Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Hajo on June 11, 2015, 10:22:35 AM
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This post is a point of view from an older player, how the game was, and how it is now. There will be no flaming please. Everyone plays the game the way it creates more fun for them. Gameplay by individuals or groups of individuals should not be criticized. This is just a remembrance of what the game was then and what it is now from my perspective.
This hopefully will explain what the community was and what it has evolved into. Hitech must make changes to please as many possible so that the popularity of the game increases, therefore adding subscribers. This is a must for Hitech Creations to survive. For any business to survive for that matter. This is probably a reflection more so on the communities then and now. None being better then the other.
Hangtime, Moss, Lephturn, Apar, Saw, Ram, Regurge, hblair , Wilbuz (my good friend) Whels, Westy, LT, Lugs and the names go on. A lot of players in our squadron were from that time (The Flying Circus). Those names listed are a small part of the community that we had virtual combat with on a daily basis. At that time when you lost a fight it was popular for the one who beat you to critique what you did wrong, where mistakes were made, and what you can do better to win! I appreciated that! When I was new or anyone at that time was new the critiques were welcomed.
We had our arses handed to us so much that our wives had to take in the seats of our pants. Why would they/we do that? To make the competition better and thus make the fights longer and more immersive. SA wasn't a passing thought and neither was ACM. Now did we have a few in game that could be idiots? Yup. Very few. Now if you lose a fight, do something another player does not like, channel 200 explodes into various tirades and name calling. Insults abound! Accusations made, and childish ones at that. No help offered to make a player better, and the chastisement disappoints new players and in many cases causes them to say "screw this" and leaves never to comeback. That my friends is our fault, the Communities fault. We scare some players away. "Ya wanna go to the DA?" Chest pounding! How bout "Let's go to the DA and see if we can improve your virtual piloting skills."
There was no bragging when coming back to the MA and chest pounding. Someone just made a friend and got better at the game to boot.
Example on gameplay then and now. in early AH at one time you could capture a field with two P38s and a goon. Easy! Why? Not many did it, no need to make the cities as they are today. Let me say again this is not to criticize taking airfields if that is what you like to do! This is just pointing out the differences between the game and community at that time. None being better or none being worse.
I could go on and be more boring then I already have been. :rofl Life changes, players have to leave because the economy (30 dollars back then which we gladly paid), raising a family and aging like me :furious.
My concern is will games like steal the sheep subtract from the population that plays air to air combat for entertainment? I understand the populations age in this community is probably getting younger, not many old fartz like me still around. HTC must do what is best for his business and the game must evolve into what will attract more subscribers.
This is business and not personal. I'm anxiously awaiting the new version! Many of us old timers have left for various reasons. Life, economy, the change in gameplay within the community etc. I'm hoping my love of air to air combat will stay with me for many more years. My love of the aircraft and the pilots histories, and the combat history of WWII
will never leave me.
Off soapbox.......longwinded. If anyone wishes to add something constructive please do so. It can't hurt! Remember, this is my point of view only.
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I always enjoyed hopping over and winging TFC. :salute
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I always enjoyed hopping over and winging TFC. :salute
Jay at anytime you are most welcomed to do so. You have always been a good friend of ours.
Hey ever notice when the older guys who left previously come back they join our squad?
Ripsnort, Swoop and Eddiek! Guess they feel comfortable with us old fartz :rofl
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I first flew online - in WarBirds - back in March 1997. There was plenty of chest-thumping going on then, too. One just has to tune it out. ;)
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I first flew online - in WarBirds - back in March 1997. There was plenty of chest-thumping going on then, too. One just has to tune it out. ;)
Bino even before that in AW there was little reason to do that. We just simply played. Again differences between communities then and now.
No right or wrong in either.
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There is some historical precedent here to this game (Steal the Sheep):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzkashi
I once visited Argentina, and witnessed some kids playing something similar called Pato. It was amazing to see them be able to grab the "ball" (can't remember the name of it, think medicine ball with handles) without riding in stirrups or a saddle, off the ground while riding at full speed. The horsemanship was amazing. These were kids "learning" how to ride, but the skills learned here translated in to them being amazing in the saddle of a tacked horse.
