Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: sirvlad on February 01, 2010, 04:20:31 PM
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This is just the same old whine.When are we ever going to get a new map.Will it even be this year,I am probably wrong but i don`t think we have had a new map put in play in years.I seen new ones for scenerios all the time.I`m not asking for an exact date but please OH MIGHTY CONTROLLER OF THE AH WORLD,can I expect a new map this year?All kidding aside AH staff please respond,is there new maps in our future.These maps front lines are almost always the same,take some land,lose some land,check map the next day and it`s the same.It`s getting a little stale for us guys who have been playing for numberous years.Other AH`ERS please don`t respond with build your own map,I would if I could,but I simply don`t know anything about comps.Heck I`d build my own spaceship if I knew how. :salute
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I expect there will be a new map in the WW1 arena.
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New maps are always the same aren't they? Somebody has to make one and HTC has to approve it?
It has been quite a while though......... :(
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The new maps you see for scenarios can't be used in the MA because those are actually countries, the maps in the MA aren't actually maps.
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I expect there will be a new map in the WW1 arena.
Im still waiting for the ww1 arena ......if it takes as long to get a new map well then north america will collide with europe again before we get one LOL :old:
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Im still waiting for the ww1 arena ......if it takes as long to get a new map well then north america will collide with europe again before we get one LOL :old:
Has it been 5 weeks already?
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Maybe HTC should offer 6 months of free play for a working and viable map....
Strip
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Building a "main arena" map is a huge project. If you read the maps threads you'll know there one in the works but they had to wait for the new terrain updates before they can be submitted. With the update done the builder can update his map and submit it. Then it has to be checked out by HTC, which of course takes time away from other things. Then if there is a problem ( even tho the map maker in this case is very skilled) which can happen to anybody, it has to be fixed and resubmitted.
So not only is the project big, so is the acceptance process. I think before anyone can complain about the lack of new maps they have to spend 8 hours with the software to see if they can even get a map started first :devil
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I think it is unreasonable to expect the client base to keep the product fresh
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Not mention see if there computer will even open, modify and save a 256 Mb bitmap!!!!!
(16348 by 16348 pixels)
;)
Strip
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I think it is unreasonable to expect the client base to keep the product fresh
+1
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$50 a month should cover hiring a couple of map makers. Who would like to pay that for AH.
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$50 a month should cover hiring a couple of map makers. Who would like to pay that for AH.
Ya , that statement is rational.....
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I think it is unreasonable to expect the client base to keep the product fresh
:aok
<S>
Rokit
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greebo's one is in the works hopefully it gets accepted and put in the rotation ASAP :rock
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Im a little confused. Why would only the customers be the ones building new maps? The stake of the customer is to pay and play while the owner would find ways to keep them there.
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Im a little confused. Why would only the customers be the ones building new maps? The stake of the customer is to pay and play while the owner would find ways to keep them there.
I'm guessing it's closer to what Shuffler said.
HTC probably makes a list of things they want to accomplish in the game and maps (no pun) it out and prioritizes. They can only do so much in a work day to improve the game, which is their business. I know they have comped players' accounts who have been a huge asset in the past so I'm sure they do appreciate it, realize the need for it, but simply have more important things to deal with priority wise.
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How does that make Steve's point less valid?
It's good thinking to enable your community to do your work for free but that still does not mean it's not your responsibility.
The current map rotation is pretty weak and it would be good for business to enable the map making process to include greater variety. They are particularly focused on limiting objects and tile types which makes most maps redundant regardless of the extensive work put into them. I'd be willing to bet that downloading a bigger variety of objects would be welcome despite a marginally larger download.
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I'd really hate to agree with Steve.... But he is right. At the same time, Grizz points out that no action is not without notice.
How does that make Steve's point less valid?
Perhaps, what we need, is a type of "CM" MapMaking Team? Get those gents that do build maps to work together and share both the glory and responsibility of making maps...... And HTC cuts them a small break on price.
