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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: RufusLeaking on February 23, 2011, 08:59:04 AM

Title: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: RufusLeaking on February 23, 2011, 08:59:04 AM
First, thanks are in order to HTC (and Greebo for the artwork) for the beautiful B-29.  :salute

Like many, I encountered one for the first time last night. One newbie pass from dead six in an Fw-190A-8 (4x20mm) and the single ship was on fire. I went on to get shot down, but still earned 13+ perks for the single kill.

Which go me to thinking, what is the place for the B-29 in Aces High as we know it?

It is very expensive in perks. A formation will cost 500+ perks. With 3000 bomber perks, I am still suffering from sticker shock.

It is a juicy target.  If I recall, dying yields ¼ perks, if I had landed, I would have gotten 52 points for one easy kill. A formation would result in 156+ perk points!

It is costly to the bomber pilot and lucrative for the interceptor.

Then there are the bomb load options.  40 x 500 would be enough for 13 hangars, in a three ship, salvo three bombs. Or, and someone will try this, a single bomb on 40 towns.

So, what is the role? The bomb load can take out any target, if the plane can get there. High altitude will be a defense. Mass escorts are an option, but, at a certain point, a large number of escorts could just jabo horde a target.

At the high perk price, those that would low level a formation of buffs will not be able to afford it very often. Base or town ack, or even puffy ack, will probably light these beast up handily.

What is the niche for the lovely new B-29?

Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: fullmetalbullet on February 23, 2011, 09:15:39 AM
i think IMO it to make players be very cautious and to make them think more about planning your bomb run in a B-29.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: GNucks on February 23, 2011, 09:20:02 AM
I'm glad it's in the game but I'm afraid it doesn't have a niche in the MA. A well run 29 mission takes too long (and with 300+ perks on the line and ENY 2, I'm going to take my time).

The thing about having the lowest ENY in the game (iirc) is even the Pony can bank come good perks killing a 29 or two. And reports right now indicate that her engines are made of kerosene-soked paper mache. These things are just big flying targets handing out perks to anyone willing to follow them.

I see them being relegated to score potatos* and strat runs at orbit altitude and Special Events (I'm looking forward to scheduled "Come at me!" 29 missions). As far the the tactical sense of base taking in Aces High is concerned, I don't think it has a place.

EDIT
*Funny, HTC. I tried typing the insulting term referring to a "working woman" after "score" (the word that rhymes with the word I tried to type) and you gave me "potato". Anyway, you know what I mean.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Yarbles on February 23, 2011, 09:20:26 AM
What is the niche for the lovely new B-29?



To stop people lusting after it by gving it to people and then we can have the Gloucester Meteor.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Lusche on February 23, 2011, 09:21:57 AM
It is very expensive in perks. A formation will cost 500+ perks. With 3000 bomber perks, I am still suffering from sticker shock.

It is a juicy target.  If I recall, dying yields ¼ perks, if I had landed, I would have gotten 52 points for one easy kill. A formation would result in 156+ perk points!

I can't follow your perk calculations. The basic price is 100 perks, so a formation taking means spending 300 perks. 500 perks would mean a very high perk modifier against your country, and you are quickly running into the ENY 2 limit there.
Second, I also don't know how you get to "yield 1/4 perks". The amount of perks a plane costs has no influence on the oerks you gain by shooting it down. It's always an ENY thing. As the B-29 has ENY 2, a kill of one in a Ta-152 is worth 10/2=5 perks, which are then subject to the usual modifiers



That aside  :D, I have asked myself the same question. There is a combination of factors that make it yet difficult to me to find a precise answer. Maybe it will end up being just for the score players.The big bomb loadouts give you very high damage hit % and millions of points for score.
But for practical purposes (not speaking of fun even), other buffs seem to be better right now. It burns easily and is very expensive, so altitude is the natural answer to this. This takes time and fuel. With the 40x500lbs option, you may actually run out of fuel long before you run out of bombs.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: GNucks on February 23, 2011, 09:22:59 AM
To stop people lusting after it by gving it to people and then we can have the Gloucester Meteor.

*Drool...*

(http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/69435-bigthumbnail.jpg)
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: moot on February 23, 2011, 09:27:44 AM
Sounds like Rufus is thinking of partial perk loss if you ditch rather than die.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: RufusLeaking on February 23, 2011, 09:29:01 AM
I can't follow your perk calculations. The basic price is 100 perks, so a formation taking means spending 300 perks. 500 perks would mean a very high perk modifier against your country, and you are quickly running into the ENY 2 limit there.
Second, I also don't know how you get to "yield 1/4 perks". The amount of perks a plane costs has no influence on the oerks you gain by shooting it down. It's always an ENY thing. As the B-29 has ENY 2, a kill of one in a Ta-152 is worth 10/2=5 perks, which are then subject to the usual modifiers
On the perk cost, you are correct.  I was going for memory.