There will be a silver lining to this cloud, Steal the Sheep will encourage ACM. I think this will encourage people to get extremely good at defensive maneuvers. Thus, this will translate to a higher incidence of encountering advanced maneuvers in the MA. It will be much like people playing Kill the Crabb on a regular basis.
P.S. Sorry for posting here, this leaves you open for bustr flaming this post and thread
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I started playing aw back in 96. I would say that except the a26 not being available, nothing has really changed. game play is the same except we can ho now :).
it is still fun as hell. lots of good friends and plenty of beer :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
semp
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Hajo how you doing? Please tell bushlt I said hello also. I'm busy atm. I'll be back around June 20.
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I started playing back in AW as well and while there were a few people that would go off on you, most were helpful and I learned a lot. I've been with DFA since the late 90s and transitioned over to AH when they shut down AW. We had our rivalries but they were usually respect-filled (except for a few we may, or may not have had bounties on :evil:) and help abounded. I still have lots of friends like XBRIT that remember me as "TIT" since my Icon showed only the first three letters in AW (I thought that was pretty funny).
Still the same today for the most part with a couple exceptions that you brought up... GEICO and I had some good interactions the other night and discussed them on 200... they were good fights and I was winging with a squady, which is where I find the most fun. Full of respect. I play the way I want.. no Ho'ing if I can help it (not right or wrong, my choice), I will let an opponent ditch most the time if we've had a long fight (unless you HO me), and I try to give new folks some guidance (AH is full of help) and not flame them or ALT-F4 them (aggravates me).
I do find that the younger generation (my 19 yr old son and I have had discussions at length about this) are more apt to flame you on 200. Or, even if you are in the same country and they perceive you aren't furthering their cause ( try to help when I can). They are more apt to say something online that they wouldnt say to your face. Its the world they live in...they are badder on-line than they are in-person. Now, that same thing applies to some of the older guys in here but most of their BS is joking or to get a rise, not trying to beat you down to make you quit.
I'm not in for the "instant gratification" and I like to ACM and "play combat". And for the friend/acquaintances I've made here. Ive been on and off for the last 16 or 17 years but I always come back.
Hopefully HITECH can find a happy medium but we just have to adhere to gameplay and hopefully get what we are looking for...
:salute :cheers:
TITAN
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Hajo how you doing? Please tell bushlt I said hello also. I'm busy atm. I'll be back around June 20.
Rud3boi! Hurry back will relay msg. to Bush!
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A humorous coincidence. My wife emailed this to me right after I read the OP.
Not so off topic.
http://dilbert.com/?utm_source=dilbert.com/newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=brand-loyalty&utm_content=header-notice (http://dilbert.com/?utm_source=dilbert.com/newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=brand-loyalty&utm_content=header-notice)
Check out June 7.
Hajo. Good points. Bino. +1.
:salute
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I haven't posted in a long time, but doggone you Hajo you've made me look up my login info and start typing again.
Thanks for a great post and the remembrance of days long past.
After reading this I may chisel off the dust from the old Microsoft Precision 2 and resubscribe with the advent of the new version.
Best Regards, Hajo <<S>>
Sun
P.S.
I miss Wax. :cry
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I haven't posted in a long time, but doggone you Hajo you've made me look up my login info and start typing again.
Thanks for a great post and the remembrance of days long past.
After reading this I may chisel off the dust from the old Microsoft Precision 2 and resubscribe with the advent of the new version.
Best Regards, Hajo <<S>>
Sun
P.S.
I miss Wax. :cry
Sundown ya better beware if I find ya a creepin' round my backstairs. <S>Old Friend.
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Sundown ya better beware if I find ya a creepin' round my backstairs.
You write songs too? :noid :old:
Nice post Hajo and I remember all those handles you posted. Started in W/B in 95 and A/H in Beta. :cheers:
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I don't enjoy it as I once did, but I keep my subscription going...of late it occurs to me I need heap much practice :joystick:
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<snip, boring nostalgic stuff :P >
My concern is will games like steal the sheep subtract from the population that plays air to air combat for entertainment? I understand the populations age in this community is probably getting younger, not many old fartz like me still around. HTC must do what is best for his business and the game must evolve into what will attract more subscribers.
This is business and not personal. I'm anxiously awaiting the new version! Many of us old timers have left for various reasons. Life, economy, the change in gameplay within the community etc. I'm hoping my love of air to air combat will stay with me for many more years. My love of the aircraft and the pilots histories, and the combat history of WWII
will never leave me.
