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

[kotor633]

vor 6 Stunden schrieb AdrianL:

By default, RSHIFT+F . Key bind in 'FACE MASK - ON/OFF'

If you press for the pilot it will remove his face mask. Then jump into the co-pilot seat and repeat if you want it off for him.

Yes, I know that. But it's a hassle. It would be more user-friendly to set whether you want that or not in the options, like with the Mirage F1 (or AH-64), for example. Just tick the box or not, and you're done.

[GrEaSeLiTeNiN]

9 hours ago, ThorBrasil said:

I made these videos not to tarnish the Kiowa's image, but to show what people are buying. If it were an early access version, I would understand all these problems, but for a "full" version, I felt cheated. It doesn't even have a damage model. I remember the videos of the people who did an "early access" version saying that it didn't represent the final version, but in the end we received the same product as they did. Despite everything, I'm enjoying flying it, even though I find it extremely easy to fly. I even wonder if all the physics are implemented or just a simplified flight model. One thing is for sure. I will never buy another product from Polychop. It's the first and the last.

Thanks for the unbiased review. I agree with you. If it was an EA, it would have been a pretty good release. If damage modelling had been done properly, I could perhaps accept it as a non-EA. It's open ended now what may or may not be fixed and when. With all due respect to Casmo, and I do follow his vids, I think he takes a more relaxed approach which is fine, to each his own. I think in terms of FM and systems, it's more or less there with some improvements to come I'm sure. But not all consumers are the same (obviously). The more discerning ones who pay full price for a non-EA expect a module that's in a similar state to other modules that have come out of EA. I believe that includes better graphics (in 2024), animation and proper damage modelling. 

[YoYo]

1 hour ago, GrEaSeLiTeNiN said:

Thanks for the unbiased review. I agree with you. If it was an EA, it would have been a pretty good release. If damage modelling had been done properly, I could perhaps accept it as a non-EA. It's open ended now what may or may not be fixed and when. With all due respect to Casmo, and I do follow his vids, I think he takes a more relaxed approach which is fine, to each his own. I think in terms of FM and systems, it's more or less there with some improvements to come I'm sure. But not all consumers are the same (obviously). The more discerning ones who pay full price for a non-EA expect a module that's in a similar state to other modules that have come out of EA. I believe that includes better graphics (in 2024), animation and proper damage modelling. 

I fully agree. The problem in this case is the price / current condition ratio. The model will probably be Improved within 1-2-3 patches (1-3 months, so quite soon) and it’s not really far from full release candidate status, only that some people may be surprised by this full price, thinking that everything will be fine with it (on PC Discord I see 39 reported issues till now). It is also a pity that there is no campaign, contrary to appearances it is important, usually EA does not have it, but over time we will receive campaigns, although not for all models (btw. Gazelle did have a very nice campaign with full voice overs at the start so here is step back if we can talk about the content of the whole package of Polychop Simulations modules). 

Edited June 6, 2024 by YoYo

[RealDCSpilot]

I'm also surprised and disappointed of the 3D model quality and textures in 2024. This is max. 40-50 bucks territory. Also when it comes to system complexity and weapon variety. It's not that much. Premium price makes me expect premium quality. When i look down, out the window in VR and see the texture resolution of the skids... It shows.

Edited June 6, 2024 by RealDCSpilot

[NAM]

Sure, I would love paid $59 early access. Who wouldn't?.

However, I can understand why the price set as it is.

From previous surveys. heli users only a fraction of those modern jets.

I think number of units kiowa sold will be 1/3 phantom ii.

They have to make worthwhile for their time and resources

 

[RealDCSpilot]

Inspected it in the modelviewer and would recommend to double the resolution of the textures and not choose that hard texture compression. There are very visible color compression artifacts everywhere on the hull. Didn't expect this in 2024.

[Braunn]

12 hours ago, ThorBrasil said:

I made these videos not to tarnish the Kiowa's image, but to show what people are buying. If it were an early access version, I would understand all these problems, but for a "full" version, I felt cheated. It doesn't even have a damage model. I remember the videos of the people who did an "early access" version saying that it didn't represent the final version, but in the end we received the same product as they did. Despite everything, I'm enjoying flying it, even though I find it extremely easy to fly. I even wonder if all the physics are implemented or just a simplified flight model. One thing is for sure. I will never buy another product from Polychop. It's the first and the last.

