What did I think of Kiowa? It needs to improve in some areas!

[LuseKofte]

49 minutes ago, Bracketman said:

especially on night ops

I am training myself in night ops 

not quite where my dignity wants me to be. But. Night is fun in this one

[kotor633]

Hi,

I've now spent a few hours with the OH-58. I love it! And the informative YouTube videos from Casmo TV are simply unbeatable.

[jubuttib]

21 hours ago, Plokkum said:

damage model

What exactly is wrong with it? I'm getting very dynamic damage and torn up pretty quickly by enemy fire overall, as well as terrain, trees and buildings breaking things.

[LorenLuke]

1 hour ago, jubuttib said:

What exactly is wrong with it? I'm getting very dynamic damage and torn up pretty quickly by enemy fire overall, as well as terrain, trees and buildings breaking things.

Visually it doesn't seem to crumple/fall apart like others. 

For example you can come in tail first, bounce off of it, and it doesn't snap. That's the biggest (which is, admittedly, relatively small) thing for me on the damage model.

[YoYo]

7 hours ago, Bracketman said:

Can put the Sun Visors down = 10/10 for the module (and they actually work). Ya, this little guy is fun, especially on night ops!

!

Looks like a bug, simply ;). Example from Mi-24P - option 1 visor (just), option 2 - NVG (only, no visor).

Edited June 12, 2024 by YoYo

[Moxica]

I find the MMS slew to be laggy with the Warthog throttle.
Just like on the Gazelle.

[Plokkum]

58 minutes ago, Moxica said:

I find the MMS slew to be laggy with the Warthog throttle.
Just like on the Gazelle.

Mine keeps losing its slew. I need to keep moving the axis around, otherwise it thinks there is no input. And thus slewing stops.

Edited June 13, 2024 by Plokkum

[jye0622]

Here's a suggestion.I changed the DLSS settings from Quality or Balance to Performance and it improved the FPS.

If I set the DLSS to balanced, the screen stutters a lot.

Edited June 13, 2024 by jye0622

[jubuttib]

2 hours ago, Plokkum said:

Mine keeps losing its slew. I need to keep moving the axis around, otherwise it thinks there is no input. And thus slewing stops.

 

Check for double binds? I noticed this on mine, but it stopped after I made triple sure that only one device is bound to the slew (across both cockpits). Seems like the stationary secondary bindings were the reason it stopped if the input stayed steady. Same thing happened in Gazelle even on the cyclic, the stick just flickering between input and center.

[Romandv]

As far as I understand, people like everything but the visuals? Wanted to buy one last week, but took a break - too many different opinions. I haven't made a decision to buy or not yet, just adding to my wallet. After watching a lot of videos on youtube it seemed to me that the graphics are average, not bad and not good. I did like the animated pilots though.

I can't say I'm impressed with graphics like F4E for example, just not bad. But the animation of the pilots is great. 

 

Edited June 13, 2024 by Romandv

[dresoccer4]

4 hours ago, Romandv said:

As far as I understand, people like everything but the visuals? Wanted to buy one last week, but took a break - too many different opinions. I haven't made a decision to buy or not yet, just adding to my wallet. After watching a lot of videos on youtube it seemed to me that the graphics are average, not bad and not good. I did like the animated pilots though.

I can't say I'm impressed with graphics like F4E for example, just not bad. But the animation of the pilots is great. 

 

 

reading through here there are, in addition to visual issues as you mention, many comments on lackluster audio as well. so much so that PC already came out with a statement that they're going to be working on upgrading those in the future 

[ARM505]

I actually find the audio fine. It sounds like the actual helicopter. If anything, it's quite quiet. Any multiplayer helicopter play sound is utterly dominated by the UH1 which overrides everything anyway I appreciate that they're going to work on it, but it didn't detract from the module for me. The textures didn't bother me because textures aren't as big a deal in VR, but hopefully they improve the res. The metal cockpit switches are quite shiny.

Maybe I'm too easy to please. It is quite a pricey module for what it is, yes. I find myself coming back to flying this over and over, it's a pleasure to actually fly. So.....I got my monies worth I guess.

[Digitalvole]

I hope they don’t add high res textures if that’s going to cause a hit to performance, it’s ok as it is but very close to the Apache already, which is not so ok. But perhaps that’s just me, I find the textures in the Huey more than adequate for the job, being a VR user.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some optimisations at some point, if at all possible. In the mean time, this weekend I should have time to set up my key binds and have some proper fun with the Kiowa. Can’t wait!