Off soapbox.......longwinded. If anyone wishes to add something constructive please do so. It can't hurt! Remember, this is my point of view only.
Great post old friend!
I agree, personally I can't see why HTC would waste time with the "capture the sheep" game. If it's part of the main arena it will take players away from the "war".... and we know how well that goes over with those fighting it. If there is a way to grief that portion of the map they will.
Unlike hack, I think it will only teach players how to run, maybe dodge. How long will player "stay in jail" waiting to be rescued? I don't know, to me it takes away from the game, not adds. But like Hajo said, HTC knows what they are doing to expand and/or make the game more appealing to others. I only play two games, this one and Vegas style solitaire on my phone. Im not looking for any thing else.
I too am looking forward to playing the new version. I hope it has more to it than "eye candy". Back "then" this game was a lot of fun to play. While there was a lot of competition there was very little malis. Everyone got along pretty well and everyone learned from each other. Things are different now. Personally I think it IS worst, and I think many agree as we have seen the numbers drop. If the game was still fun and exciting to those players many more would have stayed.
We shall see. It's nice seeing some of the old guard returning. Maybe we'll see more of the old style of play come back too.
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<S> Hajo my old friend. Well said. 2002 to 2004, for me, were the glory years.
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Hajo...
that was sweet and I haven't played the game in years, but that is not what the MA was like.
It was flames, it was crying, it was chest thumping and whining and gloating.
There was also sportsmanship, but common.
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<S> Hajo, and all the other "old guard"..........
I agree with what he said wholeheartedly. At one point, probably 2000-2005, I looked forward to logging in. Every time was an adventure. There were "win the war" types, there were base takers, but mainly it was about combat, getting in there and mixing it up with an opponent(s), and win or lose, throw a <S> out on the open channel.
At first I began to see squads getting larger and larger, with corresponding results..........it wasn't about who could fly better or fight better, it was about simply overwhelming with numbers.
Then with more squads joining the more is better ranks, that devolved into the NOE "hit em where they ain't", avoid combat if at all possible style of play. Numerous posts on this BBS about players surprising one of the NOE raids and most of not all of the raiders almost instantly bailing.
Real life kept me from being able to actively play the game for several years, but this board is one of the few that I check in and ready literally every day. I've seen the gameplay change over the years even though I couldn't play. When the game was most fun, for me, was when people sought out combat, not avoided it.
With the numbers in the arena dropping (there were 35 in the Late War MA when I logged in this morning at 7AM CST), one has to wonder if the changes made to assuage certain cliques has driven people away. I know that personally, taking a plane up to go GV hunting is the last thing I want to do anymore. Sometimes that's the only thing going on so you have little choice other than logging off. It was a lot more fun for me back before the icon range for GV's got reduced so much that they might as well not have any. It's a combat game/sim.......you choose your ride, you take your chances. Don't wanna lose a perk tank or plane, don't take one out. It's that simple. That is one decision by HTC that I am and will openly critical of. That decision has led to the strat raids by GV's, with the raiders being for all intents and purposes invisible from the air. The universal 6K for all icons worked in my opinion.
Then we have the fly so high the fighters can't reach ya buff drivers; encountering someone like 999000 (<S> to you, sir, was refreshing to see someone fly at an alt like they wanted a fight) who flies into a fight, not over it, and gets kills while he's doing it........those are the folks that I consider assets to the game. They seek out combat, they don't try to avoid it. Like ghi said, I suspect something is off somewhere somehow........I filmed a sortie the other night with 34K B29's, then 35K B-17's, both were able to outpace the opposing fighters.........the B-17's, were on film, running about 40mph faster than the speed charts show they should be, all the while holding that same alt and not diving. Maybe it's time for HT to introduce the jet stream or something above certain alts; sure you can fly against it, but your accuracy is gonna stink much like in RL.
I look forward to seeing what the next version holds in store. The whole sheep game holds no appeal for me..........I truly hope that there is more to the coming update than that.
<S> to all........carry on!!
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Great post Hajo!
