VonGuber

Good Job! That's not nearly so obnoxious as those red things.

Yes, I'll comment, and it may be lengthy, so scroll down if you're not in the mood....you've been warned.... <soapbox mode level 1> I enjoyed the mission, in spite of my first plane getting hit in the engine (probably by AI) and forcing me to land in a field. That is, IMO a valid result, especially for a campaign mission. I am in complete agreement with VonBaur's comment about the inability of a computer display to provide a 'realistic'* view. Sitting Duck and I flew a "full real"* mission one evening and saw absolutely nothing for over an hour. We did, however, navigate pretty easily using paper maps and the occasional glance at the in-game map. We did decide on a patrol route and follow it (no waypoints). So, it did feel like a 'real mission'*, but aside from the immersion factor of flying around and chatting with each other, there wasnt' that much excitement. It's probably more true to life than magically/automatically seeing 4 dozen enemy every mission and shooting down 5 or 6 of them. But, I admit that it's not what everyone may be looking for. If the intent is to increase the immersion factor of the online missions to provide a "more real"* game, then I think turning labels off and TAC on is a good compromise. The TAC can give a boost to our 'in-game eyes' that cant' see as well as we normally would...well some of us anyway. Even the DiD bunch allow TAC to navigate, only requiring it to be turned off as soon as something shows red. Then it's still necessary to close with and acquire the target, identify it, and then decide whether or not to engage. Oh, and you may not get that choice because you had to get close to ID them, and they may be faster than you. If the TAC is set to something like visual range, 2-4 miles, then by the time they appear, it's not too hard to get close enough to see them in-game. Works for me, anyway. I've never really cared for using the TAC to find stuff to chase, I'd rather fly the mission and see what I run into, but YMMV. For this particular campaign, we also need the compass from the HUD, IMO, as the one in the AC doesn't seem to work. We need something to navigate with. The suggestion above about neutral color labels might be a good compromise also. Right now, we know that we shoot at red and don't shoot at blue, negating the need to identify a target. Neutral, dull colored labels would still let us ID each other, but not be so decisive a visual aid? Just brainstorming here.... I also agree with Duck about being able to turn off visual aids if one wants to. We did that last night, with some leaving everything on, some turning everything off. No big problems. (But where were you all going, anyway?) The thing is, if there's any sort of real competition for prizes or something, then there really needs to be a level playing field for those who want to be competitive. The only way to do that is to host-manage the settings, I think. If it's all just for fun, who cares really, since it's all just BS bragging rights anyway. I seriously doubt that any of us are thinking that we're hotshot fighter aces because of what we do in online games. DiD settings are harder, no doubt about it. But, I disagree that those using DiD settings are somehow 'Elite' or more skilled than others; I don't think I am. (Heck, until last September, I hadn't even flown OFF since the Sim Outhouse meltdown.) Now I fly mostly all DiD settings and get shot down regularly- I also get a fair number of claims in SP, so I know it can be done if one chooses targets wisely. It's just different and takes some getting used to and a willingness to try something new in some cases, apparently. The main adjustment is (IMO) mindset. I think it forces a player to pay more attention to the mission and survival than just "fly, fly, fly...shoot, shoot, shoot" to quote a worthy colleague. It requires use of wingmen and period tactics, something I see mostly not at all in the Sunday games I've participated in. I don't mean to throw stones, just an observation. And face it, our kill tallies in the Sunday missions (the ones I've seen anyway) are higher than history might bear out...as are the numbers being returned in the DiD campaign. So instead of fighting it out to the bitter end every time, sometimes one must run away, make emergency landings, or even avoid engagements. In other words, try to fly the mission like a mission, thinking of pilot survival before kill tally. It just makes for a different game than a 1st person shooter. I like it, you may not...Ok with me either way. As a final thought: If there is truly a concern about scaring potential MP players off, then there needs to be time set aside (officially or unofficially) for "less real"* online missions. One of the main issues in this discussion seems to be that some players are interested in campaigning, and some just want to get online and fly for fun. Both are valid, and I suspect that there's time and interest for both. </soapbox mode level 1> * N.B.: I have trouble with 'full realism' or similar terms in connection with something I do sitting in a temperature-controlled room, in a comfortable chair, with drink of choice and a cigar if I want one, and no danger of more serious injury than mild intoxication. Your view may vary, and that's OK with me. I tend to think in terms of "more real" and "less real".

We know... and appreciate it. If we weren't so happy with what you guys do, we wouldn't be so impatient. We're hanging.

<Bump> All of us at Jasta 6 are still on leave, pining away for the beautiful green fields of Vaux-en-Vermandois. (Yes, I know... testing. We just didn't want you to think we'd forgotten... and it's my turn to pester... It's ZoomZoom's turn next week.)

Lou, that's great! Can you zip it up and we'll tell him we have a new skin for him when he's back?

So you highlight your wingman in the TAC and leave it that way for the duration of the mission?

Actually, I was thinking of painting mine pink, but only if and when my pilot survives and gets 50 confirmed...so not likely. Ok, let's paint Olhams' bird pink.