I'm not tarnishing anything. Just stating I won't buy the right to borrow it in its current state. The Kiowa is still on my list.

Thank you and others for your write ups. 

[huchanronaa]

It’s 2024! The 3D model quality and texture of the OH-58D helicopter, which has been developed for four years, can be said to be completely unworthy of its high price of US$70. It is really surprising and disappointing!
Please take a look at the image  and 3d model quality   of the recently released F-4E

Edited June 6, 2024 by huchanronaa

[dahui]

8 hours ago, Raven (Elysian Angel) said:

Does the Bell 407 have the same stability augmentation system?

If you look at Casmo’s FB page, there’s a recent post on there which drew another RL military helicopter pilot to the comments section, and he also called the module realistic.

You can buy an SAS (HeliSAS from Genesys) But it will not actively smooth out your flying. You either have it turned on, where you then have heading and alt or NAV hold or you fly manually. (Have the System OFF) When its OFF you have no mechanical connection between the SAS System and the FlightControls due to Magnetic Clutches disengage.

The 407 is by far more "nervous" than an UH1 but as it is with every helicopter the same: The Less you do, the more stable it is. 

Bought the KIOWA (Danke SWEN und Team!) and will test it tomorrow. Curious about the (none)similarities between the 407 and KW

greetings

[boedha68]

14 hours ago, ThorBrasil said:

I gave Polychop a vote of confidence for the first time and I regret about 30% of the purchase of pre-ordering. The Kiowa flight model is very fun to fly and I really liked that. The sounds seem very low. I don't know if it was recorded from the real aircraft like the modern modules. This aircraft should be sold with early access because of the points below.

Things that need to improve A LOT.

1 - External textures seem to be in low resolution.

2 - External model very low in polygon count. It looks like the modules released about 8 years ago in DCS. It doesn't have the same level of detail as the modern modules.

3 - The animation of the ammunition when firing the .50 doesn't exist. The ammunition doesn't move in the ammunition belt and it doesn't empty when all the ammunition in the .50 is used up.

4 - There is no damage model like the Mi-8, Huey, Apache among others. You can see in the video that the aircraft is indestructible.

If all these things were resolved before release the module would be worth full price.

 

 

 

Damn i was right! This would be the first aircraft i don't want to purchase, and people i have all the planes and heli's. I had mine thoughts a while back, ED sended the Kiowa back to polychop for improvement. Well this is the minimum from the minimum quality and then the FULL PRICE???? Dream on...i be gonna dream further for a beatiful finished product like the F4 and the CH-47. It's my opinion but i can spend my money much better. 

[Typhonus2]

The aircraft does seem to have a damage model. I've been shot down, blown up, smashed into things, etc. The helicopter has exploded, bullet holes and missing pieces have appeared, etc. I don't know if parts have lost functionality. But there's definitely some damage modeling there.

[Sawyer]

I'm really enjoying it, but yes it does need a little work.

I'd like to see some improvement to visual fidelity, although it really doesn't impact my enjoyment.

The flight model is a little weird when pushed outside of "normal" parameters and the damage model is a little janky, but I'm sure these updates will come. 

I'm glad we've got a fully featured module release, I don't mind the price and given the updates the Gazelle got, I'm sure KW will get regular fixes.

[MADLOU1]

It appears that the module is actually an unfinished one like the usual "Early Access" DCS modules that are newly released. Unfortunately Polychop elected to claim it as being finished and charge the full price instead of giving the usual Early Access discount.  That is a disconcerting and while I was really looking forward to purchasing it, I will wait to see if it ever improves to the point of being worth $70 to me.  

[Hell0]

How to take off? I counter the torque but it Just spins in circles and then cuts power. 

Edited June 6, 2024 by Hell0

[YoYo]

7 minutes ago, Hell0 said:

How to take off? I counter the torque but it Just spins in circles and then cuts power. 

 

Did you try startup and take off trainings? Also, check your bindings of axis, maybe you have double axis for the same function?

[Hell0]

1 minute ago, YoYo said:

Did you try startup and take off trainings? Also, check your bindings of axis, maybe you have double axis for the same function?

Hmm I’m loading in to a instant mission. I’m using a twist grip though. But I twist in the opposite direction but it spins the other way.

[YoYo]

2 minutes ago, Hell0 said:

Hmm I’m loading in to a instant mission. I’m using a twist grip though. But I twist in the opposite direction but it spins the other way.

