Read the (*******) manual

[Tupac]

One guy in the DA was complaining today that he couldnt see through the airplane to pull lead on a bad guy.

[daddog]

They have a help link on the clipboard as it states.
Also on their web page you can see a very lengthy help menu and a FAQ gents.


I suppose a PDF would be nice, but that would just be one more thing they have to update when ever they update the game. I personally would rather they answer the phone when we call and focus on game updates.

[Yossarian]

Might help the newer players to have a Help button on the game log-in screen.  It could include a FAQ section, as well as links to things like the Basic Fighter Maneuvers Clinic and other trainer's lessons.  If I may, I would like to advise them to stop moving around so much when I'm trying to bomb them.   

A PDF file is simpler, and therefore better.

[TequilaChaser]

In many other games, when a new player comes in to the server asking for help, you're often able to ask/tell them to go read the manual (aka RTFM).  In this game, you have to redirect them to a website (which they may be unwilling/too obstinate to do), or explain how to go to the tower, open up the clipboard, and go to the trainers' website.  Whilst the trainers' website is very helpful, it is most definitely not a manual.  Whilst it does explain the basics of how the game works, it doesn't do so very concisely - it's spread out over many pages.  Also, I noticed that the very basics of how to operate the game are not in fact the first topic on the page - which is certainly not ideal for a manual.

What I am suggesting is a PDF file that would be included in the download of the game, and also linked to on the clipboard of the game's starting menu.  It wouldn't need to be long, but would just need to explain how to operate the game, and things like how the clipboard works (just copying the content on this topic from the trainers' website would probably be enough).  Also, if there were some details on how to fly, how to set up a microphone/joystick/whatever, and how to troubleshoot the game, that would probably reduce the number of newb questions asked in the MA tenfold.  A final topic would be how to find extra help - so for technical support linking to the forums or contacting HTC directly, for flying help linking to the trainers' webpage (or any of the other numerous ACM websites out there), for specific details on planes linking to Netaces/Soda's website, and for general BS linking to the forums.

I honestly can't see any reason why there shouldn't be such a manual included in the game, and suspect that any objections to doing so are most likely BS.  But then again, I may be wrong.  I guess I'll just wait and see.

well, Yossarian, if you have really thoroughly looked through the Aces High Community Forums , Aces High Home Page & Links and then also possibly thoroughly read/looked through the Trainers website "BEFORE" the server crashed last winter, you would have seen that every individual page of the Trainer's website was offered as a downloadable/printable PDF file.... we are still in the process of getting several of the pages back to this status....but even at this time most of them still are offered in this manner....heck in the beginning we offered them as HTML/PDF/Word Doc and gave each individual a choice in how they wanted to download or print it out....

as for your "There should be a manual!"....... to be honest with you the original trainer's Website was actually conceived from a Training Manual Draft that was over 92+ pages long...... and we were going to post/host the Training Manual as a download before we ( The Training Staff ) decided to go the way we did.... and we are not done with it by a long shot...... the Aces High Trainer Corps will always be adding, updating, improving our Services to the Aces High Community.....

Now moving on to reply to some of your Ranting demands:, as Daddog has showed you just one area on the main website of Aces High about where to get "HELP"  their are actually many places to get help from, linked to all over the Aces High Home Page in the drop down links.

Game Info drop down offers the following links:

• Help
• Features
• Screenshots
• Need Training?
• Arenas
• Planes, Vehicles, Boats
• About Us
• Minimum Requirements

Community drop down offers the following links:

• Forums
• Screenshots
• Movies
• Squads
• Special Events
• Scores & Stats
• Useful Links
• AHWiki

Support drop down offers the following links:

• Help
• FAQ
• Account Admin
• Films
• Contact Us
• Policies
• Forums
• Affiliate Program

next, let me point you toward the "Aces High Start Up Splash Screen / Clipboard"

PLEASE NOTE THE "Web Page Help" LINK ON THIS CLIPBOARD,
( click on link below to refresh your memory )
http://www.flyaceshigh.com/ahgs/startup.html

Web Page Help
All the help for Aces High is WEB based, so when you select this option, it will invoke your Internet WEB browser and take you to the help pages.

next, you mention a final topic? I think? you posted and I quote you saying:

A final topic would be how to find extra help - so for technical support linking to the forums or contacting HTC directly, for flying help linking to the trainers' webpage (or any of the other numerous ACM websites out there), for specific details on planes linking to Netaces/Soda's website

now go back to the part up above where I showed you all the different links posted on the Aces High Community/Home Page.... and click on the Community section to where it shows the following once again:

Community drop down offers the following links:

