the squad hack '51B is on the North end of the field, gassed up and armed for you.  We'll cover you tight - good luck and good shooting."

You know in the most famous P-51 color photo of the War, showing showing 4 P-51s from the 361st FG (LOU IV in the foreground) - one of the ships is a '51B.    Thought that was interesting.

It wouldn't have to be a flat 30 perks to switch to the smallest side, either.   The size of the bonus could vary by the size of the imbalance.

It could be a problem if everyone switches to Rook just before they log off, so they can switch to the smaller country and get a bonus when they login the following day, though.

I dunno, it still seems like a reasonable way to entice side balancing, without penalties or disabled planes.   Unfairness to noobs of an expanded perk system is always brought up, but I really think reseting everyone's perk balance to some standard amount each month evens it out.   Noobs may burn through their perks faster but at least they have a chance to fly a perk plane or two.   (Which they may not be getting under the current system).
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: SlapShot on September 13, 2004, 04:13:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by oboe
Nothing would stop it Peregrine.   OTOH nothing would stop this:

"Guys, oboe lost all his perks again.   We're a '51D squad so lets run a fighter sweep and see if we can't help oboe earn some perks back.   oboe, the squad hack '51B is on the North end of the field, gassed up and armed for you.  We'll cover you tight - good luck and good shooting."

You know in the most famous P-51 color photo of the War, showing showing 4 P-51s from the 361st FG (LOU IV in the foreground) - one of the ships is a '51B.    Thought that was interesting.

It wouldn't have to be a flat 30 perks to switch to the smallest side, either.   The size of the bonus could vary by the size of the imbalance.

It could be a problem if everyone switches to Rook just before they log off, so they can switch to the smaller country and get a bonus when they login the following day, though.

I dunno, it still seems like a reasonable way to entice side balancing, without penalties or disabled planes.   Unfairness to noobs of an expanded perk system is always brought up, but I really think reseting everyone's perk balance to some standard amount each month evens it out.   Noobs may burn through their perks faster but at least they have a chance to fly a perk plane or two.   (Which they may not be getting under the current system).


You didn't get it oboe.

Someone in a Pony squad really did say that they only fly the -D Model and the -B Model is not an option, when the -D has been disabled. So ... the "squad hack" is SOL cause its against the squad doctrine to fly anything but the -D Model.

Go figure.
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: NoBaddy on September 13, 2004, 04:27:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SlapShot
You didn't get it oboe.

Someone in a Pony squad really did say that they only fly the -D Model and the -B Model is not an option, when the -D has been disabled. So ... the "squad hack" is SOL cause its against the squad doctrine to fly anything but the -D Model.

Go figure.


Geez, it could really suck to be in a one trick pony squad. (pun intended) :D

Historical being forced by a squad in the MA is just a tad silly. After all, it IS the MA. Besides, you and yours are missing about 85% of the game by so limiting yourselves.
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: Guppy35 on September 13, 2004, 04:30:14 PM
I couldn't help myself :)

Dan/Slack
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/169_1094946929_threadkiller.jpg)
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: MRPLUTO on September 13, 2004, 06:02:52 PM
Oboe--

I like your imaginative, positive, and historically documented response.  That's the way this game should be played.

MRPLUTO
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: glennco on September 16, 2004, 06:51:08 PM
The real issue here is for the newbs.  When someone starts out they fly SPIT IXs, and Ds, because they are fairly easy to fly, and you may even get a kill in one.  I think I died over 100 times before I got my first kill.

It's been a few months for me as my bad video card kicked me out after the switch to AHII, but I'd hate to come back into it having to fly planes that weren't easy to fly, because I lost all my perks too easily.
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: oboe on September 16, 2004, 08:05:15 PM
Glennco, how ya doing bud!    Getting the itch again?  Stop back tomorrow and hopefully Superfly will have posted a screenie of the new bomber!

Here's a link to a RADEON 9600-based card for $89!  
ROSEWILL RADEON 9600 Video Card (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-164-021&DEPA=1)

That should get you in the air quick, or do you have a few more  4-wheeler races left?
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: -tronski- on September 16, 2004, 09:45:34 PM
Kweassa's idea for modification of the perk list thats been kicking around for while now would be a far better and fairer idea compared to your intial scale.

 Tronsky
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: glennco on September 17, 2004, 10:10:03 PM
I'll be back in soon enough oboe, I have to break my wife in slowly to the idea though, as she was pissed at me the whole time I was playing the game
Title: An Alternative Solution to Side Imbalance
Post by: FiLtH on September 18, 2004, 12:09:02 AM
While I agree with the Perk More Planes idea, I dont like the idea of creating a mercenary community that switches sides everyday to the side with the highest perk payoff.  I'd say 70% of the reason I play this game is to fly with friends Ive known for along time, and new ones ive made since joining my squad.

  To fragment the squad to get cheaper rides simply isnt worth it to me. If condemned to spit1s and stukas, Id stay with my squad, or lose interest altogether.