Rise of the Persian Lion initial feedback

[sirrah]

Surprises me that, even though it's only just released for half a week, there's not yet any feedback (or reviews). Anyways, here's my initial thoughts and feedback after flying the first 5 missions (full AAR version). Although unintentionally, this post may contain minor spoilers.

 

(small side note: I only flew the Serpents Head 1 campaign and don't own Serpents Head 2, so I'm quite new to @Badger633's recent work)

 

 

• First of all I like the "slow" story build up. The first two missions, even though quite simplistic and easy, add just that little bit of extra storyline.
• I also really like that the briefing text contains some notifications on which aircraft systems and procedures you should be familiar with for that specific mission. E.g.: For this mission you should be able to add a new waypoint by entering coordinates, or you should be familiar with how to operate the tpod, know how to perform a case I recovery, etc. (nothing more frustrating than doing a long mission, only to find out you forgot some procedure or avionics setup and find yourself alt-tab to refresh your memory).
• The missions so far, were very VR performance friendly, although I personally wouldn't have saved performance by using the old F/A-18 static models on the carrier. They are just too outdated and ugly. Also, a bit more air traffic would have been nice to have imo. (but then again, you really notice you have very good performance right now).

 

Then some (friendly meant) critics/feedback:

1. Communications: I don't like the fact that almost all comms are automatically done on the same channel/frequency. I would have preferred it to be mandatory to first tune to a correct frequency (either on a preset channel or new) and press spacebar when ready for communications. From personal mission editing experience I know it can be a bit time consuming to implement this, but it's actually quite easy to do. Apart from creating more realism, this would also give the player a bit more to do during long straight flights. (E.g.: after take off from ABE, switch to ch2 on pri to check in with STRIKE. Then switch ch5 on aux to contact Fujairah airspace controller, then switch to Dubai airspace controller, etc.).
2. I noticed during RTB, at some point my wingman goes in trail when approaching the carrier. I understand that this is needed. However, the wingman is then deactivated (despawned). It would be more realistic if the wingman also lands on the ship after the player has done so.
3. Mission 3 and 4 specific: On both these missions the player is required to deviate from the initial flight plan. What I think is a bit odd though, is that after the deviation, the player is cleared RTB. Especially in mission 4 it's kinda strange that the remaining ships don't require any further investigation after the players detour. On mission 3 I would suggest to at least add something like a "Ford, you are relieved by XXXX-flight, RTB for debriefing" message.
4. Mission 4: I found it a bit odd that on my way back to mother, I didn't have to again make contact with Dubai and Fujairah air control.
5. Mission 5: Minor thing, but in the briefing you give the tip "1. You will need to use the Night Vision Goggles for refuel". I can be mistaking, but I'm pretty sure AAR is never done with NVG's on  

 

 

Overall I like this campaign so far, even though (or maybe because) I didn't yet came to the wild west action yet  

Edited July 26, 2021 by sirrah
updated after flying mission #5

[CH4Pz]

I gotta agree with most here, with the wing man, once u contact tower make sure u kiss him off before the break an i think he loops around then lands, i guess so as not to pressure the player. I also found some of the commentary quite cringe at times, sounded like they were reading from script instead of how they would say it irl. But as always missions are fun an accessible, an its well worth the $10

[Badger633]

4 hours ago, CH4Pz said:

I gotta agree with most here, with the wing man, once u contact tower make sure u kiss him off before the break an i think he loops around then lands, i guess so as not to pressure the player. I also found some of the commentary quite cringe at times, sounded like they were reading from script instead of how they would say it irl. But as always missions are fun an accessible, an its well worth the $10

Hi, at the time of production the AI was not dependable enough to use the kiss off method as it can cause problems. This is why the going trail method was used. When the former becomes more dependable then will consider adjusting it.

Thanks and hope you enjoy the campaign.

Badger633

[Badger633]

18 hours ago, sirrah said:

Surprises me that, even though it's only just released for half a week, there's not yet any feedback (or reviews). Anyways, here's my initial thoughts and feedback after flying the first 5 missions (full AAR version). Although unintentionally, this post may contain minor spoilers.

