Naval Action-PC Game in the Works

[Broadsword56]

Steve, thanks for the summary. I'm sure a lot of people find Naval Action fun. But to me, it seems to be set up so rigidly that there's only one way to play and enjoy it (MMO, career mode, unlocking ships), and that's not that way I enjoy wargames. It's a shame, because the environment looks so great that it would be a promising computer alternative to physical miniatures. What I'd want would be the option to set up one's own live game on open water or a water-land map (either provided ones or modder contributions) select any available authentic ship types, set the various conditions for the scenario, and play. Then one could stage historical battles, or use it as a tactical engine to resolve battles when they occur in operational-level naval wargames like mine (A Glorious Chance) or 1805 Sea of Glory, etc. They could easily have done that, but the online gaming world always seems to follow the money (no surprise there) and aim for the largest and most commercial audience.

[DeRuyter]

Steve, thanks for the summary. I'm sure a lot of people find Naval Action fun. But to me, it seems to be set up so rigidly that there's only one way to play and enjoy it (MMO, career mode, unlocking ships), and that's not that way I enjoy wargames. It's a shame, because the environment looks so great that it would be a promising computer alternative to physical miniatures. What I'd want would be the option to set up one's own live game on open water or a water-land map (either provided ones or modder contributions) select any available authentic ship types, set the various conditions for the scenario, and play. Then one could stage historical battles, or use it as a tactical engine to resolve battles when they occur in operational-level naval wargames like mine (A Glorious Chance) or 1805 Sea of Glory, etc. They could easily have done that, but the online gaming world always seems to follow the money (no surprise there) and aim for the largest and most commercial audience.

You are really describing a different game - this is an open sandbox MMO centered around 18th century naval ships and combat. They are developing an economic side of things as well. In that sense some people say it is very flexible because the players determine everything, economy, diplomacy, ship building, etc. So the historic strategic situation found in say "1805 Sea of Glory" is determined by the actions of player organized clans. I participated in a port battle last night to take a British port and stop their advance up the Yucatan towards Cuba and Fla. One of the largest KS ever funded was for an MMO - Star Citizen, so yeah big $$ in this style of game. The NA developers are a small group and their other title is similar to an old school game - Ultimate General -Gettysburg. Not sure you can mod it though. AFAIK one of the devs did a lot of mods for Total War Napoleon - which is similar to what you are describing.

In the past players have arraigned large "Trafalgar" style battles, but obviously one has to use the ships available in the game. (Available on You Tube) So you can get the feel of a large fleet battle or frigate action with some of the historic ships. Since I am also a wargamer first I do like your idea though - to be able to set up a specific battle would be great - like the old computer moderated rules Clear for Action - only with graphics! I wonder if you can do this with the Total War series?

BTW - I wouldn't describe it as "gamey" head to head kid stuff - this is not a FPS (First Person Shooter - ie Call of Duty) clicky game. There are a lot of people involved that have put in a lot of effort to get the ships and combat model as realistic as possible. In fact it is too slow for a lot of the "kids"!! In my group we have several retired military and others who have studied naval history much as we do here. Also as Jim noted there is a server which is essentially coop rather than fighting between the players.

[Broadsword56]

BTW - I wouldn't describe it as "gamey" head to head kid stuff - this is not a FPS (First Person Shooter - ie Call of Duty) clicky game. There are a lot of people involved that have put in a lot of effort to get the ships and combat model as realistic as possible. In fact it is too slow for a lot of the "kids"!! In my group we have several retired military and others who have studied naval history much as we do here. Also as Jim noted there is a server which is essentially coop rather than fighting between the players.

You know, Steve, your excitement for this game comes through so sincerely that you've almost convinced me to give it a try!

[surfimp]

You know, Steve, your excitement for this game comes through so sincerely that you've almost convinced me to give it a try!

I think that was actually Eric that you quoted, but I'm pretty enthusiastic about Naval Action, too. I've had it since late 2014 and have been enjoying it ever since. I generally prefer tabletop miniatures games to video games, as I like the tactile sense of being there with my opponent (and heck, playing with toys!) but there are certain video games I enjoy, too. They tend to be pretty specific and pretty simulation oriented. Rise of Flight is my favorite flight sim, and although I don't have much to compare it against, I am really enjoying Naval Action.

