Flying Circus Multiplayer get-together on JG1 server!

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

What: Fun dogfight event

Where: Flying Circus; JG1 server

When: 2pm Central US time; Sunday, Dec 23

Who is invited: Everyone! If you own Flying Circus, you're welcome to come! We're trying to get the most people online on a Flying Circus server to date. Let's fill it up! ?

(Screenshot credit: @BP_Lizard . Such a beautiful screenshot; couldn't resist including it lol! )

[Muff_Huggar]

You know, there's no reason this can't be a free-for-all. There's really no reason to have two sides. As my office mate says, "Kill 'em all and let God sort it out."

[ShamrockOneFive]

I don't think I'm around at the time but I really wish I was! I'm sharing the news!

 

https://stormbirds.blog/2018/12/22/flying-circus-multiplayer-get-together-tomorrow/

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

1 hour ago, Muff_Huggar said:

You know, there's no reason this can't be a free-for-all. There's really no reason to have two sides. As my office mate says, "Kill 'em all and let God sort it out."

Lol! Well, I suppose you could enter the fray like that. However, most of the pilots participating will be coming from a background where teamkilling is generally frowned-on. (This would include myself lol!) I would advise shooting only Huns if you’re flying for Queen & Country and vice-versa if flying for the Fatherland.  

 

40 minutes ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

I don't think I'm around at the time but I really wish I was! I'm sharing the news!

 

https://stormbirds.blog/2018/12/22/flying-circus-multiplayer-get-together-tomorrow/

 

Awesome!!! Thanks for the publicity! ? 

Edited December 23, 2018 by JG1_Hotlead_J10

[JimTM]

See you there!

[Muff_Huggar]

In VR, it's too hard to identify planes at any reasonable distance. I can understand the desire to have an exclusive club of experienced online pilots. But perhaps the occasional free-for-all session or night  would open the door to other new IL-2 people who aren't experienced enough or knowledgeable about planes/tactics/etiquette/history.If you want to increase the number of people in multiplayer, you have to think about holding "minor league/amateur" events.

Edited December 23, 2018 by Muff_Huggar

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

I understand where you’re coming from Muff. That’s how I started back in 2012; couldn’t ID a plane to save myself! The thing is, it gets easier with time, and I would say it is a necessary part of becoming a good online pilot. For instance, once you can tell you’re up against a SPAD instead of a Camel, eventually you’ll know which tactics to use against him. SPADs can’t turnfight, while Camels can do it all day long for example, and once you can ID them correctly, you’ll have a much better shot of winning against them.

 

You see, this isn’t about a few experienced pilots building an “elite club” that is not inclusive to newer pilots. I’d be more than happy to hop on Discord with you and fly your wing and help you get your feet wet if I see you online!  

 

Instead, it’s all about common courtesy. No one wants to get shot in the back by a person from his same side. That much was true even when I took my first flights in multiplayer 6 years ago. If I latched onto a friendly’s tail and shot him up (and believe me, I did lol!)  I apologized once I learned my mistake and worked to ID them better next time.  

[Muff_Huggar]

If that were all true, then explain the following. Why do the developers of IL-2 include an option to have one side marked with red icons and the other with blue?  Why did the developers include a distance to the target? Why did the developers include realism options for unlimited ammo, unlimited fuel, auto radiator, auto engine control, auto rpm? Why did the developers provide options for aim assist and bomb assist? Why did the developers include a full HUD with an instrument panel and on screen map with GPS features? 

 

When you create a multiplayer server that doesn't allow new players to use those features that they may need because they're not good enough, you're putting up a roadblock to them joining the multiplayer experience. You're putting them at such as disadvantage and telling them "Ahh, it will get better. I promise." A lot of people aren't going to stick around if they are flailing about and getting shot down like an AI. Or they're  not going to play because, as you said, the "regulars" are going to be miffed if the newbies don't play by the rules and the newbies are not going to want to be cussed out for ruining someone else's fun.

 

Obviously, it's the owner's server and he/she can set it up and do anything he or she wants to do with it. It's telling that your response to my suggestion was not "Yeah, we probably need to think more about how to attract and keep new people" but "the burden's on you to get good enough to be here."

