Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: KG45 on July 15, 2011, 07:00:56 PM

Title: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: KG45 on July 15, 2011, 07:00:56 PM
 the return of a single LW arena (which I heartily support) leaves no alternative for dedicated GVers like me. just logged on to find there's no GV spawns available for the Knights. (sorry, don't wanna keep changing sides). I just dont play enuff anymore to be competent in a plane, but do enjoys some mindless 2D fighting and blowing stuff up for a few hours on the weekends.

as AH keeps adding and updating GVs, it seemly supports that aspect of the game, but the older maps just aren't GV friendly, w/ few spawns and spawns parsecs away from bases and fields.

ok, a whine has been recorded. flame away.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: caldera on July 15, 2011, 07:06:35 PM
Some new life could be breathed into certain maps with fewer GV spawns by adding new spawns.  IMO, most maps could use additional GV spawns.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: waystin2 on July 15, 2011, 07:13:43 PM
IMO, most maps could use additional GV spawns.


I do agree that some maps could use more GV action hotspots. :aok
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: Killer91 on July 15, 2011, 08:52:21 PM
+1

The current LW map needs to be retired ASAP and never resurrected again.   :aok
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: Dogtown on July 16, 2011, 08:28:57 AM
+ 1 ...Last nights map was a real disappointment for a knight gver
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: Scotty55OEFVet on July 16, 2011, 09:29:52 AM
I have asked this before I am sure, but why do we NOT have any new maps. Im sorry, but Mindano (know its not new per say, but as a MA Map it just sucks), cmon. Why cant we use some of the FSO or AvA maps? I just think that the addition of new maps would break the cycle of getting craptastic maps over and over.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: The Fugitive on July 16, 2011, 09:42:58 AM
I have asked this before I am sure, but why do we NOT have any new maps. Im sorry, but Mindano (know its not new per say, but as a MA Map it just sucks), cmon. Why cant we use some of the FSO or AvA maps? I just think that the addition of new maps would break the cycle of getting craptastic maps over and over.

AVA and FSO maps are not made to the same exacting standards the MA maps MUST be made to. Also many are only 2 sided where the MAs are 3. MAs MUST be 3 because HTC has deemed it the best number of sides to make better game play.

Maps are player made. Mostly because HTC is busy doing other things and they do have a dozen MA maps now. If you would like to build a map for the MAs it is easy enough to do. Go to the MAP threads for help and a few tutorials to help you get started. MA maps must have supply system and such (which the FSO and AVA map don't need) so be sure to include them all. From what I've heard, if you spend most of your free time, and get some help from friends to help test it, you should be able to get one through in about 6 months.

Good luck, I look forward to flying your new map.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: R 105 on July 16, 2011, 09:51:36 AM
 Each and every map needs a GV spawn like V85. Some of us are dedicated GVers and find it hard to find a spawn to fight at. I don't want to spend 20 minutes driving to get one shot off. If we had to keep a drivers log book in our tank like a truck driver the DOT would put us all out of service for 8 hours for being over on our driving time. Tighten a few spawn up or at least one per map.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: The Fugitive on July 16, 2011, 10:04:50 AM
Each and every map needs a GV spawn like V85. Some of us are dedicated GVers and find it hard to find a spawn to fight at. I don't want to spend 20 minutes driving to get one shot off. If we had to keep a drivers log book in our tank like a truck driver the DOT would put us all out of service for 8 hours for being over on our driving time. Tighten a few spawn up or at least one per map.

I don't know what it would take to "update" a map if they were only moving a few spawn points. a lot of the maps where made back when GVing wasn't that popular. The newer maps have more spawns. I wonder if it would be easier to edit and existing map than build a new one.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: R 105 on July 16, 2011, 10:36:18 AM
 I think they can shorten or lengthen a spawn point. If I recall we had shorter spawns some years back until the fly boys whined until they were moved out. I could be wrong but that is what I remember. If so then pushing a spawn one way or the other should be simpler than a new map.

 The problem with the maps we have are the folks who took the time to make these maps were pilots who have no use for a GV to start with. If the map are player generated then maybe some computer wise tanker type could make a map that has a few spawns for us armor minded folks.

 I wish I had the ability to do it, I am retired and have a lot of time  on my hands. However the only computer experience I had was the computers in our cruisers and I was just about smart enough to get DMV information out of it. I have only had a home computer since 04.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: RTHolmes on July 16, 2011, 11:10:14 AM
If you would like to build a map for the MAs it is easy enough to do.

ORLLY? then why do we see new player-made MA terrains every couple of years instead of every month?

