[4YA] WWII - Project Overlord - historically accurate DCS 1944 server

[Spirale]

Hello Night Owl,

I don't use SRS and it appears you pointed out that is surely the reason why i struggle to find ennemy.

It is perfect for me the way this server act because i don't like "easy things".

A big thank for your help

[Night Owl]

vor 12 Minuten schrieb DD_Friar:

Does this server offer the opportunity for players with Combined Arms and the WWII asset pack to take control of tanks etc to contribute to the ground war?

Currently combined arms can be used for anti-aircraft guns only. We may build some special combined arms tasks in the future.

But there is too much potential for exploits for having all our ground targets controllable. 

vor 14 Minuten schrieb Spirale:

I don't use SRS and it appears you pointed out that is surely the reason why i struggle to find ennemy.

Yes, SRS helps a lot. It is not used actively by all players, but we are focussing heavily on promoting it's use, since it improves gameplay a lot. 

It just makes much more fun if you have a way of connecting with others, and you hear where action is going on on the server. And you can ask for help if you are in trouble 

[DD_Friar]

@Night Owl Salute.

What sort of exploits would you be concerned about if I may ask?

What about just tanks? Opportunity to put pressure on held ground (perhaps use of flags?) 

[303_Kermit]

I hope that my post doesn't violate any rule, but I want to share with you my doubts. I like WW2 and since Overlord is actually a only populated (Warbird) server in DCS World - there's not much choice. I like that there is a possibility to fly MP in warbirds, but... It's not what I look for.

I'd like to fly an escort mission - more realistic than is is now. Mission deep inside enemy territory, with fuel tanks (I fly P-47). A real long one. Currently the targets are put so close to the frontline, that German formations has to be intercepted over German territory, and opposite. It's a clear aberration. Currently B-17 aren't performing any strategic operations. Just tactic. 

I also much dislike that it basically doesn't matter what kind of mission do we have - every fighter flies to "π-Trap" to perform low lvl dogfight. A2A operations aren't in any way connected to A2G operations on server. It's not strange - it's typical to every dogfight sawmill-server. I enjoy much more a engagements like the one organized on Enigma server, where actually I can defend (or attack) something: bombers, or some strategic target. And that it actually matter if I succeed or not.
I dream about Enigma for warbirds actually.

I had a dream(  ), In those dream I flew a Warbird over any other map than these small , claustrophobic, Normandy. To actually escort a "strategic raid" or take part in "ramrod". I felt a true climate of mission I perform. I took care about result. Not just about a "score". I fought over control of some sector... I drove a Sherman or Pz IV. Ehhh... Man can dream. DCS is perfect. It looks like all we miss is a proper gameplay... Dynamic MP campaign like Enigma (or even better one).

My best regards
Kermit

Edited February 25, 2023 by 303_Kermit

[Night Owl]

vor 34 Minuten schrieb 303_Kermit:

I'd like to fly an escort mission - more realistic than is is now. Mission deep inside enemy territory, with fuel tanks (I fly P-47). A real long one. Currently the targets are put so close to the frontline, that German formations has to be intercepted over German territory, and opposite. It's a clear aberration. Currently B-17 aren't performing any strategic operations. Just tactic. 

The thing is that those strategic raids you speak of went to Germany, not to the small part of France that we currently have in the map. We can't let them fly off the edge of the map. We will have some a bit longer range raids when we get the map expansion with the Paris area. But if your dream is to fly 4 hours long Ramrods to Germany then we need an even much bigger map first 

As for the P-trap furball, this will all but disappear once we get the new map. The different and much more realistic layout on the Normandy 2 map will cause the focus of the battle to move further south-east, and the longer ranges will make tactical flying more important. Finally, the long range from the German spawn points will meand that Germans will very seldom venture to the P-trap anymore.

However, as dictated by the map and theatre we are working with, our focus is clearly to simulate the epic actions of the tactical 2nd TAF and 9th Air Force, less so of the 8th Air Force with it's strategic raids to Germany. 

vor 2 Stunden schrieb DD_Friar:

What sort of exploits would you be concerned about if I may ask?

We can't have people move and hide our ground targets, since their position is marked on map and briefing as targets. That would be unfair for the pilots.  

