Control of bombers

[Fred19]

Hope this doesn't sound too silly, but wouldn't it be possible to control the bombers also? Also, I'd like to set the starting altitude of my planes by myself when playing a campaign. I don't think the RAF was hovering over treetops when sent to intercept a German attack.

[bartbert]

It might be possible to allow players to control the bombers, but to be honest, there isn't much to control. But we can put it down on the wish list.

As far as picking the starting altitude, it was kind of intentional to take that out of the player's control. There are lots of historical accounts of fighter escorts not coordinating with the bombers they were supposed to be protecting.

Likewise, interceptors could be caught by surprise and might still be in the process of gaining altitude when the bombers arrive.

We also have plans to add more skills down the road, and one of the skills would be better escort coordination, which would make it more likely that fighter escorts would start at the same or one level above the bombers they are escorts.

There could be a similar skill for interceptors called "radar" or something that would make it more likely that the interceptors would start closer to the bomber's altitude.

[Dan Verssen]

This might help, the starting altitudes of bombers is slightly randomized, but they tend to operate where bombers of that type usually operated.

Light Bombers can start at Very Low, (usually) Low, and Medium.

Medium Bombers at Low, (usually) Medium, and High.

Heavy Bombers at Medium, (usually) High, and Very High.

This will at least give you some idea as to what to expect for Escort and Intercept missions.

[Fred19]

We also have plans to add more skills down the road, and one of the skills would be better escort coordination, which would make it more likely that fighter escorts would start at the same or one level above the bombers they are escorts.

There could be a similar skill for interceptors called "radar" or something that would make it more likely that the interceptors would start closer to the bomber's altitude.

Excellent!

Light Bombers can start at Very Low, (usually) Low, and Medium.

Medium Bombers at Low, (usually) Medium, and High.

Heavy Bombers at Medium, (usually) High, and Very High.

This will at least give you some idea as to what to expect for Escort and Intercept missions.

Thanks for the hint, Dan!

I never played a war game with such enthusiasm since the release of PGII back in the nineties (which I still play regularly).

Thank you, guys!

[Guest Mike]

Originally posted by Dan Verssen:

This might help, the starting altitudes of bombers is slightly randomized, but they tend to operate where bombers of that type usually operated.

Light Bombers can start at Very Low, (usually) Low, and Medium.

Medium Bombers at Low, (usually) Medium, and High.

Heavy Bombers at Medium, (usually) High, and Very High.

This will at least give you some idea as to what to expect for Escort and Intercept missions.

Oh yes - that'll help!!

Now I know why my Spits at Very High weren't much of an escort for the Wellingtons at Low vs 4 Fw-190A's.....it was a short game, and the negative experience points from it hurt a bit!!! :eek:

[Stalin's Organ]

Originally posted by Dan Verssen:

Medium Bombers at Low, (usually) Medium, and High.

I just had B25's start at very low in a Europe 44 campaign mission - I have a screen shot if you want it.