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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Vinkman on August 16, 2010, 07:25:27 AM

Title: Buff formation code
Post by: Vinkman on August 16, 2010, 07:25:27 AM
Just a thought. The code will rearrange the bomber formation after a buff has been killed. No problem with that. BUT the change happens instantly, where a bomber warps sideways to it's new position. Yesterday I attacked the center bomber at close range and when it exploded I was mid formation. The buff on the right warped left and collided with me knocking me out of the sky. Other times I have been attacking a formation with a wingman and a similar problem arises. Making high speed passes, one kills a buff first and the target buff of the second attacker jumps out of the way messing up the attack run. It's not a huge deal, but it detracts from the realism and game play. Maybe that algorithm could be updated to move to the new formation position over a longer period of time than is currently set.

 :salute
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: NCLawman on August 16, 2010, 08:28:10 AM
+1

I have encountered the same unfortunate crashes.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 08:30:35 AM
Just a thought. The code will rearrange the bomber formation after a buff has been killed. No problem with that. BUT the change happens instantly, where a bomber warps sideways to it's new position. Yesterday I attacked the center bomber at close range and when it exploded I was mid formation. The buff on the right warped left and collided with me knocking me out of the sky. Other times I have been attacking a formation with a wingman and a similar problem arises. Making high speed passes, one kills a buff first and the target buff of the second attacker jumps out of the way messing up the attack run. It's not a huge deal, but it detracts from the realism and game play. Maybe that algorithm could be updated to move to the new formation position over a longer period of time than is currently set.

 :salute

that shouldn
t be able to happen. i've attacked lancs the same as you describe......but the speed difference is such that i'm already out of the way when the drone moves,

Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Vinkman on August 16, 2010, 08:37:31 AM
that shouldn
t be able to happen. i've attacked lancs the same as you describe......but the speed difference is such that i'm already out of the way when the drone moves,



Don't know if it should be possible, but it happens. Is it possible that the speed is different per Bomber type?  I was attacking B-24s. I seem to remember it happening the same, regardless of plane type.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 09:24:43 AM
Don't know if it should be possible, but it happens. Is it possible that the speed is different per Bomber type?  I was attacking B-24s. I seem to remember it happening the same, regardless of plane type.

either that or attack style.

i do slashing high speed attacks, as i seem to have the best luck with them. i usually go for one of the drones first, but if it's a base defense, then i go for the main buff, to try and mess up his drop.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Delirium on August 16, 2010, 09:30:06 AM
 I never understood why the drones need to switch positions at all. I'm not a programmer (unless you're talking about my DVR) but wouldn't it be easier and more visually appealing if the drones stayed in the same spot?

This is the regular formation;

     X
  X    X

Someone kills either drone, and the other drone stays in the same spot it did in the formation. If someone kill the lead, the drones would also stay in the same spot like this;

X   X 

In this case, the lead spot would be removed.

Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: gyrene81 on August 16, 2010, 09:31:43 AM
I was going to say, don't get so close but that wouldn't address the actual warping issue. The only time I see the warp is when the lead bomber doesn't explode and the pile-it can't or doesn't switch planes right away. I generally go for the lead bomber since that is typically the one controlling the machine guns for the formation and if you're getting in close, the safest spot is right off the inside horizontal stab of either of the wing planes. The guns can't get on you and if you kill the lead plane, you don't get caught up in the warp.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 09:31:47 AM
I never understood why the drones need to switch positions at all. I'm not a programmer (unless you're talking about my DVR) but wouldn't it be easier and more visually appealing if the drones stayed in the same spot?

This is the regular formation;

     X
  X    X

Someone kills either drone, and the other drone stays in the same spot it did in the formation. If someone kill the lead, the drones would also stay in the same spot like this;

X   X 

In this case, the lead spot would be removed.


as for the lead being replaced.......that's probably part of the "simplifying" to let the buff driver get an easier drop.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 09:32:31 AM
I was going to say, don't get so close but that wouldn't address the actual warping issue. The only time I see the warp is when the lead bomber doesn't explode and the pile-it can't or doesn't switch planes right away. I generally go for the lead bomber since that is typically the one controlling the machine guns for the formation and if you're getting in close, the safest spot is right off the inside horizontal stab of either of the wing planes. The guns can't get on you and if you kill the lead plane, you don't get caught up in the warp.

some of us gun from the drones.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Lusche on August 16, 2010, 09:33:07 AM
To me, the instant warp after the main bomber get's killed is only a minor problem.

What's really annoying is the repeated, unpredictable drone warping when the lead bomber is maneuvering. The pilot doesn't even need to do some wild immelmans - fly a relatively gentle turn at high speed, and the drones will play the "now I'm here...now I'm not" game, constantly warping out of the fighters gunsight.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Wiley on August 16, 2010, 11:27:37 AM
The warp is pretty annoying and noticable.  I usually try to minimize its impact (heh) on me by attacking the formation from the outside in.  Going for the center plane, you're basically flying into his convergence.  Going for the outside ones first you're giving his guns less opportunity to get on you.

