IL2 Great Battles Easy Mission Generator

[SYN_Vander]

On 1/9/2021 at 4:03 PM, Dawg35 said:

Would it be possible to completely randomize the opposing side in a Coop mission?

 

Currently I can set "random" for the mission type flown by the opposing side but I still have to input the starting airfield, altitude, air activity and AAA competence etc. I'd like to have all of this randomized and I only have control over what my side is going to do, and I have no idea about the other side until I fly.

 

Thanks.

 

I will try in the new version to have a random option for most things and then have one 'randomize' button that sets them all in one go (per side)

On 1/10/2021 at 8:40 PM, Mysticpuma said:

Hi Syn. 

Your mission builder is a great tool and I am loving using it. 

So having no idea how it works and what can be done, is it possible to add more life to the home airbase and target airbase? 

I just wondered if there was a way to have moving vehicles, maybe munitions vehicles, humans.... just a bit more activity for the take off base and similarly when attacking a target having vehicles driving around the apron, etc, etc? 

 

Just asking. 

Cheers, Mysticpuma 

 

 

There are some guys walking around the re-supply area and the small tower near the start. I'll see what I can do about  vehicles, but understand that the generator uses a standard template for each airfield and if you want to have vehicles driving around you need to know the specific layout of each airfield, which is a huge task if you want to define them all (read: I will not do that  ). Perhaps have a jeep drive parallel to the runway up and down or something? 

On 1/11/2021 at 7:06 AM, Startrek66 said:

I noticed that at the end of the mission, even though I have landed correctly, the mission summary identifies me as down.  It is not always the case but it has happened.

Down as in crashed? It's not something the mission generator will set, so this must be a generic IL2  bug.

Edited January 15, 2021 by SYN_Vander

[SYN_Vander]

I have done some work during the holidays and although I'm not sure if it's quite ready I thought I'd share the new version of the EMG here:

<deleted, replaced by official version on the EMG homepage>

 

It's a complete rewrite of the GUI part. I hope this will be a good base to add more functionality. The only functional changes: You can now select airfields in a map (not zoomable) and there are more options for randomization:

 

Edited January 30, 2021 by SYN_Vander

[blue_max]

13 minutes ago, SYN_Vander said:

I have done some work during the holidays and although I'm not sure if it's quite ready I thought I'd share the new version of the EMG here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmgCN_qdjblVF3Pmf-9HsJALVg1B2YtP/view?usp=sharing

 

It's a complete rewrite of the GUI part. I hope this will be a good base to add more functionality. The only functional changes: You can now select airfields in a map (not zoomable) and there are more options for randomization:

 

Hi! It looks a lot better, I love having the map. However, it does feel the options are a bit too spread out. I would put the three toggles in the column of historical planes (map tab) in the 'scenarios' tab, and then move the weather options into the map tab (and just remove the weather tab altogether). And content wise, my first request would be that cooperative and dogfight are equivalent in terms of scenarios that you can choose. Use case: we really like flying the scenarios, but some of us are particularly shitty pilots so they tend to die a lot. It would be cool to be able to do a co-op mission, but with the option to re-spawn if you do an epic fail somewhere.

 

Thanks for all the great work!

[SYN_Vander]

1 hour ago, blue_max said:

Hi! It looks a lot better, I love having the map. However, it does feel the options are a bit too spread out. I would put the three toggles in the column of historical planes (map tab) in the 'scenarios' tab, and then move the weather options into the map tab (and just remove the weather tab altogether). And content wise, my first request would be that cooperative and dogfight are equivalent in terms of scenarios that you can choose. Use case: we really like flying the scenarios, but some of us are particularly shitty pilots so they tend to die a lot. It would be cool to be able to do a co-op mission, but with the option to re-spawn if you do an epic fail somewhere.

 

Thanks for all the great work!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try what you suggested for the GUI.