 

(small side note: I only flew the Serpents Head 1 campaign and don't own Serpents Head 2, so I'm quite new to @Badger633's recent work)

 

 

• First of all I like the "slow" story build up. The first two missions, even though quite simplistic and easy, add just that little bit of extra storyline.
• I also really like that the briefing text contains some notifications on which aircraft systems and procedures you should be familiar with for that specific mission. E.g.: For this mission you should be able to add a new waypoint by entering coordinates, or you should be familiar with how to operate the tpod, know how to perform a case I recovery, etc. (nothing more frustrating than doing a long mission, only to find out you forgot some procedure or avionics setup and find yourself alt-tab to refresh your memory).
• The missions so far, were very VR performance friendly, although I personally wouldn't have saved performance by using the old F/A-18 static models on the carrier. They are just too outdated and ugly. Also, a bit more air traffic would have been nice to have imo. (but then again, you really notice you have very good performance right now).

 

Then some (friendly meant) critics/feedback:

1. Communications: I don't like the fact that almost all comms are automatically done on the same channel/frequency. I would have preferred it to be mandatory to first tune to a correct frequency (either on a preset channel or new) and press spacebar when ready for communications. From personal mission editing experience I know it can be a bit time consuming to implement this, but it's actually quite easy to do. Apart from creating more realism, this would also give the player a bit more to do during long straight flights. (E.g.: after take off from ABE, switch to ch2 on pri to check in with STRIKE. Then switch ch5 on aux to contact Fujairah airspace controller, then switch to Dubai airspace controller, etc.).
2. I noticed during RTB, at some point my wingman goes in trail when approaching the carrier. I understand that this is needed. However, the wingman is then deactivated (despawned). It would be more realistic if the wingman also lands on the ship after the player has done so.
3. Mission 3 and 4 specific: On both these missions the player is required to deviate from the initial flight plan. What I think is a bit odd though, is that after the deviation, the player is cleared RTB. Especially in mission 4 it's kinda strange that the remaining ships don't require any further investigation after the players detour. On mission 3 I would suggest to at least add something like a "Ford, you are relieved by XXXX-flight, RTB for debriefing" message.
4. Mission 4: I found it a bit odd that on my way back to mother, I didn't have to again make contact with Dubai and Fujairah air control.
5. Mission 5: Minor thing, but in the briefing you give the tip "1. You will need to use the Night Vision Goggles for refuel". I can be mistaking, but I'm pretty sure AAR is never done with NVG's on  

 

 

Overall I like this campaign so far, even though (or maybe because) I didn't yet came to the wild west action yet  

 

Hi, thanks for your comments.

 

Would have loved to use the more detailed Hornet model on deck but the problem is, especially if you have quite a number, there is a large FPS hit. This at a time when on board the carrier your rig is being most stressed in VR. Also need to consider some fellow pilots have not got top end systems.

 

Used to have the air traffic clearance on return as you have pointed out. But in testing it was conflicting with the player making return calls to the carrier which is about the same time when the carrier station becomes available. Also not possible to predict when the player may decide to make that call.

 

Thanks and hope you enjoy the campaign.

 

Badger633

[Zarma]

Totally agree with this feedback.

 

Radio comms would add immersion. Flew 3 missions so far, really begginer friendly.

 

Thanks for the work !

[Badger633]

21 minutes ago, Zarma said:

Totally agree with this feedback.

 

Radio comms would add immersion. Flew 3 missions so far, really begginer friendly.

 

Thanks for the work !

Hi, thanks

 

Just for the forum I have repeated my response to you elsewhere:

 

“Hi, there are radio changes required when dealing with all A2A refuel and carrier approaches. Also plenty of F10 inputs required. The reason I have done this is to strike a balance with the less and more experienced players. I may consider adding more radio manipulation in the future. If so it will be a free update but it won’t be be in the immediate future. 
Hope you enjoy the campaign.

