Thinking about buying BS

[WastedYeti]

So I'm thinking about buying Black Shark. I love helicopters. Think they're awesome. Love flying them on the computer. But I've never really played a game that looks this involved. I've played a few flight sims and have enjoyed them. I've also played games like Battlefield 2 that have some awesome attack helicopters but are more arcade like in nature compared to this game by the looks of things. I also don't own a joystick or any kind of foot peddles or accessories like that.

 

After all that, would you suggest I buy this game? Is it possible (or fun) to play this game with only a keyboard and mouse? Do you really need to read a 300 page manual just to get off the ground? This game sounds awesome and so detailed just want to make sure I'm not getting over my head. Thanks!

[TheMoose]

So I'm thinking about buying Black Shark. I love helicopters. Think they're awesome. Love flying them on the computer. But I've never really played a game that looks this involved. I've played a few flight sims and have enjoyed them. I've also played games like Battlefield 2 that have some awesome attack helicopters but are more arcade like in nature compared to this game by the looks of things. I also don't own a joystick or any kind of foot peddles or accessories like that.

 

After all that, would you suggest I buy this game? Is it possible (or fun) to play this game with only a keyboard and mouse? Do you really need to read a 300 page manual just to get off the ground? This game sounds awesome and so detailed just want to make sure I'm not getting over my head. Thanks!

 

The fun with DCS is that it allows both abilities, play as “arcardish” as you want or go for a full blown simulator. The pleasure is all yours and the missions are build in flavour of your choice of gamming. I highly recommend it. Was worth all the pennies saved up. Or just I say ''credit'';) Since purchasing online requires a credit card...

Edited January 29, 2009 by TheMoose

[jakeman]

I started out flying with just keyboard and mouse while I waited for my stick. I wouldn't recommend this game without having a joystick of any kind. However, you do not have to read the entire manual to get flying, but when you start loving this game, you just dont mind reading som pages in the manual or info at this forum provided by the excellent community!

[WastedYeti]

Any suggestions for a joystiq? Its just that I just built this new computer and it broke the bank! :cry: Dont have too much cash left for much else! But I would consider buying a nice joystick if it really improved game play.

[WynnTTr]

Playing the game is possible with just a kb/mouse, but it'll be very difficult for you to fly properly. Think of it as trying to bowl with a tennis ball - entirely possible, but is that fun for you?

 

This game is a study sim - it's probably the most realistic simulator out in the market (game) today. Ultra realistic flight model with ultra realistic ka-50 dynamics.

 

You don't need to read the manual from cover to cover - but it is necessary for you to understand the systems and how to operate them properly. Just read up on the components when necessary. For me, I started with learning on how to start up the chopper (got that from the game tutorial), next how to fly properly (trimmer) then how to fire weapons properly, then how to use the datalink properly, and finally how the ABRIS/PVI works. Take it in stages and you wont' be overwhelmed.

 

The game is incredibly rewarding and immersive. I still remember the first time my wheels left the ground - I promptly crashed about 5 secs later. Now I'm doing hammerheads and landing on buildings for fun.

 

The only problem I see is that this game will suck you in - you'll probably feel the urge to get a proper HOTAS setup with TRackIR. I had neither of them before I started, now I have both and getting 2 more 27in monitors so I can get TripleHead2Go. I've never felt the urge to do that before, ever. But imo, this game is worth it.

[jakeman]

I'm no expert on joysticks, but if youre not considering pedals I would strongly recommend a joystick that will able you to kontroll your rudder! I'm using an old MS sidewinder and it works perfectly for my preferences, although it's not state of the art.

 

edit: there's lots of educationg videos at youtube that saves you alot of manual reading.

Edited January 29, 2009 by jakeman

[2GvSAP_Dart]

Wow, some loaded questions; which HOTAS to gets into what sounds a lot like the old Ford vs. Chevy debates.

 

First off, get Black Shark. Don't let the forums fool you - under the "simulation" mode the work load isn't all that heavy at all. Most of the studying folks are doing is for the long startup sequence. But there's a two key shortcut (Left Win and Home) that does it for the player.

 

I'm really allergic to switchology and almost missed out on a fantastic sim from all the scary technical stuff being discussed. Fortunately, I bit the bullet and have been really impressed.

