Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Axis vs Allies => Topic started by: Pyro on December 04, 2001, 04:33:00 PM
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I'm looking for a few volunteers with CM experience to staff the CT. The basic task is to create and implement plane and terrain schedules in the CT.
I think the majority of people interested in the CT agree that it needs some changes. I like the suggestions to fold in more gameplay and use terrains that are better suited for this.
What I'm looking for in these volunteers aside from CM experience, is a good understanding of the things that can be done now to get people flying there and enjoying themselves. While this arena is not meant for everyone, it's also not meant to be empty. I think if we can mix varied and interesting historical matchups with some fun gameplay, it'll catch on. If it's approached from the standpoint of everyone trying to build a custom arena for themselves, they'll probably be the only one flying there.
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Forgot to say email me if you're interested.
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Well, I guess I'd better put my money where my mouth is and volunteer. I'll e-mail you when I get home, as it's time to hit the road. I've still got CM privileges in the SEA, but will need them enabled in the CT too. Think we can change the name of the arena to something more representative of what we're trying to do here? Say, the "Combat Environment Arena (CEA)? My second choice would be the BCRA (Big Cahones' Required Arena), but I don't supposed you'd go for that :D.
If you decide to give me the job (there should be an alternate, of course), I'd like to call you up and discuss the ground-rules.
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I sent in an email too. I don't have CM experience but after all the talking I've done I should step up.
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I'd like to volunteer in a capacity that would help. If it requires any dedicated online time then I'm up the creek as I dont have enough personal time to do much of "flying" let alone community/staff work. But if I can help via suggestions and by being part of a think-tank I'd gladly help. Not much different from what I do in these forumns anyway so maybe I'm just rambling....
However. I AM really glad to see this topic :)
Westy
[ 12-04-2001: Message edited by: O'Westy ]
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previous CM experience is my main problem.
I have volunteered to join the CM team but seems there is quite the line for it :)
I'll be here to offer support and an occasional good idea (one would hope at least :D)
Any chance we can be enlightened as to the HTC teams plans for the CT to at least give us guidance in our efforts to aid and abate the CT? :D
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Like Funked, I don't have CM experience, but I'm stepping up to the plate. Put me in coach! :)
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Having already suggested this in another thread I to feel I should "Put my money where my mouth is". No CM experience whatsoever, but we all got to start somewhere. Email is on the way and if it's decided that CM experience is mandatory involvement in any capacity would be welcome. :)
TTFN
snafu
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Actually, I only need 1 person with CM experience as a minimum. He can teach the others. I don't want a big bunch of people doing this. I think it will be easier to start small and add more people if needed or just rotate people in and out. To make it easier for me, please let me know what it is you want to see in the CT in the immediate future when you email me. Thanks.
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Westy, I would like you opinion on what you would "like" to see in the CT. Could you email me the list :)
I have a few ideas I would like to see , but would like to hear from others.
I am building some maps designed around the CT, and any ideas would help shape these.
NUTTZ
( same applies to Ripsnort )
Originally posted by O'Westy:
I'd like to volunteer in a capacity that would help. If it requires any dedicated online time then I'm up the creek as I dont have enough personal time to do much of "flying" let alone community/staff work. But if I can help via suggestions and by being part of a think-tank I'd gladly help. Not much different from what I do in these forumns anyway so maybe I'm just rambling....
However. I AM really glad to see this topic :)
Westy
[ 12-04-2001: Message edited by: O'Westy ]
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All my emails are being returned as undeliverable...
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Okay, e-mail sent to you, Pyro.
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Mine bounced too, whats your addy pyro?
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I finally got one thru. Took a few tries.
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Well all I can say is its about bloody time someone sat up and noticed that we who enjoy the historical match up, and the challanges it brings, are now being noticed.
However lets not start with this......" the CT arena should be called this" or called that kinda rubbish,.....CT arena will do fine!!.
I would expect that with the continuing addition of new A/C, and the new Terrain Editor that we might see something really nice in here.