Badger633”

 

 

[MSMStannyl]

Hi, I'm having an issue on one of the missions. I also mentioned this on the Steam forum but realized this may be a better place for it. I think I'm missing a trigger.

 

Basically, this is in regards to the mission to "save" the ship (Batillus I think it's called?) that was captured. You have to fly to the island, destroy the AAA, taxing aircraft and then provide CAP. 

 

I get that far no problem, and start flying CAP around the ship/island. The attack heli's come in to do their work and the big heli "Lifter" hovers over the ship and then flies away but I'm left just circling around. I've tried this numerous times but can't seem to figure out what I'm missing as I don't get any messages to do anything further. The one time I tried to fly home after all the heli's had come and gone, I got a failed mission message. I assume the ship is supposed to move but it's not happening for me. What could I be doing wrong?

 

Thanks!

 

Otherwise, I do really enjoy it so far. I agree that some of the comms is a bit simplistic but should be good for beginners. Still entertaining though. Great work!

[flaashheart]

I had the same problem, whatever trigger is supposed to fire to signify the spec ops taking the ship seems to be temperamental.  I ran the mission 3 times and it failed, ended up using the auto win at the start and skipping it.

[Badger633]

6 hours ago, MSMStannyl said:

Hi, I'm having an issue on one of the missions. I also mentioned this on the Steam forum but realized this may be a better place for it. I think I'm missing a trigger.

 

Basically, this is in regards to the mission to "save" the ship (Batillus I think it's called?) that was captured. You have to fly to the island, destroy the AAA, taxing aircraft and then provide CAP. 

 

I get that far no problem, and start flying CAP around the ship/island. The attack heli's come in to do their work and the big heli "Lifter" hovers over the ship and then flies away but I'm left just circling around. I've tried this numerous times but can't seem to figure out what I'm missing as I don't get any messages to do anything further. The one time I tried to fly home after all the heli's had come and gone, I got a failed mission message. I assume the ship is supposed to move but it's not happening for me. What could I be doing wrong?

 

Thanks!

 

Otherwise, I do really enjoy it so far. I agree that some of the comms is a bit simplistic but should be good for beginners. Still entertaining though. Great work!

Hi, sorry you have had this problem. Annoying for me as I had identified this before release and resolved it. I have already responded in this forum under bugs. I repeat it below 

 

“Hi, I am aware of this issue. It’s a current bug in the chinook AI. I had corrected this problem before release by changing the helo type. Unfortunately for some reason ED did not issue the campaign with my latest files. I have highlighted this to them and they will be issuing in next update.

Sorry but this was out of my control.

You can either wait until the update or use the mission by pass facility for now.

Hope this helps

Badger633”

 

It’s disappointing as something important happens at the end of this mission for the story line. Hopefully the correct file without this problem will be released next update. Just glad I introduced the mission by pass system.

 

Hope you enjoy the rest of the campaign.

Badger633

 

 

6 hours ago, flaashheart said:

I had the same problem, whatever trigger is supposed to fire to signify the spec ops taking the ship seems to be temperamental.  I ran the mission 3 times and it failed, ended up using the auto win at the start and skipping it.

Hi, sorry you have had this problem. Annoying for me as I had identified this before release and resolved it. I have already responded in this forum under bugs. I repeat it below 

 

“Hi, I am aware of this issue. It’s a current bug in the chinook AI. I had corrected this problem before release by changing the helo type. Unfortunately for some reason ED did not issue the campaign with my latest files. I have highlighted this to them and they will be issuing in next update.

Sorry but this was out of my control.

You can either wait until the update or use the mission by pass facility for now.

Hope this helps

Badger633”

 

It’s disappointing as something important happens at the end of this mission for the story line. Hopefully the correct file without this problem will be released next update. Just glad I introduced the mission by pass system.

 

Hope you enjoy the rest of the campaign.

Badger633

 

[zildac]

Just dropped by to say am really enjoying this campaign so far (just about to start mission 4)! Looks like based on the issue with the Chinook AI I'll have to skip 5 but nevertheless, great job and not too easy or to hard (based on my ability anyway). Thanks!

