Enigma's Dynamic Cold War Campaign PVP/PVE Server

[MorgothNL]

1 hour ago, TPS Report said:

Was the removal of the R60s on the Hind in Syria intentional?  It was the only way you can fight back against the folks camping the heli spawns

It was was intentional (will have it on the Persian Gulf map when the F4 releases and they add that map to ECW).
And not sure how the R60 was a way to fight back vs any competent player. The time it takes to startup-rearm and activate weapons is more then 5x the time needed for the camper to kill you. Just take a different FARP.

[TPS Report]

23 hours ago, MorgothNL said:

It was was intentional (will have it on the Persian Gulf map when the F4 releases and they add that map to ECW).
And not sure how the R60 was a way to fight back vs any competent player. The time it takes to startup-rearm and activate weapons is more then 5x the time needed for the camper to kill you. Just take a different FARP.

I'm severely limited in the amount of time I can play (small kids) so getting to the action as quickly as possible is what I try to do.  I'll be happy to have them on the gulf map whenever that drops.  I'll probably have to sit out ECW for a bit though, I love the hind, but so many times it's just a camp fest trying to do some ground pound.

[SOLIDKREATE]

@TPS Report

 

 

[Maximo]

Friday, Feb 16th, 2024 Update to previous posting.

The following ideas and suggestions are suggestions/opinion/ideas for the next ECW patch (2.5) or sooner. Current patch is ECW 2.4 at the time of this writing.

- Still no A-10 or SU-25 aircraft to select on the Caucus Split Map today.  Instead, we are left with the Mig 15 (no missile capability - bad for Red Force) opposite to the Blue Forces F-86 that carries two missiles.  Not a balanced trade.   Also, keep SU-25 and A-10 on all ECW maps.    

- MI-24 Hind R60s.  Keep the R60s for the MI-24 on all ECW maps.  

- Create an all-in-one standalone guide for the ECW Server that is all inclusive – single source for everything including future updates. Shouldn’t have to go to Discord !FAQ to learn piecemeal about what to do. Some pilots complain that they cannot access Enigma Discord for one reason or another. Include the most important updates on the Server Mission Briefing page. Something like: ‘Chuck’s ECW Dynamic Cold War Server Guide' would help greatly.

- Remove the F-86 (and Mig 15) from the ECW Server. The F-86 carries two AIM 9 missiles while the Mig 15 carries no missiles – not an even trade out. Remove all training aircraft as well – of no value on this server. Trade these aircraft Server slots for the F-4E and other aircraft/helicopters in the future. Only so many slots on the Server.

- KA50 Helicopter.   Time for the KA50 Black Shark 2/3 to be introduced on the Server?  Time frame now is allowing F-14 and Mig 29s now onto this Server with the F-4E and Mig 23 to soon show up on the Server.  The KA50 would make a great Hunter/Killer team with the MI-24 and other Red Helicopters - not sure what could be added to the Blue side helicopter choices.

- Ramming other aircraft. If ramming is ok to do, then please put it on the Mission Briefing page.  Whether deliberate or not, having no ammo/low on fuel/’cornered like a rat’ where you can’t get away due to multiple enemy aircraft should be prohibited -- you wouldn't do it in the real world... this is a simulation and not W.T.  An aircraft ramming was deliberately done recently by a very well respected Server pilot who admitted in the tab chat to the following reasons for ramming a Mig-21 -” I was out of ammo so I rammed you...”  I know this is difficult to enforce. 

- Keep AWACS aircraft invulnerable.  No need to pay credit or request spawn of AWACS - keep it simple.  Invulnerable AWACs simplifies things.

- Communications. Everyone should at least monitor the primary comms frequencies for jets and helicopters. Just practice good comms. Keep conversations short and simple.  Pilots concerned about not being able to talk to anyone on SRS because it was explained to them that many of the pilots have gone over to their private Discord comms - this comes across as 'elitist' by doing this and not a team effort to win.   Exception:  Helicopters.