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I think it is unreasonable to expect the client base to keep the product fresh
As much as I love HTC's product and service, Steve makes a valid point. :aok
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How does that make Steve's point less valid?
It's good thinking to enable your community to do your work for free but that still does not mean it's not your responsibility.
I agree in theory, but (as I've had to have pointed out to me in the past), HTC isn't Google or Microsoft and AH isn't World of Warcraft. Developer time is limited, and if they've been devoting it all to things like the new terrain and now the much-requested WW1 arena, that's probably a good business decision. New maps would be nice but they're not at the top of my list of priorities and I suspect not at the top pf many others' either.
Speaking of WW1 maps, does anyone know if they're going to have trenches, or at least something that looks like trenches from the air? Or observation balloons?
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What would the community rather have? New Planes(FSO guys all want certain gaps filled) New ERA( Who doesnt want WW1 arena) New Maps, my only gripe with the maps is they dont changed often enough....change every night at say 6am est(about the time when only the euros and Asianers are on :D ) and I think it would be alot more "refreshing"
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Im a little confused. Why would only the customers be the ones building new maps? The stake of the customer is to pay and play while the owner would find ways to keep them there.
Your right. So the maps are built and we fly on them. Case closed. :lol
There used to be several who worked on maps and tested them in the H2H arenas. Since H2H went away so did the map work it seems. Who here is working on a terrain.... or is everyone hoping someone else does all the work?
They could stop WWI arena and work on terrains instead.
....or if your not happy with this game there are other flight sims to check out....
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$50 a month should cover hiring a couple of map makers. Who would like to pay that for AH.
We already pay a monthly fee. Maybe I should maintain their hardware also?
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Your right. So the maps are built and we fly on them. Case closed. :lol
There used to be several who worked on maps and tested them in the H2H arenas. Since H2H went away so did the map work it seems. Who here is working on a terrain.... or is everyone hoping someone else does all the work?
They could stop WWI arena and work on terrains instead.
....or if your not happy with this game there are other flight sims to check out....
Did you apply for a job at ATC? :lol
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I think it is unreasonable to expect the client base to keep the product fresh
:aok
tbh I would rather see a couple of decent new MA terrains than any new aircraft or arenas.
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Perhaps I am coming from a completely one dimensional perspective, but what would new maps bring to the table that we do not already have from the current rotation of maps?
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Of course - every week in the AvA new maps are always tested and used. But I think most of you MA furballers already know that. :D
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HTC have a limited number of staff. As with all companies, they need to make decisions as to where best to deploy those staff in order to forward the business. Right now, I'm pretty sure there's a lot more on the list of things they'd like to do than can be done with the staff available. That includes new maps. And the only way they are going to add more staff is to bring more money in the door. As far as I can see, there are three ways to do that:
1. Attract more subscribing customers to the game. If anyone has ideas on how to do that whilst keeping the marketing outlay similar to what it currently is, I'm sure HTC would love to hear (actually, that might make an interesting thread).
2. HTC can seek an investor to inject cash in to the business. The current economic climate is not particularly conducive to that and in any case, doing so would potentially open a whole can of worms that would be bad for both HTC and us as players.
3. HTC can increase monthly subscriptions. I'd be willing to pay a bit more per month, but I suspect I'm in a minority on that. Would a subscription increase actually have a negative effect by driving players away?
Out of curiosity, how long has the subscription been $15pm? I've been here 3 years now and there's been no increase in that time.
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HTC have a limited number of staff. As with all companies, they need to make decisions as to where best to deploy those staff in order to forward the business. Right now, I'm pretty sure there's a lot more on the list of things they'd like to do than can be done with the staff available. That includes new maps. And the only way they are going to add more staff is to bring more money in the door. As far as I can see, there are three ways to do that:
1. Attract more subscribing customers to the game. If anyone has ideas on how to do that whilst keeping the marketing outlay similar to what it currently is, I'm sure HTC would love to hear (actually, that might make an interesting thread).
2. HTC can seek an investor to inject cash in to the business. The current economic climate is not particularly conducive to that and in any case, doing so would potentially open a whole can of worms that would be bad for both HTC and us as players.
