Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: ViperDriver on March 25, 2008, 08:40:32 PM

Title: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: ViperDriver on March 25, 2008, 08:40:32 PM
Hi all.

Well, here's my first post.  WOOT!

I've been flying sims off and on for years.  Started in the old Flight Simulator I days back in the dark ages ('85 or so?).  Most recently I have logged many hundreds of hours in the F-16 inside a fully patched-for-realism Falcon 4.0.

I came across AH about three weeks ago and was instantly hooked! I've been reading all the training doco I can find, reading all the posts here, and spending lots of time flying offline to practice my basic prop-driven tail-draggin' skills.  I've gotten very good at strafing and landing (even on the CVs) and have spent most of my time in the F4U-1a.

Needless to say I was feeling pretty good about myself, and was just about to sign up for my two-week initiation; until the latest update was released.  Now I realize that my ACM skills against even the "mediocre" AI leave a lot to be desired.  Back to the basics I go...practice, practice and more practice.

Look for me in the skies real soon...

Aces High rocks!   :rock
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: nirvana on March 25, 2008, 08:47:11 PM
I played for 5ish years, I still suck :aok
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: SFCHONDO on March 25, 2008, 08:47:14 PM
Well you got the right attitude; practice, practice, practice. This game has a high learning curve, but it's worth the effort. Even with all the problems it may have (which are not that many IMO), it's still the best game going.

Welcome aboard  <S>

PS nirvana, you're now a Coastie, so you will never suck at anything again.... 
and always remember...if it wasn't for the Coast Guard, the Navy guys wouldn't have any Good Looking kids.   :D
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Motherland on March 25, 2008, 08:49:50 PM
The AI is actually fairly good (probably better than most MA pilots, though thats not saying much :P ). Don't be discouraged :aok

Try hanging out in the online training arena a bit.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: EskimoJoe on March 25, 2008, 08:55:00 PM
Just remember to have fun, no matter how frustrating it gets  :aok
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: mensa180 on March 25, 2008, 09:00:07 PM
Motherland is correct, the AI is very good and should beat/be extremely difficult for new players.  Heck, took me a couple minutes to kill the thing :).

Good attitude coming into the game though, wish all the new ones had it.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: EskimoJoe on March 25, 2008, 09:01:01 PM
Good attitude coming into the game though, wish all the new ones had it.
Wish all the new ones weren't mostly squeakers as well  :o
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: moot on March 25, 2008, 09:06:25 PM
If you ever need dueling practice, let me know, I'll show you the ropes.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: ViperDriver on March 25, 2008, 09:07:30 PM
Don't get me wrong...I'm far from frustrated or discouraged.  It's just that I'm not yet ready to embarrass myself in front of everyone.  ;)

Flying the planes of this era takes a bit more finesse and practice than the modern fly-by-wire jets.  I love complicated, uber-realistic sims and am [mostly] content just flying the friendly (and not-so-friendly) skies...imagining what it was really like for those who served (and those who still do).

Once I screw together enough courage to go online, watch out!  I'll prolly be given the callsign "Cannon Fodder".   :lol
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: EskimoJoe on March 25, 2008, 09:12:48 PM
-snip snip-
Once I screw together enough courage to go online, watch out!  I'll prolly be given the callsign "Cannon Fodder".   :lol
I believe it's been taken hundreds of times  :lol

First off, you should probably head to the Training Arena (TA) Theres usually always a mob of people there offering advice and doing that stuff.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Mustaine on March 25, 2008, 09:20:54 PM
I started as JB73 February 22, 2002.


I still suck.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: hunter128 on March 25, 2008, 09:21:54 PM
It's been said before but i'll say it again, go to the TA, it's a great place to get down the basics. Then if you want you can try out the DA, or just go straight to the MAs.

But if you ever want some 1 on 1 time against a mediocre enemy, i'm willing to help.  :D
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: StugIII on March 25, 2008, 09:30:15 PM
just remember that there someone whos worse then then , that would probably be me
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: mensa180 on March 25, 2008, 09:30:43 PM
If hopping into the unordered TA isn't your thing, setting up some time with the trainers is a great option too.  You'll probably learn more in an hour with them than a couple days in the MA. :)
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Yossarian on March 25, 2008, 10:20:15 PM
I learned how to do aerobatics in a B-17 in the TA.  But seriously, it is really helpful.  I can usually shoot down the AI, but I've never gotten it/them off my 6 before.
Good luck and have fun :D

<S>

Yossarian
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: thndregg on March 25, 2008, 10:25:09 PM
Flying the planes of this era takes a bit more finesse and practice than the modern fly-by-wire jets.