- Live GCI. Eliminate live GCI because the exceptional new EWR auto display, BRAA notifications, are now available on our PC gaming screen. Besides, the live GCI is ‘over-the-top too helpful.’ Have watched many of the Y.T.  uploaded dogfights using live GCI and they are micro-managing the pilot's dogfight down to a couple of hundred feet from their aircraft. They make it so that the pilot doesn’t even have to turn his head to even ‘check six’ because GCI is telling them everything right down to who is flying off of his/her wingtip.  Is that balanced?  Realistic? EWR bot callouts are excellent! (no live GCI required) Should continue across the whole hex-based map and not just on your side.

Note:  A great expert opinion on how effective the GCI really was during the time frame (1980s?) that the ECW Server is trying to depict is Tactical Pascale – who was a real-world GCI controller (in England I think) and has put out many YT videos.

This ECW Server is one of the very finest, exceptional Servers out there -- well done by all of the Enigma/ECW Team!   I'm trying to keep suggestions that keep the Server fair and balanced for the time period that the ECW Staff appear to be depicting... 1980s i think.  

Not trolling here, really.  Just looking for ideas and suggestions to help improve the ECW Server for all of us - especially if we want to bring newer players onto this Server.

Maximo

[Red_Pilot]

Hi ! Any chance to see Enima's server on PG map? It has better perfomance then Syria map 

[Cab]

2 hours ago, Red_Pilot said:

Hi ! Any chance to see Enima's server on PG map? It has better perfomance then Syria map 

I believe the plan is to introduce the PG map with the F-4 

[Wacko_ZA]

@Enigma89, brother can you help a man out please?
Your discord seems to be acting up. i was always on it but it seems to have disappeared from my channel list.
I also cant join on my alt discord account.

I am sadly also unable to DM you on discord for help. (PS i commented the same on your one video about a month ago)

 

[Enigma89]

On 5/16/2024 at 2:02 AM, Wacko_ZA said:

@Enigma89, brother can you help a man out please?
Your discord seems to be acting up. i was always on it but it seems to have disappeared from my channel list.
I also cant join on my alt discord account.

I am sadly also unable to DM you on discord for help. (PS i commented the same on your one video about a month ago)

 

Solved

[Talisman_VR]

Is there a penalty for not recovering troops back to base after a helicopter troop drop in enemy territory, especially if they are not far from the boarder with friendly territory?

Can they reasonably be expected to get back home under their own steam when circumstances are against being able to pick them up?

Thanks.

Happy landings,

Talisman

[Enigma89]

On 5/17/2024 at 3:36 PM, Talisman_VR said:

Is there a penalty for not recovering troops back to base after a helicopter troop drop in enemy territory, especially if they are not far from the boarder with friendly territory?

Can they reasonably be expected to get back home under their own steam when circumstances are against being able to pick them up?

Thanks.

Happy landings,

Talisman

Troops? No. Pilots? Yes.

 

They both will not find their way home unless you pick them up. We have thought about adding attrition to the troops but more to come.

[Talisman_VR]

47 minutes ago, Enigma89 said:

Troops? No. Pilots? Yes.

 

They both will not find their way home unless you pick them up. We have thought about adding attrition to the troops but more to come.

Understood.  Many thanks for your reply.

Happy landings,

Talisman

[Skyracer]

Dear all,

I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions yesterday. I deeply regret my mistake, which was solely due to human error. I sincerely hope that there will be no need for any disciplinary measures to be taken against me.

Edited May 23, 2024 by Skyracer

[D4n]

Why is the server full with only 55 out of 64 displayed??

[Cab]

2 minutes ago, D4n said:

Why is the server full with only 55 out of 64 displayed??

Did you refresh the screen? Those may be out-of-date numbers. I got in yesterday with 58/64.

[Paladin2005]

Hi all,

after a more than a year pause, i joined yesterday again the Blue force.

Of course, there were 99% of Phantoms. But i decided to take an A10A and destroyed some ground targets.

When i played earlier on the Enigma Server, there was always a lot of talk and chats and coms on SRS. Now, i hear thousands of messages from the AWACS and from time to time, somebody is talking over SRS.