And on top of that, ground battles are quite terrible for performance, so we rather provide better peformance for our flying players, which are most anyways

[DD_Friar]

OK fair enough. thanks for the reply.

[Spirale]

Where can i find the SRS IP please? thx

 

[Night Owl]

@Spirale

SRS should auto-connect when you join the server.

IP: 141.94.200.37 Port: 30201

You can find all IPs and other informations also in our Discord https://discord.gg/4ya

[Graphene]

This server has probably one of the best srs. At least for the red side) A lot of useful information and tips if you are in trouble or looking for an enemy. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at spoken English, but I listen all the time. I hope you will forgive me for this. Greetings from Ukraine.

[Skewgear]

2 hours ago, 303_Kermit said:

I hope that my post doesn't violate any rule, but I want to share with you my doubts. I like WW2 and since Overlord is actually a only populated (Warbird) server in DCS World - there's not much choice. I like that there is a possibility to fly MP in warbirds, but... It's not what I look for.

I'd like to fly an escort mission - more realistic than is is now. Mission deep inside enemy territory, with fuel tanks (I fly P-47). A real long one. Currently the targets are put so close to the frontline, that German formations has to be intercepted over German territory, and opposite. It's a clear aberration. Currently B-17 aren't performing any strategic operations. Just tactic. 

I also much dislike that it basically doesn't matter what kind of mission do we have - every fighter flies to "π-Trap" to perform low lvl dogfight. A2A operations aren't in any way connected to A2G operations on server. It's not strange - it's typical to every dogfight sawmill-server. I enjoy much more a engagements like the one organized on Enigma server, where actually I can defend (or attack) something: bombers, or some strategic target. And that it actually matter if I succeed or not.
I dream about Enigma for warbirds actually.

I had a dream(  ), In those dream I flew a Warbird over any other map than these small , claustrophobic, Normandy. To actually escort a "strategic raid" or take part in "ramrod". I felt a true climate of mission I perform. I took care about result. Not just about a "score". I fought over control of some sector... I drove a Sherman or Pz IV. Ehhh... Man can dream. DCS is perfect. It looks like all we miss is a proper gameplay... Dynamic MP campaign like Enigma (or even better one).

My best regards
Kermit

 

I too have a dream. In that dream, people who say things like "I don't like your server, you should scrap your unique formula and copy My Favourite Server" simply go away, and never bother us again.

I hope you will share my dream, and play your starring role in it.

[Skewgear]

5 hours ago, DD_Friar said:

Salute

Does this server offer the opportunity for players with Combined Arms and the WWII asset pack to take control of tanks etc to contribute to the ground war?

Not at the moment. There are limited opportunities to control static flak guns at some airfields but it's not really true Combined Arms.

Right now we've slowed development until the timeline for Normandy 2's release becomes clear. No point putting together lots of new features that we'll have to rebuild anyway on a new map.

But when Normandy 2 is released we're planning to look at ways of using Combined Arms' JTAC features for player-directed airstrikes. Human controllers guiding human pilots into precision strikes on the enemy front lines.

What we'll probably do is use one of regular One Life missions (our one-off series of historical missions, e.g. bomber escorts or air support for major set-piece ground battles) to trial this later in the year.

Incidentally, if you're interested in the One Life missions or the One Life campaign that's currently running do join the 4YA Discord to find out more. https://discord.gg/4ya

1 hour ago, Graphene said:

This server has probably one of the best srs. At least for the red side) A lot of useful information and tips if you are in trouble or looking for an enemy. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at spoken English, but I listen all the time. I hope you will forgive me for this. Greetings from Ukraine.

We actively encourage text chat too! The server rule is pilots must use either SRS or text chat (or both). There are quite a lot of active and regular pilots whose spoken English is not very good but who can write quick text messages to their team. (hello Jäger squadron!)

[303_Kermit]

7 hours ago, Skewgear said:

I too have a dream. In that dream, people who say things like "I don't like your server, you should scrap your unique formula and copy My Favourite Server" simply go away, and never bother us again.

I hope you will share my dream, and play your starring role in it.