Suffice to say that human nature, good and bad, is more or less the same after tens of thousands of years. What has changed for those of us who came of age in the advent of personal computers in the 80's, and the dawn of the internet in the mid-90's, is our absolute amazement at discovering our fascination with WW2 history, movies, etc. was made a reality by the discovery AOL, Gamestorm and Air Warrior. And thank cod it came along after the gENIE guys, who used to spend hundreds a month on AW...eh Brooke?
Our generation was the direct prodigy of those who fought the battles and died doing so...on all sides. We were given the keys to a magical new realm thanks to Jobs, Gates, Kesmai and all that followed. Yes, even back then, the slap talk, bravado and the pure evil of DoK Gonzo were commonplace. On the flip side, we were a small band brothers and once the chest thumping subsided, those who learned the secrets and drank at the fountain of knowledge, shared with the poor & pathetic dweebs.
Those of us under 40, have no exposure to those early days oF technology. Today it's all about the fight, the win, the victory. Absent a victory, the recourse is anger, incrimination, running away and flaming on 200 or PVT.
Yup Hajo, great post. Unfortunately it will fall on many deaf ears. No one's fault really. The world is just a very different place than it was 20 years ago.
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My concern is will games like steal the sheep subtract from the population that plays air to air combat for entertainment? I understand the populations age in this community is probably getting younger, not many old fartz like me still around.
I agree with you to some extent, but I feel it is the older vets responsibility to educate the youths on the historical nature of the period we attempt to emulate. I'd much rather have the younger ones look up to you (Hajo), Oldman, CorkyJr, Bighorn and many others who I cannot think of at the time (my apologies).
So let them come to Aces High to steal sheep. Welcome them with open arms, educate them on the history of both the real events and the history of the game genre.
If the old timers do not educate the new players the alternative is the ignorant, narcissistic 'Richard Craniums' that are cropping up in this game will become the archetype for the new ones to follow.
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I agree with you to some extent, but I feel it is the older vets responsibility to educate the youths on the historical nature of the period we attempt to emulate. I'd much rather have the younger ones look up to you (Hajo), Oldman, CorkyJr, Bighorn and many others who I cannot think of at the time (my apologies).
So let them come to Aces High to steal sheep. Welcome them with open arms, educate them on the history of both the real events and the history of the game genre.
If the old timers do not educate the new players the alternative is the ignorant, narcissistic 'Richard Craniums' that are cropping up in this game will become the archetype for the new ones to follow.
Del absolutely spot on, well done. There was a time when someone of any country would ask you for a few tips and tricks flying your aircraft of choice. The younger ones wanted to learn. I'm sure you've helped many P38 drivers as I've helped Jug Drivers..........in the past. Many others have done the same in this game. Can't help someone who doesn't wish help. Can't teach History of the game and of WWII. Many of us have sizable libraries on the subject, the history of the squadrons, the men who flew them and so on.
Dan reads extensively and has done research on WWII aviation. I have done so also but not to the level of Dan. During the push to have the Beaufighter we collected a lot of info on the Beaus. I have 3 pilots notes on 3 separate versions of the Beau, drawings prints you name it. We read and learned the history. Was emailed to hitech creations also.
In essence I'm sure many of us would be glad to help. To teach the history etc. How the spit should be handled, etc. Someone has to want the help. That may be the problem.
I still love the sting of combat even if I'm flying a kite. If I win great.........if I don't I pay for another shot at it.
A few days ago, I posted the loses for 10 July 1940 on both the RAF and Luftwaffes sides during the Battle of Britain. This is in the general discussion section of our BBS. It put a plane in the topic, the gentleman or gentlemens names who were in the aircraft. What transpired with them and their aircraft and crew if any. I put an actual name to an actual squadron and the results of those crew that day. I had views. But not one response. I have no idea if anyone has or had any interest. Views but not a response. I guessed no one cares what happened that day in WWII over Britain and the British Channel. Hey......maybe they already know? I am not sure if many of us care about the history anymore <shrugz>. Btw this community is missing a great asset. His name is Fencer. This game is poorer without his participation imho. I hope my old friend is doing well.
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Hajo, and others who were around way back when..............
Was it Mathman or Hangtime that used to get on the open channel "Greetings, despised enemies, .........." and announce a raid? Tons of bombers, with escorts would come to your HQ. No sneaking, no flying to high to be intercepted, just an out and out brawl at 20-25K, buff and escorts against defenders. Those were fun for everyone involved. Sometimes they got through to the HQ, sometimes they didn't. But it was about the combat. No one fixated on winning the war(s). Fly, fight, have fun, and if in the process a map got reset, so be it.