 

If you want the full meal deal, avoid the "arcade" setting entirely. The flight modelling is not to be missed out, and the learning curve for flying is exactly what you'd expect; it's easy to learn the basics and rather difficult to master the fine tuned stuff.

 

The electronics for targeting and shooting is pretty straight forward as well, provided one has a HOTAS. I'd also recommend a TrackIR to look around with and a set of rudder pedals. Head over to SimHQ.com as well as this forum for help. The community is really forgiving of simple questions.

 

Here's a review on the Saitek X52Pro and pedals, with links to TrackIR reviews as well from SimHQ. Disclaimer: I wrote the Saitek review, so I'm a bit biased as to its quality.

 

http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/technology_104a.html

 

One could play it with keyboard and mouse, but it would be pretty tough. Even a cheap joystick would be better than none at all!

 

At any rate, don't miss out on this one. It's a keeper.

Edited January 29, 2009 by 2GvSAP_Dart
Forgot the darned link!

[Sunjah]

NO! That is your first mistake; don't think about it, BUY IT!

 

Definitely need some kind of joystick, I was using a Logitech Extreme 3DPro with 12 buttons, 1 hat-switch and 4 axes. I ended up getting Saitek X-52Pro (my first HOTAS {hands-on-throttle-and-steering}) and am quite happy with it.

 

The game can be adjusted to any level. I suggest 100% sim, if you stay with it it'll definitely be worth it in the long run.

 

My first two weeks, I struggled with taking off to a hover. Now, I can take off and achieve forward flight from the moment I leave the ground if I want to do so. Far from an expert, but the month I've had it I have improved greatly.

 

Ps- don't ask about landings, they are a sorespot. BUY IT! Best sim I've ever seen (and I've played a fair amount of them).

[aledmb]

if you're into arcade, you need only a simple gamepad (like ps2 or xbox).

if you're into simulation, then buy a hotas controller and rudder pedals.

[darrenl]

I'm kind of new to this simulator, and I've got to say it is extremely fun to play. I can't recommend it more than that..

 

I mostly stuck to just learning the start up procedure myself and was able to go at it on my own in a couple of hours. Flying is trickier, but again, I was doing my own hovering and flying within a couple of days.

 

I only have about 5 hours of flight time and I've already completed my first mission without anything "bad" happening. Well...a couple of broken wheels on landing ;)

 

As for joystick. Ummm....I would recommend getting on because I cannot imagine playing this without one.

 

D

[Stormin_24]

What are you waiting for, get it... As for a flightstick, I use the Saitek X45... If you have tennis elbow (like me) or any problems with your wrist, the twist rudder system may not be for you.. They don't make the X45 anymore but can be purchased on Ebay usually.. The rudder is a rocker switch on the cyclic/throttle..

Edited January 29, 2009 by Stormin_24

[Maverick-GER-]

So I'm thinking about buying Black Shark. I love helicopters. Think they're awesome. Love flying them on the computer.

So if you love helicopters (or aircraft in general) the DCS series will definately be the right thing for you!

 

But I've never really played a game that looks this involved. I've played a few flight sims and have enjoyed them.

I wonder a bit about that part, what kind of flightsims did you play that you could enjoy without the need of a joystick?

 

I've also played games like Battlefield 2 that have some awesome attack helicopters but are more arcade like in nature compared to this game by the looks of things.

There is a Game Mode in DCS Blackshark which is arcadish too, but oh well as an old fly simmer i only go for the realistic thing =)

Don't you think the real fun would be to do all that crazy moves and 1000 of kills in the realistic setting? Sure it would require a bit training but that's the big fun of Flightsims right? right? (well for me it is)

 

I also don't own a joystick or any kind of foot peddles or accessories like that.

Ok having no Joystick at all makes it really no fun to fly a sim.

Your best bet would be to get a cheap joystick at the beginning (price under 30€ definately possible) as you are just starting in the sim business =)

So what i would recommend you (and it would be enough for the real or the game mode for sure) is that you get any cheap joystick with a few buttons and a Twist Grip for rudder controls. Especially since the Ka-50 in DCS blackshark has a 99% fully clickable cockpit you wont need that much buttons on your joystick anyhow!

 

After all that, would you suggest I buy this game? Is it possible (or fun) to play this game with only a keyboard and mouse? Do you really need to read a 300 page manual just to get off the ground? This game sounds awesome and so detailed just want to make sure I'm not getting over my head. Thanks!

