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After Action Reports => Digital Gaming AARs => Topic started by: BanzaiCat on May 15, 2018, 02:23:14 PM

Title: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 15, 2018, 02:23:14 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F25a4i.jpg&hash=aac79cb7a2eeb252db4d9ea70150435cf5415f85)

August, 1915
Brockenfurkenpurcken, Germany


Since they announced the War, I decided I was going to fly for the German Air Service. I'd flown mail planes in some of the more auspicious and daring trade routes (e.g. Hamburg to Hamburg, and such like that), though as I am on the north side of four decades of life and approaching five of them quickly, I knew they might laugh in my face.

And they did. But my persistence paid off. That, and owing to the German Air Service's losses over one year of war, made them rather desperate. That and I lied about my age. That and I bribed the recruiter with a lot of schnapps. That and I look young for my age. That and...well does it really matter, eh? I made it. Because if I did not, this would be a very boring AAR.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Fvmqdnb.jpg&hash=25521b199153e3935a86024de8f1f18c73e6f25b)

They got my name wrong. I mean, it is Krapp, yes, but I added the 'von' at the front. It was a little white lie...I'm about as aristocratic as a Prussian pees outdoors. But it adds a certain flair, I think. And it will help when I am an Ace and can use 'von' at parties. The ladies will swoon!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F257gkmu.jpg&hash=56e1eefa37cdee133bb0e63446e6069fe10d782b)

I have been assigned to the southern front, at St. Mihiel. Specifically to Squadron Kampfeinsitzerkommando Habsheim - KEK H for short. It has only existed about half of the year but has seen plenty of action in this part of the Front.

Unfortunately, I have been assigned a Fokker E.III "Eindecker," an airplane where airframes go to commit suicide. You cannot get more basic than this; even a paper airplane has more aerodynamic ability than this piece of Fokker'ing crap. A child receiving a toy Eindecker at Christmas could report his parents to the Politzei for child abuse.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Fokker_Eindecker_takeoff_profile_view.jpg)

But I would have to make do. As flight training went quickly (I already knew how to operate a plane, and they rushed me through training), I was able to get behind the stick of my very own deathtrap in no time.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F16k2uxi.jpg&hash=173c457b7108a4b4f8afe69f4cbb093fc68c2c32)

Fortunately, for now, the Eindecker outclasses anything the Entente can put into the air. Small wonder, because this crap plane is a copy of a French design, and even they won't use it.

We're called in for our first mission briefing – I am nervous, but the senior pilot, whom is half my age, mind, is telling me to relax. We are to escort a recon flight that will cover a portion of the front near our aerodrome. I am to follow the flight leader. "It should be a simple run," he says. "I've done a hundred like it and it's rare to run into the enemy."

Sure it is, child. With my luck...

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F2j3mbyo.jpg&hash=a8b21d66ca4afac68aee2c96cef1553877ea5e6f)

Soon, we are winging our way over the front line. The recon aircraft are in front of us.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi63.tinypic.com%2F20jmkvm.jpg&hash=ea232fbd37cd4573816e7ce4bf8ad82902ddd50d)

It's not long before the squadron leader signals me - "enemy aircraft ahead, attack!" I dive in to take them head on, because it's not something they'd expect me to do. With settings set to full insane realism (as much as this 1990 Dynamix/Sierra title can muster), if my plane gets a whiff of a breeze it'll probably go down in flames.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2Fx4zp.jpg&hash=e3c9181af04b480daf6daa1052214faab97b6400)

One plane breaks off to take on my leader; I focus on the other. Despite this plane's total lack of power and vague maneuverability, I score my first victory – a Frenchie!

I turn around to meet back up with the leader, just in time to see him shoot down his dance partner. We have both scored a success this day.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F33ma4gj.jpg&hash=079d4e5850e64eb2e25256d172c4d46a3ad3a070)

The rest of the flight is, fortunately, uneventful. We come across no other aircraft and the enemy lets us peacefully take the photographs we need, before heading back to the aerodrome.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi63.tinypic.com%2F2mr8f28.jpg&hash=332e891653a00cb8b97aa6dacfbc4b6455986fdf)

I apparently have time to pause for a grainy photograph after landing. Well, it is a first victory, so that's something to be cherished, I think.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi63.tinypic.com%2Fctgug.jpg&hash=76ae3aad3ae4c2556c943a43298658e29037c0f5)