About the scenario being the same for Coop and Dogfight: I'll see what I can do, it's something I also want to have. There will always be differences though; the main one being that when you choose 'Dogfight' you can't mix human players and AI players on one side. So it will be either: One side human players, the other AI or humans vs humans. Just to be clear about the limitations. Plus side: If someone gets killed he/she can quickly can re-enter using forward air spawn.

Edited January 19, 2021 by SYN_Vander

[blue_max]

20 minutes ago, SYN_Vander said:

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try what you suggested for the GUI.

About the scenario being the same for Coop and Dogfight: I'll see what I can do, it's something I also want to have. There will always be differences though; the main one being that when you choose 'Dogfight' you can't mix human players and AI players on one side. So it will be either: One side human players, the other AI or humans vs humans. Just to be clear about the limitations. Plus side: If someone gets killed he/she can quickly can re-enter using forward air spawn.

Cool! yeah, I found that bit also a bit confusing (also in the previous version), when do you get AI planes and what do they do exactly.  Maybe just a pop up if you put your mouse on the option, to explain in more detail what's going on?

[Novotny]

Hi, me and a small group of other incompetents have been using your program over the last few months - thanks so much for your work!  I just want to echo the requests for respawning in co-op missions - I understand it will mean limiting possibilities but it would make co-op play hugely more enjoyable for us   Thanks again for what you've already done.

[Startrek66]

This idea of the map on sight is beautiful, I'll try it.  Thanks for your time

[co199]

Good job on the new update, it works really well. I like the new randomization options!

[51THHotStick]

On 1/19/2021 at 10:47 PM, Novotny said:

Hi, me and a small group of other incompetents have been using your program over the last few months - thanks so much for your work!  I just want to echo the requests for respawning in co-op missions - I understand it will mean limiting possibilities but it would make co-op play hugely more enjoyable for us   Thanks again for what you've already done.

 

Exactly same +1

Edited January 24, 2021 by 51THHotStick

[SYN_Vander]

2 hours ago, 51THHotStick said:

 

Exactly same +1

 

Almost done! I have now aligned 'Dogfight' to be exactly the same as Single/Coop scenarios.

[blue_max]

2 hours ago, SYN_Vander said:

 

Almost done! I have now aligned 'Dogfight' to be exactly the same as Single/Coop scenarios.

Awesome! You da man!

[SYN_Vander]

Okay here is a new version of the 'beta':  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r0JnYoDc6QDCV_T3b8eKiu6htGDHFVZ2/view?usp=sharing

 

I have changed the layout so everything related to map & weather is in one tab and all scenario related stuff is also together in one tab.

The major change is a complete overhaul of the 'dogfight'  mode. It now closely follows the single/cooperative scenario config. So basically it has become a coop game mode with respawn capability. If you choose for air-start you can even spawn in close to the objective.

Oh and now it's also easy to add more airfields so I tested by adding extra airfields for Stalingrad (aug 42 front) and Arras (mar/apr 18 front).

 

Lots of changes and I haven't tested enough, but please try it out and give some feedback. Have fun!

Edited January 24, 2021 by SYN_Vander

[blue_max]

17 hours ago, SYN_Vander said:

Okay here is a new version of the 'beta':  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r0JnYoDc6QDCV_T3b8eKiu6htGDHFVZ2/view?usp=sharing

 

I have changed the layout so everything related to map & weather is in one tab and all scenario related stuff is also together in one tab.

The major change is a complete overhaul of the 'dogfight'  mode. It now closely follows the single/cooperative scenario config. So basically it has become a coop game mode with respawn capability. If you choose for air-start you can even spawn in close to the objective.

Oh and now it's also easy to add more airfields so I tested by adding extra airfields for Stalingrad (aug 42 front) and Arras (mar/apr 18 front).

 

Lots of changes and I haven't tested enough, but please try it out and give some feedback. Have fun!

Awesome, I'll rally the troops and see if we can set up a testing game soon. Thanks a lot! Having more airfields is also great, good to have a bit of variation.