Agreed. I got into this because when you shoot someone down, you really do shoot someone down (or they shoot you). Not a game where the guided missile does the work. :rolleyes:
Always fun, overall.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Shuffler on March 25, 2008, 10:34:43 PM
Welcome to AH viper... <S>
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: nirvana on March 25, 2008, 10:43:52 PM
PS nirvana, you're now a Coastie, so you will never suck at anything again.... 
and always remember...if it wasn't for the Coast Guard, the Navy guys wouldn't have any Good Looking kids.   :D
 

Thank you sir :salute  Was a good laugh too!
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: BaldEagl on March 26, 2008, 12:34:49 AM
[musical note] Some days I feel like I suck, some days I don't [/musical note]
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: evenhaim on March 26, 2008, 12:43:09 AM
I started as JB73 February 22, 2002.


I still suck.
Stop whining,
I played for about 3 years before i got to where im at. All my learning happend in a good 2 months of intensive dueling.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Alky on March 26, 2008, 12:48:06 AM
Don't get me wrong...I'm far from frustrated or discouraged.  It's just that I'm not yet ready to embarrass myself in front of everyone.  ;)

Get over it... no matter how much you practice or how good you think you're getting in preparation to "go live", you'll get frustrated and disappointed anyway because there will always be folks here that will put a woopin' on ya.  Just sign up and start flyin'!!  I've been at it since the late 80's & early 90's with a similar game called Air Warrior, I still suck worse than a month old noob, but I'm having fun flying for and against real people :)
Just suck it up and go have fun  :cool: :salute
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: EskimoJoe on March 26, 2008, 12:49:29 AM
Get over it... no matter how much you practice or how good you think you're getting in preparation to "go live", you'll get frustrated and disappointed anyway because there will always be folks here that will put a woopin' on ya.  Just sign up and start flyin'!!  I've been at it since the late 80's & early 90's with a similar game called Air Warrior, I still suck worse than a month old noob, but I'm having fun flying for and against real people :)
Just suck it up and go have fun  :cool: :salute
Alky does have a point.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: trotter on March 26, 2008, 12:52:36 AM
 i suck :huh
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Vipper65 on March 26, 2008, 05:39:09 AM
I embarass myself at least once a login.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Ghosth on March 26, 2008, 08:22:37 AM
Come hang out in the TA for a bit. Once you start getting the feel for it then try the wars again.

Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: BnZ on March 26, 2008, 08:45:05 AM
Every flight sim has its essence Viper. Handling the view system of different ones and knowing the vagaries of the flight modeling and gunnery modeling for individual aircraft in-sim counts for as much as knowledge of general ACM principles.

For instance, if I remember CFS correctly, as compared to AHII, you almost didn't use the snap views, they sucked, you used padlock, blackouts were alot harder to come by, the guns were much less effective, you could usually pull the stick back to the stop without consequences, and Spitfires were absolutely unbeatable. If that was your only previous experience with a WWII flight sim, welcome to the promised land. :D
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Mustaine on March 26, 2008, 10:29:47 AM
Stop whining,
I played for about 3 years before i got to where im at. All my learning happend in a good 2 months of intensive dueling.
meh, not whining, just fact. I'm not embarrassed, though when drinking I may get frustrated... but after 5+ years I keep coming back, and keep having fun :aok

Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: sunfan1121 on March 26, 2008, 10:49:51 AM
Ive been playin for about 9 months... ive gotten better but i still suck.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: PFactorDave on March 26, 2008, 11:16:05 AM
Honestly, if you really want to get better, flying in MA against real people is your best bet.  The new AI pilot in the Offline Missions is actually pretty predictable, once you figure him out, he's easy to beat IMHO.  Nothing compares to the variety of experience and skill levels that you will go up against online. 
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Chalenge on March 26, 2008, 11:17:56 AM
ViperDriver I want to suggest learning the P51D online in the arena and dont worry about the offline AI. The AI wont prepare you for the bunts and waggies you will see online (those terms from F4AF DF 1v1) and its not like mastering the fifteen million options of the Viper. It will take about two weeks for your SA to tune into the arena and then a month or more to feel at home. What was your handle over there? Ever make the IDFL?