With one aircraft shot down, my score is a somewhat unimpressive 58. I'd hoped to get to the other plane my leader was engaging, but was unable to get there in time to make a difference.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2Fmjtyu0.jpg&hash=f691c9b53b20fbe8c4904d78cce30df4e912d5e2)

----------------

Note:

It's interesting that this game is available on GOG - I played it for dozens of hours back in 1990 and remember getting pilots upward of near 200 kills sometimes; it was great fun, not to mention challenging to get that many kills, especially when the airspace is crowded with friendlies trying to do exactly the same!
Title: Re: The Blue Baron!
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 15, 2018, 03:39:55 PM
Mission 2: More Recon Hand-Holding

First, we get notification that we have a star amongst us.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F10fnjb9.jpg&hash=1b62b3080966ebbc6f3ea985cfb8fcb1746fddc9)

It is Udet himself, and the look you see in this image is of him telling you to grin and bear it when it comes to the crappy Eindecker and stop yer bitchin'.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F1z3rl2r.jpg&hash=8b138579b9fb3e5b6256a4a2c78e1d8d1fc202a3)

December, 1915. I've been at the front for almost two weeks now with one mission under my belt as well as one victory stamped on my Eindecker's frame. We're called in again to escort a photograph reconnaissance mission.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2Fvdg7sk.jpg&hash=6e0f392b090b6bbdf3036e623a58bcf72b0901c8)

There are a lot of clouds in the sky; it would be easy for the enemy to hide. This holds true for us as well, though.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F6xsoeq.jpg&hash=05859f4dc329344c0a00c5396722e1bda99457b6)

We do not have to wait long before the French make a show of force. The flight leader calls for us to attack, and we put our throttles to the maximum.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2Fjhyn3n.jpg&hash=458dc84692c16a72fb2284c65b491ce832a643d7)

The cold December wind howls like a banshee as we dip and dive underneath a very large and very ominious-looking storm cloud. My leader has dived after one enemy plane, only to have another fall on his tail. I am pursuing him now, trying to line up this dainty calamity of a plane upon him!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F15hc45f.jpg&hash=810e823254c285a7bb7c3863a14a2e6e20be59aa)

It doesn't take long before I'm able to lead the French pilot enough and put a few dozen rounds into his engine; his plane bursts into flame like a firework and plummets to the ground. I am quite satisfied with today's outing, even it if is another boring escort job!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F15ea0sn.jpg&hash=ab9e80f797ce06e830509ed4a42b8723b5bd4a4d)

The rest of the escort is uneventful. The clouds look dreary and I feel for the men that are shivering down in the trenches right now. Meanwhile, we have a nice hot stove and warm beds waiting for us back at the field.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Fekn7fs.jpg&hash=a91d1c2234479581f1c21be6e2849d50b0ca9fcf)

Another score of 58 and another French plane shot down. Not too bad. Not great, but better than being the one shot down, I suppose.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F291mdea.jpg&hash=6a82cdc87ad9c293c1385dadfae4e3a5dd37e319)

As December closes and January, 1916 dawns upon us, I now have 2 total air victories to my name.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Staggerwing on May 15, 2018, 05:24:05 PM
Serious case of Memory Lane there. :dreamer: 
When I first got the game it came with a low-color floppy disk and a postcard for swapping to a higher-color VGA disk



So when does the pilot start singing 'Edelweiss' or 'Hills are alive...'?
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: W8taminute on May 15, 2018, 05:30:09 PM
Brings back pleasant memories for me too.  This was probably the greatest game I ever owned in my early days of PC gaming. 
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 15, 2018, 05:37:22 PM
I loved this game so much back in the day...and I had to play it on a monochrome VGA (well, 256 shades of gray, but still) monitor. It was still awesome.

Strangely, this is technically the first time I've played it in full color!
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 15, 2018, 05:47:40 PM
Mission 3: The Patrol

January, 1916. Not a short week goes by before we are once again rousted from our beds to fly another mission. Such is the demands of war!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Feuj58n.jpg&hash=4b3438e2b3cf936b39de604ec9f1fab98a447b89)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Fvqjy3k.jpg&hash=d5bcc253d79e5e7084c26c3146a9fb1ee071b3aa)

This time, we are to simply patrol the front line, and hunt the enemy. I rub my hands together in glee – this is exactly what I signed up for! To rack up the body count.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F119owtc.jpg&hash=10d74bc0b50d20d9a877757b8de911eb1736df2d)

Looks like I am in a formation of three planes – this is not good news if I'm looking for glory. That's two more pilots that can shoot down the enemy. Competition – bah!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F21e82ev.jpg&hash=a85389ceb08b3d5fb3eaf2289274c0422c58baa4)