[flaashheart]

Thanks for the reply Badger, I noticed the bug post about 10 seconds after sorry...

 

I've run through the whole campaign now and have to say, totally awesome.

[Badger633]

1 hour ago, flaashheart said:

Thanks for the reply Badger, I noticed the bug post about 10 seconds after sorry...

 

I've run through the whole campaign now and have to say, totally awesome.

Hi glad you enjoyed, that is really what its all about. 

 

You have not run into any other bugs then?  Have worked really hard to ensure there is none but we are always at the mercy of updates.

 

If you really liked the campaign it would be appreciated if you would let other fellow pilots know, if you get the opportunity that is.

 

Thanks

 

Badger633  

[MSMStannyl]

11 hours ago, Badger633 said:

Hi, sorry you have had this problem. Annoying for me as I had identified this before release and resolved it. I have already responded in this forum under bugs. I repeat it below 

 

 

“Hi, I am aware of this issue. It’s a current bug in the chinook AI. I had corrected this problem before release by changing the helo type. Unfortunately for some reason ED did not issue the campaign with my latest files. I have highlighted this to them and they will be issuing in next update.

Sorry but this was out of my control.

You can either wait until the update or use the mission by pass facility for now.

Hope this helps

Badger633”

 

It’s disappointing as something important happens at the end of this mission for the story line. Hopefully the correct file without this problem will be released next update. Just glad I introduced the mission by pass system.

 

Hope you enjoy the rest of the campaign.

Badger633

 

 

 

Thank you. As you mentioned, I just skipped that mission. I definitely saw what you meant by there being something "big" that happens at the end of that mission, while reading the briefing for the next mission. I do have one question/comment:

 

Is there some sort of setting on this campaign with regards to enemy kills? As in making it easier/more beginner friendly? I noticed that killing multiple enemies that are somewhat close to one another seems to be easier than I'm used to. For example, in the mission where you have to use the gun on the taxiing F-4's, I shoot one but they both blow up. Obviously there is always collateral damage but I've noticed this type of thing several different times throughout the campaign. It almost seems like you just need one direct hit on one of multiple targets and the rest will explode. Just curious. It doesn't really take away from the campaign at all but I'm just trying to figure out if I'm imagining this or if there is actually a setting making this happen.

 

thanks!

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by MSMStannyl

[Badger633]

3 hours ago, MSMStannyl said:

Thank you. As you mentioned, I just skipped that mission. I definitely saw what you meant by there being something "big" that happens at the end of that mission, while reading the briefing for the next mission. I do have one question/comment:

 

Is there some sort of setting on this campaign with regards to enemy kills? As in making it easier/more beginner friendly? I noticed that killing multiple enemies that are somewhat close to one another seems to be easier than I'm used to. For example, in the mission where you have to use the gun on the taxiing F-4's, I shoot one but they both blow up. Obviously there is always collateral damage but I've noticed this type of thing several different times throughout the campaign. It almost seems like you just need one direct hit on one of multiple targets and the rest will explode. Just curious. It doesn't really take away from the campaign at all but I'm just trying to figure out if I'm imagining this or if there is actually a setting making this happen.

 

thanks!

 

 

I have tried to get a balance with the campaign. To be honest it is the easiest thing in the world to make the campaign so difficult that to many it will become frustrating. I have had to find a balance for the experienced and those not so. What I will probably do in time is issue out another version free, if you have the campaign already, but turning the dial up to make it more challenging for those that enjoy that type of campaign.

Hope you enjoy the campaign

Badger633

 

[MSMStannyl]

52 minutes ago, Badger633 said:

I have tried to get a balance with the campaign. To be honest it is the easiest thing in the world to make the campaign so difficult that to many it will become frustrating. I have had to find a balance for the experienced and those not so. What I will probably do in time is issue out another version free, if you have the campaign already, but turning the dial up to make it more challenging for those that enjoy that type of campaign.