I started in the P51 and tried a few others but it stuck to me. Its most like the viper in its multirole capabilities and visibility. You can snap the wings off of it though unlike my favorite jet...

Challenge - Black Cats - F4AF
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Shuffler on March 26, 2008, 12:21:55 PM
I'm inclined to agree with sunfan  :P  j/k  :aok
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: ViperDriver on March 26, 2008, 12:27:11 PM
All,
Thanks for the good advice - all of which I was planning to implement soon.  I won't be going online quite yet as my schedule is up in the air and I don't want to waste my two weeks (although I'm quite certain I'll sign up for the long haul).  I figure I'll jump right into the MA for a sortie or two just to see what it's like, then spend a lot of time in the TA for some quality time!  I don't expect to squeek much - after all, it's a game.

<snip> The AI wont prepare you for the bunts and waggies you will see online (those terms from F4AF DF 1v1) and its not like mastering the fifteen million options of the Viper. It will take about two weeks for your SA to tune into the arena and then a month or more to feel at home. What was your handle over there? Ever make the IDFL?</snip>

I've never been online...ever. All of my air time has been offline. I'm looking forward to the challenges of [mostly ;)] real human opponents.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Shuffler on March 26, 2008, 12:31:09 PM
Keep in mind you can wing up with a group of friendlies too online.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Jenks on March 26, 2008, 12:44:41 PM
I do not suck!  I'm simply very good at being very bad :D

Jenksie
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Alky on March 26, 2008, 01:20:51 PM
I do not suck!  I'm simply very good at being very bad :D

Jenksie
Me too!!!   :rofl :rofl :rofl
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Rebel on March 26, 2008, 01:22:34 PM
All,
Thanks for the good advice - all of which I was planning to implement soon.  I won't be going online quite yet as my schedule is up in the air and I don't want to waste my two weeks (although I'm quite certain I'll sign up for the long haul).  I figure I'll jump right into the MA for a sortie or two just to see what it's like, then spend a lot of time in the TA for some quality time!  I don't expect to squeek much - after all, it's a game.

I've never been online...ever. All of my air time has been offline. I'm looking forward to the challenges of [mostly ;)] real human opponents.

Dude, c'mon in to the Training Arena- I'm in there quite a bit, though I'm not very good, but  I'll show ya what I do know. 
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: 2fly on March 26, 2008, 01:33:02 PM
If hopping into the unordered TA isn't your thing, setting up some time with the trainers is a great option too.  You'll probably learn more in an hour with them than a couple days in the MA. :)


Truer words were never spoken.  To my shame I have never taken advantage of the opportunity to work with the trainers.  I have done what learning I have in the MA.  I dont reccomend that approach.  The MA is a very harsh learning enviroment.  What you mainly learn there is how to bail out and/or die with dignity. :lol

When I first started I thought I sucked, turned out I was right.  Now 13 months later, I still suck!

The new offline AI is a great training tool and probably represents a slightly better than the MA average pilot with a less than average gunnery skill.  It is absolutely nothing compared to the real pros here.  I wont name any names to protect the guilty.  We all find out who there are the anyway, usually the hard way.

Practice practice and if you want someone to fly with look me up or any of my squaddies (Clowns of Death) and I am sure they will help you.


Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Chalenge on March 26, 2008, 02:14:05 PM
I've never been online...ever. All of my air time has been offline. I'm looking forward to the challenges of [mostly ;)] real human opponents.

Offline in F4AF isnt that much different from the arena here except the icons are on by default and because there is no penalty from death people will try things that they would not in R/L. If you fly F4 without icons you wont need them here but if you use them here it will keep you from getting bounced... mostly. There are still a lot of bottom feeders that have learned to hug the ground and then pop up for a quick snapshot/kill and then run back to the shade to hide. The bunt here is very popular and every now and then someone thinks an outside push during a roll will save them (sucks to be wrong). Scoring here is nothing like F4AF and you would do really really good to just ignore it and have fun. The guys that are scoring well are gaming and not flying. Im pretty sure most of the people that post here would agree. If you come to the conclusion that the game isnt as complex as you would like then stick around until the new combat theater is finished. I think the AI thing is supposed to be a small taste of a few features for that. Join a squad if nothing else it will help to settle you down between engagements.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: MajIssue on March 26, 2008, 02:18:05 PM
Hi all.