 

I'll probably regret writing this. Yep, I'm pretty sure I will. 

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

Quote

If that were all true, then explain the following. Why do the developers of IL-2 include an option to have one side marked with red icons and the other with blue? ...

 

I’m pretty sure it’s so that you learn to only shoot the red. Icons by nature are there to help differentiate between teammates and targets. No need for icons if everyone's a target. 

 

Quote

When you create a multiplayer server that doesn't allow new players to use those features that they may need because they're not good enough, you're putting up a roadblock to them joining the multiplayer experience. You're putting them at such as disadvantage and telling them "Ahh, it will get better. I promise." A lot of people aren't going to stick around if they are flailing about and getting shot down like an AI. Or they're  not going to play because, as you said, the "regulars" are going to be miffed if the newbies don't play by the rules and the newbies are not going to want to be cussed out for ruining someone else's fun.

Obviously, it's the owner's server and he/she can set it up and do anything he or she wants to do with it. It's telling that your response to my suggestion was not "Yeah, we probably need to think more about how to attract and keep new people" but "the burden's on you to get good enough to be here."

 

Wow. That is a pretty angry, confrontational post. As in my first response, I am willing to talk, but perhaps your conclusions might be more than a little unfair? Admittedly, if one judged only by reading your last post, one might assume that your suggestion had been ruthlessly stomped on by that ol’ uncaring ogre Hotlead, who maliciously ignored your thoughts and purposefully set up a server only to torment and drive away new pilots without any thought to helping them improve. Forgive the theatrical exaggeration, but that seems to be what part of your post implies. 

 

First off, I am not the server host. My squad set this up, and I wanted to share with everyone who was interested. If this sort of event isn’t your cup of tea, I totally get it. I don’t believe I ever said that these are the only sorts of events that should take place in Flying Circus.

 

Second, given that I interacted with you instead of brushing you off, tried to have a respectful conversation with you, and even offered to give you one-on-one training over Discord (like I’ve done with many new pilots before you), your accusation of me not wanting to help new pilots seems very odd to say the least. ?

 

Third, I’m not really mad with you. Also, I’m trying my best to understand your point of view. IMHO, one-on-one training is the best way to learn, but if you think a free for all where everyone shoots everyone is the way to learn, ok! Just make sure to find a server that allows that as part of the rules.  You will agree that it is important to play by the rules of the server you fly in? Our server doesn’t operate under some “extra-difficulty elite” ruleset. Instead, it operates under the basic rules of courtesy common to nearly every server I’ve ever flown on. 

 

Ultimately, even though I question its usefulness in helping a new pilot actually improve, I’m open to your idea; just not at this particular event.

The last thing I want for us to do is part as enemies. If you have any questions about something you’d like to know more about, let me know. I’d be glad to assist!

Edited December 23, 2018 by JG1_Hotlead_J10

[SP1969]

I'll try and nip along, I think, HLCF, thank you for the heads up.

 

With regard to the comments Muff made, I understand the frustration, but.....

 

I'm not the best pilot in the world, I'm not a great shot.

 

I'm on the wrong side of middle age - I'll be sixty next birthday - to have fast reactions and my eyesight isn't brilliant. 

 

I have NEVER been cussed out for being a target drone. 

 

Muff, FC, and its predecessor, RoF are, by their very nature,  a little different to a lot of other combat sims.

 

One has to learn to fly each of the aircraft, identify each aeroplane's capabilities, learn what it can do, learn what it can't.

 

It does take a little time, it does take a little effort, but my personal experience ( and I can only speak for myself, everyone is different ) is that there will come a moment when you get it *just* right and a little smile of self congratulation will flicker across your face as you opponent's aeroplane rears up and spirals down to the ground.

 

It is a steep learning curve, though. Very steep.

 

Playing against a preprogrammed AI in SP mode is amusing, but after a while, it doesn't stretch you.

 

I liked playing the PWCG campaigns in single player over in RoF and sometimes racked up huge scores without crashing or being shot down.

 

If you want to up your game a little, try practising with icons off in SP, against three or four AI.

 

It will improve your spacial awareness, if nothing else, and teach you some virtual deflection shooting skills.

 

But MP is a little different.