And who wrote "I don't like your server?" Surely wasn't me.... And I always thought It's @Night Owl server?
Just as I mentioned: I like simple sawmill-dogfight servers, and 4Ya Overlord I my favourite one. Especially I like the opportunity to navigate and fly in almost all-weather conditions. But from time to time I just want to play something more ... Sophisticated. I just think that it's right place to share what I look for. Maybe there are more players like me?

@SkewgearI feel quite ... disturbed, that you want me to play a starring role in your dream. I don't know if I shall feel myself... Flattered?!? It's kinda ... New experience for me. Are you sure that it's right forum for such... Manifest?

sincerely ... Intimidated
303_Kermit

PS. I wouldn't want to be you if miss Piggy finds out...

Edited February 26, 2023 by 303_Kermit

[Night Owl]

Let's keep it friendly please shall we. 

@303_Kermit I don't think our server qualifies as simple sawmill dogfight server given the unprecedented amount of research an attention for detail that goes into building the historical missions.

That being said, many of the things that you mentioned will improve a lot with the new map, since this will create different gameplay which will not be suited for those who only want quick dogfights. With the new map you will find longer flights, targets deeper behind enemy lines such as factory buildings and marshalling yards, and more spead out action, a change which I am sure you will enjoy.

But we are not going to become a ww2 Enigma server. This is because we do not share the same view of how a mission should be, and I do not think that this type of server has very sophisticated gameplay. Enigma did a fantastic work with his server and it is great fun to play, but it is not the way we want to make our server.

[Spirale]

14 hours ago, Night Owl said:

@Spirale

SRS should auto-connect when you join the server.

IP: 141.94.200.37 Port: 30201

You can find all IPs and other informations also in our Discord https://discord.gg/4ya

Thx a lot, i'll give it a try

[303_Kermit]

9 hours ago, Night Owl said:

 I don't think our server qualifies as simple sawmill dogfight server given the unprecedented amount of research an attention for detail that goes into building the historical missions.

It's one of the case when one has to be either polite or honest. One can't do both, like one can't make well balanced & historical (in the same time) dogfight server. If you're interested in listening a constructive critic, I can share it with you.
In simple words, detail build historical mission is invisible in aspect of B-17, A-20, C-17, Ju-88 scripted air operations. It's probably present in aspect of chosen ground attack targets, and naval operations. However it mises many important factors of A2G operations of USAAF (especially CAS tasks) from those era. What I meant is actually described quite well in Wiki:

"With the June 1944 Allied landings in Normandy, fighter-bombers began a new direct support role, operating with the assistance of radio-equipped FACs on the ground with the supported formations. Allied tanks were emblazoned with a new white star on their turret tops. Cerise and yellow signal panels were provided to the 3rd Army troops. At least 10 tanks in every armored division were fitted with VHF sets to contact aircraft overhead.[21] Fighter bombers were on call from "Cab Ranks", orbiting points close to the forward edge of the battle area. Although already briefed for a target, the fighter-bombers would first await a call to strike an immediately pressing target. From these Cab Ranks, the FACs could very quickly call on air support for any targets of opportunity or threats to the troops in their area, with uncalled upon aircraft striking their briefed target. These ground FACs operated from White Scout Cars or M3 half tracks (and later tanks) equipped with a wide range of radio sets for both ground to air and ground to ground communications. Airborne FACs were supplied from the Air Observation Post Squadrons (pilots and observers generally came from the Army) of the RAF operating Auster"

I can't see a reason why CA WW2 isn't properly used on server. No actual ground actions, no human CA operators, calling a true CAS! Imagine that. I would be glad to perform a roleplay, as well as others maniacs like me. Instead, there's no actual fight on the ground. And it's visible after 1 month of flying "Historical missions" on Overlord server. After 6 months every mission seem to look the same... All down there is static. More than a statues of madame Tussauds. They're actually seem to be more alive...
Another sad thing is, that quite ambitious "Overlord" night mission seem to be removed from mission playlist, but that's off topic. Sorry.

There are many aspects and reasons why I wrote what I wrote - other than a unjustifiable rudeness. You can't build historical - well balanced dogfight server. And that is what (I believe) you're trying to do. Either it's historical or balanced , currently chosen gameplay is optimized for being playable, not historical.