With that said, it's still in very early Early Access, meaning there is much that will be improved. The developers are actively enhancing it, but it's a bit rough right now. The expectation is that it will continue to get better - it's quite playable and stable now - with time and further improvement. The devs are also pretty good at listening to the community and taking their feedback onboard. I don't have much to compare it against but I'm suitably pleased so far. There's also no DLC model - you pay once and get everything. I like that quite a bit.

[Nightmoss]

Jim - AFAIK -We are going to see: USS Rattlesnake (in fact she is pictured on the devblog about crew management), USS Essex, Ingermanland (64 gun ship Russian I think) and 1-2 large traders (Indiamen) - Amsterdam and Gros Ventre. Oh and they are also working on Bucenture (sp).

They also just completed the player ship vote for 2016 - I forget the top ship - I think another Dutch ship. I think they said some new ships may come in the next few patches. They are working on shipyards and production buildings as well.

The big feature at least for the PvP server is the rework of port battles with the various forts and land in the battle instances, which is coming in the Spring.

You know, Steve, your excitement for this game comes through so sincerely that you've almost convinced me to give it a try!

I think that was actually Eric that you quoted, but I'm pretty enthusiastic about Naval Action, too. I've had it since late 2014 and have been enjoying it ever since. I generally prefer tabletop miniatures games to video games, as I like the tactile sense of being there with my opponent (and heck, playing with toys!) but there are certain video games I enjoy, too. They tend to be pretty specific and pretty simulation oriented. Rise of Flight is my favorite flight sim, and although I don't have much to compare it against, I am really enjoying Naval Action.

With that said, it's still in very early Early Access, meaning there is much that will be improved. The developers are actively enhancing it, but it's a bit rough right now. The expectation is that it will continue to get better - it's quite playable and stable now - with time and further improvement. The devs are also pretty good at listening to the community and taking their feedback onboard. I don't have much to compare it against but I'm suitably pleased so far. There's also no DLC model - you pay once and get everything. I like that quite a bit.

Eric, thanks for the information and update on the pvp side. Our "Fleet" (I don't like the term clan) is now over 45 members I believe now that Steve joined up last night. We have some folks who are now moving over to a pvp server and I wish them well, but I'm very content on staying on pve so I can enjoy the entire map without hindrance. Ironically I was attacked by a NPC privateer yesterday, but easily escaped in my cutter.

Gina, all I can tell you is that sailing a simulation like this is very enjoyable, relaxing and fulfilling even as a casual pve player. The sandbox navigation is a challenge and I love it. I spent several real time hours yesterday sailing from Bugle Cay all the way to Camp du Roy. Sunny weather, rain storms, thunder, etc.

Steve, as I said in the pm, don't hesitate to ask members of ACN to group up. Some of them are regularly taking down 3rd rates in large fleet operations. Every one is different and how you sail in battle and react to the AI is a unique experience. I got in on several missions last night and my last one against a single Bellona 74 netted me over 500 xp. What everyone in our group is looking for now is either the Tricomalee ship or its blueprint. Our shipwright is up to making Frigates. See you in game. Oh a final note that we finally got a female player joining ACN. I do wish we had more women in game, but it's just not happening.

[surfimp]

Wow so I've joined Nightmoss' clan (such an unfortunate word but standard in MMOs), the American Continental Navy, and it's so much fun! I'm only sailing a lowly 7th rate Privateer (a topsail schooner with 12 guns) and last night we grouped up to take on some 3rd rates and and small fleets. I didn't get sunk! And I leveled up to 2nd Lieutenant. And then one of the other group members crafted me a brig (so I could be slightly less useless versus the SOLs hahah)

Woohooo!

I'd say Naval Action is quite fun played solo, but playing with a group of teammates is even better. Thanks again Nightmoss!

[Nightmoss]

Wow so I've joined Nightmoss' clan (such an unfortunate word but standard in MMOs), the American Continental Navy, and it's so much fun! I'm only sailing a lowly 7th rate Privateer (a topsail schooner with 12 guns) and last night we grouped up to take on some 3rd rates and and small fleets. I didn't get sunk! And I leveled up to 2nd Lieutenant. And then one of the other group members crafted me a brig (so I could be slightly less useless versus the SOLs hahah)

Woohooo!

I'd say Naval Action is quite fun played solo, but playing with a group of teammates is even better. Thanks again Nightmoss!