 

As a rough approximation, I'd suggest that three or four 'Ace' level AI equivalate to one human opponent in terms of survivability.

 

In SP, I'm an Ace.

 

In MP, I'm a target drone.

 

Learn how to control mixture and radiator in SP,  although most combats in MP start at very low level, ( a bit of an anachronism, given the late 1917 ish era of the available aeroplanes ) so constant juggling of mixture isn't really needed.

 

I don't use VR, personally, so I can't comment. I do think the loss of resolution is probably offset by the 'natural view' offered by VR, but as I say, I cannot speak from personal experience.

 

I think I will get a VR set when the next generation gets here, with better response times and resolution but for now, I use the top hat switch on my joystick to look about and play using a high refresh rate monitor at 1920 x 1200.

 

I find it VERY difficult to track a manoeuvering human opponent at times - the view from a Great War era aeroplane is full of obstacles like wings, wires and struts and it isn't easy, it isn't easy at all.

 

But that is sort of the point, sort of why the FC aircraft are so satisfying. 

 

It is very basic, very primitive flying. 

 

The aeroplanes break up, they stall for no obvious reason, their engines break ( too often to be truly realistic, I think.....but that is conjecture and personal opinion ) there is no radar, no target tracking, no missiles ( no Le Prieur....yet ) and that, for me, is what makes it such good fun.

 

A good friend of mine bought me 'Battlefield 1' as a gift, knowing that I am fascinated by the Great War and knowing that I spend a lot of time in front of a computer ( I have PTSD and don't get out as much as I would like ). It should have been the perfect gift and I was very grateful that my friend put in the thought to gift it to me. 

 

I was grateful....but I hate the bloody game.

 

Not because I'm crap - I am, but I don't care - but because it is so stupidly unrealistic.

 

A MkV tank scudding along at 25 mph over a churned up battlefield?

 

Really?

 

Well, f**k dat Hollywood s**t, Bra.

 

'Verdun' is better.

 

The same goes for certain other combat flight sims - but not RoF, and not FC - so far.

 

I do sort of see your point about it not really mattering about picking a side at this stage in the game development, though.

 

The main issue, in my opinion, with the EA state of FC is that there is no context behind the flying at this stage - the dogfighting is all there is to it at the moment.

 

The Russian Steppe is not the Western Front, there are no objectives, no balloons, no two seaters, no mission purpose....so yes, one may as well be 'red' or 'blue', I accept that point.

 

All we can do at this point  is trail our coats and hope someone picks a fight.

 

At this point in time.

 

But, hopefully, that will change and then you may well find an entirely new level of immersion happens when you and your squadron mates are tasked with knocking down the balloons directing artillery onto your compatriots in the trenches below, or with flying in support of a squadron of slow flying two seaters as they wobble along at 90 MPH on their way to bomb an airfield.

 

THAT is what FC needs, in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ShamrockOneFive]

26 minutes ago, SP1969 said:



But, hopefully, that will change and then you may well find an entirely new level of immersion happens when you and your squadron mates are tasked with knocking down the balloons directing artillery onto your compatriots in the trenches below, or with flying in support of a squadron of slow flying two seaters as they wobble along at 90 MPH on their way to bomb an airfield.

 

THAT is what FC needs, in my opinion.

 

I don't think you'll get any argument from anyone on that and that is all stuff that I'm hoping for in 2019 as Flying Circus starts to gain in content and move towards being a finished product. Can't wait for that.

[JG1_Butzzell]

10 hours ago, Muff_Huggar said:

If that were all true, then explain the following. Why do the developers of IL-2 include an option to have one side marked with red icons and the other with blue?  Why did the developers include a distance to the target? Why did the developers include realism options for unlimited ammo, unlimited fuel, auto radiator, auto engine control, auto rpm? Why did the developers provide options for aim assist and bomb assist? Why did the developers include a full HUD with an instrument panel and on screen map with GPS features? 

 

Why did the developers include the ability to turn these features off?  Not trying to be flippant.  When I first started in RoF I had everything turned on as I explored the game features. Unlimited fuel and ammo were crucial to getting the experience needed to spot incoming red dots.  By the end of my third week I had adjusted Track IR 10 times and turned off all of the helpers except warmed up engines.  The reason these features are turned on is to give beginners multiple options to fit their skill level. The reason you can turn them off is for experienced players to increase the difficulty level to offer a greater challenge.  

