No tracer, load out option

[HagarTheHorrible]

Do you think the Dev’s could do a no tracer load out, that could then be a server enforceable option ?

It wouldn’t be for everyday play, but it would be an interesting challenge, from time to time, and might sort out the men from the boys, when it comes to correct shooting practice ?  I’m not dissing tracer, far from it, I just think it would be an interesting challenge not only from the shooters perspective, but also to see how it would effect tactics and dogfights.

[SCG_Wulfe]

1 hour ago, HagarTheHorrible said:

Do you think the Dev’s could do a no tracer load out, that could then be a server enforceable option ?

It wouldn’t be for everyday play, but it would be an interesting challenge, from time to time, and might sort out the men from the boys, when it comes to correct shooting practice ?  I’m not dissing tracer, far from it, I just think it would be an interesting challenge not only from the shooters perspective, but also to see how it would effect tactics and dogfights.

 

Really shouldn't be hard. Already set up like that on the Mig. 

[Knarley-Bob]

They had them for a reason. It also helped let the pilot know if his barrels were shot out. But, to each his own.

[SCG_Wulfe]

40 minutes ago, Knarley-Bob said:

They had them for a reason. It also helped let the pilot know if his barrels were shot out. But, to each his own.

 

In World War 2 sure, but I don't think they were all that common in WW1 aviation. Especially for certain countries. 

[US63_SpadLivesMatter]

Who needs tracers at 40 meters?

[Knarley-Bob]

36 minutes ago, SCG_Wulfe said:

 

In World War 2 sure, but I don't think they were all that common in WW1 aviation. Especially for certain countries. 

You have a point, I was still really young back then and don't quite remember......?

[HagarTheHorrible]

2 hours ago, Knarley-Bob said:

They had them for a reason. It also helped let the pilot know if his barrels were shot out. But, to each his own.

 

Tracer was certainly about, and used extensively by both sides, it might well be more effective and useful in game than it was in real life though.   It would just be interesting, to have a match, where tracer isn't used and see how it effects gameplay and tactics. There's no spice to life without a bit a variety, It would just add something else to the mix.  Shooting at another aircraft, in FC always provides a reward, even if we miss, we can see where we went wrong and adjust until we get it right, with the reward of strong hit visuals when we do.  How much more interesting would it be if there was no positive feedback when you missed, the only reward being when you got everything right and hit your target ?  Would the same pilots still be just as successful, would the same aircraft dominate, wouldn't it be interesting to find out ?  Tracer, like sh*t, tends to attract attention, maybe a good thing, maybe not, how would dogfights playout if they didn't attract a floatila of hungery scavangers, from half way across the other side of the map, looking for easy prey ?

[J5_Gamecock]

16 minutes ago, HagarTheHorrible said:

Tracer, like sh*t, tends to attract attention, maybe a good thing, maybe not, how would dogfights playout if they didn't attract a floatila of hungery scavangers, from half way across the other side of the map, looking for easy prey ?

 This is something else I've noticed. In ROF you could see tracer fire long before you could actually make out the AC involved in the fight. In FC, I've noticed just the opposite. I often see two or more AC twisting and turning in combat well before I see the tracers.

 

  Not really relevant to the OP... just something I noticed.

[J5_Adam]

9 hours ago, SCG_Wulfe said:

 

In World War 2 sure, but I don't think they were all that common in WW1 aviation. Especially for certain countries. 

I know that Cecil Lewis talked about having tracer ammunition in WW1

[SCG_Wulfe]

7 hours ago, Adam said:

I know that Cecil Lewis talked about having tracer ammunition in WW1

 

Oh absolutely, I'm not saying they didn't have tracer ammunition, it was invented in 1915 as far as I know. I'm just saying that it would be neat to have an option to not have it, as I think many pilots also would have not had it available. 

[HagarTheHorrible]

I think it would be an interesting option, not because tracer didn’t exist during WW 1, but because it would present an additional challenge, and while it wouldn’t be any more, or less, realistic I do think it might introduce, when it’s used, a level of uncertainty, when it comes to shooting, which might better reflect the abilities of WW 1 pilots.

 

In FC, and RoF before that, we have countless opportunities to shoot at targets, to our hearts content,  We become, or at least some of us become, extremely practiced in the  art of shooting each other down.  Many of the elements that prevented real pilots gaining the skill to shoot down other aircraft, whether technological or personal, aren’t present, non of us will end up looking shadows of our former selves, from the stress of playing FC.   We can acquire skill and ability, dying several times a night, day in day out, without a care in the world, apart from having a bit of fun.  Not having tracer in the load out, every once in a while, might present a challenge, that while not strictly true to historical fact, could bring us closer to the difficulty actually encountered of shooting at other aircraft and if nothing else just present a bit of variety to the standard fare.

[Yours_truly_Ace]

I'd say reduce the tracer amount. Now it's for every second bullet it seems. Have it for every 5or 10 bullet would look better.
It's also good for spotting a dogfight far away.

Edited March 12, 2020 by 127Tom

[SeaW0lf]

If there were tracers during the war, and just McCuddeen book has several mentions to tracers, I am of the opinion to keep the tracers. Unless it is optional to have them or not. 

[No.23_Gaylion]

Yes they had tracers. Almost every pilot talks about having them. 

[HagarTheHorrible]

The suggestion isn’t so much about historical accuracy , how widespread the use of tracer was, or even how effective they were.

 

It is just to provide a different gameplay option, maybe something like a “No tracer Tuesday”.  It would be interesting to see how the lack of tracer would affect tactics, play style or who excels from good use of the gun sights and shooting skill rather than watching where the tracer flies.

[No.23_Gaylion]

Well, like GC stated, you'll see the swirling planes before you see the tracers (lame) so I don't see how it would change tactics much. Other than you'd probably lose people in close fights.