We're very happy to have you on board Steve. It was great fun and you did an impressive job of sailing around the big hitters!! Grats on the next level too, also.

By the way, the Naval Action forums have a poll up that's asking players to choose a term that they would prefer using instead of 'clan'. I know Fleet and Squadron are listed (I voted for Fleets), but I don't know if/when they may push for that updated distinction?

See you online.

Jim

[surfimp]

By the way, the Naval Action forums have a poll up that's asking players to choose a term that they would prefer using instead of 'clan'. I know Fleet and Squadron are listed (I voted for Fleets), but I don't know if/when they may push for that updated distinction?

Found the thread and voted, as well as made a comment for why I feel strongly about the word 'clan'. I feel so strongly about it, it's been a deterrent to getting involved in MMOs as I'm loathe to associate myself with the term in any way, shape or form.

I'm pleased to see the developers are taking on board feedback from the community and are willing to change. I voted for Fleet, too.

[Nightmoss]

Found the thread and voted, as well as made a comment for why I feel strongly about the word 'clan'. I feel so strongly about it, it's been a deterrent to getting involved in MMOs as I'm loathe to associate myself with the term in any way, shape or form.

I'm pleased to see the developers are taking on board feedback from the community and are willing to change. I voted for Fleet, too.

Clan does have several word associations, but it's primary definition is linked to ancestral descent, and being part Scottish I choose to think it refers to the Highland Clans of Scotland? Clan is not Klan if that's why you have a strong aversion to the word? I sure hope you don't dislike the Scottish Clans?

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK...ighland-Clans/

[surfimp]

Clan does have several word associations, but it's primary definition is linked to ancestral descent, and being part Scottish I choose to think it refers to the Highland Clans of Scotland? Clan is not Klan if that's why you have a strong aversion to the word? I sure hope you don't dislike the Scottish Clans?

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK...ighland-Clans/

Oh sure, the usage of the word "clan" predates by hundreds if not thousands of years the unfortunate period of mid-19th century US history I'm referring to (yes, the KKK), but the same can be said for the swastika's worldwide usage prior to its appropriation by the Nazi party in the mid-20th century. It just gives me the heebie jeebies - a visceral reaction, i.e. personal problem on my part. Can't help it!

[Devsdoc]

Steve,
It is sad that a word which on the whole has a good and together meaning has been highjacked by a small group of small minded people. I as an Englishman with Scots blood (my Farther) take prided that I can be a member of a Scottish Clan.
That said, in the 70's and 80's the English flag of "St George" Red Cross on a White background was highjacked by our right-wing skinheads who hated all non-English and non-white folks. I like many in the U.K. could not use our flag. Very sad that a small group stopped a Nation using it's flag. So we use the Union Flag (Union Jack). It was at the Rugby World Cup some years ago that we as a Nation started using our English flag again. I can now hold my head and flag up high. To think it took so long for us to get our own flag back is a very sad thing. But we did!
Be safe
Rory

[surfimp]

Good points Rory!

On a lighter note, sailing with the Fleet / Guild / etc., the American Continental Navy, has been amazing for my progression through the lower ranks. This time last week, I was still a lowly Midshipman. Tonight, I helped my teammates sink two Spanish 3rd rates using my Mercury brig armed with 24lb carronades, focusing on exploiting my ship's greater maneuverability to get in close for some stern raking action.

The results were good!! And I'm more than halfway towards 1st Lieutenant as consequence. :)



For comparison, a typical Admiralty mission will net you only 50XP, and it's 1000+ XP per rank, and higher ranks are how you get the crew needed to sail the larger ships. So one can easily understand why getting ~400XP per mission when sailing with a Fleet - which allows you to take on bigger and badder opponents through teamwork - is a big advantage!!

Thanks Nightmoss for the invite, I'm having a blast!

Screenshot from one of tonight's missions. My ship is in the foreground, and Nightmoss and another teammate are delivering broadsides to a poor Spanish 3rd rate caught in the pickle between them.

[Bligh]

Looks great to me Steve.
Just like a period painting.
You could hang that on your wall.
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

Thanks for that image, Steve. It looks great and as Rob said almost picture hanging worthy. I'm very happy you joined up with the ACN. I'm also enjoying sailing the Trincomalee, which up until today was probably the only Trincomalee in the USA? What a marvelous ship.

