AirRB is just a comedy show at this point. I loved AirRB back in the day but then mixed nation MM started the destruction of that mode. I have not touched AirRB since the time limit was reduced from 60min to 25min. I enjoyed long lasting prop battles with decisions being made but after the time limit reduction and me having 3 battles in a row running out of time I just gave up.
I am waiting for AirRB EC mode for years now… and maybe occasional “historical” event with fixed sides.
IMO downfall of ARB started when they abandoned theater nation lock i.e. there were no Russian planes in Pacific theatre maps nor Japanese planes in European theatre maps.
I had at least a dozen Rank II–III games end this weekend mid-dog fight due to the absurd AI ticket bleed. I don’t believe anyone had killed a ground target for several minutes. That just shouldn’t happen.
In the past 5 or so years we have seen the following prohibitively destructive changes to ARB–most of which seemingly have one goal–get players back into the matchmaker and/or another game as quickly as possible:
– Mixed nations VS
– Duration changed from 60 to 25 minutes
– Ground targets and objectives placed symmetrically on EVERY map, independent geography, ex. Spain)
– Increased / expedited AI ticket bleed (this one also dramatically affects AAB)
– Increased lobby size (12 > 16)
– Longer base respawn timer (removal of AF bombing objective)
To name a few. It’s sad.
Couldn’t agree more