Miss those days. The gameplay in the here and now doesn't even come close in comparison.
Your mileage may vary, but I remember a time when it wasn't just about who won and lost, about winning by any means, fair or foul..........there was, believe it or not.....sportmanship, tradition, chivalry, and a sense of honor.
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I miss the big numbers. We lost a lot of players when they split the main arena and also when they implemented eny. I don't know what all the sheep talk is about, but hopefully it's to get more targets.
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Hajo, and others who were around way back when..............
Was it Mathman or Hangtime that used to get on the open channel "Greetings, despised enemies, .........." and announce a raid? Tons of bombers, with escorts would come to your HQ. No sneaking, no flying to high to be intercepted, just an out and out brawl at 20-25K, buff and escorts against defenders. Those were fun for everyone involved. Sometimes they got through to the HQ, sometimes they didn't. But it was about the combat. No one fixated on winning the war(s). Fly, fight, have fun, and if in the process a map got reset, so be it.
Miss those days. The gameplay in the here and now doesn't even come close in comparison.
Your mileage may vary, but I remember a time when it wasn't just about who won and lost, about winning by any means, fair or foul..........there was, believe it or not.....sportmanship, tradition, chivalry, and a sense of honor.
EddieK that was Mathman for sure LOL. Every time he logged we received his greeting..........and away we went to intercept the incoming raid. Great fun!
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Del absolutely spot on, well done. There was a time when someone of any country would ask you for a few tips and tricks flying your aircraft of choice. The younger ones wanted to learn. I'm sure you've helped many P38 drivers as I've helped Jug Drivers..........in the past. Many others have done the same in this game. Can't help someone who doesn't wish help. Can't teach History of the game and of WWII. Many of us have sizable libraries on the subject, the history of the squadrons, the men who flew them and so on.
Dan reads extensively and has done research on WWII aviation. I have done so also but not to the level of Dan. During the push to have the Beaufighter we collected a lot of info on the Beaus. I have 3 pilots notes on 3 separate versions of the Beau, drawings prints you name it. We read and learned the history. Was emailed to hitech creations also.
In essence I'm sure many of us would be glad to help. To teach the history etc. How the spit should be handled, etc. Someone has to want the help. That may be the problem.
I still love the sting of combat even if I'm flying a kite. If I win great.........if I don't I pay for another shot at it.
A few days ago, I posted the loses for 10 July 1940 on both the RAF and Luftwaffes sides during the Battle of Britain. This is in the general discussion section of our BBS. It put a plane in the topic, the gentleman or gentlemens names who were in the aircraft. What transpired with them and their aircraft and crew if any. I put an actual name to an actual squadron and the results of those crew that day. I had views. But not one response. I have no idea if anyone has or had any interest. Views but not a response. I guessed no one cares what happened that day in WWII over Britain and the British Channel. Hey......maybe they already know? I am not sure if many of us care about the history anymore <shrugz>. Btw this community is missing a great asset. His name is Fencer. This game is poorer without his participation imho. I hope my old friend is doing well.
I have tried to help many times. While I'm not good enough to be a trainer or anything some things even I can see someone doing poorly. When on a pm I let them know I get lambasted for being an azz. Like you said, some people don't want help.
On the other hand I was getting my butt handed to me by a guy in a gv and he gave me a few pointers and tips when I asked. A couple days later I snuck up on him and killed him with out him seeing me :) I think he gave me the kill LOL. I've also had guys say switch sides and I'll help you and when you do they say enjoy your 12 hour stay and then ignore you :(
As I've said before, HTC has made a great game, they just need a better class of people playing, like we did in the old days.
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there's a lot of great post here from a lot of old time pilots, Hajo your post was spot on I think the funnest time for me on here was like 2002-2008 God I could not wait to get off work to get home to fly in the arena where it was maxed out you had to wait to get in then once you got in there was fights of all kinds mini wars all over the map instead of the horde vs horde fights we have now. I can't wait for the new version to come out and I hope it re-ignites that flame I have in me for this game because call you what you want this is a great game just going to another growing spurt.
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As I've said before, HTC has made a great game, they just need a better class of people playing, like we did in the old days.