Is this the current situation? Did i miss some important channels beside 251.000?

Or is it more quite while people are flying and fighting?

Edited May 27, 2024 by Paladin2005

[Garfield910]

Hey All,

Does anyone know the airframe cost of the F4?  I've searched this whole topic and the official Google Slides presentation.  I'm very curious how it fits in amongst the other airframes in this regard.

Thanks!

-Garf

[sandboxcode]

On 6/5/2024 at 5:51 PM, Garfield910 said:

Hey All,

Does anyone know the airframe cost of the F4?  I've searched this whole topic and the official Google Slides presentation.  I'm very curious how it fits in amongst the other airframes in this regard.

Thanks!

-Garf

It appears to be free. You can just hop right inside the cockpit with 0 points. For some reason they haven't been maintaining the FAQ with the aircraft restrictions etc

[Maximo]

Enigma Cold War (ECW) Server Optimization & Balance Suggestions - June 11th, 2024.

The F-4 Phantom is overwhelming the Server - other Blue players are not flying their modules.  I realize that this may be due to Beta testing of the aircraft on the ECW Server.  

- Jester/backseater - stop and remove access to Jester.  Unless all modules are allowed a Jester/backseater GCI controller.  For balance.

- AIM7F Sparrow is a 'dogfighter radar missile' - too perfect and accurate in the current modeling of the missile.  Reduce F model version to a D or E model for balance.

- AIM9 missile has head on capability?  Then give Red the R60M.  Also, missile seeker head on AIM9 - cage the seeker head so that it is similar to other air-to-air missiles on the Server - for balance.

- Once the F-4 modeling is stabilized on the ECW Server - restrict the number of slots/users and make it more of a 'trophy' reward aircraft like some of the other jets.

- Keep SU-25 and A-10 on all ECW maps with missiles and a full loadout - are the 'meat and potatoes' of CAS along with the combat helicopters.    

- Keep the R60 missiles on all appropriate helicopters. 

- Move Viggen to Red side (great idea by Ramius007)

- Remove all non-essential aircraft that are not in the spirit of this great Cold War Server - it will free up slots and ensure balance on the Server.  Remove the following aircraft:

  -- F-86 (carries two missiles, out dated damage modeling, insanely low heat signature - great to fly though!  )

  -- Mig 15 (carries NO missiles)

  -- All training aircraft

- AWACS/EWR - keep - EWR works great! 

- Cap the maximum number of Blue/Red slots to one half of those available on the Server.  The other day we had 38 Blue aircraft (22 F-4s)  and 13 Red aircraft including helicopters.  Maybe restricts slots with caps on the number of helos and types of aircraft.  In theory, you could have 30 F-86 aircraft vs 30 Mig15 aircraft (or all training aircraft on both sides.)  i.e., a Korean War ECW Server...

- Live GCI. Eliminate live GCI because the exceptional new EWR auto display, BRAA notifications, are now available on our PC gaming screen. Besides, the live GCI is ‘over-the-top too helpful.’ Have watched many of the Y.T.  uploaded dogfights using live GCI and they are micro-managing the pilot's dogfight down to a couple of hundred feet from their aircraft. They make it so that the pilot doesn’t even have to turn his head to even ‘check six’ because a live GCI Controller is telling them everything right down to who is flying off of his/her wingtip.  Is that balanced?  Realistic? EWR bot callouts are excellent! 

Note:  A great expert opinion on how effective the GCI really was during the time frame (1980s?) that the ECW Server is trying to depict is Tactical Pascale – who was a real-world GCI controller (in England I think) and has put out many YT videos.

- The following ideas/suggestions came from flying on the RotorHeads helicopter Server that might provide some ideas for 'our' ECW Server:  [disclaimer:  I am not part of the RotorHeads Server team and do not communicate with them and I am not compensated in any way by them.  ]

  -- Server resets every FIVE hours vs four hours.