[SYN_Vander]

Already found some bugs, will release a new version by wednesday.

[SYN_Vander]

Okay so here it is, v43! It is quite a big update with a lot of -mostly- UI changes. I will now focus on the backend so it will be easier to add new features to the EMG

 

Download here: https://sites.google.com/view/il2-great-battles-emg/

 

Release Notes v43

-Revised the User Interface. Added multiple tabs with better layout for all the configuration options

-All maps are now shown graphically with selectable airfields marked on the map

-Almost all options now have a 'random' option. 'Randomize' buttons have been added to set multiple options in one go

-Revised 'Dogfight' game mode. It is now the same as single/cooperative, so basically it's a coop game with the ability to respawn.

• Limitation: You can't mix AI with human players in one flight. So on one side both blue en red flights are either human controlled or AI.
• Limitation: You can't run the mission for ever as AI planes do not respawn (only some backup AI planes will spawn).

-Added extra airfields to Stalingrad, Kuban and Arras maps. More will follow.

-Secondary target will now be selected to be not too far away from primary target (and not too close).

-Secondary target now has it's own success message

-Changed all durability values of target objects as per official (career) values. Some targets were too tough.

-Fixed various bugs with scoring and success messages

-Fixed airfield location Stalingrad period oct 42

-Fixed incorrect scoring logic for garrisons

 

 

EDIT: Murphy strikes again... just had to re-upload. Should work fine now....

Edited January 27, 2021 by SYN_Vander

[simfan2015]

Congratulations SYN_Vander and thanks a lot !

Couldn't imagine IL-2 GB and TC without your mission generators anymore !

Edited January 27, 2021 by simfan2015

[pjmack11377]

so far...so fun...thank you

 

[jokerBR]

The new UI is better (not that the former wasn't good). Kudos and thanks.

[Beebop]

It has been an amazing program since version 1. 

Now it should come with and update with any DLC purchase.  ?

I hope you have a lot of "coffee" to drink.

[blue_max]

It's so much better now! Super clean interface, and being able to choose airports is an awesome addition. Can't wait to see what else you have cooking

[Startrek66]

Big work.  I ask you if you can give me an indication for setting the parameters to get the least load on the CPU.  Thanks

[SYN_Vander]

4 hours ago, Startrek66 said:

Big work.  I ask you if you can give me an indication for setting the parameters to get the least load on the CPU.  Thanks

 

I have not yet implemented an option to change the number of vehicles/AAA AI, but AI planes AI have the most impact anyway.

To have minimum AI planes deselect the option 'Ambient AI Flights'. Then configure the amount of planes per flight, ie don't select more than 8 planes per side.

[Kapteeni]

New version is beuatifull! i really like that there is more options for randomizing! Fabulous job!!

[Dawg35]

I've always wanted the maps in the GUI but thought it was too much to ask for. WOW! Thanks!!!

[Dawg35]

The only change I would suggest is to make the window a bit bigger and put everything on one page, something like this that I hacked together in IrfanView:

[blue_max]

So we just did our first respawning coop mission. It was awesome! Just like we want it. Only small detail: we did an airfield attack mission, and there weren't all that many static airplanes on the airfield to blow up...

[pjmack11377]

This makes a great sim even better.  Another fix would be to remove the Hurricane from the axis list in the drop down menu.  I reluctantly point this out because I would not wish to seem fussy.  Fantastic tool.

 

Patrick

[Deacon352nd]

Would there be a way to choose which base as your home base on each map as opposed to selecting one of the three pre-chosen ones offered?

[SYN_Vander]

16 hours ago, pjmack11377 said:

This makes a great sim even better.  Another fix would be to remove the Hurricane from the axis list in the drop down menu.  I reluctantly point this out because I would not wish to seem fussy.  Fantastic tool.