Hope you enjoy the campaign

Badger633

Ah, ok, that makes sense. Gotcha. I'm pretty far along and really enjoying it so far. I would def be interested in a more difficult play through at some point down the road. Thx!

[eknight003]

Is anyone having issues with mission 5 I believe? Its the mission where you have to search for the minelayers and the bog hammers between wypt 4 and 5. For some reason I can't get the 65f's "mavf" symbol to not be x'd out. The maverick countdown timer comes on for a few seconds  and then it displays "in range" but the mavf symbol is still x'd out. naturally, i was unable to fire the mavs because of this. What am I doing wrong??  I would attach a track file but it's too large. 

[sirrah]

19 hours ago, eknight003 said:

Is anyone having issues with mission 5 I believe? Its the mission where you have to search for the minelayers and the bog hammers between wypt 4 and 5. For some reason I can't get the 65f's "mavf" symbol to not be x'd out. The maverick countdown timer comes on for a few seconds  and then it displays "in range" but the mavf symbol is still x'd out. naturally, i was unable to fire the mavs because of this. What am I doing wrong??  I would attach a track file but it's too large. 

You probably double checked, but just in case, did you have master arm on?

[zildac]

I'm now up to mission 10 in this campaign, and I have to say it has been by far the most enjoyable Hornet campaign I have tried to date. Perhaps because it's suits my average skill level with the Hornet. It's not too easy and it's just challenging enough to make completing a mission feel like an accomplishment. Also, the tasking is diverse, well thought out, scripted  and doesn't just feel like a grind. Chuffed, excellent work!!!

[a3an4e]

Started playing this campaign about 3 days back. Up to Mission 6. Really enjoying it so far. Must be because it is very beginner friendly and also not to easy. Balanced just right for new players. Tx Badger633 for taking time and effort for us Hornet Arm-Chair Pilots. Looking forward to finish this campaign, and that will be my first ever. (Have a few other but so far this is my favourite)

[Badger633]

6 minutes ago, a3an4e said:

Started playing this campaign about 3 days back. Up to Mission 6. Really enjoying it so far. Must be because it is very beginner friendly and also not to easy. Balanced just right for new players. Tx Badger633 for taking time and effort for us Hornet Arm-Chair Pilots. Looking forward to finish this campaign, and that will be my first ever. (Have a few other but so far this is my favourite)

Considering making a second version of the campaign increasing the difficulty. If I do it will be free issue to those who already have this campaign  

[dburne]

1 hour ago, a3an4e said:

Started playing this campaign about 3 days back. Up to Mission 6. Really enjoying it so far. Must be because it is very beginner friendly and also not to easy. Balanced just right for new players. Tx Badger633 for taking time and effort for us Hornet Arm-Chair Pilots. Looking forward to finish this campaign, and that will be my first ever. (Have a few other but so far this is my favourite)

 

My sentiments exactly.

As a newer Hornet Pilot I can say Badger's campaigns are the best I have tried to date.

Now if ED would just get the fix pushed out for Mission 8. I really do not want to skip it.

[Badger633]

34 minutes ago, dburne said:

 

My sentiments exactly.

As a newer Hornet Pilot I can say Badger's campaigns are the best I have tried to date.

Now if ED would just get the fix pushed out for Mission 8. I really do not want to skip it.

I believe it is committed for the next ED update

[rob10]

4 hours ago, Badger633 said:

Considering making a second version of the campaign increasing the difficulty. If I do it will be free issue to those who already have this campaign  

I like it!  The campaigns as they are have a nice difficulty level, but I'd be keen to try a higher difficulty version.

[dburne]

6 hours ago, Badger633 said:

I believe it is committed for the next ED update

 

Disappointed we did not get a fix this week, I really do not want to skip mission 8.

Hoping we see it next week!

[Badger633]

12 hours ago, dburne said:

 

Disappointed we did not get a fix this week, I really do not want to skip mission 8.

Hoping we see it next week!

I can confirm fix is in next update,  hopefully next week.

 

Badger633

Edited August 7, 2021 by Badger633