opinion Afghanistan user feedback

[markturner1960]

Dude check out the other thread if you want to see what everyone is talking about......

[NineLine]

57 minutes ago, PinkCube said:

Afghanistan is a country that doesn't have many famous landmarks but it does have a small handful in its major cities. Here are some I found in Herat. 

This is good feedback, and perhaps the dev team has plans for these, but if you don't mind, make a separate post in the bug section about POIs you expect and we can search them up. I think POIs are very important for making a map feel as real as a video game can feel real. Thanks!

 

18 minutes ago, markturner1960 said:

This ^

I appreciate you work for the company BN and maybe limited to what you can say.......but I can read the papers and watch the news if I want to listen to politician speak.....

I got zero answers to any of the questions politely posed.......

I just dont understand why you cant do that......? People like me are your good clients...I have spent not far short of £2,000 on modules, campaigns and other DLC,  a lot of which I never use....simply to support YOUR business.....its not too much to ask for a straight answer to a straight question is it? 

Anyway, thanks for the input

I think there is some confusion on the wording as our wording generally was designed for aircraft modules, and features are different parts and systems. With Terrains it's different. So features being complete are things like airfields, and being complete are being in the map and usable. The terrains, in and around these 'features' are still WIP and in some cases very much so. 

This is a new way of doing a map, in 3 parts, this is also the biggest map we have done so far. So what does this mean, some of the medium-level textures may have to wait until all the sections are in the game. This is so we can maintain performance and get the best we possibly can. So Some of these areas that have high textures butted up next to low textures may have to wait. If we do the max quality medium details now, then come back and do the other 2 sections we could end up with a map that runs like a slide show when all parts are available.

So again, I understand the confusion on the near-feature complete wording. We will see if we can clarify this more in the future. We appreciate all this feedback it doesn't fall on deaf ears we take it to the Afghan team and management. So keep it coming, make bug reports, and share what you are not happy with but understand in no simple terms, this map is Early Access, it looks rough in some areas, but it will improve and all of your feedback will make it even better. 

I hope this answered some of your questions, I admit I jumped in very late here. If not, ask away again. 

[Blackhawk163]

15 minutes ago, NineLine said:

This is good feedback, and perhaps the dev team has plans for these, but if you don't mind, make a separate post in the bug section about POIs you expect and we can search them up. I think POIs are very important for making a map feel as real as a video game can feel real. Thanks!

 

I think there is some confusion on the wording as our wording generally was designed for aircraft modules, and features are different parts and systems. With Terrains it's different. So features being complete are things like airfields, and being complete are being in the map and usable. The terrains, in and around these 'features' are still WIP and in some cases very much so. 

This is a new way of doing a map, in 3 parts, this is also the biggest map we have done so far. So what does this mean, some of the medium-level textures may have to wait until all the sections are in the game. This is so we can maintain performance and get the best we possibly can. So Some of these areas that have high textures butted up next to low textures may have to wait. If we do the max quality medium details now, then come back and do the other 2 sections we could end up with a map that runs like a slide show when all parts are available.

So again, I understand the confusion on the near-feature complete wording. We will see if we can clarify this more in the future. We appreciate all this feedback it doesn't fall on deaf ears we take it to the Afghan team and management. So keep it coming, make bug reports, and share what you are not happy with but understand in no simple terms, this map is Early Access, it looks rough in some areas, but it will improve and all of your feedback will make it even better. 

I hope this answered some of your questions, I admit I jumped in very late here. If not, ask away again. 

THANK YOU for offering a clarification on what's considered complete.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

20 minutes ago, NineLine said:

So again, I understand the confusion on the near-feature complete wording. We will see if we can clarify this more in the future.

I feel a lot (most) of the drama could have been prevented had ED worded the pre-release announcement like you just did  

Personally I feel like this new way of doing a map is actually preferable: add all major aspects (airfields etc) first and focus on details later. At higher altitude the map looks gorgeous, and the performance is very very good on my system. I can understand the helo-only crowd being upset, but in the end you can't make everyone happy at the same time and the fixed wing crowd is likely to be much larger. As long as the helo-crowd do indeed get their concerns addressed at some point down the line (especially since this map is famous for its RL helo operations), I think we can all be happy.

