Campaign Friendly AI

[=GGF=Matta66]

So I've been (trying) to play the intercept missions in the campaign to try and hone in my aiming when it comes to stationary (relative to the aircraft) targets like bombers.  I started playing it instead of quick missions because whenever I spawn in against a bomber all it does is try to dogfight me which isn't what I want.  When I got into campaign however, it became even worse because of this AI that travels with you in your squad.  

 

It's not because they're inept, they're actually too good.  When I approach a formation, I get a maximum of one pass (if I'm lucky) before the AI swoops in and aimbots them all out of the sky, or kill one and let them all get spooked, leaving me to try and kill one that's trying to avoid me and leading me far away from the exit point.  I mean, today I tried to play one and I didn't even get a pass in, I had just got to them when one burst into flames and it said 'MISSION COMPLETE, GO TO EXIT POINT'.  I've also had them snipe kills from me out of nowhere, or even ram enemy planes before I critically damage them.  

Is there a way to disable them or at least make them 'dumber'?  I just don't want to stumble through the campaign without actually improving my skills.

[mort]

I think as you progress they end up more engaged with the bomber's escorts leaving you most of the bomber targets to choose from.

 

Also just because it says MISSION COMPLETE, doesn't mean you have to head off to the exit right away. If you have ammo and there is still enemy to attack, just keep at it until you're ready to leave.

[Siipiorava]

Have you tried the command menu (the key over tab-key). You could try giving them different orders that way.

[=GGF=Matta66]

I think as you progress they end up more engaged with the bomber's escorts leaving you most of the bomber targets to choose from.

 

Also just because it says MISSION COMPLETE, doesn't mean you have to head off to the exit right away. If you have ammo and there is still enemy to attack, just keep at it until you're ready to leave.

Ok that sounds much better

 

I do carry on sometimes, it just gets a little annoying when I have to now chase targets that have taken a massive detour.

 

 

Have you tried the command menu (the key over tab-key). You could try giving them different orders that way.

I've tried, but none of the commands seem to keep them off.

[33lima]

Some suggestions;

 

1. Change the mindset - you are cast in the role of a flight leader, so think like one - your primary aim is not to rack up personal kills, it's to lead your flight into a position were your team can win the air battle.

 

2. When nearing the 'Action point', watch for the moment your flight break off on their own to attack the enemy, whom they seem to spot before you, usually. Immediately regain control by ordering 'Cover me'. They will quickly rejoin formation (maybe not if you leave it too late and they are engaged). Then resume the process of leading your flight into an attack from a direction and height of your choosing.

 

3. Once you decide to initiate your flight attack, order 'Attack nearest air' (or whatever the command is) and let your wingmen have at it. Contrary to what I first thought, I believe their achievements or kills will count to the success of your mission objectives (eg 'Destroy at least two bombers/atatck aircraft'), even if you shoot down nothing personally.

 

4. Watch what your wingmen do. If they attack the enemy fighter escort, go for the bombers, or vice-versa. Co-ordinate your actions with theirs.

 

5. Watch out for easy victims - someone who is preoccupied dealing with a wingman or doesn't seem to be aware of or reacting to your presence. Sneak up on them and bump them off.

 

6. Watch out for any wingmen in trouble and come to their rescue.

 

In short, be prepared to play like a Boelcke or Mannock ie a team leader, not a selfish individualist preoccupied with his own score. Be glad of your team's successes even if you got nothing. Their victories are in part down to your leadership.

Edited February 4, 2015 by 33lima

[Y-29.Silky]

I especially love (not) when the radio call comes in that there's enemies and all your wingmen all of a sudden break off you towards the enemy.

[Finkeren]

I'm just glad that it isn't like RoF where fighters will form up a suicidal 'Conga line of death' behind two-seaters and let themselves get shot down one after the other.

[33lima]

I especially love (not) when the radio call comes in that there's enemies and all your wingmen all of a sudden break off you towards the enemy.

 

Yes as I've said elsewhere, this needs a fix. They should report sightings and remain in formation, unless needing to react to an imminent and deadly threat eg being bounced. Happens often in 'old' IL2 IIRC, at least in QMB missions. One moment, they're with you, next second they're hare-ing off after an enemy you may not yet have seen. That's why I say, watch for it and regain control at once. Better if it's fixed.

[=GGF=Matta66]

In short, be prepared to play like a Boelcke or Mannock ie a team leader, not a selfish individualist preoccupied with his own score. Be glad of your team's successes even if you got nothing. Their victories are in part down to your leadership.

I'm sorry, what?

 

Did you read what I said?  I want to practice my aiming skills, not go into the finer aspects of team leadership.  I'm not worried about my personal score at all, if I can't even effectively dispatch a fighter or bomber, how can I be expected to try and help my wingmen?  This is exactly the reason why I'm avoiding online right now, I'm not able to help people if they're in trouble.

 

I haven't been playing flight simulators that long, this game is doing a good job so far of helping me learn how to fly and I don't want this little thing to put me off, but it might because right now I'm going nowhere.

Edited February 4, 2015 by =GGF=Matta66

[33lima]

Of course I read what you said.

 

You can either practice your skills WHILE leading your flight - or when flying quick missions - just choose a single aircraft.

 

On campaign, you can and should expect to have to complete other tasks besides practicing your gunnery. In fact if you are in any kind of mission where you have wingmen, you must expect to have to play as a leader. If you don't want such 'distractions', fly single missions with no wingmen. Simple.

[=GGF=Matta66]

Of course I read what you said.

 

You can either practice your skills WHILE leading your flight - or when flying quick missions - just choose a single aircraft.

 

On campaign, you can and should expect to have to complete other tasks besides practicing your gunnery. In fact if you are in any kind of mission where you have wingmen, you must expect to have to play as a leader. If you don't want such 'distractions', fly single missions with no wingmen. Simple.

 

I talked about why I stopped playing single missions in my OP, they've given the bombers fighter AI so they try to dogfight me rather than go into formation.  It's pretty hard to simulate an intercept mission when they're trying to scissor you.

[Feathered_IV]

To practice your gunnery, you might find it useful to set up some friendly bombers that you can target in QMB. They will fly nice and steady for you.

[=GGF=Matta66]

To practice your gunnery, you might find it useful to set up some friendly bombers that you can target in QMB. They will fly nice and steady for you.

Never thought of that, I'll go and try that now.  Thanks!

[Sokol1]

In QMB, at spawn the AI bombers pilots think they are fighters in the first minutes of the mission, ignore when they do this "Argentine Tango" and fly above.

 

Later they became fly straight in line astern "formation" - so jump them.

 

On target area they became fly in endless circle.