Plane match ups (condensed version)

[STICK]

My gaming group meets on Wednesdays, there is usually 3-5 of us. The odd # of pilots is a problem on occasion because we are all new to the game and have no idea the balance strengths of all the planes. I bought every expansion and boxed set and I'd like to get some missions together we can try.

I'd like to do a german bomber and single escort versus three allied planes.

Two allied bombers versus three central powers planes.

A bunch of versions of a 2:1 or 2:3 dogfight with the odd # as either side.

A single bomber versus 4 planes

A two seater and single seater versus, three single seaters.

Anyone have any quick lists of any of this. Not real concerned with years and historically accurate at this point just want to have some fun and get to know the planes.

[jbmacek]

The "Stop Them!" scenario from Flight of the Giants would work fine for 3 or 5. For three, just use it as written. For five, have the bombers played by two friends instead of using the random movement rules.

[AceZim]

What I have done with 2 of my friends to get them introduced to the game and help them get to know the planes is to play an all out dogfight with everyone for them selves. It was really fun. It served as a way for them to learn, since they to my two seaters and left me with my Fokker DrI or my Camel. I can say I lasted longer then I expected. But I ended up going down in a blaze.:cool: (Fire....hehehehe)

[STICK]

Another option is has anyone ever tried assigning "points" values to each plane so that sides can pick and still be balanced?

[The Cowman]

Paul, there was actually a thread about this very recently... I can't find it now, but I remember someone saying that somewhere in the file section is a "point" system for balancing missions. If you can't find it I will try and dig it out for you after I get my AAR and pics from yesterday's tourney up! ;)

[tuladin]

That point system is right here: http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=460

[The Cowman]

LOL Thanks Larry! I just found your post in the other thread and was getting ready to post your link! You da man!

[Oberst Hajj]

A pretty good rule of thumb for odd number of players is to let the smaller side take planes from later in the war. I know you said you do not care about historical correctness, so mixing those "newer" planes in would help even the odds.

[The Cowman]

The "Bullet Checker" rule can also be used to slightly change the game balance... let the "short" side have "Bullet Checker" pilots...

[STICK]

The points values seem really nice and I like the variables that can be set depending on the altitude and blind spot rules. I set them both to No and printed a copy. We'll give that a try this wednesday. The file is very nice and as usual this place is a treasure trove of info and great people. Thank you to all.

[Aero825]

Heres the "chart" I use for making missions. Just make both sides even.

Camel-3
SPAD XIII-3
Fokker Dr.I-3
Albatros D.Va-3

Fokker D.VII-4
Snipe-4
DeHavilland D.H.4-4
AIRCO D.H.4-5
Roland C.II-5

Nieuport 17/21/23-2
AlbatrosD.III-2
RAF R.E. 8-3
UFAG C.I-4

Pfalz D.III/D.IIIa-3
RAF S.E.5a-4
Breuget B.R.14-5
Rumpler-4

Nieuport 16-1

AA Gun-1/2
AA Machine Gun-1/2
Trench-1/4

[Diamondback]

Can we also add a "Date Available" mechanic? This would basically mean either more points available (whether fixed number or percentage) available to the older plane for each year of difference, or less to the newer for each year.

I'd also consider a mechanic for "Year Limited" games where each side may bring one "Prototype" of one of the next year's models, but that aircraft and all "boosting" abilities added to it are at extra cost, say an additional 15-25% rounded up.

Any chance of a WWII version someday?

[gully_raker]

My gaming group meets on Wednesdays, there is usually 3-5 of us. The odd # of pilots is a problem on occasion because we are all new to the game and have no idea the balance strengths of all the planes. I bought every expansion and boxed set and I'd like to get some missions together we can try.

I'd like to do a german bomber and single escort versus three allied planes.

Two allied bombers versus three central powers planes.

A bunch of versions of a 2:1 or 2:3 dogfight with the odd # as either side.

A single bomber versus 4 planes

A two seater and single seater versus, three single seaters.

Anyone have any quick lists of any of this. Not real concerned with years and historically accurate at this point just want to have some fun and get to know the planes.

I think it would be more balanced to have 2 x s/seaters with the 2 seater as they usually are slower particularly the British ones. The US DH4 could probably go with just 1 Scout due to its Damage Card advantage when firing the Rear Gun.

[STICK]

The "Stop Them!" scenario from Flight of the Giants would work fine for 3 or 5. For three, just use it as written. For five, have the bombers played by two friends instead of using the random movement rules.

We tried this with three pilots. One flying all three brits and two of us flying single staaken bombers. We even put some bomb targets down. The staaken chewed up the 3 brits and spit them out. We do not use altitude rules so perhaps that was part of it. The bombers took a total of 24 damage before the three scouts were gunned down. We plan to use it for a 3 scouts vrs 1 bomber mission and see how that goes but so far it was not even close. Also tried a single Handley Page versus two Ald D iii. We gave the HP a single read A gun with a single gunner. It chewed up both Diiis although without two untimely gun jams it may have gone a little better for the scouts.