[freehand]

Must say this is not my cup of tea the way maps are released now so maybe not for me at the moment.

[NineLine]

10 minutes ago, freehand said:

Must say this is not my cup of tea the way maps are released now so maybe not for me at the moment.

And that is ok, we know Early Access isn't always for everyone. No one will be mad or disappointed if you want to wait longer. We appreciate all opinions on this. 

[Gunfreak]

1 hour ago, NineLine said:

This is good feedback, and perhaps the dev team has plans for these, but if you don't mind, make a separate post in the bug section about POIs you expect and we can search them up. I think POIs are very important for making a map feel as real as a video game can feel real. Thanks!

 

I think there is some confusion on the wording as our wording generally was designed for aircraft modules, and features are different parts and systems. With Terrains it's different. So features being complete are things like airfields, and being complete are being in the map and usable. The terrains, in and around these 'features' are still WIP and in some cases very much so. 

This is a new way of doing a map, in 3 parts, this is also the biggest map we have done so far. So what does this mean, some of the medium-level textures may have to wait until all the sections are in the game. This is so we can maintain performance and get the best we possibly can. So Some of these areas that have high textures butted up next to low textures may have to wait. If we do the max quality medium details now, then come back and do the other 2 sections we could end up with a map that runs like a slide show when all parts are available.

So again, I understand the confusion on the near-feature complete wording. We will see if we can clarify this more in the future. We appreciate all this feedback it doesn't fall on deaf ears we take it to the Afghan team and management. So keep it coming, make bug reports, and share what you are not happy with but understand in no simple terms, this map is Early Access, it looks rough in some areas, but it will improve and all of your feedback will make it even better. 

I hope this answered some of your questions, I admit I jumped in very late here. If not, ask away again. 

Thank, you that is reassuring. I found it very nice to ground skim in the Kiowa in the well made parts.

If I can do that going down Helmand river in the future. I'll be very happy.

I was one who was very positive to the Afghanistan map while others just felt it was another sand map. Given this was the first major combat theater for Norway after WW2 with both ground and Air. And the myriad of books about fighter and helicopter combat. I was really looking forward to escorting Chinnocks down Helmand valley in my Apache. So that just made my disappointment even bigger when I literally thought something was wrong with my download.

So for now I'll keep an eye on the map and look for texture and graphical improvements.

[stburr91]

11 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

As you know, the southwest region is currently in the early access phase. We are committed to ongoing improvements and enhancements. While it can be tempting to focus on areas that still need work, please keep in mind the advancements we have already achieved. Your constructive feedback is invaluable as we continue to refine and enhance our product. 

thank you 

 

7 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

Who said we are not happy? We have launched the early access southwest Afghanistan, it is work in progress and work continues, we have outlined our plans in the FAQ thread with the other regions to follow in due course. 

Early access is just that, its early access for the development of the product. Some people don't like the early access model we understand that, and I think that is part of the frustration for some, but early access enables us to bring these products to you all, and it is very popular. Sales have been good and that allows us to continue the production of the product. Good constructive feedback is essential for the betterment of the product.   

thank you

 

^^^These were not helpful posts, in fact, they kind of make things worse.

 

 

1 hour ago, NineLine said:

I think there is some confusion on the wording as our wording generally was designed for aircraft modules, and features are different parts and systems. With Terrains it's different. So features being complete are things like airfields, and being complete are being in the map and usable. The terrains, in and around these 'features' are still WIP and in some cases very much so. 

This is a new way of doing a map, in 3 parts, this is also the biggest map we have done so far. So what does this mean, some of the medium-level textures may have to wait until all the sections are in the game. This is so we can maintain performance and get the best we possibly can. So Some of these areas that have high textures butted up next to low textures may have to wait. If we do the max quality medium details now, then come back and do the other 2 sections we could end up with a map that runs like a slide show when all parts are available.

So again, I understand the confusion on the near-feature complete wording. We will see if we can clarify this more in the future. We appreciate all this feedback it doesn't fall on deaf ears we take it to the Afghan team and management. So keep it coming, make bug reports, and share what you are not happy with but understand in no simple terms, this map is Early Access, it looks rough in some areas, but it will improve and all of your feedback will make it even better. 

I hope this answered some of your questions, I admit I jumped in very late here. If not, ask away again. 

