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MarkShot's STK/EAW Guide
By Mark "MarkShot" Kratzer
Table Of Contents Download/Print PDF Version
Introduction
In most flight simulations, the computer AI will quickly get boring for better players. The computer AI no matter how well programmed does not learn, adapt, and innovate. So, when it comes to finding the best competition, the logical place to look is for other human opponents. This guide is dedicated to one-versus-one engagements with full realism options in Microprose's European Air War.
General Applicability
I generally prefer to fly Spitfires. However, most of the advice presented here lends itself to engagements in other planes. Speeds, distances, and altitudes may need to be adjusted accordingly if you are flying something other than a Spitfire.
I generally prefer to engage in one versus one fights. I find it to be more competitive as there are no other external factors. In furballs and team play, energy management and large scale situational awareness become much more significant issues. However, learning to excel in one-versus-one engagements is a necessary prerequisite for surviving in furballs and team play.
I usually prefer similar plane engagements. In fact when two aircraft are very dissimilar, engagements can often be quite dull, since one participant commits to BZ (boom and zoom) and the other commits to turning fights. Neither player will enter the element of the other and the fight drags out with little result. However, the advice presented here can be adapted to dissimilar engagements.
Assumptions
This guide is not a tutorial on how to get started playing on the Zone or with EAW. It is assumed that:
- The player is familiar with the basic principles of flight and air combat. If you are not, then see Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering by Robert L. Shaw.
- The player is familiar with Microprose's European Air War game and is capable of reasonable skill in offline play.
- The player knows how to get to Microsoft's Zone Web site, www.zone.com, and get into a game.
© This STK/EAW Guide is Copyright 2000 Mark Kratzer. All Rights Reserved.