Aces High (computer game)
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- For other uses of the name Aces High, see Aces High.
Aces High is a combat flight simulator and massively multiplayer online game for the PC. It was created by HiTech Creations and released on May 8, 2000.
Aces High takes the science and art of World War II aerial combat and places the player at the controls of various favorite WWII-era machines and vehicles. Aces High is a massively multiplayer online game. The main focus and heart of Aces High is air combat, but it does not end there. In addition to a large assortment of aircraft, players may control naval units, boats, tracked tanks, mobile gun platforms, gun batteries, amphibious vehicles, and many more.
While Aces High is a combat flight simulator, there is also a community to go along with the game. On the bulletin boards, the player can interact with many other players in conversation on just about any topic you choose. Those who wish to also have the opportunity to join a squadron. Most squadrons have a night where they all fly together to complete a goal. Aces High also has ways for the community to make an input in the game. There are several features that allow players to help the game, such as skinners who make new paint schemes for aircraft. Players also have the opportunity to create custom sound packs, request changes and voice opinions about the game, and create custom maps using the Aces High II Terrain Editor.
For those who desire fuller immersion into on-line WWII combat, there are special events, such as scenarios, snapshots, squad nights, and CAPs. Scenarios are simulated aerial campaigns. They are multi-week events, typically with one or more multi-hour sessions called "frames" per week. They typically involve over 100 players divided up into two sides with definite objectives, available aircraft, command staff, and mission orders for each side. Snapshots are like one-frame scenarios but more informal, with many fewer participants. Squad nights are like snapshots but available only to members of squads. CAPs or "Combat Air Patrols" are like a series of snapshots, but the outcome of one frame affects the setup for the next, and each successive frame is meant to represent a next time segment of WWII.
The current version of Aces High is Aces High II, released in June, 2004. It implemented a new graphics engine along with many updates from the previous versions. All Aces High programs receive periodic updates. The updates happen automatically when one logs into the game for on-line play.
[edit] Aces High II: Combat Tour
Aces High II: Combat Tour (CT) is an expansion of Aces High II that is currently under development. CT will be available to all Aces High subscribers at no extra charge and is offered in addition to the current arenas and events.
Combat Tour is a mission-based military role-playing game based on the Aces High engine that puts you into the great battles of WWII. You will begin as a cadet and must first earn your wings before progressing on to combat missions.
Combat Tour features a very different style of game play from "Arena" play. Arena play is a very loose free-form style of game play that focuses on the mechanics of air combat. In CT, this is changed so that the gaming experience goes beyond the dogfight and puts you in the role of a WWII combatant trying to survive and perform the mission at hand. Working together as a team, you’ll find success in the mission and gain promotions, medals, and even improved abilities and aircraft.
CT will begin as a campaign that focuses on the long range bombing campaign of the U.S. 8th Air Force vs. the Luftwaffe. As CT development advances, more campaigns will be added covering a wide variety of theaters and time frames.
[edit] Game Credits
- Lead Programmer - Dale Addink
- Producer - Doug Balmos
- Programmer - Stewart St. John
- Art Director - John Guytan
- Art Director - Nathan Mathieu
- Business Administration - Carrie Brooks
- Technical Support - Roy Neese
- Additional Contributions - JoAnn Colcleasure
- Additional Contributions - Veronica Newman
[edit] External links
- Hitech Creations, Inc.
- Aces High II: Combat Tour
- Aces High Bulletin Boards
- Help pages for any topic in Aces High
- Scenario description with many in-flight screen shots
- Preview of squadrons in Aces High
- Aces High II Skin Department - Download Skins Here
- Aces High Special Events Site ran by the CM Team