 

Quote

 

When you create a multiplayer server that doesn't allow new players to use those features that they may need because they're not good enough, you're putting up a roadblock to them joining the multiplayer experience. You're putting them at such as disadvantage and telling them "Ahh, it will get better. I promise." A lot of people aren't going to stick around if they are flailing about and getting shot down like an AI. Or they're  not going to play because, as you said, the "regulars" are going to be miffed if the newbies don't play by the rules and the newbies are not going to want to be cussed out for ruining someone else's fun.

 

There are a a variety of servers set to meet the needs and type of experience that a variety of players want. Some servers are set with all kinds of helper functions on and some are not. Turning off all the helper functions does not say " We don't want you." It says " We are trying to make a challenging environment." I enjoy all types of servers. I like the extreme challenges as well as some of the "helpers on" servers. In RoF multiplayer, MA and PA's has a wonderful DH2 vs E3 scenario with icons on.  For "helpers off" I fly New Wings War Grounds. New Wings also has servers with "helpers on".  Most of the tournament play is geared to the players that expect "helpers off".  The goal is to allow people to choose what they like. 

 

Quote

 

Obviously, it's the owner's server and he/she can set it up and do anything he or she wants to do with it. It's telling that your response to my suggestion was not "Yeah, we probably need to think more about how to attract and keep new people" but "the burden's on you to get good enough to be here."

 

We are always trying to attract more players and help beginners. Hot Lead has posted an ROF beginners guide. It carries over into FC very well.

 

He also does videos  Knights Above! A Flanders in Flames trailer.

 

Quote

I'll probably regret writing this. Yep, I'm pretty sure I will. 

 

I think you express the feelings of many players. Only through conversation and understanding can we help each other.

 

S!

JG1_Butzzell

Edited December 23, 2018 by JG1_Butzzell

[Cinder]

Hi, is there a Discord or similar chat area setup for this event?   Sounds like a fun time!

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

40 minutes ago, JG1_Butzzell said:

I think you express the feelings of many players. Only through conversation and understanding can we help each other.

Spot on!  

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

1 hour ago, LawnDart88 said:

Hi, is there a Discord or similar chat area setup for this event?   Sounds like a fun time!

 

@LawnDart88 Hey! Looks like GCF has a Discord server set up here: https://discordapp.com/invite/W9RV46p

[SeaW0lf]

Damn... Consistent 25+ players at JG1 during the most part of the afternoon at Flying Circus. I saw some old time veterans, I saw no icons, I experienced no lag (lots of players) and I saw beautiful maps. The vibe is a reminiscence of the old furballer Flying Circus in ROF (without the lag, icons and performance issues). 

 

It was great fun. I loved the Kuban mission in between the strait / narrow. You have plenty of time to climb and roam around and pick a fight. Just that I think the mission needs to be longer, because I did two flights and it was over (I got in when they restarted).

 

Anyway, today was a surprise, and I think people won't go away anymore. These servers are going to start to fill up to capacity.

 

Congrats to JG1 in particular and Hotlead (who helped spread the word)!

Edited December 23, 2018 by SeaW0lf

[ZachariasX]

19 hours ago, JG1_Hotlead_J10 said:

What: Fun dogfight event

That was some of the most intense dogfighting!

 

Thanks a LOT!

 

 

Z

[Muff_Huggar]

Let's get something straight. I am not angry. I don't feel left out. I don't have some compelling need to compete online. I'm old...I move on.  If you believe I've confronted you with an uncomfortable position, that's good because without confrontation there is seldom change.

 

I was merely presenting an opinion. It is actually very fine with me if you don't take my suggestion or even bother to try it out.

 

But one last thing. To the people who suggested there are other servers that can be found that have different rules and conditions, are you looking at how many of those are actually playable? On a normal night from my location in the U.S., the huge majority of "available" servers have horrendous ping times. On average, I get two that are reasonable to join, so it's a lot easier to say "go elsewhere" than it is to find a good "elsewhere."