On the perk yeild, I am referring to the amount of perks earned for killing a B-29.  Last niight, I got 13.xx for a sinlge kill of a B-29. The one quarter modifier is for having died on that sortie.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Lusche on February 23, 2011, 09:29:18 AM
Sounds like Rufus is thinking of partial perk loss if you ditch rather than die.

Ahhh yes. That makes sense. Gotta edit my post before someone notice my brainfart  :uhoh

On the perk yeild, I am referring to the amount of perks earned for killing a B-29.  Last niight, I got 13.xx for a sinlge kill of a B-29. The one quarter modifier is for having died on that sortie.

Ooops... too late  :lol
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: moot on February 23, 2011, 09:46:33 AM
Well that's not how it works Rufus.

http://www.hitechcreations.com/Help-Section/Aces-High-Features/aces-high-help-perk-points.html

Although the page omits ditch and disco modifier, as you can see there's no fraction penalty on kill points for dying.  Even better, just go and do a one kill sortie, noting perk multiplier when you took off (IIRC sortie start time is what all perk modifiers are set to), and the math should be pretty simple.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: RufusLeaking on February 23, 2011, 09:59:38 AM
Well that's not how it works Rufus.

http://www.hitechcreations.com/Help-Section/Aces-High-Features/aces-high-help-perk-points.html

Although the page omits ditch and disco modifier, as you can see there's no fraction penalty on kill points for dying.  Even better, just go and do a one kill sortie, noting perk multiplier when you took off (IIRC sortie start time is what all perk modifiers are set to), and the math should be pretty simple.
OK. There are death multipliers listed on the AH Help score page:

http://www.hitechcreations.com/Help-Section/Aces-High-Features/aces-high-help-scoring.html

I was assuming these applie to perks as well.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: moot on February 23, 2011, 10:04:59 AM
Those modifiers are for perk prices, not perks scored.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Hap on February 23, 2011, 10:33:19 AM
I'll take a run at the question because the 29 appeals very much to me for several reasons.  It helps kick the imagination into high gear; without which, the game's appeal diminishes for me.So either hunting them or flying them the fun factor increases.

I don't think there will any problem finding squads and individual players for whom imagination/fun acts upon them in a similar manner.  They will enjoy the 29's introduction either as a buff pilot or as a Ta-152 M-Jug hunter.

As far as function goes, that is "now that we have it, how shall we use it?"  That'll be left up to players and squads.  I'm not excited about the Me-163 v B-29 contest because we all know how that one will end.  Would I take part in a massive HQ run nonetheless, probably so.  Just for the fun of it.  Infrequently at that.

Strategic factories surely could be a part of the action, but then again, proximity to 163's is again a bit neutralizer.  I've not made a list of the 163 bases on a given map to take note of their range.  I've just assumed factories/hq are well in range.  Maybe on some, factories aren't in 163 range until they are pulled back as they can be on some maps.  That'll be fun for me to figure out.

Then there's town/hangars targets which would hold much appeal especially as strategic efforts support tactical moves on a front line.  29's will cover a sector in a bit less than 5 mins.  So once they are up and a sector out, having them w/in a 5 min call would be too much fun, and maybe even turn out to be effective.  Do I think that's how things will go given their cost, not frequently.  But it's the infrequent times that work out well that I enjoy.  And even if all the plans go south, the guys you're flying with at the time can make all the difference.

So I guess their "role" will be limited only by imagination and cooperation within squads and countries whether you be the hunter or the hunted.  And of course, one's ability and perks.  The objection to the 29's is that we can bomb effectively anything in the game with what we already have, so why have a B29?  Of course, if we applied "well we can already do that with what we have" argument to the entire plane set then not many could be said to be "indispensable" except goons or m3's. 

Since this is day 2 of the 29's introduction, there's no assessing anything.  My guess is 6 months from now, the 29's introduction will have the effect of raising the ceiling of air operations in AH when they are flown well and smart.  Those who fly them will enjoy the challenge of planning an operation and carrying it off successfully, and those who hunt them will enjoy the challenge of thwarting the attempt.

Get a few in the air working together with some squads escorting, could be real enjoyment.  Oh, there is one result upon which I think we can agree, we will see more guys in bombers attempting to earn perks.  A good thing says I when they are flown smart.  I've never enjoyed flying buffs in a "gamey" fashion even though the results from doing so can be very effective when it comes to captures, kills, damage etc.

Should be fun having them in AH.

Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Daubie on February 23, 2011, 10:47:31 AM
First, thanks are in order to HTC (and Greebo for the artwork) for the beautiful B-29.  :salute

Like many, I encountered one for the first time last night. One newbie pass from dead six in an Fw-190A-8 (4x20mm) and the single ship was on fire. I went on to get shot down, but still earned 13+ perks for the single kill.

Which go me to thinking, what is the place for the B-29 in Aces High as we know it?

It is very expensive in perks. A formation will cost 500+ perks. With 3000 bomber perks, I am still suffering from sticker shock.

It is a juicy target.  If I recall, dying yields ¼ perks, if I had landed, I would have gotten 52 points for one easy kill. A formation would result in 156+ perk points!

It is costly to the bomber pilot and lucrative for the interceptor.

Then there are the bomb load options.  40 x 500 would be enough for 13 hangars, in a three ship, salvo three bombs. Or, and someone will try this, a single bomb on 40 towns.

So, what is the role? The bomb load can take out any target, if the plane can get there. High altitude will be a defense. Mass escorts are an option, but, at a certain point, a large number of escorts could just jabo horde a target.

At the high perk price, those that would low level a formation of buffs will not be able to afford it very often. Base or town ack, or even puffy ack, will probably light these beast up handily.

What is the niche for the lovely new B-29?



Fire-bombing Japan at night!

Read a biography of General LeMay

The A-bomb got a lot of bad publicity, but what about all the Japanese cities destroyed in fire-storms?

Any realistic Aces High bombing sorties, unprotected by escort, should be 30,000 feet plus, if you want to land your kills.  I wonder how high a B29 in this game can fly.  B17 will do 37,000 feet no problem at all.

I never got a P-39 into a flat spin in this game, as Yeager found out and his 1st bailout, in advanced training.  P-39s were notorious for flat spins.

I did get a La-7 into a flat spin, upside down the other night.

I like Aces High, but as to real life realism?  Better read some biographies and talk to the old timers, which few are left.  The history books, some, if not most, distort what really happened.

Did the B-29 serve in Europe? Therefore, if not, a FW is rather ridiculous.

Like Okinawa where my wife's uncle was a Marine there at the battle of Sugar-Loaf; the whole point was to secure the island as an air base.  The Marines own Okinawa.  If the USA wants to give it back, they should get the Marines that fought there, their permission, 1st!
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: GNucks on February 23, 2011, 11:03:24 AM
<snip>

What are you talking about? Wrong thread by mistake, perhaps?  :confused:
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Yarbles on February 23, 2011, 11:06:47 AM
*Drool...*

(http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/69435-bigthumbnail.jpg)


What a beauty with late war model doing 490 mph
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: waystin2 on February 23, 2011, 12:15:24 PM
Gloucester Meteor

(http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/11/schwing.jpg)
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: gyrene81 on February 23, 2011, 12:35:41 PM
Fire-bombing Japan at night!

Read a biography of General LeMay

The A-bomb got a lot of bad publicity, but what about all the Japanese cities destroyed in fire-storms?

Any realistic Aces High bombing sorties, unprotected by escort, should be 30,000 feet plus, if you want to land your kills.  I wonder how high a B29 in this game can fly.  B17 will do 37,000 feet no problem at all.

I never got a P-39 into a flat spin in this game, as Yeager found out and his 1st bailout, in advanced training.  P-39s were notorious for flat spins.

I did get a La-7 into a flat spin, upside down the other night.

I like Aces High, but as to real life realism?  Better read some biographies and talk to the old timers, which few are left.  The history books, some, if not most, distort what really happened.

Did the B-29 serve in Europe? Therefore, if not, a FW is rather ridiculous.

Like Okinawa where my wife's uncle was a Marine there at the battle of Sugar-Loaf; the whole point was to secure the island as an air base.  The Marines own Okinawa.  If the USA wants to give it back, they should get the Marines that fought there, their permission, 1st!
i nominator daubie for most illogical b.s. post for the month...someone must have put something really good in his oatmeal this morning.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Dragon on February 23, 2011, 12:46:03 PM
daubie, put the doobie down before posting.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Shuffler on February 23, 2011, 01:14:18 PM
It's place was to make a handfull of folks happy in game.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Lusche on February 23, 2011, 01:22:41 PM
It's place was to make a handfull of folks happy in game.

Only a handful voted for it?  :noid
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Shuffler on February 23, 2011, 01:34:44 PM
Only a handful voted for it?  :noid
Looks like more voted for it. Yet looking at posts most are not happy with it.

You should do something about that helicopter flying around your head. :D
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Lusche on February 23, 2011, 01:36:40 PM
Looks like more voted for it. Yet looking at posts most are not happy with it.

Oh please... you are here long enough to know how it would look like here in the forum if "most are not happy with it" ;)
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Shuffler on February 23, 2011, 01:39:28 PM
Oh please... you are here long enough to know how it would look like here in the forum if "most are not happy with it" ;)

Opinions vary
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Kazaa on February 23, 2011, 01:44:55 PM
It's place was to make a handfull of folks happy in game.