With my best regards, and admiration for what you're trying to do
303_Kermit

Edited February 26, 2023 by 303_Kermit

[Night Owl]

We will implement some sort of FAC action in the future when we transition to the new map.  Those types of missions for sure existed, although by far not as common as you might think. The vast majority of fighter bomber strikes were either pre-planned strikes or strikes against targets of opportunity during fighter sweeps, both of which we currently recreate precisely based on operational record books. As for ground battles, those have a massive impact on performance for a meaningless cosmetic effect, so we prefer utilising the performance overhead for other aspects. 

In general we are happy with the nature of the server and it's historically accurate character. Of course a server will never feel realistic for those who choose to only search for the quickest dogfight without ever looking at the mission briefings and accompanying informations. But if you form a squadron, plan a mission, and use comms to talk to others to coordinate your flight, you will experience a maximum of immersion. 

Edited February 26, 2023 by Night Owl

[Night Owl]

For everyone who is looking for the most realistic gameplay with coordinated, tactical flying on a PvP server, you should try out our new Dynamic 1-Life Campaign.

This campaign builds on our highly popular concept of 1-Life Events, 2 hour long events during which all players get just one chance, if they get shot down or die or ditch outside of a friendly airfield, they are out. These events create a completely different dynamic on the server, where players coordinate together, fly as groups, and choose their engagements tactically and carefully, since your survival matters more than kills.

Building on this concept, our Dynamic 1-Life Campaign consists of a series of 1-Life Events, the results and actions of which determine the next mission in the campaign. The missions are custom built for every event to combine as best as possible dynamics and realistic, manual unit placements. From mission to mission we see front line progressions, local break throughs, bombed and deativated airfields, newly opened airfields, and many more.

The campaign runs every other week on Saturday night, the next one being on the 12th of March.

[SilentOtto]

Salute,

I would like to thank the 4YA team for a great server that accelerated my migration from IL-2:GB to DCS.
I'm having a great time despite the fact that due to a slight deafness and only average knowledge of English, it's hard for me to understand the gentlemen's dialogues on SRS. Therefore, the nickname SilentOtto fits my style of cooperation in air combat. God speed for all.

[motoadve]

24 minutes ago, SilentOtto said:

Salute,

I would like to thank the 4YA team for a great server that accelerated my migration from IL-2:GB to DCS.
I'm having a great time despite the fact that due to a slight deafness and only average knowledge of English, it's hard for me to understand the gentlemen's dialogues on SRS. Therefore, the nickname SilentOtto fits my style of cooperation in air combat. God speed for all.

Same here finding this server made the migration from IL2 easy, great server, immersive and fun, I am recommending it to the guys from IL2 that are leaving (which are quite a few).

 

[13sq*Axe]

I'm new to DCS migrating from CloD Blitz. Il-2 and EAW before that. Really enjoying the server and the proper airfield procedures are a breath of fresh air. My Step Dad is a retired Naval aviator and private pilot. In getting used to the "nicknames" used on comms on the Normandy map. I figured out the "Frog Legs" area but which area is the 'P-Trap" ? Thanks!

[Red_Pilot]

1 час назад, 13sq*Axe сказал:

 'P-Trap"

[13sq*Axe]

Thx Red_Pilot!!!!!

[MrExplosion]

9 hours ago, 13sq*Axe said:

I'm new to DCS migrating from CloD Blitz. Il-2 and EAW before that. Really enjoying the server and the proper airfield procedures are a breath of fresh air. My Step Dad is a retired Naval aviator and private pilot. In getting used to the "nicknames" used on comms on the Normandy map. I figured out the "Frog Legs" area but which area is the 'P-Trap" ? Thanks!

[13sq*Axe]

Outstanding MrExplosion!!!!! Thank you so much! More than I had hoped for!!!!

[Skewgear]

Welcome new players, especially Il-2 refugees.

You may find our website page on SRS is helpful: https://projectoverlord.co.uk/how-to-use-srs-for-radio-comms-on-project-overlord/

As is our Mission Information page, which also contains the map MrExplosion posted above: https://projectoverlord.co.uk/mission-info/

And last but least, player statistics. Work is under way to enhance these. https://projectoverlord.co.uk/stats/

Oh, and the PO development blog for fellow history buffs. https://projectoverlord.co.uk/blog/

Enjoy!