  -- You have only three pilot lives during those five hours.  Those lives can be 'recovered' by a helicopter rescue - similar to ECW.  Changes the dynamics on a balanced level.  Also, knowing that I can't fly more than three deaths on the ECW Server (without helo rescue) would make everyone more careful.  Also, if pilots can no longer fly after three deaths, they could (somehow) be made to leave the Server thereby freeing up valuable slots for pilots waiting to get on the Server.    When Server resets, you get your three lives back.  Check out the RotorHeads map to see its layout.

-- Have enemy units progress at random across the front line to attack other ground units (i.e. dynamic, nonstatic defenses).  On the RotorHeads Server, they often get some enemy BTR, track Strelas, or columns of tanks crossing the front lines to attack ground units or move into positions on our side of the line.  There are some random enemy AI jets and helicopters that are pretty dang good at keeping you on your toes! 

-- Team/friendly killing.  If you accidentally shoot down another friendly or destroy friendly ground structures, buildings, etc., you get a notice:  "you have destroyed a friendly; your weapons are no longer operational; you must return to base to re-activate your weapons.'  

This ECW Server is one of the very finest, exceptional Servers out there -- well done by all of the Enigma/ECW Team!   I'm trying to keep suggestions that keep the Server fair and balanced for the time period that the ECW Staff appear to be depicting... 1980s i think.  

Not trolling here, really.  Just looking for ideas and suggestions to help improve the ECW Server for all of us - especially if we want to bring newer players onto this Server.

Maximo

Edited June 12, 2024 by Maximo

[Ramius007]

Any plans to move Viggen to red? Significant players unbalance after f-4, and Viggen is kinda obsolete on blue now, in red OTOH it would still be top tier attack jet, also resemble Su-17 that we are missing in this setup

Edited June 12, 2024 by Ramius007

[Enigma89]

 

[Alpenwolf]

It's been 3 years?! Good God, time flies by!

Remember when you and had a few pm's back and forth on how demanding hosting can be? While watching the video above I felt every word and the pain behind it all. Taking the time off was precious and needed for me. As a host myself I know for a fact how every second of hosting must've felt for you. That being said, rest well and enjoy the parties without having to host them any more.

See you airborne!
God bless

Alpenwolf

[Cab]

4 hours ago, Enigma89 said:

 

Great job with the server. It has quite literally become where I spend at least 80% of my DCS time.

Well done.

[Talisman_VR]

Big, big thank you Enigma.  Flight simulation is all about MP for me and this server is brilliant!!

Good luck for the future and may you have many happy landings.

Talisman

Edited June 18, 2024 by Talisman_VR

[Maximo]

UPDATE June 20th, 2024 to Enigma Cold War (ECW) Server Optimization & Balance Suggestions

Enigma, thanks for all that you have done regarding this ECW Server - extremely well done and thoughtful!  You and the ECW Team have made a world of difference in the Multiplayer Server world!

Update:  Recommend capping the number of slots to each side to one half of the slots available for modules.  Example:  If 60 total modules can fly on the Server, then split the cap to 30 Blue modules (helos and planes) and 30 Red modules (helos and planes).  Reason is for optimization and balance for both red/blue teams.  Have been on the Server a few times where it is about 38 Blue to 13 Red modules.   Why not cap each side to the 30 modules max for each side?  This may help pilots just checking in on the Server to join the side with the lower number if the other side is capped/maxed out at 30.  Won't have to rely on pilots switching sides to help out.  In theory, I guess the 13 Red modules could switch to the Blue side making it 60 Blue to 0 Red modules?  How about 60 helos logging on to fly helos only?

The F-4 Phantom is still overwhelming the Server - other Blue players are not flying their modules and have not purchased the F-4.  I realize that this may be due to Beta testing of the aircraft on the ECW Server.  

- Jester/backseater - stop and remove access to Jester.  Unless all modules are allowed a Jester/backseater GCI controller.  For balance.  Do all two seat helos - especially the Apache, have an AI Jester?  