I believe that as in the past we have a preponderance of players who are nice and are helpful and do contribute to the game. I think that those who are negative and take from the game are just more vociferous. It therefore falls to the "good guys" to do even more and continue to voice their opinions. If not, then the new players will accept the negatives as the standard and are more likely to follow in their footsteps.
If I may, "Wag more, bark less". Let's show them that "Happy Puppy's" get petted more, and are more likely to be searched for if lost, and missed when gone.
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I suppose it's good to hanker after the best of times past. This is not a new debate by any means.
I remember when AW extended capture beyond the neutral fields, there being extensive debate about land grab v combat, these days we add massed gv's into the mix and a clientele that is typically some 20 years younger (if not in age then certainly in outlook).
There is nothing new or novel about MMOG's and especially WW2 combat MMOG's.
There is little respect in the game as I see it. It is often discussed and I see many giving it, assuming it or demanding it. However the measure by which it gained is different and as such the definition has changed over the years.
Hajo makes a good point regarding the feedback some (and by no means all) might have given after a fight.
This is a rare thing these days. Indeed it is common for a jibe, or point of mockery to be the subsequent dialogue. If not an argument over the proper use of /.S or indeed insinuations of bad character regarding the nature of the combat.
The best one may expect is an exchange of /.S.
I am always surprised how often I hear/see dialogue that assumes that the other side is cheating, or winning by the use of underhand or dishonourable tactics. This takes place in every country.
So IMO we have a fundamental difference in mind set between that seen in 1995 and 2015 in WW2 air combat MMOG's. Actually is that so surprising? Does it not reflect our societies in general? or at least reflect the "class" of clientele that can access these games within our societies?
What I find really surprising is that some believe that by education we can make others do what we do not actually do our selves. I cannot remember the last time any experten told me anything about a combat I just lost that was in any way of an attempt to be of assistance.
Perhaps rather than gathering stars in an achievement system we could adopt CPID/handle markers that invite proper feed back?
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If it takes herding farm critters with a P-47 to get people in here, I'm ok with it. If they stay, it will be due to their overall experience of the game
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Splitting arenas is when numbers dropped. Lets go back to 1 MA, and try what was good again.
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Splitting arenas is when numbers dropped. Lets go back to 1 MA, and try what was good again.
We do have effectively just one MA.
The single LW arena is practically uncapped and most of the time about everybody is there. All other "main' arenas get around 5% of the gameplay time in total.
Not that I'd have a problem with that personally, but you wouldn't notice a shutdown of all other arenas in the MA at all.
Oh and by the way, the player numbers did rise after the big arena split for almost 1 1/2 years, evcen though it was so hated by many players. Me included ;)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqVpmHpxObg
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Ill go ahead and add my version I guess.
I jumped aboard in tour Feb-Mar 2003 but as far back as I can look back on my old call signs and the logs I cant find anything before tour 66 07/01/05-07/31/05, but I still believe it was 2003. Doobs 1177 nickle betty triumph 68KO Yoda Marlin Daddyack and tons more to add to the list that either arent with us any more R.I.P. or just dont play anymore. I was still in my 2week trial when i joined up with Armed and Hammered 2003?
Anyways I was a 13yr old squeaker and didnt know my arse from a hole in the ground. Anybody who saw me struggling would offer to take me to the DA and help me. They would let me ride along while they fought someone and tell me what/when/how they are doing things then let me apply what I learned and critique me. After some time I left them and joined the JG44 Night Hawks which at the time would have no less than 30 pilots on during prime time, the old towns were still being used and we would always run 110s NOE for base takes this was around 2005. I remember the 2 LW arenas and Titanic Tuesdays. There were still chest thumpers and smack talk but it wasnt taken the way it is these days, less whines maybe? I dunno. I do notice that the community has changed but I wouldnt say it isnt less fun or any worse, Then again changes depended on how YOU can adapt and handle them.
Steal the sheepz...hmm I dont really know how it will affect the game over all. I do hope it pulls newbies in and they "graduate" to the MAs. But at the same time I dont like the idea of opening another arena that could potentially pull what few there are away from the war. However, if the new update draws in new players it could balance out or infact grow back to the glory days when you had to keep trying to get into orange arena to fly with your squaddies.