[surfimp]

Sailing to Cuba, passing Mimbres at sunset in my Privateer:



This is a great game :)

[Bligh]

That certainly is another fine picture Steve.
I must resist the temptation, or I'd never get all my work done both here and on the Drome.
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

That certainly is another fine picture Steve.
I must resist the temptation, or I'd never get all my work done both here and on the Drome.
Rob.

Rob, the game really is a time sink although a pleasant one for sure. I wont tell you how many hours I've 'sunk' into the simulation so far and they still say it's an alpha realease!

[Bligh]

Rob, the game really is a time sink although a pleasant one for sure. I wont tell you how many hours I've 'sunk' into the simulation so far and they still say it's an alpha realease!

I can imagine Jim.
I spent all my spare time on Rome Total War for months, and then moved on to the rest of the series as they came out with all the extensions etc.
If Wings had not drawn me in I may well have still playing.
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

I can imagine Jim.
I spent all my spare time on Rome Total War for months, and then moved on to the rest of the series as they came out with all the extensions etc.
If Wings had not drawn me in I may well have still playing.
Rob.

It may have been mentioned by someone already, but one of the developers on Naval Action was a major moder for the game Total War: Napoleon. He got hooked by the naval aspects of the game and we're reaping the benefits from his interest.

[Nightmoss]

We've been talking about ship fires and explosions in game recently and unfortunately one of our fleet members experience it first hand on his 3rd Rate last night. We'd entered a battle against a large Spanish fleet and within minutes of the opening it sounds like his computer disconnected because of a Windows 10 update. By the time he got back on his ship had caught fire and its crew had gone into fire shock. There wasn't much he could do to manage the ship at that point and it eventually blew up.

I only got one screenshot as you don't want to hang around any ship that's about to explode. He lost the ship of course but also lost a number of ship upgrades that were on it. You don't need pvp for excitement that's for sure.

[Bligh]

Another good reason for not having Windows 10. I don't want anyone taking over my Computer and shutting programmes down when I'm in the middle of something.
I bet he is still steaming today.
Nice shot though.
Rob.

[surfimp]

There were a ton of people sailing with the American Continental Navy on the PVE server last night!



Good times :)

[Nightmoss]

Probably only the second attempt at doing a line battle against a fleet of enemy AI. Fortunately, I was not on the mic that night so you don't hear my voice.

Morrius17 did the video which you may enjoy. I don't expect you'll want to view the entire thing, but it was fun and netted everyone a good amount of gold and experience.

[Bligh]

Well I did watch the lot and enjoyed every minute of it too Jim.
Your captains should be proud of the way they held the line of battle and clinically obliterated the Spanish Fleet.
Please pass on my thanks to your co Captains next time you are on line. I only wish I could give them all Rep in person, but I guess I will have to forgo that pleasure.
Thanks again gentlemen.
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

Well I did watch the lot and enjoyed every minute of it too Jim.
Your captains should be proud of the way they held the line of battle and clinically obliterated the Spanish Fleet.
Please pass on my thanks to your co Captains next time you are on line. I only wish I could give them all Rep in person, but I guess I will have to forgo that pleasure.
Thanks again gentlemen.
Rob.

Thanks Rob for the nice comments and rep. I'll be sure to pass along your thanks to the various captains of ACN.

We're currently waiting on a new content patch, which brings in some significant changes I've mentioned above. Hopefully it will also bring in the USS Niagara, HMS Essex and one other ship still not known by the players some days after the patch. Everything is on hold as we have heard a number of the development team (only 7 persons) are down with the flu.

[Bligh]

That is a mixture of good and bad news.
Please keep me posted and I hope you will be showing us more of these battles in the future,
Rob.

[TexaS]

It's much more fun to watch a battle where you actually hold the line rather than those everyone everywhere shooting at random that I find much more of on youtube.

[Nightmoss]

It's much more fun to watch a battle where you actually hold the line rather than those everyone everywhere shooting at random that I find much more of on youtube.

We will be trying more of these in the near future. If Morrius puts them up on YouTube I'll let you know. Cheers!

[TexaS]

Nice! Thank you.

[7eat51]

Those are impressive images. Please remind me in case I forgot, but does this game run on Macs?