I think it would be a lot better if the pilot got switched into one of the drones, then the other drone moved into proper formation instead of it happening instantly.

I've always assumed when the drones are warping while the formation maneuvered a bit that the guy inside was switching which plane he was in.  Is that not the case?

Wiley.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: curry1 on August 16, 2010, 11:35:10 AM
Just a thought. The code will rearrange the bomber formation after a buff has been killed. No problem with that. BUT the change happens instantly, where a bomber warps sideways to it's new position. Yesterday I attacked the center bomber at close range and when it exploded I was mid formation. The buff on the right warped left and collided with me knocking me out of the sky. Other times I have been attacking a formation with a wingman and a similar problem arises. Making high speed passes, one kills a buff first and the target buff of the second attacker jumps out of the way messing up the attack run. It's not a huge deal, but it detracts from the realism and game play. Maybe that algorithm could be updated to move to the new formation position over a longer period of time than is currently set.

 :salute

Always kill from right to left because then the don't warp
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 12:04:09 PM
To me, the instant warp after the main bomber get's killed is only a minor problem.

What's really annoying is the repeated, unpredictable drone warping when the lead bomber is maneuvering. The pilot doesn't even need to do some wild immelmans - fly a relatively gentle turn at high speed, and the drones will play the "now I'm here...now I'm not" game, constantly warping out of the fighters gunsight.

 when they're maneuvering, although the drones may warp, i go for the main bomber, as he can't maneuver hard enough to lose the drones from a gunner position. that's generally pretty safe, and by the time he's leveled, and the drones are coming back to formation, i'm past him climbing for my next attack.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Vinkman on August 16, 2010, 12:32:47 PM
To me, the instant warp after the main bomber get's killed is only a minor problem.

What's really annoying is the repeated, unpredictable drone warping when the lead bomber is maneuvering. The pilot doesn't even need to do some wild immelmans - fly a relatively gentle turn at high speed, and the drones will play the "now I'm here...now I'm not" game, constantly warping out of the fighters gunsight.

Good point Lusche, I forgot to mention that in the original note, but wanted to.

Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CDR1 on August 16, 2010, 12:48:03 PM
Why not just remove the formation check box and do away with the 1 guy equals 3 bombers thing, Has  ah always had formation bombers? 4 guys flying 12 lancs can be a game changer anytime, anywhere. Just curious.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: grizz441 on August 16, 2010, 12:52:05 PM
Why not just remove the formation check box and do away with the 1 guy equals 3 bombers thing, Has  ah always had formation bombers? 4 guys flying 12 lancs can be a game changer anytime, anywhere. Just curious.

I think hitech probably wants the formation check box in there since it is in there.  I could be wrong though, maybe formations are a bug.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Lusche on August 16, 2010, 01:03:20 PM
4 guys flying 12 lancs can be a game changer anytime, anywhere.


4 guys flying 12 lancs are just 12 kills flying around waiting for someone to grab them :)


Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: curry1 on August 16, 2010, 01:04:53 PM

4 guys flying 12 lancs are just 12 kills flying around waiting for someone to grab them :)




true that
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Vinkman on August 16, 2010, 01:18:44 PM
I never understood why the drones need to switch positions at all. I'm not a programmer (unless you're talking about my DVR) but wouldn't it be easier and more visually appealing if the drones stayed in the same spot?

This is the regular formation;

     X
  X    X

Someone kills either drone, and the other drone stays in the same spot it did in the formation. If someone kill the lead, the drones would also stay in the same spot like this;

X   X 

In this case, the lead spot would be removed.



+1  :aok

I like Del's suggestion. Just don't re-arrange the Formation to tighten it up. THis may have been an attemp at realism, but I think it detracts more than it adds.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: BulletVI on August 16, 2010, 01:51:48 PM

its also a pain when your wingman destroys the centre bomber as you are attacking one of the drones. You fire and before your bullets hit the drone has moved out of the way ( BUGGER hot lead wasted :(  )
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Ack-Ack on August 16, 2010, 04:13:32 PM
Just a thought. The code will rearrange the bomber formation after a buff has been killed. No problem with that. BUT the change happens instantly, where a bomber warps sideways to it's new position. Yesterday I attacked the center bomber at close range and when it exploded I was mid formation. The buff on the right warped left and collided with me knocking me out of the sky. Other times I have been attacking a formation with a wingman and a similar problem arises. Making high speed passes, one kills a buff first and the target buff of the second attacker jumps out of the way messing up the attack run. It's not a huge deal, but it detracts from the realism and game play. Maybe that algorithm could be updated to move to the new formation position over a longer period of time than is currently set.