3. HTC can increase monthly subscriptions. I'd be willing to pay a bit more per month, but I suspect I'm in a minority on that. Would a subscription increase actually have a negative effect by driving players away?
Out of curiosity, how long has the subscription been $15pm? I've been here 3 years now and there's been no increase in that time.
It was actually more back in the day.
As usual most folks who have never owned much less ran a business have little to no idea of what it takes.
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Much also can be said for Owners who shouldn't of owned a business either, I've seen many owners run business's (construction) into the ground for the sake of the Ol mighty dollar, Just because you own a bussiness does not mean you know what your doing, HiTechs got a great product at an affordable price, but raising prices can be a double edged sword to.
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:aok
As usual most folks who have never owned much less ran a business have little to no idea of what it takes.
I don't know Dale any better then I know Obama..... But he ain't looking for an investor. I'd bet my life on it.
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Much also can be said for Owners who shouldn't of owned a business either, I've seen many owners run business's (construction) into the ground for the sake of the Ol mighty dollar, Just because you own a bussiness does not mean you know what your doing, HiTechs got a great product at an affordable price, but raising prices can be a double edged sword to.
I should have said "successful business".
:aok
I don't know Dale any better then I know Obama..... But he ain't looking for an investor. I'd bet my life on it.
We are talking business and business men.... Dale is a business man... that other guy has never run anything. :D
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For the record, AH used to be $30 a month.
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Making the point of knowing neither, that was all.
We are talking business and business men.... Dale is a business man... that other guy has never run anything. :D
However, one could argue that running a country is similar to running a business.
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Making the point of knowing neither, that was all.
However, one could argue that running a country is similar to running a business.
I meant experienced...... like having the local burger flipper take over.
I used to make terrains for H2H. They were nothing compared to the preparation and work it takes for a MA terrain.
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Got it, no new maps could be created in 6 years because that would require a more expensive subscription, no one asking for a new map has ever run a business (successfully) , Obama has never run anything, we should fly the AvA, HT is not currently looking for investors, we don't need new maps, . . . did I miss anything? :lol
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For the record, AH used to be $30 a month.
When was that? I've been playing since 2002 and don't remember it being over 14.95, not that I don't believe you. Just curious cause I can't remember for sure. :rock
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Got it, no new maps could be created in 6 years because that would require a more expensive subscription, no one asking for a new map has ever run a business (successfully) , Obama has never run anything, we should fly the AvA, HT is not currently looking for investors, we don't need new maps, . . . did I miss anything? :lol
Yup
Dedalos is bored :neener:
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Yup
Dedalos is bored :neener:
You can say that again :lol
Maybe something will break before the market close :O
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Perhaps I am coming from a completely one dimensional perspective, but what would new maps bring to the table that we do not already have from the current rotation of maps?
It wouldn't bring much other than a fresh feel. The game is still the same no matter what map you play on. I think in a perfect world new maps would be nice to have but not in sacrifice of more important game development.
The key to staying in business is to make sure Old Subscription Deletion < New Subscription Creation. I don't think quitting as a result of stale maps is a high priority reason for vets and I don't think new subscription customers realize how old these maps are. So from a business perspective, it doesn't make much sense to devote much resource to this. The most important thing to keep the new customers flowing in is the game looking pretty.
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You should be seeing Greebo's soon, followed later this year by this one:
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,280908.0.html
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:D
Yup
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Been a whole week and not a squeek from HTC,fully unsurprised though...sigh
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Just logged into Titanic Tuesday it`s 4:00est. guess where the fights are at. bish c133 - rook a55,knights a1-rook v2,bish double spawn at v135 vs knights,I bet soon there will be a cv attacking bish 114. SAME OLD fight week after week.Reminds me of playing atari PITFALL back in the day.Still lose sleep over jumping them gators.
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:lol You're not the only one!
Still lose sleep over jumping them gators.
