Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Dowding on January 29, 2003, 04:02:20 AM
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I've often wanted something like this in special events to replace the current dot and bar system with something more akin with the WW2 fighter control rooms.
When a mission is posted, the various flights within in it have a call-sign assigned. They also have a flight-leader (FL). Everyone signs up as usual under the flight they'd like to fly in and the mission goes to runway at the specified time etc.
Now, instead of the current clipboard map, which might be set-up to show multiple friendly dots, we have a single 'Pin' representing the current location of the FL of each of the mission flights. The map does not show the location of the other members of the mission - just the FLs.
Moving the mouse over a pin on the clipboard brings up more detailed information in the form of one of those 'hover menus'. This might include aircraft type, altitude, TAS and heading and could be updated periodically at a rate defined by the arena tables. A shortcut key could also be used to scroll through the FLs, once the clipboard is up on screen.
Information about enemy contacts could also be applied using the 'Pin' system. A pin would be added to the map with information on numbers, heading etc. when the cons are picked up by ground radar stations. But not aircraft type. Only when a friendly comes into visual range of the contacts does information on type get added to the clipboard.
You might also include a system in which contacts can be added by FLs (or another designated player). A series of basic shortcut keys could allow someone to type in a quick report which is added to the map. This could also be done automatically when contacts are identified by friendly aircraft - an arena setting would determine this.
This way contacts only move on the clipboard map when they are observed to have moved - either by radar or by players being in icon range. It would introduce a whole plethora of tactics to spoof the system and confuse the enemy.
As to what constitutes an enemy group - this could be a concentration of enemy machines within a defined airspace.
Worthwhile/implementable?
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Very interesting idea. It would be much more immersive than the current system, without requiring a player to act as ground controller. (Although, I think the new format might attract RPG players who are not sim "pilots", and who would enjoy the ground controller role.)
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I definately agree that something needs to change with the current dotdar system in ToD. Perhaps the pin system would work to indicate generally where threats are. As far as I'm concerned, I think the goal with new radar is to try and simulate the level of SA that the average pilot/aircrew had in WWII.