 

^^^This was a helpful post, thanks.

 

I'll be honest, after reading the posts by BIg Newy, I almost just said forget it, I'm no longer interested in this map, but after the post from NineLine, I will continue to watch the development, and will consider buying the map sometime in the future.  

 

 

[tripod3]

Towns look poor because the roof textures are a dull placeholder. Roofs make up almost a third of the observed area of the city.

You can use a dozen more detailed patterns with abrasions, puddles, and other artifacts that are clearly visible on satellite photos. Using PBR.

[PinkCube]

[LuseKofte]

18 hours ago, markturner1960 said:

Dude check out the other thread if you want to see what everyone is talking about......

Well in my opinion opinions has been served with a teaspoon now since release.. It start to get very repetative, I have put all DCS FB groups in coma just not want to see peoples opinion.

ED gets, a few loves it, a few hates it, and all those inbetween. Where I am at. Huge potential, some great areas some not so much. and some ugly. We all get it. 

I look upon this as a representation of DCS in general, we do what we like and ignore what we dont like. Latter we are very bad at. 

[T.Power]

Everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinions and part of me thinks this is a social experiment by ED to gauge reactions about where to draw the line for the low res portions of the map for those that only purchase portions not the entire thing.  I could of course be completely out to lunch, but ED would do well to canvas the comments if I'm wrong.

I've spent most of my DCS hours since release in free camera mode looking for interesting FARP locations, I've barely even got started and I have dozens dotted around the map, the rift valley is Eden in the making.  My takeaways are this;  The template image that they use to place objects on is still in place and visible, it's extremely low res as you'd expect to minimize lag whilst world building, some areas do not have full altitude rendering either so dunes look flat, no doubt to keep performance up before final meshing and optimization, this would also explain highly facetted mountains which is not ubiquitous, I found sections of fully rendered dunes and facet less mountains with all appropriate textures and bump maps applied.

Turkmenistan and Pakistan are not just more mountains, the density of urban and agricultural areas in those two countries is staggering and is far beyond anything ED have produced in the past.  Sure, the placeholder textures and facetted mountains are currently an ugly duckling, but one day this map will be a swan.

[admiki]

On 7/13/2024 at 12:05 PM, TFS said:

Woah, I just gotta say, I thought this forum would be filled with like minded people excited to see a fun future for this game. I feel this thread has become pointless, unproductive. Let bygones be bygones. Some enjoy the map, others upset. Wish y'all some peace and enjoyment.

You said you're fairly new to DCS and it shows. It's not that this particular map is somewhat unfinished. It's the whole trend of reducing quality in ED's releases. Stick around long enough and you'll se what I am talking about.

12 minutes ago, T.Power said:

Everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinions and part of me thinks this is a social experiment by ED to gauge reactions about where to draw the line for the low res portions of the map for those that only purchase portions not the entire thing.  I could of course be completely out to lunch, but ED would do well to canvas the comments if I'm wrong.

I've spent most of my DCS hours since release in free camera mode looking for interesting FARP locations, I've barely even got started and I have dozens dotted around the map, the rift valley is Eden in the making.  My takeaways are this;  The template image that they use to place objects on is still in place and visible, it's extremely low res as you'd expect to minimize lag whilst world building, some areas do not have full altitude rendering either so dunes look flat, no doubt to keep performance up before final meshing and optimization, this would also explain highly facetted mountains which is not ubiquitous, I found sections of fully rendered dunes and facet less mountains with all appropriate textures and bump maps applied.

Turkmenistan and Pakistan are not just more mountains, the density of urban and agricultural areas in those two countries is staggering and is far beyond anything ED have produced in the past.  Sure, the placeholder textures and facetted mountains are currently an ugly duckling, but one day this map will be a swan.

Yeah, this map has a huge potential, but I would personally prefer that ED held onto it a bit more and released a more polished product.

To me, it seems ED is lately conducting a lot of social experiments to see how low they can go before we really start revolting and stopping cash flow.

Luckily, I have Syria map to help me get my fix.

[T.Power]

12 minutes ago, admiki said:

You said you're fairly new to DCS and it shows. It's not that this particular map is somewhat unfinished. It's the whole trend of reducing quality in ED's releases. Stick around long enough and you'll se what I am talking about.