In theory maps are player-made. In reality its the same old maps for years.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: CountD90 on July 16, 2011, 11:36:03 AM
Someone didn't catch the sarcasm in fugitive's post..
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: RTHolmes on July 16, 2011, 11:37:23 AM
I'm pretty sure there wasnt any ...
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: ImADot on July 16, 2011, 11:37:43 AM
Making maps is easy...making good maps that conform to the requirements takes time.  :D

Editing existing maps, from what I've heard, cannot be done unless someone has the raw source files from the original map creator. Many times, the player has left the game or nobody has the non-compiled map to edit.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: caldera on July 16, 2011, 11:45:34 AM
I have asked this before I am sure, but why do we NOT have any new maps. Im sorry, but Mindano (know its not new per say, but as a MA Map it just sucks), cmon. Why cant we use some of the FSO or AvA maps? I just think that the addition of new maps would break the cycle of getting craptastic maps over and over.

As Fugitive said, maps are player made and take an insane amount of time to do.  Already have many months of work into one and still quite a ways to go (using the pointy-clicky method for elevations takes a long time.   :bhead)  Download the Terrain Editor and give it a try.  After a few days, you will understand why we don't get new maps left and right.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: The Fugitive on July 16, 2011, 11:46:01 AM
Someone didn't catch the sarcasm in fugitive's post..

BINGO !!


.....I wish I had the ability to do it, I am retired and have a lot of time  on my hands. However the only computer experience I had was the computers in our cruisers and I was just about smart enough to get DMV information out of it. I have only had a home computer since 04.

I have the ability, but not the time. How about you go back to work and provide for my family, and I'll get to work on some new maps !   :D If I'm lucky I have another 10 years untill I can retire, but I'm sure I'll be working into my 70's  :(
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: Scotty55OEFVet on July 16, 2011, 12:31:50 PM
BINGO !!


I have the ability, but not the time. How about you go back to work and provide for my family, and I'll get to work on some new maps !   :D If I'm lucky I have another 10 years untill I can retire, but I'm sure I'll be working into my 70's  :(


Oh....ha ha ha, its funny cause hes bein sarcastic lol....and he really doesnt mean he will work on maps while u take over his family duties lol (Family Guy ref there so dont think im pokin fun). And thanks for the info guys, most appreciated and helps e understand the painstaking amount of time it takes to make a new map!
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: The Fugitive on July 16, 2011, 01:38:47 PM
I remember when the AKs were working on the desert map they built. Even with a bunch of the AKs testing different parts of the map it was still talked about for around 6 months before we saw it. To make a MA map is a LOT of work.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: RTHolmes on July 16, 2011, 01:50:43 PM
my SARCDAR must be playing up ...  :uhoh
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: Blagard on July 16, 2011, 02:18:35 PM
To make a MA map is a LOT of work.

As some-one who has merely played with the Terrain Editor I think that is still something of an understatement. The work involved is Huge!

For those asking about editing:
I'm no expert, but I do appreciate the Maps we use are the compiled result of all sorts of data files. You can't edit a compiled map, you need the files it was built from to do that. Even then it is not going to be easy going.

One of the upsides to AH is that people can, if they have the desire to do it, put a map together. To get one approved is to take the skill to another level again. Aircraft skins, sounds etc. have been done by players with the desire and enthusiasm to get stuck in. Perhaps some feedback on what would be a good map with the current set of GVs & Aircraft would be useful, so that a builder might have at least some chance of devoting his/her time to a Map that is not met with scorn and critisim!
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: CountD90 on July 16, 2011, 03:57:52 PM
A malfunctioning SARCDAR is never a good thing, but this little bit "From what I've heard, if you spend most of your free time, and get some help from friends to help test it, you should be able to get one through in about 6 months.

Good luck, I look forward to flying your new map." Made it kinda obvious lol
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: USRanger on July 16, 2011, 09:43:09 PM
Making terrains is for nerds.
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: ImADot on July 16, 2011, 09:52:58 PM
Making terrains is for nerds.

Shut it, nerd.












<---Nerd






 :D
Title: Re: maybe time to retire some maps?
Post by: A8TOOL on July 16, 2011, 10:56:46 PM
AVA and FSO maps are not made to the same exacting standards the MA maps MUST be made to. Also many are only 2 sided where the MAs are 3. MAs MUST be 3 because HTC has deemed it the best number of sides to make better game play.

Maps are player made. Mostly because HTC is busy doing other things and they do have a dozen MA maps now.....blah blah blah...make your own map

Good luck, I look forward to flying your new map.


Thats Just cold


I see nothing wrong with 2 sided maps,,,might even work out better than WWl which I never see anyone in.

One of my favorite maps is OKANSAS but it's to easy to take. If HTC wanted to tweak that one map or maybe 2 out of their set and make capture, ammo ect. harder maybe it would last longer and give a better challange.

you don't like it make your own map....tisk tisk