 

Patrick

 

In fact, this was specifically asked for by another user to simulate Finish scenario I believe :). You should only see it when you select 'custom' plane list and the game should not use it when picking random opponents.

7 minutes ago, Deacon352nd said:

Would there be a way to choose which base as your home base on each map as opposed to selecting one of the three pre-chosen ones offered?

 

Can you elaborate? You want to be able to have more selectable airfields on a map?

On 1/29/2021 at 3:10 AM, Dawg35 said:

The only change I would suggest is to make the window a bit bigger and put everything on one page, something like this that I hacked together in IrfanView:

 

I've had people complain about window size being to big for the previous version and this would not scale well. Perhaps the map selection screen could be a pop-up or something.

[Deacon352nd]

Vander, please first let me say I feel your generator is fantastic. My suggestion is in no way a complaint. What I wondered is if we can choose whatever base we wish to spawn upon. Right now there are three choices for each side in the dogfight selection (which is all I use as a mission maker for my group)

I have a workaround as I adapt each generated mission for our use but if I was able to choose the exact airfield from which my group would spawn, it would make the generator perfect for any group’s dogfight missions. 
I hope I’ve explained my suggestion adequately. 

[SYN_Vander]

1 hour ago, Deacon352nd said:

Vander, please first let me say I feel your generator is fantastic. My suggestion is in no way a complaint. What I wondered is if we can choose whatever base we wish to spawn upon. Right now there are three choices for each side in the dogfight selection (which is all I use as a mission maker for my group)

I have a workaround as I adapt each generated mission for our use but if I was able to choose the exact airfield from which my group would spawn, it would make the generator perfect for any group’s dogfight missions. 
I hope I’ve explained my suggestion adequately. 

I did not consider it a complaint ?, just trying to understand. In short, when you look at the map image you would like to be able to select any of the airfields shown there, not just the three the tool has a button for, correct?
The good thing is that with this new version that is now possible, as there is no limit of 3 anymore, but it takes time to add all the airfields to the maps. I have already started by adding some more to Arras, Stalingrad and Kuban.

 

[4SCT_Vespa]

Sorry for the silly question..but I'm a bit confused about how to use the tool.

I just tried to set a very basic mission using the tab "Situation" and "Scenario", then I clicked the "Create Mission" button and after that the "Save Mission" button.

Where can I find the created mission while in game? I checked the game folder, data->Mission directory but I cannot find any mission custom file.

Again, sorry for the questions and thanks a lot for any help and hints

[BlitzPig_EL]

Vander, I just generated 2 missions on the Kuban, one with historic planes, and one with "All" planes.  In either case only a very limited number of mostly the wrong types for the mission parameters were available.  The missions set were "intercept" and most of the available planes are bombers/attack aircraft.  Also, once in the game, you can select your home base only one time, then cannot go back to change your aircraft without first selecting the enemy base.   When setting them up, the aircraft types I wanted "all", were shown in the drop down menu, but once generated the aircraft in the actual mission were as described above.  Instead of having all correct fighter types available, the Axis only had one Bf 109, and the Russians only had the P39 and P40.

 

Something is very broken here.

[Beebop]

32 minutes ago, 4SCT_Vespa said:

Sorry for the silly question..but I'm a bit confused about how to use the tool.

I just tried to set a very basic mission using the tab "Situation" and "Scenario", then I clicked the "Create Mission" button and after that the "Save Mission" button.

Where can I find the created mission while in game? I checked the game folder, data->Mission directory but I cannot find any mission custom file.

Again, sorry for the questions and thanks a lot for any help and hints

If you made a Single Mission the mission should be found in

data > Missions

If you made a Multiplayer mission it would be in;

For Cooperative:  data > Multiplayer > Cooperative

If a Dogfight it would be in: data > Multiplayer > Dogfight

You should be able to choose them from the appropriate mission menu. 

For Multiplayer Missions you will need to "create a server" to access them.

