Channel is now my goto Helo playground

[Boosterdog]

For a long time Ive not really been able to enjoy the Channel Map as its a heavy mutha. Since ive been lucky enough to be able to upgrade recently at MSRP prices Ive taken another look. 

IMO, for tree skimming helo missions this map is the best of the bunch.

Firstly Its detail slider works (the only map the slider really works well on) to help fine tune graphics v playability. Whats more the map's LODs seem well set up (unlike Syria who building pop in very close to the camera). Overall , the map just feels more acomplished than the others (including Syria)

Secondly, what appears to be a combination of terrain topology and better optimized shadow tech, results in almost no "huh?" moments (where the shadows glitch from soft to hard and, off the terrain of flicker so often seen in the Caucauses).  An important thing for me and my low/slow progress over maps. 

Finaly, theres the peiod. I left the channel map alone because of this for a long time. I have, but dont use, WW2 modules and assets as they no longer interest me and id put the map into that category. For jets, it remains there but for helos its different. Down low, it doesnt really matter that the towns look period as you rarely encounter them and, if you do they look great at low level. Better still, the French side Airfields  have a certain charm that can, with a little dressing, make excellent FARPS/Depots with the appearance of utilising an old airfield. By avoiding the Coast and flying inland, I can also avoid becoming location bound givnig me and my imagination room to envisage a Western European scenario not just a Channel one.

All in all my go-to helo green map. But most of you prolly already have found this out for yourselves. 

[VR Flight Guy in PJ Pants]

I would generally agree either this or the Normandy map is a good green map for helicopter. I have yet find the time to check out which map has better overall performance.

[Boosterdog]

21 minutes ago, VFGiPJP said:

I would generally agree either this or the Normandy map is a good green map for helicopter. I have yet find the time to check out which map has better overall performance.

I find Normandy still a little "off" in its colours and the shadows are not a subtle, positively "sweeping" in front of your eyes. I tend to get drawn to the coast as well. The Channel is definately heavier in performance terms but much of that can be negated by avoiding large built up areas I think. Over built up arears (thanks to @Bossco82) I found a signifcant boost in FPS can be obtained with the slider set as low as 0.65 in the channel map which for very little graphical loss. 

I need to find some suitably grey European weather settings now. 

[VR Flight Guy in PJ Pants]

For Normandy, there are a (too) few mods to help with the colour situation:

 

It still cannot provide any white cliff at Dover. Unfortunately there is another one for  winter but it is out-dated.

Will do a test to compare the performance.

[Boosterdog]

1 hour ago, VFGiPJP said:

For Normandy, there are a (too) few mods to help with the colour situation:

 

It still cannot provide any white cliff at Dover. Unfortunately there is another one for  winter but it is out-dated.

Will do a test to compare the performance.

I dont think either map, with or without mods does low level winter especially well.  Only the "other sim" ever made me feel cold in winter and only then on its Moscow and Stalingrad maps.