Yeah, this map has a huge potential, but I would personally prefer that ED held onto it a bit more and released a more polished product.

To me, it seems ED is lately conducting a lot of social experiments to see how low they can go before we really start revolting and stopping cash flow.

Luckily, I have Syria map to help me get my fix.

With what's currently unfolding in the Levant, why would you want to fly anywhere else right now?

[LuseKofte]

1 hour ago, admiki said:

It's the whole trend of reducing quality in ED's releases

This is my issue too. 

[freehand]

I just watched caps vid the place is huge many parts for scenario's & for 17 quid for the southwest which would not even bye you a good round of drinks in the pub may have changed my mind.

edit: Had a look at Mavericks vid man that's bad must say. 

Edited July 17, 2024 by freehand

[Nightstalker]

What I’m having trouble with is they decided to go the “halfghanistan” route and release each section separately over 3 month intervals.  So you would believe, especially by what was posted in the FAQ, that the SW portion would be pretty much done.  Why even release in sections if the first part isn’t even done?  Not near done!  I really can’t tell which part is the SW portion because some parts in the SW look good and some parts look really bad.  Don’t you think they should have finished one “part” of the map so you could fly around enjoying that portion and not have you go hunting for the good ones?

[Ironhand]

28 minutes ago, Nightstalker said:

What I’m having trouble with is they decided to go the “halfghanistan” route and release each section separately over 3 month intervals.  So you would believe, especially by what was posted in the FAQ, that the SW portion would be pretty much done.  Why even release in sections if the first part isn’t even done?  Not near done!  I really can’t tell which part is the SW portion because some parts in the SW look good and some parts look really bad.  Don’t you think they should have finished one “part” of the map so you could fly around enjoying that portion and not have you go hunting for the good ones?

I feel your pain. But you might want to read this, if you haven’t seen it already:

 

[stburr91]

On 7/16/2024 at 11:25 AM, Nightstalker said:

This thread should have a big orange “OPINION” stuck next to it like the one called “not gorgeous, just more of the same!

 

Man, putting an Opinion tag on that thread, but not others like this one, was super petty. 

[Blackhawk163]

1 hour ago, stburr91 said:

 

Man, putting an Opinion tag on that thread, but not others like this one, was super petty. 

Considering that there’s about three threads extolling the beauty of this map it was exactly that, petty. But, they got a business to run so I get it I guess.  

[freehand]

I changed my mind just bought it waiting for DL to finish I cant help myself new toy lol.

As long as I have a some areas for my Kiowa to have a play in  I'm happy.

[TFS]

I see the frustration from everyone IF they thought this was a completed release, that seems to be the mention time and time again stating the FAQ mentioned that it's a final release of SW during an EA of an overall map. My thoughts of the FAQ was feature complete meaning locations and layout with structures, being early access, meaning not finished as a full release. 

 

So to clarify, the SW is final release... or EA? I know the overall map is EA, but is SW EA? I genuinely thought SW was EA and any issues located, as they requested, would still be worked on in the future for updates. If SW is final release in it's current state and no further work will be done, then it's a shame, meaning only the parts that look good will look good. If SW is EA, then I don't get the uproar. 

 

EDIT: Just read the other post that @Schlingel mit Kringel quoted by ED. Guess my assumption was right. Too many people jumped to conclusions too soon. The future IS bright. I stand by this purchase and continue to enjoy the experience. 

Edited July 19, 2024 by TFS

[tripod3]

There are nice patterns for village and market areas. But 2+ floors city area full of cloned model and there is no pattern (e.g. just random as artists doesn't feel how buildings actually should be placed). Do you agree? Also there are much more colours, blue, green, white in real afghan towns, not only sand, brick and grey colour.

EA issue or it's ok on your opinion dear devs?

Edited July 19, 2024 by tripod3

[tripod3]

Map is satisfying for EA level (9/10). Bought for support ED. But I would like to have feedback on numerous questions or issues

Edited July 19, 2024 by tripod3

[Ironhand]

I was finally able to fly a portion of the SW map a short time ago, all of it below 1000 ft. Some of it on the deck. While there are issues, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw for an early release. Looking forward to jumping into other areas of the map as time allows.