DLC For Improving the Skirmish/Training Mode - Very Important for Replayability!

[Zero-Sen]

Hello all. Like many other folks here I am also largely a console-flyboy who enjoyed what the consoles had to offer for flight combat (Ace Combat is admittedly always a fun, if not at all realistic, play) but have always wanted something more immersive.

As such, also like many others here, I have been having a grand old time with BoP so far. If you'd all indulge me in a mini-review before I address my thread topic - yes, BoP certainly IS NOT the ultra-realistic IL2 experience that can be found on the PC (on the other hand, I understand the devs are hard at work on a brand new PC one as we speak...) but I understand that ultra-realism was never BoP's true goal. Instead, 1C and Gaijin must really be commended for finally making the best (at the moment...) console flight title that bridges that gap between arcadey-console sims and realistic PC sims.

In short, if you play it on the console-sim style arcade mode, you'll find a great-controlling and action-packed experience that I - like many other reviews have stated - believe really is the best console flight game available at the moment. On the other hand, although it isn't identical, PC IL2 veterans who play the realistic Sim mode will find that there are many similarities and new bells and whistles (ie. fantastic graphics, great score, etc.) that makes BoP worth experiencing all the same.

Consequently, as we owners/players are now all theoretically 'share-holders' in this new BoP line of IL2, of course we have suggestions on how to make BoP even better and to last us until the sequel (after all, have you noticed? BoP is getting rave reviews - good job guys!).

I know there has been a lot of issues regarding the multiplayer bugs and glitches on both PS3 and 360, so I'm not going to add fuel to that fire here. Instead, as my topic suggests, I'm here to suggest a few changes to the singleplayer skirmish/training mode that would result in big improvements and great longevity.

First off, the devs were already *so close* to making the Training mode basically the mission editor mode that many of us want. It already has many of the features needed but is missing only a few very important ones, like:
1) Ability to select number of and aircraft type for allied AI wingmen - BoP already has a *functional* AI wingmen command system, so please include it in the training mode as well. Yes, the AI isn't always so smart, but they are fairly good at doing what you tell them to do. Besides, as many on the boards have stated, it really isn't fun to attack/defend the Channel/Stalingrad/Berlin for the nth time as the ONLY pilot for your chosen nation vs 16 other belligerent Spits/Yaks/109s who all have you as their ONLY target.
2) German cockpits for Training Mode use - ok, I know Anton has stated to death that we'll get at least the 109 and 190 'pits via DLC, but please make sure that the cockpits are useable/available for the Training mode as well for a fully fleshed out skirmish/training mode. And,
3) Ability to select mixed aircraft for allied AI wingmen and for enemy AI. This would just be the icing on the cake and would finally allow for unlimited bombing/defend/escort/interception scenarios.

So there you have it - I personally think that just these THREE additions to the Training mode would give BoP huge replayability. Too tired to muck around with setting up online sessions? Fire up the training mode with these additions and play any number of encounters to your hearts' content.

So, just to summarize, it would be absolutely beyond my wildest dreams if these 3 additions could be made via DLC to the Training Mode:
1) Ability to select number of and aircraft type for allied AI wingmen,
2) German cockpits (basically Bf109, FW-190) available for use in training mode, and
3) Ability to select mixed aircraft types for AI and enemy bots in training mode.
Hell, I'd be happy if only 1) and 2) made it in for DLC additions!

This is certainly not a demand, but simply suggestions that I think anyone in the IL2/BoP community would like for BoP additions. As such, please feel free to offer your own opinion on this topic for further constructive discussion to the devs! Cheers!

[simfex]

Yes, I am completely on your side. But there is one we can add too. I think it should be possible to make that the bombers hold there positions when they fly in formation. It is completely unreal and frustrating when they turn like fighters. And as a second option the flak should also be available.

[MorgothNL]

Originally Posted by simfex

Yes, I am completely on your side. But there is one we can add too. I think it should be possible to make that the bombers hold there positions when they fly in formation. It is completely unreal and frustrating when they turn like fighters. And as a second option the flak should also be available.

the flak is available in the current training mode its not effective... but its gonna be updated in the title update.

[Ancient Seraph]

Although I probably won't use it, I do agree that it would be a nice addon for a lot of people. A mission editor would be even more awesome if you could play it Coop, like in PF, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. The expanded training options would be a nice addition.

[Houndstone Hawk]

Agree whole heartedly with everything you suggest re: simple addons to the training missions. Sadly, BoP is NOT going to suddenly become a popular success for the SIM player online & after many many sessions of waiting around for a good dose of SIM MP I have resorted to the training scenarios. It's not the fault of the game I must stress. OK the scoring system is flawed slightly but that shouldn't stop players wanting to stick at honing their skills on MP SIM.
I'd like to add one more suggestion to your 3 simple training scenario ideas if I may & that is having the option to be able to start & end your scenario from an airfield IF THE MAP HAS ONE!
Short of playing the relevant tutorial or the odd mission over & over, there is no other way in the game of enjoying a take off & more importantly, the sometimes thrilling scenario of trying to get your damaged kite back to the airfield. That for me, IS PART OF THE FIGHT.
One would say go online & try the capture the airfield mode but once again I have yet to find anyone to play this mode on anything other than ARCADE or REALISM.

Once again, Great suggestions you have made, that should not be hard to pull off & the replayabilty factor, as you say, would be huge.

[PantherAttack2]

Originally Posted by Houndstone Hawk

...start & end your scenario from an airfield IF THE MAP HAS ONE!

As far as I know every single map has at least one airfield on it, but the option to take-off and then to land again to finish the scenario would be great.

[FOZ_1983]

something like "escort" (single player mission) would be good where...


you have to take off from hawkinge, fly to france attack an airfield, cause damage then fly home and land.

All with limited fuel and ammo.

Would take a while but would be fun.

Always used to be great doing things like that on the PC.

[Ancient Seraph]

Never been one for the long flights to a target.. it's why I didn't like the SP in PF at all. Think there's a very limited public for those missions..

P.S. sorry 'bout the game just now Foz

[FOZ_1983]

Originally Posted by Ancient Seraph

Never been one for the long flights to a target.. it's why I didn't like the SP in PF at all. Think there's a very limited public for those missions..

P.S. sorry 'bout the game just now Foz

No need to apologise mate, i was quite happy to stick it out 2v1 but then the last kill...

i thought we collided, but i we were both still flying....then a couple of seconds later both mine and yours wings got ripped off and we "crashed"

I dont really enjoy games that lag

Nice flying btw, was struggling to keep you in my sights (and your team mate off my 6!!)

[Ancient Seraph]

(off topic, i know)
Meh, I know my inet connection is quite bad, but since no-one else ever hosts