We now have the numbers to populate 2 arenas, so lets hope that who ever gets the JOB, does us justice.
Some hopes for the future.......
A/ A malta map would be nice with convoys (Barges) etc to hit which would affect supplies?...oh let me think, we already have that dont we...WELL WHY DONT WE USE IT THEN!!!!!!!
B/ Map to be rotated every 2 weeks from ETO to PTO etc etc etc...
We will see what unfolds..fingers crossed!
Marcof 249 RAF, 2 TAF, C~H~Q.....
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Oh and also may I suggest that we have 2 x people in this role, as one should be AXIS biast, and one ALLIED biast.
Not that anyone who flys AH is biast in any way you see ..offcourse.... ;)
Should be fun what with the Stuka OTW in version 109
Marcof. ;)
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I would like to help here, I have a bag of tricks (software wise) that we could use to help co-ordinate stuff in the future.
I am British Maltese, have some material for Malta type scenarios and connections, I can contribute some info eg. Airfield Layouts in Malta etc for those terrain artists :cool:
I have some CM experience from Warbirds but am not interested in doing the ONLINE setup stuff but I am interested in getting combatants into their fighting machines.
Ramjet
249 Sqdn RAF "Gold Coast"
2TAF
OC Command HQ
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Heya Ramjet! You'd be perfect for the Events CM team, why not apply yourself there? I believe the CT arena is not as much events oriented as it would be a 24/7 arena similiar to the main.
Anyway, I think your CM expertise would be highly regarded and welcome with a permanent position on the CM team.
<S>
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Glad to see this topic, Pyro!
I'm sure something good will come out.
I'll try to put some contribution too.
A big <S>!
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I'll take it from the lack, or should i say the No emails i got, that I shouldn't even attempt to make a CT map.
NUTTZ
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Actually NUTTZ, I think it worth looking at. When you say you're building or want to build a map designed around the CT concept, what exactly does that mean to you? Are you talking about a terrain similar to the scenario maps, but with fields and strat targets moved from their historical positions to promote gameplay? Or are you talking about making historical maps that cover less area, again to increase player density? Perhaps you're considering making a two-country map that is not based on real geography, or at least real history. Tell us what a CT terrain would look like to you.
P.S. It doesn't appear that Pyro has decided who(m) the new CT arena administrator(s) are, so perhaps that's why response has been lacking on your generous offer. First things first, eh what?
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Nuttz I'm only getting back into this forumn this am and didn't see your post till now.
My thoughts on the CT and it's next setup pretty much echo what Funkedup has already suggested. The original CT plan with the changing or adding of planes on a weekly basis I found nice but lacking the "war" by way of base capture. I like fighters and I enjoy targets whether they are ground vehicles, bombers or other fighters. I also like the feeling of having participated in mission or a goal and I'm not always simply looking for a dogfight. As long as there is a human in the machine opposing me I like trying to best'em. :) Points don't mean squat to me but having had a white knuckle session defending territory or trying to take it, with others, is real nice. We finally had historically opposing aircraft to use and now if the other ingredient, the "war" can be added in, then things should start cooking in the CT soon.
But I also think that whatever happens next with the CT should start off with baby steps. Nothing too dramatic or drastic. That would leave room for improvement and changes versus driving people away or offering something so different and alien from what they were having fun with already that it turns them off cold. Ten it'll be a squeak to attract them back with changes to try it again.
I personally like the historical maps and I'm completely blank as to what kind of alternate arena map would work. What you and DoK had going last spring looked very promising imo. The arena candy, trains, trucks etc etc are a must now :) Folks want strat to support or kill. All part of that immersion thingy.
Ultimately a lot of what the CT can or cannot be lays with HTC in that the code needs to allow complex changes in radar settings or enable different plane sets based on when an airfield/port or groud base changes hands. For starters anyway :)
Westy
[ 12-06-2001: Message edited by: O'Westy ]
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Well, everyone has their own ideas. Theres so many different ideas for the CT.