I'm comfortable with full real, but I can certainly understand how some might not be. It makes a whole new game, with different skills. Things to think about if you haven't already - These missions take longer. It's not just "fly to the red dots and everyone start shooting". One may have to loiter for quite a while looking for whatever it is that the flak is shooting at. Even then it might not be seen. Players can get lost at the drop of a hat. All it takes is for the leader to forget himself for a second and turn or lose altitude to have a look at something, and the flight is scattered. It then takes time and a landmark to regroup. Getting mixed up on which road or river you're following takes you to the wrong place... etc. Fuel management is a big issue if you get lost.... It will take a while for people to get familiar with an area of operations, and if missions go to another area... Witnessing is going to be harder also...but that could be good as it might force us to stick together, or PAIR UP and attempt to use some tactics. We saw that last night - I had an aircraft going down, on fire and trailing smoke. But it was over a forest, was an SE5 in standard green-brown paint, and it was dark smoke, so neither of the other two players could see it. (by the way, can someone remind me what that color was called? the green-brown mix, I mean...) Is it fun? Yes!!! I think so. But it's different, that's for sure, and takes some getting used to. Bring it, mate! Although it rather looks like someone has already shown something to those flying-around-shooting-at big-red-labels pussies....

This is what happens when you misjudge your firing pass...I think these DVIIs may have a wider wingspan than the DIIs I'm used to? I did manage to keep it in the air, however, and got another SE5. I could turn right really well...left, not so much. Was on the way back across the lines when I got kicked from the server...bummer. I need to remember to get more screenshots during these missions. Thanks for a good Mission, Duck. It was lots of fun. I think that speck out in the cloud might have been Firecage.

That was great! The strutters were good too, thanks Stump! Unfortunately, I got kicked off the TS server and can't get back on for some reason... will keep trying. Will post the screen shot of my battle damage too...those DVIIs are tough birds.

I have those maps....am online now...about 10 'till.

Uhh.... you mean we're supposed to WEAR something when we fly? One can get earphones/headsets which wrap around the back of the head and don't interfere with a cap. that's what I wear...got them at radio shack for about $16. USB connections, work like a champ.

Yes, I've noticed that also. I've been experimenting with selecting a target, ordering attack, switching targets pressing 'a' again to get the others to attack a different target. It seems to work, but I can't say for sure...all the targeted planes were identical so far. Purely academic for me at this point, since we don't use the TAC for DiD dogfights, but that's where I first noticed it happening. Still, is fun to see and learn more of what the Sim does.

Sorry, missed it. Took the wife out to the movies. Anyone seen Avatar? Won't it be cool when OFF is in 3-D like that?

Thanks, Dej, that's a kind offer. However, I don't think it will help us. We've already tried altering the .txt file, to no avail. From all reports, it looks and sounds like it's something that has to be installed somewhere else also, but I'm guessing.

I don't know that I can make every Sunday, but I'm game. Count me in too. Did I hear something about DH2s? They're a lot of fun to fly.

Yes, exactly. I didn't mean to imply that the German language is funny, or that the movies wouldn't be done well. Just that it would be completely out of place to hear certain characters speaking in German, and that struck me as funny.

@ Olham: Are those movies dubbed in German? What must Robert Shaw's character sound like in "Jaws"? How would his line sound...." Here's to swimmin'....". For some reason I find this idea hysterically funny.... Locally, we see lots of these old movies on Mexican TV stations that broadcast across the border. They're sometimes hilarious too, because the Mexican Spanish dubbing doesn't really match the original story line sometimes, and they use silly accents. Loads of fun to watch. For the record, we're watching dvds of old 3 Stooges shorts tonight.

Here's wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a prosperous and healthy new year.

If I've got time on my hands at convenient hours, I'll be glad to help out.

I'll go one better and find a few, in hopes that someone will tell me how much "bugger-all" really is...besides, I'm not sleeping anyway. At first glance, I find the following, and not just 11 models: RFC-1 from 23 June, flying N16 No. 60 RFC from 18 Aug. flying N17 1 RNAS from 1 March flying N11 1 Sqd. 4 Wing RNAS (RNAS-6 in menu) from 23 June flying N11 and Detachment 4 RNAS (RNAS-8 in menu) from 25 Oct. flying N17 October is a bit late, probably...that would mean that we'd get "bugger-all" for missions? (Am I getting the hang of it?? Is that a naval term or something?? ) But, March through June should give plenty of good weather, so there are options. If it positively had to be British, I'd think 1 or 60 might be workable? Of course, there are always the French. I should think they'd be full of Nupes in '16. Cheers, and Merry Christmas Von Güber (mit ümlaut,)

DH2s...that would sort us out. They can be a lot of fun early on, but very hard after the Albatross... Pups are a lot of fun to fly too, but what about Nieuports?

I'm also pretty happy with the new DM. In general, I'd (usually) agree with Fortiesboy that it seems like one or two rounds from an enemy will disable my plane. That could happen, but not every time. I fly mostly DiD settings and it is harder now to bring down an EA than before HiTR. I was previously getting 2 or 3 claims every mission, now it's one or none usually. I also don't see wings coming off much, but that's because of the settings I use. I would say that some A/C types seem to explode or catch fire at the drop of a hat - Be2c for example, mainly 2 seaters. I think maybe that's a bit much and might be adjusted. On the whole, though, I like it - especially with the choice of AI models.

Yes, I noticed the same thing earlier this evening. I tangled with some FEs that actually had the nerve to turn and try to shoot back... Still, the coolest thing I saw this past week was the flight of Rolands diving almost vertically through a group of Strutters, all guns blazing away. I was so surprised I forgot to shoot....