Epsom/Charnwood and DCS: World 2.2

[Bunyap]

DCS: World was updated to version 2.2 today and there were a number of changes and enhancements that will apply directly to these campaigns. I'm seeing it all for the first time too so bear with me over the next few weeks as I verify nothing is broken and start to add the new features.

 

1. 88mm Flak now has proper targeting and airburst effects so no more mysterious objects whizzing by you! You will definitely see and hear it now.

 

 

 

2. Smoke and other effects can be added to the map as static objects in the editor. These are still WIP but it will give us the ability to create the correct visual feel.

 

 

 

3. Flight paths are now visible on the F10 map when a flight lead is selected. This gives one more good option for finding our way around.

 

 

 

4. WWII aircraft now have a radio menu item for missions against a pre-planned target. This can now be used instead of the keyboard commands described in the mission briefings. (I'm pretty sure you still have to give a rejoin command after they attack and that they do not actually RTB if the second option is used.

 

 

 

Like I said, I'm seeing it all for the first time too so let me know if you spot anything else new that could be useful!

[Picchio]

Bunyap, sorry for the slightly off-topic question, but the first screenshot tickled my curiosity... are those the new clouds? Are they present in 2.2?

 

Thanks for your passionate work. I bought your campaign a couple of months ago and I still haven't found the time to sink my teeth into it, but I'm looking forward to.

[=Pedro=]

Outstanding work! :thumbup:

[REDEYE_CVW-66]

Flak bursts??? Yes!! I have a huge performance boost in 2.2 and along with these new features it is an excellent time to go back into it!

[REDEYE_CVW-66]

Btw- Bunyap- just mentioning it: in the mission where we can decrease object count for performance, sometimes ships dissappear, leaving the accompanying ballon flying off to great altitudes. I am sorry I don't have more specific info at this point, but something to keep in mind.

[Bunyap]

Bunyap, sorry for the slightly off-topic question, but the first screenshot tickled my curiosity... are those the new clouds? Are they present in 2.2?

 

Thanks a lot and yeah, they are there in 2.2. My understanding is that they are enhanced versions of the old clouds and that a new system is still being worked on.

 

One other new thing I just noticed is that there is sometimes rain when flying under them. That is actually perfect for these missions.

[Bunyap]

Btw- Bunyap- just mentioning it: in the mission where we can decrease object count for performance, sometimes ships dissappear, leaving the accompanying ballon flying off to great altitudes. I am sorry I don't have more specific info at this point, but something to keep in mind.

 

Nice. Releasing balloons will give me something to do when I'm bored. :) I'll keep an eye on it but it hasn't broken anything so far.

[Bunyap]

In addition to the new placeable effects, scenery destruction is now possible without a big hang-up as you enter the cockpit. (Or rather, it was always possible but I didn't know the right way to do it until now.) :)

 

The WWII environment is starting to really come together.

 

[tintifaxl]

As the P-51 is my fav WWII module in DCS I bought the campaign and hope to have mucho fun with it. Just need to skill up on the landing on a Normandy airstrip a bit more ...

[Anatoli-Kagari9]

For me 2.2 made this EXCELLENT Campaign Playable and a true Charm !

 

Before I had such low performance overall that I had given up on it.

 

Finally going through, very calmly :-)

 

Thx !

[dburne]

Now that performance appears to be better in VR, going to have to get back into this excellent campaign. Thanks for the update!

[Picchio]

Bunyap, I finally started Mission 1 last night and man I am enjoying it!

I had forgotten the enchantment of beautifully orchestrated scripted missions, like these that you've designed... and this Spitfire, my God...

 

One little wish I would express: how about allowing the player into a position different than the leader's? The only (only!) thing I miss is the thrill of flying formation... :wub:

 

Again, thanks for your work.

[DD_Fenrir]

Bunyap, I finally started Mission 1 last night and man I am enjoying it!

I had forgotten the enchantment of beautifully orchestrated scripted missions, like these that you've designed... and this Spitfire, my God...

 

One little wish I would express: how about allowing the player into a position different than the leader's? The only (only!) thing I miss is the thrill of flying formation... :wub:

 

Again, thanks for your work.

 

I would second that sentiment for a future campaign.

 

As it is, I noticed with Epsom that the player ultimately flies with a different squadron within the 3 contained within 144 Wing on each mission; the only member of the Wing with the authority to do that would have been the Wing Leader - and generally the Wing Leader would lead the squadron with the Squadron Leader relegated to the Red 3 or 2nd Section leader (Yellow 1) positions.

 

So, as I see it, in essence you are standing in for Johnnie Johnson during this campaign.

 

This allowed Bunyap the flexibility to select the most interesting missions from all those flown by 144 Wing during the campaign period without compromising the realism he wanted to achieve.

 

Truth be told if we were playing as Pilot Officer X only able to operate with a single squadron during the period covered, a great many of the most interesting missions would have been unavailable and you'd have spent a lot of time coming back from "uneventful" standing patrols, abortive intercepts and scramble readiness states where you never even called into the air!

 

Such was the reality for a fighter pilot during WW2 - the statistics, depending on the theatre, average out at meeting the enemy in the air quite a lot less than half the time you flew operationally.

 

As for ground strafing I'd imagine over Normandy with most movement happening at night there were some fairly slim pickings, especially when you consider the Germans generally excellent camoflage discipline and the fact that they had spotters on vehicles moving in daylight to warn them of any a/c activity and so get into the nearest cover.

 

The balance between playability, entertainment and authenticty is an exceedingly fine one. I suspect that the full-on Pilot Officer "Normandy" experience, played to the authenticity Bunyap is reaching for, could be tip over into unentertaining for a great number of people. I, however, would welcome it but then I am a super authenticity nerd!

Edited December 13, 2017 by DD_Fenrir