What "I" CAN do is only make the maps designed around what you would like to see in the CT. What I can do is make any size map you "think" would be best suited for CT. "I" can add the roads, rivers, and strats where needed. "I" can make the custom tiles needed for the terrain. The map can be made from real life countries, or "fantasy" or made-up terrains with No historical accuracy but designed JUST to have fun. Your call. After that I can only submit it and Hope it will be acceptable to HTC. BUT many hours go into making a map, and to start one without knowing a direction is just a pure waste of time. So I would like to hear ( and have been taking notes and suggestions already from reading this thread) what would make the CT fun. Once compiled i'll start.
I looked at some ww2 battle maps last night. I have some ideas also. One of these ideas would be to make a fantasy map, in addition to historically accurate ones.
The CT map IMO should be axis vs. allied, but this doesn't mean it's limited to 2 sides.
The MAIN reason the CT isn't working and this most will agree with, is the plane set.
we just don't have any good plane set match-ups to do a "perfect" CT. I've been here since the first day, been threw all the updates and know the planes will arrive in due time to balance out a great CT. But as we speak theres very few "historically " accurate battles we could make.
"I" would like to start with 2 maps heres my ideas for them. I willl dwell on strats another time.
A: a Pacific type map ( doesn't have to be historically accurate as long as we can get japanese planes against allied. Either USA vs Japan or we use australia and Spitties vs japanese.
B: a map where Italy and german planes vs allied steel, I'm thinking a north east africa map. this could be
rook=allied
knights=germans
bishops=italy
only problem is knights bishops shooting each other.
IMO, the map should be deigned around GV's.... I, know, I know this is a flight sym. But it all intertwines.
What it boils down to is FUN, I think i do have what it takes to build these maps, But I am not a historian, so i would need some help enabling what planes 'Should" face each other to balance gameplay.
I can only offer to build these maps designed around YOUR input, and submit them for review.
First off, PICK a size map!!!!!
It seams THAT can't even get past this point .
So lets hear them suggestions!!!!
NUTTZ
A: definately a pacific Originally posted by Sabre:
Actually NUTTZ, I think it worth looking at. When you say you're building or want to build a map designed around the CT concept, what exactly does that mean to you? Are you talking about a terrain similar to the scenario maps, but with fields and strat targets moved from their historical positions to promote gameplay? Or are you talking about making historical maps that cover less area, again to increase player density? Perhaps you're considering making a two-country map that is not based on real geography, or at least real history. Tell us what a CT terrain would look like to you.
P.S. It doesn't appear that Pyro has decided who(m) the new CT arena administrator(s) are, so perhaps that's why response has been lacking on your generous offer. First things first, eh what?
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Westy, I agree on the baby steps.
NUTTZ
( more to come )
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Question
Is the Comabt theater going to become solely a Historical Arena or a step up from the Main Arena where realism is chocked up several notches?
We've got some nice discussions on radar, icons and now maps. And while these are good suggestions, I think many are missing the point.
Before you get hot n horney about Pacific, Europe and other scenarios, remember that the planeset limitations and huge map we have now *aren't working*. People aren't going into that arena.
Why? No ones in there. Why? The map is HUGE? Why else? Only selected airplanes are available. And the list goes on.
Perhaps someone with Nuttz's talent can make a fantasy map that isnt available in the Main Arena...and offer players things in the CT they can't have in the Main arena. Namely, radar bars gone, limited icons, weather effects and much much more.
I'm just kinda seeing the same rant over and over, since the CT came out.
I think the key is throwing in a bit more realism for the hardcore pilots of Aces High. If the CT isn't destined to be this kind of arena, some consideration should be made for it.
Yea, Historical Arenas do sound fun...sometimes. But from my point of view, I'd abandon the Main Arena in a heart beat if all the planes were available in the CT with more realism tossed in.
Hey, why not try it for a few nights? Throw Uterus on for a map, toy with the weather/icon/dar settings and see if a smaller map and more realism really draws more folks in. Let's test some theories and see what the numbers say.