• Forums
• Screenshots
• Movies
• Squads
• Special Events
• Scores & Stats
• Useful Links
• AHWiki

now if you click on "Useful Links, it will bring up the following webpage......

http://www.flyaceshigh.com/links.html

this webpage also has links to the same things you say are not linked to..... at least that is how I read your rant......

the useful links linked page has the following linked websites:

• Offcial Aces High Trainers Home
• Soda's Aircraft Evaluation Pages
• Hammer's Net Aces Page

just to name a few........... oh yeah....... and please do not forget that the AH Training Staff offer  Training clinics , we offer 1 on 1 private Training, we offer help in setting up community members PC's/microphones/views/etc........ sometimes calling them on our own dime and talking for hours among hours over the phone to help out an individual having trouble.......  

but if you think you have an idea that has not already been thought of, then by all means bring it up.... present it...... maybe it will be worth while....

but next time, do some research before you go claiming Aces High does not have certian things, that it actually does have and has had for dang near 5 to 6 + years or more........ and it just keeps getting better....

glad the volunteer staff of AH ( meaning all Vol. Staff )  could be of help to you in answering your demands and questions.....

 

edited: here is the Aces High Webpage Help Index / Manual ( starts with  "Getting Started" )

http://www.hitechcreations.com/frameset1.html?ahhelp/index.html

[Yossarian]

well, Yossarian, if you have really thoroughly looked through the Aces High Community Forums , Aces High Home Page & Links and then also possibly thoroughly read/looked through the Trainers website "BEFORE" the server crashed last winter, you would have seen that every individual page of the Trainer's website was offered as a downloadable/printable PDF file.... we are still in the process of getting several of the pages back to this status....but even at this time most of them still are offered in this manner....heck in the beginning we offered them as HTML/PDF/Word Doc and gave each individual a choice in how they wanted to download or print it out....

as for your "There should be a manual!"....... to be honest with you the original trainer's Website was actually conceived from a Training Manual Draft that was over 92+ pages long...... and we were going to post/host the Training Manual as a download before we ( The Training Staff ) decided to go the way we did.... and we are not done with it by a long shot...... the Aces High Trainer Corps will always be adding, updating, improving our Services to the Aces High Community.....

Sorry, I didn't realise any of this.  I still think that consolidating some of the things in the Trainer's website into a single .pdf would be a good thing to do - just because IMO it would be easier for a new players to have a concise guide which contains the basics for understanding and getting started in AH.  If this could be added to a download of the game, I think that would be better still - just to help out players who may not know that the Trainers even exist, or who just want to go at it on their own.

Now moving on to reply to some of your Ranting demands:, as Daddog has showed you just one area on the main website of Aces High about where to get "HELP"  their are actually many places to get help from, linked to all over the Aces High Home Page in the drop down links.

Sorry, this was not intended to be a rant, even if it reads like it was.

What I'm trying to say here is that I realise all of these things exist on the AH website.  I just think it would be more convenient and simpler for new players if a massively abbreviated form of some of the things you posted also existed as a PDF in the AH game download.  I'm asking that things like setting up your mouse, your microphone, your joystick, that 'Quick Reference' guide you mentioned and links to the Trainer's page would be included in the manual.  That's all.  I just can't think of any disadvantages at all to doing that.


Daddog, I suspect that the things which I'm suggesting for a manual would not change a lot (if at all) between updates, and thus the manual itself wouldn't need updating.

[TOMCAT21]

+1

[SmokinLoon]

I have written up a very good set of "how to's" for new people just starting out the game.  The thing is, I am one who likes to play in the MA or in scenarios far more than hang out in the TA in hopes to catch a new guy coming asking for help.  I'd be more than happy to post some stuff to be used in the Trainer's Website, much of it is far more up to date that what is currently there, but I dont think I'm part of the "exlusive" club.

The very basics are what I convey.  Here are a few   

1.  There is a big learning curve and the best teacher is experience.
2.  Even the best players started out knowing nothing about everything.
3.  Choose the right plane for the type of mission you are performing.  (Dont use a Brewster for bustin' tanks and dont use a Lancaster to dog fight, etc)
4.  Each plane is different, each plane has strengths and weaknesses.  It takes time to learn them.     

[TequilaChaser]

Heya Yossarian, my apologys if I misread what you were trying to convey, we are always open to considering new possibilitys

no need to be sorry ro apologize for anything really... I just wanted to point out some things others may not have known about....

