AA (mobile and static) in 1.21 - comments
Overall, compared to 1.12 I think things have improved for the ground pounders balance-wise against the jets. However, there are still a couple of points worthwhile of discussion -
Mobile AA -
In terms of mobile AA I don't see any real issue with the way things work. The fact they're mobile makes all the difference, as pilots now have to second guess their position or, heaven forbid, rely on good teamwork from the ground pounders to spot the mobile AA for them. The missiles now at least work, although actually hitting a J-10 can still be remarkably difficult in practice.
I think the only one major issue with mobile AA is there isn't enough of them in BF2, with some maps not even spawning any mobile AA whatsoever - read Wake Island and Dalian Plant.
Static AA -
Well, here's where the problem still lies I'm afraid and 1.21 has in my opinion completely failed to address the problem from 1.12. This is particularly pertinent to those maps where this is the only form of defence against the skies for those on the ground (other than another skilled jet pilot of course).
Now, I don't want this post to digress into a whine, so I'll keep it in the tone of simply stating my observations. For me the problem lies not only with the ability of the static AA sites, but also in the whole idea of having static AA sites in the first place (DICE shame on you
). Granted we all agree the ability of the AA to hit a jet has been improved post-1.12; however, at the same time (lest we forget) - it was also nerfed! The missile is more likely to hit, but the range which someone can actually target and take down the jet has been significantly reduced, and I'd argue it's been reduced to a level that's now incompatible with its intended role.
You see, we now have a situation where skilled pilots know the position of each and every static AA site. Pilots also have the heads-up on whether they're manned or not, whilst the person manning the AA site has no idea on which direction the jet will be attacking from... the battle of intelligence is clearly one-sided. On top of this, the reduced range of the AA site (one can see the jets but not lock on to them) means jets can cannon AA sites long before they can retaliate in any shape or form! As a result it's commonplace to see good pilots completely dominating static AA sites, things that were placed on the map for precisely the opposite effect..
With static AA sites, you're literally highlighting your position with a big bright homing beacon for jet cannons. Getting in one is a deathwish, not to mention one of the most boring things to do as a ground pounder in BF2. I wouldn't have minded so much if sthe static AA sites required skill or offered some degree of fun to operate. With the reduced range one can spend ages spotting jets but doing nothing against them. If the jet pilot skilled enough to work out it's manned then in all honesty you're better off running for it rather than trying in vain to deal with the problem jet. Even if he doesn't, all the pilot has to do is climb a little in altitude and the range is too short to maintain lock.
So, in summary -
The static AA is effectively as useless as it was in 1.12. THe advantage of more effective missiles is negated by the now pitiful range. Mobile AA is now pretty good, and affords the ground troops some much needed support against the air; however, somewhat ironically, mobile AA is not always present in some of the most air intensive maps?! An omission which in my opinion isn't justified.
Solutions (within the realms of what a patch could achieve of course)?
1. Remove static AA sites, or improve the range to match jet cannons.
2. Add more mobile AA, and particularly to maps which surprisingly don't have any.
Mature thoughts and opinions welcome.
Mobile AA -
In terms of mobile AA I don't see any real issue with the way things work. The fact they're mobile makes all the difference, as pilots now have to second guess their position or, heaven forbid, rely on good teamwork from the ground pounders to spot the mobile AA for them. The missiles now at least work, although actually hitting a J-10 can still be remarkably difficult in practice.
I think the only one major issue with mobile AA is there isn't enough of them in BF2, with some maps not even spawning any mobile AA whatsoever - read Wake Island and Dalian Plant.
Static AA -
Well, here's where the problem still lies I'm afraid and 1.21 has in my opinion completely failed to address the problem from 1.12. This is particularly pertinent to those maps where this is the only form of defence against the skies for those on the ground (other than another skilled jet pilot of course).
Now, I don't want this post to digress into a whine, so I'll keep it in the tone of simply stating my observations. For me the problem lies not only with the ability of the static AA sites, but also in the whole idea of having static AA sites in the first place (DICE shame on you
). Granted we all agree the ability of the AA to hit a jet has been improved post-1.12; however, at the same time (lest we forget) - it was also nerfed! The missile is more likely to hit, but the range which someone can actually target and take down the jet has been significantly reduced, and I'd argue it's been reduced to a level that's now incompatible with its intended role. You see, we now have a situation where skilled pilots know the position of each and every static AA site. Pilots also have the heads-up on whether they're manned or not, whilst the person manning the AA site has no idea on which direction the jet will be attacking from... the battle of intelligence is clearly one-sided. On top of this, the reduced range of the AA site (one can see the jets but not lock on to them) means jets can cannon AA sites long before they can retaliate in any shape or form! As a result it's commonplace to see good pilots completely dominating static AA sites, things that were placed on the map for precisely the opposite effect..
With static AA sites, you're literally highlighting your position with a big bright homing beacon for jet cannons. Getting in one is a deathwish, not to mention one of the most boring things to do as a ground pounder in BF2. I wouldn't have minded so much if sthe static AA sites required skill or offered some degree of fun to operate. With the reduced range one can spend ages spotting jets but doing nothing against them. If the jet pilot skilled enough to work out it's manned then in all honesty you're better off running for it rather than trying in vain to deal with the problem jet. Even if he doesn't, all the pilot has to do is climb a little in altitude and the range is too short to maintain lock.
So, in summary -
The static AA is effectively as useless as it was in 1.12. THe advantage of more effective missiles is negated by the now pitiful range. Mobile AA is now pretty good, and affords the ground troops some much needed support against the air; however, somewhat ironically, mobile AA is not always present in some of the most air intensive maps?! An omission which in my opinion isn't justified.
Solutions (within the realms of what a patch could achieve of course)?
1. Remove static AA sites, or improve the range to match jet cannons.
2. Add more mobile AA, and particularly to maps which surprisingly don't have any.
Mature thoughts and opinions welcome.
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