The sky is quite overcast, but fortunately it is at a high enough ceiling and not snowing or raining, though it is colder than von Bismark's wife's hollow places up here, by the gods.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Ffcinvs.jpg&hash=c745c1dbce36c6bde3ad31340a089c387bc70abf)

Soon, we spot the British! The leader barely has to order us to attack – I already have my throttle at the stops.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Fv3h8jt.jpg&hash=f213897f7e7909e35431f22216a865264ce02333)

They recklessly charge in on us head-on.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2lkg17r.jpg&hash=72b91e60d974e5b7bbcc20ecd70c81d70cc294bf)

I show them the folly of such an attack – my aim is dead on and a British pilot is headed for the ground, wrapped in a shroud of flames and failure!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2vv8buv.jpg&hash=c93c9644543ca56a77249023d1dde49d81a537f7)

A second British plane goes down – rather easily! I am somewhat puzzled by this. I maneuver around quickly to find my flight mates.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi63.tinypic.com%2F2lapyiq.jpg&hash=6980195923c5854cb6be037abe7a89563ecc5b9f)

They are dancing across the sky, engaging their own targets. Soon they are all shot down. I am more than happy with shooting down 2 of the enemy! How the drinks will flow tonight in celebration!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2dmgmlt.jpg&hash=e11cba0d25a06610c0931292a36d0ecf56f91cee)

When I land, much to my misgiving, I find I only have been credited with 1 aerial victory this day. One of my flight mates must have scored the killing bullet upon that second British plane. I am now in a severely cross mood, especially as I only scored 15 points instead of the 'usual' 58 for one kill. Then I remember, as I came head on at my victim, he clipped one of my wings. So that's where that divot came from. Maybe I was penalized for being too reckless.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F50s5zn.jpg&hash=f89b759652c31d8a2674715679c6131e78c8fe17)

Nevertheless, it is with great satisfaction that I receive an award.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi63.tinypic.com%2Fmraal1.jpg&hash=ebb5f5b451e126687784fb3cae31f9e828e3331d)

As it is pinned to my chest, near bursting with pride, I inwardly curse the idiots that kept me from crossing into the Ace threshold by shooting down five planes.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2ahcrwh.jpg&hash=2bbfa00dbe9770b660f84acbd0eb7af018dab9f5)

But that Iron Cross 2nd Class sure is purty, so I can't complain TOO much, I guess.

It is January, 1916. I have three aerial victories and an Iron Cross 2nd Class. Here's to more victories soon.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Sir Slash on May 15, 2018, 09:49:38 PM
Iron Cross Second Class-- that'll get you to second base with those hot Frauleins.  ^-^   And you do look young for your age.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: JasonPratt on May 16, 2018, 09:08:01 AM
Literally the first game I bought for my first DOS machine.  :smitten:
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 16, 2018, 09:54:05 AM
Another thing is, the manual to this game was one of the best I'd ever owned. It went over the history, the aces, air power in general in WW1, and had so many other things in it to really make it feel like an immersive experience.

The GOG pack also comes with Red Baron 3D (or Red Baron 2; I think they're the same). This one has better graphics but I don't know if it plays the same. I want to play out this campaign before I give that one a try.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Capn Darwin on May 16, 2018, 11:09:10 AM
Try to find a copy of the Red Baron 3D mod Full Canvas Jacket to get the ultimate Red Baron experience.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Tripoli on May 19, 2018, 11:52:03 AM
If you like WWI combat sims, check out Wings Over Flanders Field:
http://overflandersfields.com/

Hellshade has some particularly good videos.  Here's one:
https://youtu.be/yM5_KkgCxJ0
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 21, 2018, 03:21:32 PM
Mission 4: Aces High!

Here we go again!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2Ffw13z4.jpg&hash=1ff65cde19101f8c55da1f7eca30d11fd80f1d46)

Another escort mission, bound to attract those dastardly French or British, and rack up my kill numbers!

Or I might die. Eh.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2n0gac.jpg&hash=75a2c50f8c46643c813c319983a076c642044521)

Despite it being January in Europe, the skies are remarkably clear and bright today. Perfect for sighting the enemy - or being seen.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2Fxla6ps.jpg&hash=bad9028bde572ce26b8b6abaec7a313fc8b4604f)

It doesn't take long for the French to rear their heads!