[Nightmoss]

Sorry, Eric, there are no plans to port this to Macs. Some folks have tried Bootcamp, but I've not heard of the results or stability. I did read recently that the devs would eventually like to bring this out as a stand alone game, but that wont occur until after the game is at full release. Full release is projected by some to be at least one to two years out.

[7eat51]

It's probably safer for me this way, Jim.

[Nightmoss]

Our latest line battle video on YouTube. I've not actually watched it myself, but I understand it's quite good. I believe we had more ships in this battle than previously. Enjoy!

[Bligh]

That was another mighty action Jim.
Well worth half an hour of my time.
Thanks.
Rob.

[TexaS]

Those are stll great videos to watch. The game have much improved the look of the smoke. I think it does wonders for the feel of the battle.

[Bligh]

I agree. I really can't wait for the next one.
Rob.

[surfimp]

Hunting wabbits near Cuba.

This is the first decent ship I've crafted myself, a pretty tricked out Lynx schooner. It's only got 4 guns per side, so rather weak, but it's quite fast and good at chasing down trade ships. And even better at running away from things that are bigger and badder than it is. I do a lot of each :)

Next I'll build a "Privateer"... basically the same ship, but with 6 guns per side and just a touch faster upwind.

I am all about the thrill of the hunt in this game. I sail solo, deep in enemy territory, and try to make prizes of enemy players' trade ships... without getting caught by their interceptors. It can be quite lucrative if they've got a full load of cargo aboard!

[Bligh]

This also sounds exciting Steve.
Are we likely to get any footage of you in action, or even a few more stills?
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

We've been working on demasting ships. Some folks use the mass broadside method while others are trying to sniper shot the masts off. In game it's not easy unless you and the target are somewhat stationary. Results pictured below:

[Bligh]

Which method works the best Jim?
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

Which method works the best Jim?
Rob.

I think the term "spray and pray" about sums it up?

[Bligh]

I suspected that you would say that Jim.

I must admit that I have not used the either the chain or grape shot more than once so far, as double shot seems to do the job for me, and consequently I have left masts sails, and seamen to take their normal chances. I do feel,however, that for the sake of historical accuracy I should add this facility to the repertoire of at least the French,whom I believe had a penchant for having a go at the the masts, or is that just another Victorian myth.
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

I suspected that you would say that Jim.

I must admit that I have not used the either the chain or grape shot more than once so far, as double shot seems to do the job for me, and consequently I have left masts sails, and seamen to take their normal chances. I do feel,however, that for the sake of historical accuracy I should add this facility to the repertoire of at least the French,whom I believe had a penchant for having a go at the the masts, or is that just another Victorian myth.
Rob.

It may be a myth, but one that has many believing in it? I've not ready that extensively on the subject, but what I have seen does indicate that the French aimed high (for rigging and masts) while the British aimed for the hull (having better trained gun crews with better accuracy).

[Nightmoss]

Acquired a new ship last night. While the Bellona is an excellent Ship of the Line the major benefit to it's building last night was the acquisition of the Santisima Trinidad blueprint by our shipbuilder. Needless to say the First Rate guys are ecstatic.

[Bligh]

Seems to be riding a bit high in the water Jim.
Have the Dockyard Mateys short changed you on provisions?
Bligh.

[Nightmoss]

Seems to be riding a bit high in the water Jim.
Have the Dockyard Mateys short changed you on provisions?
Bligh.

Visually that's something that does occur regularly in game. Fluid ocean rendering along with the ships motion makes for a challenging sim I expect. Either that or someone really goofed up on my ballasting!?!

[TexaS]

But she lays stable. There's no visible lean.

[Nightmoss]

There's a day and night cycle in Naval Action and sometimes the sunrises and sunsets are quite impressive. I was sailing in the Bellona recently and thought I'd take a few screenshots to show off the cabin and ship lighting as dawn approaches. Cheers!

[Bligh]

I can just imagine myself looking out of those stern windows at the shimmering phosphorescence in the wake of the ship.
Rob.

[Nightmoss]

Had an interesting encounter with the Bellona this evening. I took on a British 3rd Rate just outside of Jobe and managed to set it on fire. Due to crew losses and fire shock the ship actually exploded, which I have only seen happen in videos. Whenever it's happened before I seem to be looking elsewhere when the explosion occurs. It also blew off the main mast. I wish I'd had the camera filming rather than a single frame.