Shall we dance? :D
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Lepaul, IMO it's called CT, not HA, therefore I believe it's all in the interpretation ( spells worse than HiTech)
But, the maps can change, we can have bits and parts of both, and it could be changed with each map. What NEEDS to be done is a starting point. I like westy's point, baby steps.
Lets start with a small map, start playing with Icon ranges, types and planeset. then tweek it by taking suggestions on what is liked or disliked.
I can set up a small H2H map and anyone can join and email me or post in here suggestions and changes. I'll make the changes and set up the H2h again and see if it's Really what is wanted, rinse and repeat UNTIL we can get what we want.
I'd love to see a Allied tank. This would really help an Allied vs axis terrain.
A Japanese buff.... val, kate , betty anything that could drop a torp or bombs.
NUTTZ
Originally posted by LePaul:
Question
Is the Comabt theater going to become solely a Historical Arena or a step up from the Main Arena where realism is chocked up several notches?
We've got some nice discussions on radar, icons and now maps. And while these are good suggestions, I think many are missing the point.
Before you get hot n horney about Pacific, Europe and other scenarios, remember that the planeset limitations and huge map we have now *aren't working*. People aren't going into that arena.
Why? No ones in there. Why? The map is HUGE? Why else? Only selected airplanes are available. And the list goes on.
Perhaps someone with Nuttz's talent can make a fantasy map that isnt available in the Main Arena...and offer players things in the CT they can't have in the Main arena. Namely, radar bars gone, limited icons, weather effects and much much more.
I'm just kinda seeing the same rant over and over, since the CT came out.
I think the key is throwing in a bit more realism for the hardcore pilots of Aces High. If the CT isn't destined to be this kind of arena, some consideration should be made for it.
Yea, Historical Arenas do sound fun...sometimes. But from my point of view, I'd abandon the Main Arena in a heart beat if all the planes were available in the CT with more realism tossed in.
Hey, why not try it for a few nights? Throw Uterus on for a map, toy with the weather/icon/dar settings and see if a smaller map and more realism really draws more folks in. Let's test some theories and see what the numbers say.
Shall we dance? :D
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One thing i noticed last night while flying Wild Wednesday. The area doesn't pick up your Squad logo unless invited. I was still in the squad from the last senerio. This maybe a clue to adding a squad logo of an american flag, this would distinquise axis and allied tanks apart. But i don't know what problems this would cause, if people wanted to change sides or who would invite the people into squad so the flag would show.
I really want to get the axis vs allied ground warfare into the map.
Patton vs Rommel, land grab, Africa with captureing depots and fields, with air cover is tempting. Places to hide, places to flank, something that takes teamwork and thought. After all these years I love the senerios best off all but can't make a 4 week commitment. This is just what I think I personally would like to see.
Definately enemy icons OFF!.
Freindly really really short.
64 x64 mile map for starters.
NUTTZ
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I agree with ya, Nuttz, small steps.
Let's get a smaller map in there, and see how many players that draws. Toy with the other settings and collect input from there.
Matter of fact, I'm heading there now...just home from working all eve at UPS and looking forward to a little fun!
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Oopps, room closed. Well, maybe next time
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We had 8 people flying in H2H last night with icons off. It was a blast. I could tell the planes apart easily before they were in firing range and I was in 800X600. The zeke's and georges meatball gave them away every time. I personally like NUTTZ's ideas. 64X64 map might be just what the doc ordered for icons off. Maybe a lil larger, but guys, icons off is doable. I would have the guy in my sights, he'd dive to the deck, I'd lose him, then he'd be on my 6 a few secs later. It was fun. :)
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i thought as an arena setting icons ranges could be shortened not turned off.
Is this correct? If so icons off is a no go unless you trust people to turn umm off.
I used to fly a bit of h2h no icons and had a reticle site that was a half moon that would fit a p51 at 350 yards.
Was easy enough to get kills.