I do look forward to the changes and hope for the best. The community will always be changing we just have to learn to adapt to what is changing in order to enjoy it. <S> 49Boob
OH and Deli! what happened to Silat?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I miss his cross dressing antics and P38s mastery :( he was a friend that I enjoyed flying with
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Oh and by the way, the player numbers did rise after the big arena split for almost 1 1/2 years, evcen though it was so hated by many players. Me included ;)
This is one way of interpreting it, but another would be that -prior- to the splitting of the Main Arena the numbers
had been rising and the "split" was to accomodate that increase. The implementation of the split arenas
was a very poor decision on HTC's part; it killed off a lot of the old, established squads in AH and for many
pilots , the squads were the main reason they played the game.
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This is one way of interpreting it, but another would be that -prior- to the splitting of the Main Arena the numbers
had been rising and the "split" was to accomodate that increase. The implementation of the split arenas
was a very poor decision on HTC's part; it killed off a lot of the old, established squads in AH and for many
pilots , the squads were the main reason they played the game.
You are entitled to your opinion but not your facts. Prior to the arena split the AH numbers had STOPPED rising. It was only after the split that AH started growing again.
HiTech
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I haven't posted in a long time, but doggone you Hajo you've made me look up my login info and start typing again.
Thanks for a great post and the remembrance of days long past.
After reading this I may chisel off the dust from the old Microsoft Precision 2 and resubscribe with the advent of the new version.
Best Regards, Hajo <<S>>
Sun
P.S.
I miss Wax. :cry
. I see the good old day are still gone...
Sunshine sunny 😀
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WAXXXXXX!!! it's me.......Max!
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You are entitled to your opinion but not your facts. Prior to the arena split the AH numbers had STOPPED rising. It was only after the split that AH started growing again.
HiTech
If the split arenas engendered growth, then I ask why it was discontinued?
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If the split arenas engendered growth, then I ask why it was discontinued?
What?
HiTech
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What?
HiTech
I had to look up that word as well :D
If the split arenas engendered growth, then I ask why it was discontinued?
I think they didn't create growth, but made it possible to grow past a certain level where the single MA setup seems to have been limited it.
But of course, when the numbers fell back years later, the split setup wasn't necessary anymore (and, after a certain point even hurting, IMHO)
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I think they didn't create growth, but made it possible to grow past a certain level where the single MA setup seems to have been limited it.
But of course, when the numbers fell back years later, the split setup wasn't necessary anymore (and, after a certain point even hurting, IMHO)
All of which leads me to believe that the arena split had nothing to do either with growth or with contraction. I vividly remember the screeching and poo-flinging when the arenas were split, yet population grew. I recall also the "thank goodness we have one arena again!" comments when the split was ended, yet population declined. Suggests that focusing on the split was a waste of time.
- oldman
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What?
HiTech
Hitech,
First off I'm not tryin' to yank your chain here. Your initial repsonse seemed to indicate to me that
the split arenas -built up- the player base. My follow-up was that if this was so, why do we now only
have one Main Arena rather than the Orange and Whatever-color-the-other-one-was?
Regards, Oddball
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All of which leads me to believe that the arena split had nothing to do either with growth or with contraction
To me it seems we still would have the decline we have seen over the past years, but we also wouldn't have seen the record numbers of late 2006 to early 2008 (even though as a Euro primetime player I could have done without them, as the cap kicking in at 19:00 was a horrible thing for us)
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Hitech,
First off I'm not tryin' to yank your chain here. Your initial repsonse seemed to indicate to me that
the split arenas -built up- the player base. My follow-up was that if this was so, why do we now only
have one Main Arena rather than the Orange and Whatever-color-the-other-one-was?
Regards, Oddball
The What was because I read engendered as endangered and hence was confused. Only after Lusches comment did I see it correctly.
And Lusche describe the situations accurately.
I think they didn't create growth, but made it possible to grow past a certain level where the single MA setup seems to have been limited it.
But of course, when the numbers fell back years later, the split setup wasn't necessary anymore (and, after a certain point even hurting, IMHO)
HiTech
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First post on multi arena play in 2001. AH was growing and growing fast. Players were asked for suggestions.
Pyro responds later in the post.
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,4233.msg55180/topicseen.html#msg55180
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Cliffs of O.P?