Well, here's my first post.  WOOT!

I've been flying sims off and on for years.  Started in the old Flight Simulator I days back in the dark ages ('85 or so?).  Most recently I have logged many hundreds of hours in the F-16 inside a fully patched-for-realism Falcon 4.0.

I came across AH about three weeks ago and was instantly hooked! I've been reading all the training doco I can find, reading all the posts here, and spending lots of time flying offline to practice my basic prop-driven tail-draggin' skills.  I've gotten very good at strafing and landing (even on the CVs) and have spent most of my time in the F4U-1a.

Needless to say I was feeling pretty good about myself, and was just about to sign up for my two-week initiation; until the latest update was released.  Now I realize that my ACM skills against even the "mediocre" AI leave a lot to be desired.  Back to the basics I go...practice, practice and more practice.

Look for me in the skies real soon...

Aces High rocks!   :rock

Welcome to the "OMG I really suck at this" club! The upside is that there ARE players that are worse... You are welcome to wing with our squad... we always have fun, no matter how bad we are flying! :salute
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: BaldEagl on March 26, 2008, 04:28:00 PM
I've never been online...ever. All of my air time has been offline. I'm looking forward to the challenges of [mostly ;)] real human opponents.

I predict you are going to be quickly addicted.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Brooke on March 28, 2008, 12:32:28 PM
I think you should just come on into the Main Arena and not wait until you feel like you can easily beat the AI pilots offline.  I tried a couple of P-51 vs. P-51 engagements vs. the AI offline, and my impression is that the AI planes can turn much more tightly than most human pilots and are actually pretty hard to saddle up on in some ways.  Like all AI in games, they do some weird things that a human wouldn't and have some strengths humans don't.  Against real people, you will find many situations that are easier than the AI and some that are harder than the AI and lots more types of fights.  You will have fun online even if you get shot down, too -- so don't wait, just come on in. :)
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: fd ski on March 28, 2008, 04:32:34 PM
been in AH since alpha :) I still remember when B17 had a P51 flight model :)

And i still suck. Don't worry about it :D
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: Getback on March 28, 2008, 05:43:35 PM
I've been playing 10 years, 5 years on AH, and I suck.

btw, that was post #8 for you.  :rofl not one.

Anyway welcome back!
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: ViperDriver on March 29, 2008, 03:40:51 PM
btw, that was post #8 for you.  :rofl not one.

It was #1 when I posted it...seems like the number of posts is cumulative and not a moment-in-time snapshot.   :aok

To my shame I have never taken advantage of the opportunity to work with the trainers.

I got online the other day and actually got to spend some quality airtime in the TA last night with Ren. Thanks again for the great tutoring Ren  :salute

My online handle is ImADot, but was thinking about changing it to LawnDart  :rolleyes:, until Ren helped me get my 'stick tuned a little better.  Look for me - actually look out for me (as in take it easy)  :lol. I think I'll be online quite a bit.
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: ink on March 29, 2008, 04:18:44 PM
welcome to AH the greatest combat flight sim ever
  and just a quick note those that say they suk most likely don't,  its the ones that  brag  or talk trash that suk.
and flying against the AI is not all that helpfull, very predictable, only flying against those in MA DA TA, will you aquire skillz to kill all these sukky sticks.
i just think you should be able to up and try to fight before you enter the MA, in other words knowing how to raise your gear and let out flaps and such like that, all the rest will come with time in the air, and there is no substitute for flying against real people.
  anyways have fun and enjoy.

<S>
Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: yanksfan on March 29, 2008, 05:12:35 PM
There is a small group of regulars in the TA,we are there most every evening, I'm no uberstick but, If I can help you out with anything at all feel free,  if you'd like to learn to mix it up some the TA is a great place to start.

Title: Re: Thought I was good, turns out I suck
Post by: ViperDriver on March 30, 2008, 04:54:10 PM
There is a small group of regulars in the TA,we are there most every evening, I'm no uberstick but, If I can help you out with anything at all feel free,  if you'd like to learn to mix it up some the TA is a great place to start.

Been there, done that, will continue to do so!   :D

I spent a little time in the MA...landed 1 kill...died 8 times...had a blast!  :aok