[Romandv]

4 hours ago, dresoccer4 said:

reading through here there are, in addition to visual issues as you mention, many comments on lackluster audio as well. so much so that PC already came out with a statement that they're going to be working on upgrading those in the future 

I bought it, in 3 hours found nothing to annoy me. It's good that the sound will be improved, the gun and rocket sound is ok but not wow. I think this helicopter is either love at first flight or nothing, so a lot of critical reviews. For me it's a great purchase(Steam, so no pressure from "failed purchase" - I had 2 hours to get my money back and write here what I didn't like). I liked the FM, everything is fine on the technical side. 

To stay on topic I will add just a few things:

1) I don't know what will be changed in the sounds, but I would like AI to report on its actions.
2) The light at night from the lamp above is bad, I don't know why it's needed at all. Maybe in a real helicopter it is like that.
3) If you put the doors, the 2 pilot hears sounds as if there are no doors. With 1 pilot everything is fine, the sound is muffled.

By the way, about the price: I usually don't want to give the full amount for aircraft, but for helicopters it's never a pity - this market is extremely specific and it's hard to get a lot of money with it, trivially because there are few buyers, so the choice is small. This is the situation in X-Plane, but it's the same in DCS too. I don't know why ED made so many helicopters, maybe a big company can have resources for that.

 

Edited June 13, 2024 by Romandv

[Thundersmoke]

I love the module, apparently have low standards for textures because I think it looks fine, and is a ton of fun to fly.  If I want to just joyride and have a relaxing flight, this will be my go-to.

My problem is, owning the Apache, I'm struggling to find the tactical niche where I'd reach for the OH-58D instead of an Apache on multiplayer servers like Grayflag.  (I guess there's a reason the U.S. Army came to roughly the same conclusion.)    The only thing I can think of is if the MMS can lase while just baaaarely unmasked and the rest of the ship remains safely masked, which the Apache can't do.

But it's a fun and solid addition to the stable and I'm glad it's here.

[Dangerzone]

4 minutes ago, Thundersmoke said:

I love the module, apparently have low standards for textures because I think it looks fine, and is a ton of fun to fly.  If I want to just joyride and have a relaxing flight, this will be my go-to.

My problem is, owning the Apache, I'm struggling to find the tactical niche where I'd reach for the OH-58D instead of an Apache on multiplayer servers like Grayflag.  (I guess there's a reason the U.S. Army came to roughly the same conclusion.)    The only thing I can think of is if the MMS can lase while just baaaarely unmasked and the rest of the ship remains safely masked, which the Apache can't do.

But it's a fun and solid addition to the stable and I'm glad it's here.

Tactically (game play) - there's not much for it. The Apache can carry 16 hellfires, plus 1200 rounds of 30mm, so for points, k/d ratio's, etc - the Apache makes far more sense. 

But - if you fly for enjoyment, like working with others as a team in a tactical manner, have dedicated missions for this, etc - that's where this bird shines. 

I suppose for me it's a bit like the F15/16 vs FA18. The F15 and 16 is faster, and can probably BFR better than the hornet. But I don't care. Hornet is a beauty to fly. I love the naval ops, love that it can do a variety of different tasks, and use it for it's advantage. To me, the OH-58 is the same. I play it for the delight of the airframe and FM, not for how many kills I can get in an evening. 

This being said, I think there is room for us server makers to give the OH-58 a little more room for use. At the far end, would be to allow it to do some CTLD work as well. Whether that's rescue a downed pilot, or carry cargo, etc. That's not realistic - but it would help to give this bird a place on servers such as you've mentioned. Or, there could be other less 'out there' scripting ideas that could be implemented with this bird. One thought I have is the ability for this to rearm from road-side rearming points a little closer to the front line than helicopters like Apache's can to balance it out a bit. There are ways to do this now, but for me I'm holding off because I'm really hoping that with the CH-47 - there will be some additional scripting/farp/warehousing options that we may be able to utilise saving us having to find a hack way to script this in.

The problem we face is that DCS is a simulator, and as such there is no automatic balance between the modules. It's up to the server hosters/ multiplayer mission designers to make provision for levelling the field on how they choose (or if they choose).

For me, for now - I just love flying with Apache's and being the scout. It gives me variety. I still fly the Apache too for that more tactical advantage when I do want to clear up a lot of units - but there's those nights where I want to do something different, and this is perfect for it.  