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When was that? I've been playing since 2002 and don't remember it being over 14.95, not that I don't believe you. Just curious cause I can't remember for sure. :rock
Yep. Its was $30 when I started. I can't remember when it switched exactly. And at the time, I considered $30 a bargin at twice the price considering the hourly rates elsewhere that were common at the time.
Actually, I'd still consider it a bargin if it were $60 a month. Compare the number of hours of entertainment you get per hour/month as say compared to movies or , <gasp> golf! :O
:airplane:,
Wab
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Yep. Its was $30 when I started. I can't remember when it switched exactly. And at the time, I considered $30 a bargin at twice the price considering the hourly rates elsewhere that were common at the time.
Actually, I'd still consider it a bargin if it were $60 a month. Compare the number of hours of entertainment you get per hour/month as say compared to movies or , <gasp> golf! :O
:airplane:,
Wab
I think they dropped the price about the same time Air Warriors bit the big one. I know I was one of those that came over and I was having a hard time trying to justify $30 a month to play a game, then they dropped the price and sucked all us AW guys in. :x
Been a whole week and not a squeek from HTC,fully unsurprised though...sigh
Why would you think HTC would comment on maps? I don't think I've every read anything that said they would add more maps ever. I'm sure they released the info and tools to build maps to the masses because they knew that they wouldn't have time to do it. They spend all of there time maintaining the game with updates to the code and such. As for the add-ons, I'd rather see them working on planes and vehicles. Maps are just the terrain most of us crash into, it really doesn't make much difference which one is up.
Just logged into Titanic Tuesday it`s 4:00est. guess where the fights are at. bish c133 - rook a55,knights a1-rook v2,bish double spawn at v135 vs knights,I bet soon there will be a cv attacking bish 114. SAME OLD fight week after week.Reminds me of playing atari PITFALL back in the day.Still lose sleep over jumping them gators.
I sense some disappointment here. If it seems like the "same old fight" maybe you should stop following the crowd! Create a fight. Get a few guys together and grab a base some place other than when the "same old crap" is going on. You may milk a base or two, but people will start to notice and defenders will show up. These are the fights I look for, 10 on 10. Some of these little fight turn into the best fights going on and can last hours.
The only time you are fighting the same old fights is when your doing the same old thing, try something different.
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Just logged into Titanic Tuesday it`s 4:00est. guess where the fights are at. bish c133 - rook a55,knights a1-rook v2,bish double spawn at v135 vs knights,I bet soon there will be a cv attacking bish 114. SAME OLD fight week after week.Reminds me of playing atari PITFALL back in the day.Still lose sleep over jumping them gators.
So you would be satisfied flying to the same old fight, the same distance and altitude, over "different" ground.
Really.....
wrongway
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It wouldn't bring much other than a fresh feel. The game is still the same no matter what map you play on. I
Well for my part, I'm not saying we need more maps, just that the client base shouldn't be expected to be the source for any new ones. I still love the game, even on old maps. Of course, I'd like to see the big maps abolished but Dale has made it clear that's never going to happen. :D
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http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/board,61.0.html
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:aok
tbh I would rather see a couple of decent new MA terrains than any new aircraft or arenas.
Are you crazy? Map or new AC? I'll take new AC every time.
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My thoughts on maps. I don't know how to make one yet, but when I do here are things I think will make for a bad map and a good map.
Bad Map:
Have to fly 1.5 sectors or more to find action. (wastes time)
Have to fly over a giant mountain to find action (wastes time)
Too many bases for the number of people on-line so everyone is spread out, making hard to find action. (wastes time)
One point on the map for three-way fighting Bish vs. Rook vs. Knight
Good Map:
Bases close together
Ground contours and features that create excitement when on the deck, but aren't obsticle to traversing the map (in airplanes).
Cool feature would be bases that go inactive if they are more than two sectors from an enemy base, to maximize the concentration of action to the front lines. Also, bombing or attacking a "dark" base would yeild no points or damage (so no one would bother)
More area for three-way fighting. Bish vs Rook vs Knight.