[JG1_Lipfert]

16 hours ago, Muff_Huggar said:

In VR, it's too hard to identify planes at any reasonable distance. I can understand the desire to have an exclusive club of experienced online pilots. But perhaps the occasional free-for-all session or night  would open the door to other new IL-2 people who aren't experienced enough or knowledgeable about planes/tactics/etiquette/history.If you want to increase the number of people in multiplayer, you have to think about holding "minor league/amateur" events.

 

I have no issues in VR with ident, read this post and if you need assistance feel free to drop in on our forums.

 

Edited December 23, 2018 by JG1_Lipfert

[JimTM]

Thanks Hotlead for organizing the FC get-together. That was a a lot of fun.  

[BMA_West]

Thank you in name of all the pilots tonight

- to JG1 for the hosting;

- and of course Hotlead for the urging roll call!

Great fun and FC biggest crowd that I remember, even with a  sprinkling of old ROF names )))

Made me visiting those early 2010 memories all over again.

[SP1969]

Thank you to JG1 for this evening and to HLCF for spreading the word.

 

I had a great time, thank you very much indeed.

[HagarTheHorrible]

5 minutes ago, West said:

Thank you in name of all the pilots tonight

- to JG1 for the hosting;

- and of course Hotlead for the urging roll call!

Great fun and FC biggest crowd that I remember, even with a  sprinkling of old ROF names )))

Made me visiting those early 2010 memories all over again.

 

+1

[SP1969]

Muff?

Just a thought, but does 'zoom' work with VR?

 

I have it set up on the slider on top of my throttle and I often use it to 'scan' the horizon for those little specks that generally turn into a lead spraying Fokker.

[Muff_Huggar]

Zoom power in VR is not very high. I think it's 2x power, but I'd have to look that up. I don't find that it improves detail significantly in VR though.

[ShamrockOneFive]

7 hours ago, SeaW0lf said:

Damn... Consistent 25+ players at JG1 during the most part of the afternoon at Flying Circus. I saw some old time veterans, I saw no icons, I experienced no lag (lots of players) and I saw beautiful maps. The vibe is a reminiscence of the old furballer Flying Circus in ROF (without the lag, icons and performance issues). 

 

It was great fun. I loved the Kuban mission in between the strait / narrow. You have plenty of time to climb and roam around and pick a fight. Just that I think the mission needs to be longer, because I did two flights and it was over (I got in when they restarted).

 

Anyway, today was a surprise, and I think people won't go away anymore. These servers are going to start to fill up to capacity.

 

Congrats to JG1 in particular and Hotlead (who helped spread the word)!

 

Seconded! I think I joined about the time you were leaving and the player count stayed high through my time on there too.

 

What a wonderful event and a great way to get folks out and flying. I'm intending to write a recap soon as it was just such a cool experience.

[HagarTheHorrible]

I would have liked to have seen a little more "clumping" ( official tech term).  Because it's WW1 and there should be no radio comm's doesn't mean that aircraft taking off together shouldn't at least try to co-operate and fly in some sort of loose gaggle towards the opposition rather than bugger off any which way.  Just a pet peeve of mine (especially when playing bombers). The Boche seemed to show a little more cooperation but that might have been impression rather than actuality.

[Field-Ops]

Was a fun event even though i only got to be on for one sortie. Hope to see servers like that populated more often!

[BMA_West]

2 hours ago, HagarTheHorrible said:

...

The Boche seemed to show a little more cooperation but that might have been impression rather than actuality.

 

I even remember them raiding our airfield.

The rdv place was empty & by the time I got back their wave was past already

[J37_GCF]

11 hours ago, SP1969 said:

Muff?

Just a thought, but does 'zoom' work with VR?

 

I have it set up on the slider on top of my throttle and I often use it to 'scan' the horizon for those little specks that generally turn into a lead spraying Fokker.

 

no and yes is the answer, head zoom in and out does not work but there is a VR Zoom (hold) press button function in game, works very well, and I think it gives 2X zoom, also think it is under pilot head controls in game. Hope this help !

 

To all flyers in the Air last night in JG1 server

 

It was truly amazing, I never played ROF, so for me the first big multiplayer event, and extremely enjoyable.

thanks to everyone flying and a special thanks to all at JG1 for a great server, and organising the event. hope it happens soon again.