- AIM7F Sparrow is a 'dogfighter radar missile' - too perfect and accurate in the current modeling of the missile.  Reduce F model version to an earlier model that is more closely aligned with ECW radar missile limitations for both playability and for balance.

- AIM9 missile has head on capability?  Then give Red the R60M.  Also, missile seeker head on AIM9 - cage the seeker head so that it is similar to other air-to-air missiles on the Server - for balance.

- Once the F-4 modeling is stabilized on the ECW Server - restrict the number of slots/users and make it more of a 'trophy' reward aircraft like some of the other jets.

- Keep SU-25 and A-10 on all ECW maps with missiles and a full loadout - they are the 'meat and potatoes' of CAS along with the combat helicopters.  The A10 and SU25 need to carry air-to-air missiles for all missions but primarily for those Server situations were it is 13 Red to 38 Blue  modules or13 Blue to 38 Red - the lowest side has to fly to target, attack target, and defend itself to and from the target with probably no air cover when the lower team side has only a couple of fighters.  

- Keep the R60 missiles on all appropriate helicopters - this is especially for the times when there are very few friendly fighters on the Server to cover them. 

- Move Viggen to Red side (great idea by Ramius007)

- Remove all non-essential aircraft that are not in the spirit of this great ECW Cold War Server - it will free up slots and ensure balance on the Server.  Remove the following aircraft:

  -- F-86 (carries two missiles, out dated damage modeling, insanely low heat signature - great to fly though!  )

  -- Mig 15 (carries NO missiles)

  -- All training aircraft

- AWACS/EWR - keep - EWR works great! 

- Live GCI. A great bunch of guys who only want to help - their help is really great!  However:  eliminate live GCI because the exceptional new EWR auto display, BRAA notifications, are now available on our PC gaming screen. Besides, the live GCI is ‘over-the-top too helpful.’ Have watched many of the Y.T.  uploaded dogfights using live GCI and they are micro-managing the pilot's dogfight down to a couple of hundred feet from their aircraft. They make it so that the pilot doesn’t even have to turn his head to even ‘check six’ because a live GCI Controller is telling them everything right down to who is flying off of his/her wingtip.  Is that balanced?  Realistic? EWR bot callouts are excellent! 

Note:  A great expert opinion on how effective the GCI really was during the time frame (1980s?) that the ECW Server is trying to depict is Tactical Pascale – who was a real-world GCI controller (in England I think) and has put out many YT videos.

- The following ideas/suggestions came from flying on the RotorHeads helicopter Server that might provide some ideas for our ECW Server:  [disclaimer:  I am not part of the RotorHeads Server team and have not communicated  with them; I am not compensated in any way by them.  ]

  -- Server resets every FIVE hours vs four hours.

  -- You have only three pilot lives during those five hours.  Those lives can be 'recovered' by a helicopter rescue - similar to ECW.  Changes the dynamics on a balanced level.  Also, knowing that I can't fly more than three deaths on the ECW Server (without helo rescue during the five hour Server time) would make everyone more careful.  Also, if pilots can no longer fly after three deaths, they could (somehow) be made to leave the Server thereby freeing up valuable slots for pilots who have been waiting to get on the Server.    When Server resets, you get your three lives back.  Check out the RotorHeads map to see its layout.

-- Have enemy units progress at random across the front line to attack other ground units (i.e. dynamic, nonstatic defenses).  Could post a Emergency combat notice on the EWR similar to when bomber strikes are ordered. On the RotorHeads Server, they often get some enemy BTR, track Strelas, or columns of tanks crossing the front lines to attack ground units or move into positions on our side of the line.  There are some random enemy AI jets and helicopters that are pretty dang good at keeping you on your toes! 

-- Team/friendly killing.  If you accidentally shoot down another friendly or destroy friendly ground structures, buildings, etc., you get a notice:  "you have destroyed a friendly; your weapons are no longer operational; you must return to base to re-activate your weapons.'  Once you land back at base, you get another notice:  "you may now return to the front line and use your weapons."