[Romandv]

37 minutes ago, Thundersmoke said:

 I love the module, apparently have low standards for textures

It just has normal textures, maybe a lot of people just have too much demand. To be honest, before I bought it I was worried that it was really bad, but when I bought it it turned out to be fine. It would be nice if the gun belt moved, but that's just my wish.
And who cares about textures with such a beautiful FM and secret Mossad laser weapon:

Spoiler

 

All of this is just confirmation that everything needs to be checked out for yourself. Actually dev could have replied something in the thread or in general too, as silence leaves users with negative posts. Maybe about some improvements, perspectives and any little things, it's better than nothing.

Edited June 14, 2024 by Romandv

[freehand]

Unfortunately the thread has taken sales from polychop.

[Plokkum]

3 hours ago, Thundersmoke said:

I love the module, apparently have low standards for textures because I think it looks fine, and is a ton of fun to fly.  If I want to just joyride and have a relaxing flight, this will be my go-to.

My problem is, owning the Apache, I'm struggling to find the tactical niche where I'd reach for the OH-58D instead of an Apache on multiplayer servers like Grayflag.  (I guess there's a reason the U.S. Army came to roughly the same conclusion.)    The only thing I can think of is if the MMS can lase while just baaaarely unmasked and the rest of the ship remains safely masked, which the Apache can't do.

But it's a fun and solid addition to the stable and I'm glad it's here.

I love taking it on short missions. Fast in and out. You don't really have a choice, because you'll blow through your 2 Hellfires and 7 rockets in no time. But it's a fun and sneaky little scout. Its agility and small profile can get you pretty far behind enemy lines.

[Mainstay]

3 hours ago, freehand said:

Unfortunately the thread has taken sales from polychop.

No it didn’t. 
Nothing wrong with people being honest and sharing their thoughts. I would even go so far that if we don’t do these threads we do not stimulate the creators to do better. 
 

Personally i will buy it when the sound and textures get improved.  It’s to everyone own choice if the product meets the standard and the price your personally willing to spend on. 
 

[Slippa]

So long as it's constructive, I agree, criticism and scrutiny helps any sensible developer.

We're after-sales testers really with invaluable feedback, as long as they wanna take it in and use it constructively. Everyone helps to make improvements, hopefully.

I've been flying it a fair bit and the more I do, the more I like it. Did I mention I like the look of it? I haven't used it in anger, lots to learn and get familiar with yet. I was trying to see what it was about the switches last night. They do look a bit shiny-ish as a few others have noticed, there's something about them? The damage model could be better I s'pose but when I've blown it up by zipping about like a lunatic I haven't really hung about to inspect the damage. That video posted above makes it look bad.

Better sounds on their way hopefully so should be good. I don't think anyone should be gutted with what they have if they buy it. Maybe it coulda been a bit cheaper but what couldn't these days? I've barely used anything in anger, I'm more into the flight than the fight but I'll have a go when I can use it properly. I've been in all kinds of fights in props but they're a very different beast.

I'm happy with it. Such an easy thing to jump straight into and fly it with a decent enough Co-Pilot/AI, (though could do with a little drift or wobble for realism but I'm nit-picking). It shouldn't put anyone off buying it at all. I'm hoping the skinners get busy, I'll go have a look .

[freehand]

1 hour ago, Mainstay said:

No it didn’t. 
 

You have no more proof than me but sure did not do the module any favours.

There are ways of being honest and sharing your thoughts then there is insulting.

 

 

 

[ThorBrasil]

2 hours ago, freehand said:

You have no more proof than me but sure did not do the module any favours.

There are ways of being honest and sharing your thoughts then there is insulting.

 

 

 

When someone is a fan of the aircraft, they will buy it regardless of the problems presented in the module. Now, those people who saw the problems presented and were in doubt or did not care about the module. They may not have bought the module, but I am sure that if everything that has been said is corrected, people will change their minds and will buy it. Of course, the longer it takes to solve these problems, the worse it is for the module, because new modules will appear and overshadow the older ones.

[MiG21bisFishbedL]

13 hours ago, freehand said:

You have no more proof than me but sure did not do the module any favours.

There are ways of being honest and sharing your thoughts then there is insulting.

 

 

 

If a thread is going to harm sales compared to the deluge of Youtube content, I'd be REAL surprised.

If this thread did anything, it delayed sales from people intending to get it but who will now probably wait for a better price or for more updates. Which, frankly, is fair.

[freehand]

5 hours ago, MiG21bisFishbedL said:

If a thread is going to harm sales compared to the deluge of Youtube content, I'd be REAL surprised.

If this thread did anything, it delayed sales from people intending to get it but who will now probably wait for a better price or for more updates. Which, frankly, is fair.

I have no more to say on the subject so if your happy fill your boots.