 

HIR  (hope i'm right)

HTH (hope this helps)

[SYN_Vander]

1 hour ago, BlitzPig_EL said:

Vander, I just generated 2 missions on the Kuban, one with historic planes, and one with "All" planes.  In either case only a very limited number of mostly the wrong types for the mission parameters were available.  The missions set were "intercept" and most of the available planes are bombers/attack aircraft.  Also, once in the game, you can select your home base only one time, then cannot go back to change your aircraft without first selecting the enemy base.   When setting them up, the aircraft types I wanted "all", were shown in the drop down menu, but once generated the aircraft in the actual mission were as described above.  Instead of having all correct fighter types available, the Axis only had one Bf 109, and the Russians only had the P39 and P40.

 

Something is very broken here.

 

Okay, let's break this down into the various issues.

 

• The 'Historical planes' tickbox determines if only planes that fit in the selected period (front) can be selected or all of the same category (fighter, attacker, bomber).
• If you want to be able to make every aircraft in the category selectable in the airfield where you spawn, select the 'any' option for the flight.

 

Example: Scenario is ' bombing' (Make sure the scenario is not set to 'random' !) . Blue flight plane category is 'bomber', Red flight category is 'fighter'  (escorts). 'Historical planes' is ticked.

If you now select 'any' for Blue Flight and 'I-16' for Red Flight you will see in the game as selectable planes all the bombers (of that period) and the I-16.

 

I just tested this and seems to work.

 

Now about the in-game behavior:  I have to do some tests. The other day I had selected a plane in the airfield but ended up in a limbo state where the game thought I had spawned, but I was still seeing the map...

 

EDIT: Not being able to go select the airfield again: Is that perhaps because another icon is overlapping? I had to slightly move my mouse, when the colour changed to lighter shade I could click on the airfield again. I guess I need to find a way to move the flight plan markers.

 

 

Edited January 30, 2021 by SYN_Vander

[4SCT_Vespa]

Thanks a lot Beebop, fixed thanks to your hints.

[Beebop]

Oh good.  Glad I could help.

[blue_max]

3 hours ago, SYN_Vander said:

 

Okay, let's break this down into the various issues.

 

• The 'Historical planes' tickbox determines if only planes that fit in the selected period (front) can be selected or all of the same category (fighter, attacker, bomber).
• If you want to be able to make every aircraft in the category selectable in the airfield where you spawn, select the 'any' option for the flight.

 

Example: Scenario is ' bombing' (Make sure the scenario is not set to 'random' !) . Blue flight plane category is 'bomber', Red flight category is 'fighter'  (escorts). 'Historical planes' is ticked.

If you now select 'any' for Blue Flight and 'I-16' for Red Flight you will see in the game as selectable planes all the bombers (of that period) and the I-16.

 

Thanks a lot for this explanation! Makes sense. Besides the aforementioned lack of static airplanes for us to bomb to smithereens, another small niggle: we wanted to do a bombing mission with a couple of peeps flying fully loaded P47s or P38s, and others escorting them. But you can't actually select them for the bombing scenario. So... what is actually the difference between an airfield attack mission and an airfield bombing mission?

 

Cheers, and thanks again!

[BlitzPig_EL]

Thanks Vander.  I understand it now.

 

Yeah, it's the waypoint flight path lines that are getting in the way.  If I zoom in I can reselect the base again.

 

 

[SYN_Vander]

2 hours ago, blue_max said:

Thanks a lot for this explanation! Makes sense. Besides the aforementioned lack of static airplanes for us to bomb to smithereens, another small niggle: we wanted to do a bombing mission with a couple of peeps flying fully loaded P47s or P38s, and others escorting them. But you can't actually select them for the bombing scenario. So... what is actually the difference between an airfield attack mission and an airfield bombing mission?

 

Cheers, and thanks again!

 

It started out differently, but nowadays the only difference is: level bombing vs dive (low alt) bombing. Perhaps I should make it just one scenario with option to ' level'  bomb