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OK screw it then why have a map or any terrain at all,lets just fly around in the sky aimlessly.Maybe you haven`t been playing very long and don`t realize that some new change of scenery would be nice.Since you seem to think new rides are what makes it so great,tell me how many P-39`s,I-16`s or Brewsters do you see daily.I`m not a furballer but I do attacks and join most missions,not 1 of those 3 are ever in any missions I`ve ever seen posted.I`m not saying I want a map more then I do a NEW ride,I want some more German armor more then anything,but really IS IT TO MUCH TO ASK? Hey if so then let HTC say so.I know they don`t like telling whats in the future but it be nice to hear that somethings in the works OR not.BTW the maps and terrain are important to those who enjoy gv`n. Please don`t respond with it`s a flight sim. bla bla bla.Also if it takes so much time to do and uses up so many resources then who`s steadily pumping them out for the different things in the special arenas. That person does a fine job,and the events are great,don`t get me wrong but after a few uses they are gone.
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OK screw it then why have a map or any terrain at all,lets just fly around in the sky aimlessly.Maybe you haven`t been playing very long and don`t realize that some new change of scenery would be nice.Since you seem to think new rides are what makes it so great,tell me how many P-39`s,I-16`s or Brewsters do you see daily.I`m not a furballer but I do attacks and join most missions,not 1 of those 3 are ever in any missions I`ve ever seen posted.I`m not saying I want a map more then I do a NEW ride,I want some more German armor more then anything,but really IS IT TO MUCH TO ASK? Hey if so then let HTC say so.I know they don`t like telling whats in the future but it be nice to hear that somethings in the works OR not.BTW the maps and terrain are important to those who enjoy gv`n. Please don`t respond with it`s a flight sim. bla bla bla.Also if it takes so much time to do and uses up so many resources then who`s steadily pumping them out for the different things in the special arenas. That person does a fine job,and the events are great,don`t get me wrong but after a few uses they are gone.
I've been here almost 10 years, is that long enough to know what your talking about?
The event maps and AvA maps are smaller with out a lot of the things that MUST be in a Main Arena map. Maybe you should spend a little time reading the map threads in the terrain editor thread to see whats involved in building one. A decent MA map could take months to build and then testing has to begin. Event maps take much less.
If you really want an answer from HTC, pick up your phone and give them a call. they are very nice people to talk to.
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OK screw it then why have a map or any terrain at all,lets just fly around in the sky aimlessly.Maybe you haven`t been playing very long and don`t realize that some new change of scenery would be nice.Since you seem to think new rides are what makes it so great,tell me how many P-39`s,I-16`s or Brewsters do you see daily.I`m not a furballer but I do attacks and join most missions,not 1 of those 3 are ever in any missions I`ve ever seen posted.I`m not saying I want a map more then I do a NEW ride,I want some more German armor more then anything,but really IS IT TO MUCH TO ASK? Hey if so then let HTC say so.I know they don`t like telling whats in the future but it be nice to hear that somethings in the works OR not.BTW the maps and terrain are important to those who enjoy gv`n. Please don`t respond with it`s a flight sim. bla bla bla.Also if it takes so much time to do and uses up so many resources then who`s steadily pumping them out for the different things in the special arenas. That person does a fine job,and the events are great,don`t get me wrong but after a few uses they are gone.
Just because you fly with folks who only fly the late war planes does not mean the others do not get flown.
The terrains don't bother me and I have been here for awhile.
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I guess my problem is I don't play to look at the ground. I like flying around and between things but ultimately, the ground looks the same no matter what map you fly on.
HTC brought back small maps and people complained. HTC introduced large maps and people complained. Should new complaints be prioritised?
Since the means are available for maps to be made from outside the company, those with the desire for new maps can satisfy them by getting to work on maps.
Have you moved lately because you're bored with your neighborhood or your daily drive to work?
wrongway
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When was that? I've been playing since 2002 and don't remember it being over 14.95, not that I don't believe you. Just curious cause I can't remember for sure. :rock
Was $30 a month back in 1999 - later 2000/early 2001 for sure because I was catching wife ack for spending that instead of the $10 a month on the Zone for Fighter Ace 2. I think they dropped the rate sometime in the 2001/2001 time period but don't remember 100%.
