Thread: Server Setup, Problems and Map/Game modes

I'm glad to see TTP running an AA3 server...but the setup has some problems.

#1. There is an old, old problem familiar to AA players that you cannot have a server setup to rotate through maps. If you have the server cycle maps, it will crash, dump players, and generally have problems. Sadly this continues to be true with AA3.

#2. Related to #1, the server is defaulting to open VOIP, so that everyone hears everyone else, on both teams. Not exactly helpful for teamplay. I've heard this is related to the map cycling problem, with the server reverting to open VOIP every time it changes maps. I've also heard it is fixable with some changes to the server setup (unknown if this is true).

I humbly suggest that the server run one map, one game mode, and be changed by admins occasionally until they figure out which map/modes are best for teamplay, and keeps the server populated. This will solve the problem with the server dumping players and crapping out after it tries to rotate through the map cycle. It also will help build a loyal following of players.

As to which maps and game modes to run, that is perhaps best for another thread, but I suggest Ranch if running a lot of players, or Impact or Alley for less than 24 players.

As to game modes for teamplay:
Alley -- Take and Hold (really emphasizes teamplay) with VIP as a second choice.
Impact -- Take and hold (again emphasizes teamplay, Activated Objective tends to have lots of people playing deathmatch and only a handful doing the objectives)
Ranch -- Destroy (if a team doesn't play the objectives, they will lose and learn)

As much as I love VIP, the problem is the game mode is not clear to many players what their objectives are, and if you have an idiot for a VIP, your team will lose repeatedly. Alley seems to be the one map where people actually play VIP well, moving with the VIP and working to guard against him if on Defense. On Ranch, VIP mode mostly ends up with people playing deathmatch, and one or two people going after the VIP, if the VIP's team doesn't shoot him by mistake.

Actually, although I like your info, we do have a pretty good following. Many of which have made it here.

All maps and modes, to me, are acceptable except for Bridge on any mode. Bridge brings nothing but sniper whores, campers, and accidental team killing. Who the hell makes a map with ONE bridge to cross. If they had added 3 bridges, now that would have been interesting.

VIP makes for a great team-play mode. If folks aren't guarding the VIP then people need to help that person realize the bigger picture. If that doesn't help then type out in chat for an admin.

AA3 and their current 'staff' are at least putting out patches. Its not the server or anyone's computer crashing, glitching, and restarting...... it's the game in its unfinished state. I still have a little faith left for this game. Give it time.

I like the map rotation, one map is boring.

OPEN VOIP has its pluses and minuses, but, I kinda like being able to hold conversation with the other team.

Ghosting isn't an issue with it, most people are respectable enough not to do it, and when it does happen people are quick to inform them not too.

As of the last patch I havent been dumped during map change once.

Thanks,
J

That and I am pretty sure all the regulars usually stick together fairly well ?

It is rare I see the TTP server turn into a deathmatch.

Arma seems to be one that ran without a real rotation. It changed often enough from the admins. And that is the big point that seems to be missed.

(self modded because I'm a cranky bastard after spending 3 hours in traffic)
I'm suggesting having the admins manually change the maps instead of having it run through an automatic rotation that breaks the server.

AA3 isn't BF2. You can't just put in your map list and expect it run smoothly through them. Maybe one day it will, but in 6+ years of playing AA1/2 that never, ever happened. They never fixed the map change problem, so I wouldn't hold your breath.

It's great that you're aware of the issues, what I'm suggesting are things that will fix the issues, because as it is the server is fairly fubared for teamplay. Without working VOIP you will be encouraging people to use Vent/TS, which leads to ghosting and all sorts of other problems.

Ghosting isn't an issue with open VOIP because you would have to be stupid to do it (with both teams listening). But having open VOIP does mean you can't give orders, discuss strategy or generally do any meaningful teamwork unless you want to stand around typing it out in game and get shot in the process.

Back when I played a lot of BF2/PR and some Arma I asked Big Dog and Commander why TTP didn't run an America's Army server, because AA2 is/was the best teamplay game out there for tactical combat. That's why I was happy to see TTP running an AA3 server, and why I hope it will get properly configured, so that it will bring TTP teamplay into the America's Army world.