 

Thanks again !

 

From me and The  Irregulars Flying Circus discord channel. 

 

https://discord.gg/W9RV46p

 

All welcome to join !

Edited December 24, 2018 by GCF

[JG1_Lipfert]

9 hours ago, Muff_Huggar said:

Zoom power in VR is not very high. I think it's 2x power, but I'd have to look that up. I don't find that it improves detail significantly in VR though.

 

Muff_Huggar,

 

Using this will give you x1.5, x5.0 and x10.0 zoom. Plus you can use the in game x2 to double the zoom. Plus you can turn off the Prop blur which makes ident easier. This is a must have for VR in this game.

 

 

S!

[SeaW0lf]

JG1 is password locked now  it is in campaign mode or something like that... I was wishing for airquake madness during the holydays (lol). 

[JG1_Butzzell]

S! SeaWOLF

 

JG1 is working on an IL-2 campaign. Unfortunately it takes a great deal of testing to make sure it functions correctly. During the time the data collected is analyzed and the program tweeked, we will be running FC missions with no password.

 

Also added the new IL-2 Biplane for Russian side only. It is a collector plane on sale now.  Will add it to the Central side when skins for Central can be made.

[SeaW0lf]

33 minutes ago, JG1_Butzzell said:

S! SeaWOLF

 

JG1 is working on an IL-2 campaign. Unfortunately it takes a great deal of testing to make sure it functions correctly. During the time the data collected is analyzed and the program tweeked, we will be running FC missions with no password.

 

Also added the new IL-2 Biplane for Russian side only. It is a collector plane on sale now.  Will add it to the Central side when skins for Central can be made.

 

Cool, cant't wait!

[SAS_Storebror]

On 12/23/2018 at 8:15 AM, Muff_Huggar said:

I'll probably regret writing this. Yep, I'm pretty sure I will. 

 

No need to 

 

At the risk of pointing out something you already know, we are operating a "Mods on" Gameserver "The Flying Ass Clowns" where you can have FC sorties as well.

What separates us from many other FC featuring servers is:

• You have to enable "Mods" in your game to actually see our Server at all.
• We have the Server set to "Normal" difficulty so you can have all the helpers you need if you want to, or disable them if you don't (like I do with most of them).
• Our missions always feature sufficient number of AI opponents so you can have fun on the Server even if you're the only human player around.
  In particular regarding the FC combats, we have a separated WW1 zone with one airfield for each side, protected by "high" level AAA so you don't get vulched forever, and with combat zones on each side where you will meet random AI opponents (1 or 2 of them), with random skills, respawning after a short break when getting killed.

Mike

[BMA_West]

21 hours ago, JG1_Butzzell said:

...

Also added the new IL-2 Biplane for Russian side only. It is a collector plane on sale now.  Will add it to the Central side when skins for Central can be made.

 

And there it is now with the U-2VS on the Allied side )))

[JGr2/J5_Hotlead]

Sorry for the late reply everyone! Was a little busy with Christmas festivities. (BTW, Merry Christmas to all of you fine gentlemen!) 

 

I was thrilled by the turnout and so glad you all enjoyed it! If this is a taste of what's to come, consider me hooked! ?

 

@Muff_Huggar I understand mate. Also, perhaps I overreacted to your post and read a little too much into it. My apologies for that! I certainly can see that there's not many servers up for Flying Circus currently. However, before long, I believe we'll start to see more. New Wings has a FANTASTIC training server on Rise of Flight that is dedicated solely to helping new pilots fly and fight without fear of stepping on anyone's toes. They also monitor it and have instructors online in it regularly who are simply there to help. In time, I hope to see them create a similar server for Flying Circus.  In the meantime, servers like the one @SAS_Storebror mentioned are already up and running. His server sounds like a wonderful place to get your feet wet!

 

Anyway, thanks again to everyone who came out! It was FANTASTIC!!! ?

[SeaW0lf]

I'm flying at JG1 right now (if anyone wants to join)

[LeChiffre]

on my way bro

 

[Guest deleted@83466]

On 12/25/2018 at 9:35 AM, West said:

 

And there it is now with the U-2VS on the Allied side )))

 

Just out of curiousity, how does it fare against the WWI planes?