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It seems to me that back in the early days, people had more respect for one another, so you built a comradery with your adversary. Now when you shoot someone down , instead of a <S> you get a PM of how weak a shot it was, or that you have a magic airplane. It's just one of the aspects of the early days that I miss.
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Howdy Hajo, I was just thinking about returning. Is the Circus still in town? Haven't been around in years. I think I still have a screenshot of us sitting on a carrier in that shot all to hell Lanc.
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Howdy Hajo, I was just thinking about returning. Is the Circus still in town? Haven't been around in years. I think I still have a screenshot of us sitting on a carrier in that shot all to hell Lanc.
Hey! Yes.............the circus is still in town. :airplane:
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This post is a point of view from an older player, how the game was, and how it is now. There will be no flaming please. Everyone plays the game the way it creates more fun for them. Gameplay by individuals or groups of individuals should not be criticized. This is just a remembrance of what the game was then and what it is now from my perspective.
This hopefully will explain what the community was and what it has evolved into. Hitech must make changes to please as many possible so that the popularity of the game increases, therefore adding subscribers. This is a must for Hitech Creations to survive. For any business to survive for that matter. This is probably a reflection more so on the communities then and now. None being better then the other.
Hangtime, Moss, Lephturn, Apar, Saw, Ram, Regurge, hblair , Wilbuz (my good friend) Whels, Westy, LT, Lugs and the names go on. A lot of players in our squadron were from that time (The Flying Circus). Those names listed are a small part of the community that we had virtual combat with on a daily basis. At that time when you lost a fight it was popular for the one who beat you to critique what you did wrong, where mistakes were made, and what you can do better to win! I appreciated that! When I was new or anyone at that time was new the critiques were welcomed.
We had our arses handed to us so much that our wives had to take in the seats of our pants. Why would they/we do that? To make the competition better and thus make the fights longer and more immersive. SA wasn't a passing thought and neither was ACM. Now did we have a few in game that could be idiots? Yup. Very few. Now if you lose a fight, do something another player does not like, channel 200 explodes into various tirades and name calling. Insults abound! Accusations made, and childish ones at that. No help offered to make a player better, and the chastisement disappoints new players and in many cases causes them to say "screw this" and leaves never to comeback. That my friends is our fault, the Communities fault. We scare some players away. "Ya wanna go to the DA?" Chest pounding! How bout "Let's go to the DA and see if we can improve your virtual piloting skills."
There was no bragging when coming back to the MA and chest pounding. Someone just made a friend and got better at the game to boot.
Example on gameplay then and now. in early AH at one time you could capture a field with two P38s and a goon. Easy! Why? Not many did it, no need to make the cities as they are today. Let me say again this is not to criticize taking airfields if that is what you like to do! This is just pointing out the differences between the game and community at that time. None being better or none being worse.
I could go on and be more boring then I already have been. :rofl Life changes, players have to leave because the economy (30 dollars back then which we gladly paid), raising a family and aging like me :furious.
My concern is will games like steal the sheep subtract from the population that plays air to air combat for entertainment? I understand the populations age in this community is probably getting younger, not many old fartz like me still around. HTC must do what is best for his business and the game must evolve into what will attract more subscribers.
This is business and not personal. I'm anxiously awaiting the new version! Many of us old timers have left for various reasons. Life, economy, the change in gameplay within the community etc. I'm hoping my love of air to air combat will stay with me for many more years. My love of the aircraft and the pilots histories, and the combat history of WWII
will never leave me.
Off soapbox.......longwinded. If anyone wishes to add something constructive please do so. It can't hurt! Remember, this is my point of view only.
Very well Said Hajo ,now I am making you feel old with this and I am almost Old but I recal playing with all those guys to and meeting some of ya all at then end of the AW Days yes the times have changed but I still find this game a good way to let some steam go after crappy work shifts or my kids driving me crazy......Now where is my photo ya been promising me for over a year lol I have not moved
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Very well Said Hajo ,now I am making you feel old with this and I am almost Old but I recal playing with all those guys to and meeting some of ya all at then end of the AW Days yes the times have changed but I still find this game a good way to let some steam go after crappy work shifts or my kids driving me crazy......Now where is my photo ya been promising me for over a year lol I have not moved
On the way Mols. Think you'll like this one better. Sent by snail mail.