I have written up a very good set of "how to's" for new people just starting out the game.  The thing is, I am one who likes to play in the MA or in scenarios far more than hang out in the TA in hopes to catch a new guy coming asking for help.  I'd be more than happy to post some stuff to be used in the Trainer's Website, much of it is far more up to date that what is currently there, but I dont think I'm part of the "exlusive" club.

The very basics are what I convey.  Here are a few   

1.  There is a big learning curve and the best teacher is experience.
2.  Even the best players started out knowing nothing about everything.
3.  Choose the right plane for the type of mission you are performing.  (Dont use a Brewster for bustin' tanks and dont use a Lancaster to dog fight, etc)
4.  Each plane is different, each plane has strengths and weaknesses.  It takes time to learn them.     

yep them are some very basic concepts of knowledge you are conveying, thank you Smokinloon...... I do not understand what you mean by the "but I dont think I'm part of the "exlusive" club." remark though...... what "exlusive" club are you talking about or refering to? I am unaware there is such a thing.....

I'd be more than happy to post some stuff to be used in the Trainer's Website, much of it is far more up to date that what is currently there,

check your PM's Smokinloon, regarding your stuff that is "far more up to date" than what is currently there......

the PM will explain my thinking and considerations....

Thank You to everyone who has offered new ideas / possibilitys 

[daddog]

Daddog, I suspect that the things which I'm suggesting for a manual would not change a lot (if at all) between updates, and thus the manual itself wouldn't need updating.

Not sure I agree with that. Some updates are extensive. Certainly what is online is very extensive. A PDF file would be nice, but I 'know' their resources are often spread thin. Just not sure the PDF would be worth the hours it would take to create, and then update when everything is offered online. With a simple cut and paste you can just print up what you need. My two cents. Of course if they make one all the better, but I would guess it is not going to happen.

[230G]

  IMHO, wanting a*.pdf file instead of reading and printing the instructions from the website is just plain lazy. What's the difference in looking up a *.pdf on your computer and looking them up on the website? I just started playing again after a few years of hiatus. Rather than badger people about key commands, I printed them out and keep them next to me at the computer.
  The AH website has an incredible amount of instruction and resources. I see no need to burden the staff with something else.
   230G

[Old Sport]

...The thing is, I am one who likes to play in the MA or in scenarios far more than hang out in the TA in hopes to catch a new guy coming asking for help....  

For this reason I suggested a while back that there be one uncapturable Training Base for each country on MA maps that could be used for brief training periods. It would suppliment the TA, not replace it.

EW, MW, and both LWs – could add one un-captureable "training base" for each chess piece, somewhere back around each HQ.

Those three bases could be coded so that:

1) Any plane that takes off from the training base and stays within the radar circle is immune to enemy fire. In other words, enemy planes that attack training base planes within the radar circle experience "Kill Shooter." So, training planes have to stay within the circle, and there's no incentive for others to bother them. But as soon as training planes leave the radar circle they are fair game.

2) Any plane that takes off from the training base, leaves the radar circle and tries to shoot down an enemy outside the radar circle experiences "Kill Shooter." Same with ordinance. That way no missions can be launched from the training base. It is strictly for basic training.

3) Any noob with say 1 month or less of time in AH who goes to the training base causes it to start flashing to let people know there's a noob looking for help. Put a link on the clipboard for "Training Base." Vets could go to the training base but it would not flash.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,238487.msg2888347.html#msg2888347

Best

[kilo2]

never read the manual.

[Yossarian]

Heya Yossarian, my apologys if I misread what you were trying to convey, we are always open to considering new possibilitys

no need to be sorry ro apologize for anything really... I just wanted to point out some things others may not have known about....

Np, my post was OTT in some areas though <S>

[RTHolmes]

having 2 manuals/help sections which look the same and have lots of common information is pretty confusing. I can never remember which one certain things are in, which means I cant point the new guys to the correct source.

would probably be more helpful if the "Help" section was renamed "Manual" just containing game and controller setup, key maps, explanation of game features etc, and "Need training?" contained just the how to fly/fight and tactical/strategic stuff.

the frames based web pages are a nightmare for bookmarking too, frames suck! make em flat pages. downloadable PDF manual is a good idea and just a couple of clicks' work to generate, would also be printable and searchable

[guncrasher]

just for your info, it took me 1/2 hour to find out if and which objects can be resupplied.  and I already knew the answer, i just didn't know where to look.  the help pages are not noob friendly.  I am not an idiot (most of the time anyway), if I have trouble finding info, imagine somebody that is new and doesnt even know which question to ask.  so for them I say ask on country anytime, somebody will give you an answer.  which reminds me, a lot of good info was posted on this thread, but i bet that 99.99% of the new guys cant find their way around the bb's.   

semp