This ECW Server is one of the very finest, exceptional Servers out there -- well done by all of the Enigma/ECW Team!   I'm trying to keep suggestions that keep the Server fair and balanced for the time period that the ECW Staff appear to be depicting... 1980s i think.  

Just looking for ideas and suggestions to help improve the ECW Server for all of us - especially if we want to bring newer players onto this Server.  Your ideas and suggestions are welcome here.  As Dr. Jebus says in his YT DCS World videos:  "Be kind to yourself and to others."  Peace.

Maximo

[Maximo]

Guys, 

The following is for a healthy discussion on the future of ECW Server and professional military trained pilots - 'flown F-15 and the F-35' pilots who will only be flying as a squadron of F-4s.  This Server has many guys who are not pilots, trying to learn to fly some of the older modules of jets and the new helos and work and fly on both sides of the ECW family of Blue/Red pilots.

I do not know Lead_Sled and I am sure he is a great military professional pilot anxious to form a team comprised (for now) of highly trained real military pilots that will only be flying the F-4 against the Red team on ECW.  Right now, I have seen on the Server up to 25 F-4 pilots vs 13 or so Red pilots (including helos), hence his comment about kill ratio of five to one against the Red team.  

I think 'Lead Sled' is a nickname for a Navy fighter?  Not sure.

Problem: Too many F-4s allowed on the ECW Server (my opinion)

Solution:  Make the F-4 a 'trophy airplane' on the ECW Server-similar to access requirements of other special jets, for the following reasons:

1. To preserve the balance on both sides of Blue/Red teams with both sides enjoying a relatively even competition with each other's aircraft whereby pilot skills and proficiency can make the difference of winning or losing.  I see about 90% F-4s and very few F-5s, Viggens, A-10s, etc. flying.

2. Many pilots have already spent a small fortune for the existing modules they fly on the ECW Server, having expended a relatively large amount of money and also may not be able to fly them with a full Server of F-4s on the Blue side.

3. The F-4 is still very much in development to fit it onto the ECW Server in a balanced 'modified' version that is realistic for the principles of what the ECW Server was originated for - simplicity in using the modules that already are in use - and purchased, by new and experienced DCS pilots.

4. Twenty five plus F-4s on the Server at one time does not give the other modules a chance to participate in a team environment with their current 'older' modules. 

5.  Let them fly all the F-4s they want to fly on the SPS Contention Server.  The ECW Server enjoys a great aircraft and helo team balance on both sides right now so either buy the F-4 or fly your older modules on another Server (?).  I have no intention of buying the F-4 and appreciate all the hard work and videos that were put out to help us learn the existing selection of flying modules.

His comment about the kill ratio that The Den has racked up here in the early stages of the F-4 implementation are interesting.  (see below)

I believe the following post by Lead_Sled was Sunday, June 16th, 2024:  [bold print added by me for clarity]

For those who serve or have served in the military, thank you for your service.

M.

__________________________________________________________________________________

By LEAD_SLED
Sunday at 03:06 PM in Jets Squadrons

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LEAD_SLED

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Posted Sunday at 03:06 PM (edited)

The Den is looking for Blufor Pilots, RIOs, and WSOs!
We are a small (20 Active Pilots), tight knit group of DCS Cold War Pilots, mainly operating during US East Timeslots (2000-0400EST), on Enigmas Cold War Server and SPS Contention.
We are primarily focused on the F-4E , but ALL Blufor pilots and Modules are welcome!
There are no fixed schedules or trainings, however we have several SMEs, including real F-15 and F-35 Pilots. We are primarily made up of current,  and former active duty US military, as well as PvP SIM Pilots with many years of experience from WW2 through Modern contexts. As a group we are generally focused on 1960-1990, roughly speaking.
Our expectations are high, we want people who are committed to being the best at what they do, but we will provide individual and group training as needed.
If you are interested, and this sounds like a group for you, please DM (LEAD_SLED on Discord) me and we can talk about details.

As it stand now, less than one month after release - The DEN is maintaining a 5:1 Kill ratio in the F-4E over Redfor Aircraft in the PvP environment.

[end of his post]