 

Would i suggest to buy this game... HELL YEAH!

If it is possible and fun to play with mouse and keyboard ... well everything is possible but will that be fun... not really!

If you need to read a 300 page manual? Hell no to get off the ground you either use the "cheat" which is a button combination and after a minute or so you are ready to take off, or you have someone teach you how to start the ka-50 up which I taught some already in less than 30 minutes!

This "game"??? Game is almost an Insult for such a highly detailed Simulation! So refer to it as "Sim" lol!

 

Any suggestions for a joystiq? Its just that I just built this new computer and it broke the bank! :cry: Dont have too much cash left for much else! But I would consider buying a nice joystick if it really improved game play.

 

Well as I stated above to get you flying fast, a cheap stick would be enough already!

To really improve your gameplay or definately your immersion you should definately get a HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick), A Hotas are actually 2 Joysticks 1 of them a throttle and the other one the joystick, well let me explain with a picture:

 

 

This is for example what I use! It is the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, ok it is probably the most expensive one you can get lol but in my opinion the best one also (you will often read tho that you need to mod it to be good but thats all nonsense since i use this baby since 6 years now without any problems and it works like on the first day)

 

There are others you can google yourself like:

Saitek x52

Saitek x52 Pro

Saitek x45 (i think you can only get those used)

Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar (the one from above)

CH Products

 

(that's all i know there might be more Hotas out there but those are definately the most used ones)

[rapid]

:thumbup:In two words.............."buy it"

[WastedYeti]

Ok so I wanna buy a joystick tonight. My limit is basically 30 bucks. I looked over amazon and I found these two. Saitek ST290 and the Logitech Extreme 3d Pro. What do you guys think? Or can you mention a better joystick for around 30 bucks? Thanks for the info!

[Peyoteros]

With these rig specs you wanna spend only 30 bucks on the flight stick? Thats weak if you ask me... It's like listening to these http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Tdkc60cassette.jpg in this http://www.swotti.com/tmp/swotti/cacheYM13IG02QXV0B21VDGLVBI1DYXJZ/imgBMW%20M62.jpg

[aledmb]

With these rig specs you wanna spend only 30 bucks on the flight stick? Thats weak if you ask me... It's like listening to these http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Tdkc60cassette.jpg in this http://www.swotti.com/tmp/swotti/cacheYM13IG02QXV0B21VDGLVBI1DYXJZ/imgBMW%20M62.jpg

 

yeah, get outta here! :D

[WastedYeti]

With these rig specs you wanna spend only 30 bucks on the flight stick? Thats weak if you ask me... It's like listening to these http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Tdkc60cassette.jpg in this http://www.swotti.com/tmp/swotti/cacheYM13IG02QXV0B21VDGLVBI1DYXJZ/imgBMW%20M62.jpg

 

 

Just for starters! Geeze...

[Peyoteros]

Just for starters! Geeze...

 

It's your money you're waisting... Have fun.

:pilotfly:

[rapid]

come on dont stop pimping now high roller.

[PoleCat]

Don't talk crazy.....30 bucks......If that is all you got stick it in a coffee can and wait till you save enough for a Cougar or CH.

 

If you have a gameport and WinXP. I can sell you a TM Digital F-22 Pro and TQS in excellent working condition for lets say.......70USD plus shipping. Not compatible with Windows Vista/7 as gameports are not supported under these OS's.

 

Out

Edited January 30, 2009 by PoleCat

[PoleCat]

:

 

 

This is for example what I use! It is the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, ok it is probably the most expensive one you can get.

 

Not at all. The CH at 199.30 +shipping (Provantage) for stick and throttle costs more and it is the only competitive product.

Cougar price $177.70 +shipping (Provantage).

http://www.provantage.com/thrustmaster-2960534~7THRU00U.htm

 

:

lol but in my opinion the best one also (you will often read tho that you need to mod it to be good but thats all nonsense since i use this baby since 6 years now without any problems and it works like on the first day)

 

Absolutley true. No fear.

 

Out

Edited January 30, 2009 by PoleCat

[Peyoteros]

Logitech Extreme will do...

[PoleCat]

Logitech Extreme will do...

 

Meh. So would a gamepad but I wouldn't recommend it.;)

 

Out

Edited January 30, 2009 by PoleCat

[Peyoteros]

Greedy always pays twice... :P