You also have the option to invert the axis in the settings, this is definitely not a Kiowa issue but your own settings.

[jubuttib]

1 hour ago, Typhonus2 said:

The aircraft does seem to have a damage model. I've been shot down, blown up, smashed into things, etc. The helicopter has exploded, bullet holes and missing pieces have appeared, etc. I don't know if parts have lost functionality. But there's definitely some damage modeling there.

Yeah I don't entirely get where that was coming from, I lost avionics, then engines and finally hydraulics after being shot by an Mi-28.

[Jenrick]

Verify your twist grip isn't inverted.  My VKB Gladiator has to have the twist axis inverted in DCS.

[LuseKofte]

I have been a bit unfocused while flying it setting controls and such. 
If you have a mild collision airbags pop’s and rotors sort of braking. Its visual damage model so far looks as it does in OH 6 mod. I am still hoping I am wrong about that. 
But if anyone is surprised by rubbish visuals on the DM you guys was born yesterday. 
there is no chopper in this game having such 

I have not been shot at yet. So I hope this is modeled correctly. But even if we payed 14 bucks more than an early access. I bet they will still work on improvements. And fixes.  I am not well of with money right now. 
and our currency is <profanity>. So it was not cheap but still I would not call it expencive toy. 

Edited June 6, 2024 by LuseKofte

[Guille H. Mono]

1 hour ago, MADLOU1 said:

It appears that the module is actually an unfinished one like the usual "Early Access" DCS modules that are newly released. Unfortunately Polychop elected to claim it as being finished and charge the full price instead of giving the usual Early Access discount.  That is a disconcerting and while I was really looking forward to purchasing it, I will wait to see if it ever improves to the point of being worth $70 to me.  

I won't argue about the price, but I bought it yesterday and I wish every Early Access I have paid for came as complete as this one. 

I'm not happy with the general EA enviorment and I wanted to reward Pollychop for their decission to aim as high as possible even knowing there will be a lot of work to do after release and I don't regret it. 

I din't have time to torture the FM or do the rivet-counting. Took it for a ride to get the feel, tried some hoover, basic gunnery and now I'm configuring it to my like and getting deeper into the systems and procedures. It feels better the more you get into it. I can't wait for the next flight. 

 

[LuseKofte]

16 minutes ago, Guille H. Mono said:

won't argue about the price

I do, I argue with those not adult enough to take responsibility for their own choice of buying it. 
We talk about 15$ max in difference. Not millions like some seems to think. 
The rivetcounting and search for breaches in fm is mind blowing.  It’s like they bought it just for the fun of whining. 
I have abandoned most fb DCs groups because of these whiners and angry buyers. 
Truth is, many are crusaders looking for a just cause to fight a battle. 
This is not a chopper I expected to be my favorite, but it is growing on me. I will fly it and learn it and enjoy it hopefully. But I fly it like a chopper. Of course it got its flaws. Huey still got its flaws, who expected it to be without them? Anyone? 

[Hotdognz]

Well we had 10 of them flying around TTi server all having a blast, not one person cared about the lower poly model, it was just great fun to fly and learn the systems, we were having great fun, we did AA kills against out Phantom pilots buzzing us and gun and rocket kills, had a blast trying to kill each other with the M4.

At the end of I asked if they would all buy it again after playing with, everyone said yes, its bloody awesome even with its small warts, well done Polychop for getting to the finish line.

And to make it even better for me, it didnt cost me anything as I refunded the F15SE.

[YoYo]

18 minutes ago, Hotdognz said:

And to make it even better for me, it didnt cost me anything as I refunded the F15SE.

Interesting , how it was possible? This is an interesting solution, although I would not like to part with any module from Razbam - M2000, Harrier, F-15E, MiG-19 or SA map (I like it all!), but Im afraid that a some future patch for DCS will break something and ultimately the model will be unusable because no one will solve the issue .... I was thought that this might involve replacing the module but from ED, not 3rd parties.

Edited June 6, 2024 by YoYo

[AdrianL]

1 minute ago, YoYo said:

I was thought that this might involve replacing the module but from ED, not 3rd parties.

ED refunds you with store credit (Only on ED store). So when you purchase any new module, you tell it to use the store credit and then pay the remaining difference (If any).

I refunded the F-15E and bought the Kiowa this way