 :salute

Change your target attack profile.  Instead of targeting the manned bomber (lead) first, go for the one either port or starboard of the lead bomber.  This way when you do blow it up, it won't warp like the lead bomber does and cause a collision.  On your 2nd pass (after you've killed either the port or starboard drone) then you can safely attack the lead bomber as the remaining drone (when the player jumps into it) won't warp to the lead position since the are no other bombers to form up on.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Beefcake on August 16, 2010, 04:24:46 PM
It always amazes at how everyone always attacks the lead aircraft instead of the drones. I'm guessing people just focus on the icon rather than the plane itself. 
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: NOT on August 16, 2010, 04:27:44 PM
attack buffs left to right, problem solved :aok





NOT
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 04:38:59 PM
Change your target attack profile.  Instead of targeting the manned bomber (lead) first, go for the one either port or starboard of the lead bomber.  This way when you do blow it up, it won't warp like the lead bomber does and cause a collision.  On your 2nd pass (after you've killed either the port or starboard drone) then you can safely attack the lead bomber as the remaining drone (when the player jumps into it) won't warp to the lead position since the are no other bombers to form up on.

ack-ack

if your doing an attack from the 6, or anywhere near it, it's best to go for the drone to your right as you approach. if you hit the left one, the right one moves over.

 i misjudged and got hit by a lanc that way.  :D
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 04:39:31 PM
attack buffs left to right, problem solved :aok





NOT

other way 'round i think.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Money on August 16, 2010, 04:54:52 PM
I never understood why the drones need to switch positions at all. I'm not a programmer (unless you're talking about my DVR) but wouldn't it be easier and more visually appealing if the drones stayed in the same spot?
This is the regular formation;
     X
  X    X
Someone kills either drone, and the other drone stays in the same spot it did in the formation. If someone kill the lead, the drones would also stay in the same spot like this;
X   X 
In this case, the lead spot would be removed.

 :aok
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Money on August 16, 2010, 05:02:42 PM
Change your target attack profile.  Instead of targeting the manned bomber (lead) first, go for the one either port or starboard of the lead bomber.  This way when you do blow it up, it won't warp like the lead bomber does and cause a collision.  On your 2nd pass (after you've killed either the port or starboard drone) then you can safely attack the lead bomber as the remaining drone (when the player jumps into it) won't warp to the lead position since the are no other bombers to form up on.
ack-ack

Adjusting your attack or target order of buff groups to ensure the safest passes from guns is one thing.  Adjusting the target order or path of attack to also dodge a warp is a valid point.

I hate when we so quickly dismiss the real issue with responses like, "just change how you do things."  In the end that may infact be what is needed, but exploring the OP's observations through discussion may also lead to solutions.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: Vinkman on August 16, 2010, 05:10:58 PM
Adjusting your attack or target order of buff groups to ensure the safest passes from guns is one thing.  Adjusting the target order or path of attack to also dodge a warp is a valid point.

I hate when we so quickly dismiss the real issue with responses like, "just change how you do things."  In the end that may infact be what is needed, but exploring the OP's observations through discussion may also lead to solutions.

+1

 :aok  :salute
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: NOT on August 16, 2010, 05:13:25 PM
other way 'round i think.

Nope, start with left drone, and while you are setting up for next pass, right drone slowly drifts over to left position. rinse and repeat. :aok




NOT
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: curry1 on August 16, 2010, 09:33:10 PM
Nope, start with left drone, and while you are setting up for next pass, right drone slowly drifts over to left position. rinse and repeat. :aok




NOT

lol except when it warps because that is the bug HTC hasnt been able to fix yet.

If you attack right to left the left drone stays put.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: RealDeal on August 16, 2010, 11:24:35 PM
I never understood why the drones need to switch positions at all. I'm not a programmer (unless you're talking about my DVR) but wouldn't it be easier and more visually appealing if the drones stayed in the same spot?

This is the regular formation;

     X
  X    X

Someone kills either drone, and the other drone stays in the same spot it did in the formation. If someone kill the lead, the drones would also stay in the same spot like this;

X   X 

In this case, the lead spot would be removed.




From a formation point of view, if the lead aircraft was lost, the next logical step would be for the two remaining aircraft to tighten up for better defensive position.
This may be at the heart of the issue. I will say that I have been downed mulitple times by this issue.
Title: Re: Buff formation code
Post by: CAP1 on August 16, 2010, 11:37:17 PM

From a formation point of view, if the lead aircraft was lost, the next logical step would be for the two remaining aircraft to tighten up for better defensive position.
This may be at the heart of the issue. I will say that I have been downed mulitple times by this issue.


i believe it is.

a book i read, called combat crew.....the writer continuously reminds us at how good german pilots were at spotting new buff drivers, as they jockeyed trying to hold position....and how fast they were to tear into a box missing an aircraft.