We would need a smaller map or more folks.....
better get started on that small map :)
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Heya Ramjet! You'd be perfect for the Events CM team, why not apply yourself there? I believe the CT arena is not as much events oriented as it would be a 24/7 arena similiar to the main.
Anyway, I think your CM expertise would be highly regarded and welcome with a permanent position on the CM team.
<S>
Thank you for your kind words Ripsnort <S>, I may do in the future if the offer is still open but right now, I will concentrate here and see how it goes.
Regards
Ramjet
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Yup, it's alot of fun. Now the terrain has to be just right. If it's too cluttered it's hard to see the planes without the Icon. So A right balance has to be acheived.
NUTTZ
Originally posted by hblair:
We had 8 people flying in H2H last night with icons off. It was a blast. I could tell the planes apart easily before they were in firing range and I was in 800X600. The zeke's and georges meatball gave them away every time. I personally like NUTTZ's ideas. 64X64 map might be just what the doc ordered for icons off. Maybe a lil larger, but guys, icons off is doable. I would have the guy in my sights, he'd dive to the deck, I'd lose him, then he'd be on my 6 a few secs later. It was fun. :)
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Nuttz, I'd like to see, to start, historical maps, using historical terrain and capturable cities and factories in their historical locations as well as genuine topography as gotten from the national geographic society site, if thats possible for you to do. I think it would best to start with historically based stuff and change as needed for game play. Thats were I'd start.
3 countries is fine as long as kill shooter is on for axis and allies so same side cant kill each other. Large maps would obviously have to be reduced for gameplay.
I wholeheartedly suppport your idea about more gv participation, your right on target there.
No matter what you produce, if its up to the quality I've seen from you it'll be wonderfull.
CRASH
Originally posted by NUTTZ:
Well, everyone has their own ideas. Theres so many different ideas for the CT.
What "I" CAN do is only make the maps designed around what you would like to see in the CT. What I can do is make any size map you "think" would be best suited for CT. "I" can add the roads, rivers, and strats where needed. "I" can make the custom tiles needed for the terrain. The map can be made from real life countries, or "fantasy" or made-up terrains with No historical accuracy but designed JUST to have fun. Your call. After that I can only submit it and Hope it will be acceptable to HTC. BUT many hours go into making a map, and to start one without knowing a direction is just a pure waste of time. So I would like to hear ( and have been taking notes and suggestions already from reading this thread) what would make the CT fun. Once compiled i'll start.
I looked at some ww2 battle maps last night. I have some ideas also. One of these ideas would be to make a fantasy map, in addition to historically accurate ones.
The CT map IMO should be axis vs. allied, but this doesn't mean it's limited to 2 sides.
The MAIN reason the CT isn't working and this most will agree with, is the plane set.
we just don't have any good plane set match-ups to do a "perfect" CT. I've been here since the first day, been threw all the updates and know the planes will arrive in due time to balance out a great CT. But as we speak theres very few "historically " accurate battles we could make.
"I" would like to start with 2 maps heres my ideas for them. I willl dwell on strats another time.
A: a Pacific type map ( doesn't have to be historically accurate as long as we can get japanese planes against allied. Either USA vs Japan or we use australia and Spitties vs japanese.
B: a map where Italy and german planes vs allied steel, I'm thinking a north east africa map. this could be
rook=allied
knights=germans
bishops=italy
only problem is knights bishops shooting each other.
IMO, the map should be deigned around GV's.... I, know, I know this is a flight sym. But it all intertwines.
What it boils down to is FUN, I think i do have what it takes to build these maps, But I am not a historian, so i would need some help enabling what planes 'Should" face each other to balance gameplay.
I can only offer to build these maps designed around YOUR input, and submit them for review.
First off, PICK a size map!!!!!
It seams THAT can't even get past this point .
So lets hear them suggestions!!!!
NUTTZ
A: definately a pacific
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Refresher for anyone who may want to know why some players are on what is called the CT team.
Westy