I don't consider myself a "buff driver". But even I think the B-29 is a fantastic additonal to the game and more importantly will see good use in the more popular late war arena.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Karnak on February 23, 2011, 02:03:56 PM
On the perk yeild, I am referring to the amount of perks earned for killing a B-29.  Last niight, I got 13.xx for a sinlge kill of a B-29. The one quarter modifier is for having died on that sortie.
You earn 100% of the perk value (YourAirplaneENY/TargetAirplaneENY*ENYSideBalanceModifier) for shooting something down.  You earn 125% of that for landing it successfully.

Nothing causes you to get 25% of the perks.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: moot on February 23, 2011, 02:35:11 PM
And 150% for CV landing.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: dirtdart on February 23, 2011, 02:38:00 PM
You earn 100% of the perk value (YourAirplaneENY/TargetAirplaneENY*ENYSideBalanceModifier) for shooting something down.  You earn 125% of that for landing it successfully.

Nothing causes you to get 25% of the perks.

Another thread of mine, "the perkie bank". I think on all perk rides, you get shot down, the dude that did you in gets the perks.  Its not like guys dont go chasing after 262s as is. 
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: MarineUS on February 23, 2011, 02:48:53 PM
back to the OP

I'm thinking you can run a mission and just have 1 very good B29 pilot, use him to drop a field as your fighters show up followed by goons.
After they get in, said pilot may travel to nearby bases to shut them down as well to allow an entire island capture. Just takes planning and an early lift by the B29 pilot.
 :)
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Daubie on February 24, 2011, 08:04:16 AM
What are you talking about? Wrong thread by mistake, perhaps?  :confused:

REALISM in the game is what I am talking about.  It does not exist here.

What is the purpose of the B-29 in WWII?

Fire bombing Japan!  Case closed.

What is the purpose of the B-29 in Aces High?

Definitely not realism.

I am migrating towards the servers for the DCS series Black Shark and the new A-10.

My love affair with Aces High is over.
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: gyrene81 on February 24, 2011, 09:23:34 AM
REALISM in the game is what I am talking about.  It does not exist here.

What is the purpose of the B-29 in WWII?

Fire bombing Japan!  Case closed.

What is the purpose of the B-29 in Aces High?
off track and full of poop...and just a guess, you actually believe the tripe your spewing...

you read something once and then associated certains words with the word "purpose"...the b-29 was built as the next evolution of american long range heavy bombers...it was meant to augment/replace heavy bombers that were currently in operation...the fact that incendiary bombs were eventually used in the campaign against japan does not mean the b-29 was built for the purpose of dropping them...

try reading something besides wikipedia
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Rino on February 24, 2011, 09:41:37 AM
     Daubie's not really into realism.  I'm pretty sure he hasn't died and logged off forever yet  :D
Title: Re: What is the role for the B-29? (Yes, another B-29 thread)
Post by: Zoney on February 24, 2011, 11:34:56 AM
Well now, three things you may need when flying or hunting B29's.

1. Patience
2. Patience
3. Patience

Yeah it takes awhile to get to an altitude that you can have a bit of confidence that might afford you the ability to complete your mission and LTL (Live To Land).

I finnally encountered an enemy B29 last night, but first.......

I think, right now at least, the biggest change is the amount of folks I am encountering at high altitudes, (over 20K).  Both friendlies and enemies.  IMHO it is because of the B29 introduction and added excitement she brings.  Lots of guys hunting them, flying them, escorting them.  I've done all 3 and had a ball.  If the B29 has affected any one group the most I would guess it is the normall bomber dudes.  Where before they might encounter some resistance if they were inbound to destroy stuff at 20k, well now with the folks "lying in wait" for the '29's, the defensive pilots are better positioned to thwart them.  I know I have been rewarded with more than a few kills that actually made me feel a bit sorry for my enemies.  Last night, I killed one poor guy in his Mossie 16 at 28k inbound before he could drop.  I think that guy would probably have made it home just a few days ago.

Anyway.........found myself tracking what I figured was a '29 and positioned myself where I though it would appear when it broke the dar.  I was flopping around at 32k in a F4U-C when (yes!) my efforts were rewarded with the appearance of one lone '29, (right where I figured) inbound fast at 30k.  I know he can do 400 mph at that alt and I am only going to get to about 360 so I must time my first pass perfectly, only going to get one shot at this.  I am almost too late, almost misjudged his relative speed, but the short burst into his left wing while I heard the whistling of his bombs was anti-climactic.  Set up and timing was just too perfect for him to even return fire.

Sure had fun.

Thanks HTC