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Wrongway sometimes I do take other routes to work for a change of scenery.It`s not just the scenery it`s also the way the map is to be played,maybe this game just has no strategy and maybe thats what I am now looking for.
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I like having a variety of terrain. Sometimes you are furballing over the ocean with no obstacles, other times you are in a canyon cage match, sometimes there are the Himalayas between you and the red guys or perhaps fencing one side of a fight in. So there is a variation, but more variation can't hurt. Variety is the spice of life and new maps would give more opportunities for fights in unfamiliar or different environments. :aok
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Well for my part, I'm not saying we need more maps, just that the client base shouldn't be expected to be the source for any new ones. I still love the game, even on old maps. Of course, I'd like to see the big maps abolished but Dale has made it clear that's never going to happen. :D
I'm curious how many maps in rotation did HTC build vs a player?
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Most are player based except Beta2 and ndisles I believe.
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Making the point of knowing neither, that was all.
However, one could argue that running a country is similar to running a business.
Except that you go to jail for spending more money than you have if you are running a business. With the government, that's not business - it's business as usual.
<S>
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Any 5 year old can run the country. Weather ot not it does well is another story. But unlike a business, if the country does not do well, you can just take money from your customers, vendors, and any folks you want to..... even if they receive no benefit.
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Looks like we have 11 with 4 from HTC.
Main Arena Terrains
Terrain Download Size Name Created By
AHBALTIC.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.83MB Baltic HTC Staff
AHBETA2.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.04MB Beta2 HTC Staff
AHCOMPELLO.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 3.74MB Compello NHawk
AHNDISLES.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.07MB NDisles HTC Staff
AHMESAVIEW.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.11MB Mesaview MachNix
AHMONTIS.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.74MB Montis NHawk
AHOZKANSAS.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 3.50MB OZKansas Fester
AHSFMA.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.12MB SFMA Superfly
AHSMPIZZA.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.13MB SMPizza NHawk
AHTAGMA.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 2.89MB Tagma Unknown
AHTRINITY.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 3.12MB Trinity NB
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wow we have 11 maps,I didnt` think we had that many,how many are in current rotation though?
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Except that you go to jail for spending more money than you have if you are running a business.
<S>
:lol
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2 weeks..... maybe
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You guys are missing 2 things that HTC has on their hands everyday. 1st- looking over BBS for bullies,spammers,etc etc. 2nd- trying to make a new WW1 arena :aok ther end of new maps question.
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I used to like the idea of new maps all the time.
Now I don't think it's necessary. Same base structure, same ack positions, same plane modeling, same n00bs you fly with..... get the picture? :joystick:
I think the best efforts is updating game-play. :old:
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I remember multiple new plane requests & map requests during the 2 weeks TOD was being developed, but it was all worthwhile- :confused:
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i had a map in the works but the terrain editer stopped working all of a sudden and i lost all of my stuff. now i cant even get terrain editer to work on my computer
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Looks like we have 11 with 4 from HTC.
Main Arena Terrains
Terrain Download Size Name Created By
AHBALTIC.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.83MB Baltic HTC Staff
AHBETA2.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.04MB Beta2 HTC Staff
AHCOMPELLO.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 3.74MB Compello NHawk
AHNDISLES.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.07MB NDisles HTC Staff
AHMESAVIEW.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.11MB Mesaview MachNix
AHMONTIS.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.74MB Montis NHawk
AHOZKANSAS.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 3.50MB OZKansas Fester
AHSFMA.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.12MB SFMA Superfly
AHSMPIZZA.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 1.13MB SMPizza NHawk
AHTAGMA.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 2.89MB Tagma Unknown
AHTRINITY.EXE
Last updated: 12/2/2009 3.12MB Trinity NB
what about midmesa and/or mmesa (i cant remember if those are 2 diff maps or not)? is it out of rotation?