Though it was easy as the smell of wet dog is difficult to miss, even at 900 feet!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2hwjouw.jpg&hash=ddbd8678ee807b629eced6e25b79c5394278a1cc)

The two French interlopers dive in towards the recon planes; my Flight Leader takes them head on but without success. Their sharp turn in front of me means I have an easy approach to shoot them down!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F21cauko.jpg&hash=3a6486fea31c2622781424827af8f2b778040787)

In fact, I oblige one of the buggers for being so accommodating to my machine gun.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F23wtqh1.jpg&hash=7c6932eb60eaa1fa49c82dff610f96fc9ddbd9ad)

Despite in the past having missed out on a second kill, I turn sharply towards my Flight Leader to see if I can take down the other one.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2Ff04sxs.jpg&hash=1cc58c0fe652e80a0df882e76a17f3f4611e2e86)

This chap is a little dodgy. I can't quite line up on him!

Doesn't matter as my Flight Leader eventually gets him. And onward goes our escort. We race to catch up to the recon aircraft.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2Fw8vr7q.jpg&hash=f279f4afd21efb138ceabb9a99b7d67ac3b3bba1)

Not much time passes before once again we are intercepted. Tally ho, as they say!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2Fofnh2b.jpg&hash=b458ea0ca30c2eac0f0675e54564b300f992652c)

Another pair of French fighters.

And of the pair, one more falls to my guns!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F2zrooaq.jpg&hash=36a2dc77c1d52dddb9d48c5f1367ca9153f4c703)

I look out over my wing and see my Flight Leader is handling the other one well enough.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F23t43ew.jpg&hash=0fa8feb309bbfc39e471d0a23f831d876e184f04)

The mission is quiet after that; no more French or British come up to challenge us.

We take our photographs and wing our way home.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F2q3aiy1.jpg&hash=2317e382d69a4b96ffe2de8bc1389f9f0450a770)

Two victories? That means...

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F5k59hz.jpg&hash=d6666ed127f46c5473a05a99c741a2a99d123839)

...that I, von Krapp, am a new Ace!

Shortly thereafter I am notified that the Allies have introduced a new aircraft.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F2qwh3d4.jpg&hash=dde5ddc7071b97ffa0d63958482496047d5568e9)

The Airco DH.2 is a "pusher" aircraft designed by the British, as they had no mechanism (yet) for allowing a machinegun to fire through the front propeller.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Airco_D.H.2_ExCC.jpg)

Historically, the DH.2 did not see frontline service until July 1915, but as this is all a bunch of fiction anyway, why not?

And next, having heard of my fifth air victory, von Krapp is invited to join another squadron!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F2n1i4wx.jpg&hash=fb50fcd636b520d321f92552d23ce258b102514d)

Boelcke would later be known as "the father of air combat." Seems rather a good choice to go and join him and his crew.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2Frsx20g.jpg&hash=a1c4459701292a2fde658b11def549b57c7b43e9)

It is now February, 1916. Lt. von Krapp has five victories and an Iron Cross 2nd Class.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F2ijgk6c.jpg&hash=1f139780fed4153457d368b4ee11414c3a08d404)
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Sir Slash on May 21, 2018, 10:15:22 PM
Congrats von Krapp on your Acedom! Surely you'll be getting a better plane now?
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: JasonPratt on May 22, 2018, 08:00:00 AM
QuoteHistorically, the DH.2 did not see frontline service until July 1915, but as this is all a bunch of fiction anyway, why not?

So, it's running at least six months late in deployment? (Jan '16)
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: BanzaiCat on May 22, 2018, 02:28:16 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 22, 2018, 08:00:00 AM
QuoteHistorically, the DH.2 did not see frontline service until July 1915, but as this is all a bunch of fiction anyway, why not?

So, it's running at least six months late in deployment? (Jan '16)

AH, my bad, I read it wrong. :P
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Dammit Carl! on May 29, 2018, 11:55:19 AM
Quote from: BanzaiCat on May 16, 2018, 09:54:05 AM
Another thing is, the manual to this game was one of the best I'd ever owned. It went over the history, the aces, air power in general in WW1, and had so many other things in it to really make it feel like an immersive experience.

Preach it!  Manuals used to be so much more...more back in the day.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Gusington on May 29, 2018, 11:58:47 AM
Their Finest Hour - I want to be buried with that manual.
Title: Re: Max von Krapp in: The Red Baron
Post by: Staggerwing on May 29, 2018, 07:44:41 PM
I can send you my extra one if you promise to keep it on your shelf and out of your coffin as long as possible.