Just some random input on DCS: BS

[Callsign.Vega]

I am an old simmer that found out about DCS: BS and I had to purchase it. If nothing else, I bought it just to see the state of current simulations and not necessarily get super involved with it's intricate details. The side effect of also supporting a simulation design studio in future endeavors is also a great bonus.

 

Some random thought's on the simulation:

 

The cockpit 3D work and interaction is incredible. The best I've seen to date.

It has the best flight model I've flown, including public and military. It makes the multi-million dollar full motion flight simulator that I train students with feel like a piece of garbage.

The KA-50 exterior is modeled very good.

The avionics and systems are modeled top notch. A new standard for study simulators.

The interface is clean and efficient.

The world graphic's are "acceptable". They are quite a bit behind in term's of quality when compared to other simulators like FSX. But of course, hardware requirements in simulators like FSX with those fancy graphics are extremely high.

No Dynamic campaign. Huge turn off here. You just don't get a sense of being in a simulated combat "world" when everything is scripted, triggered, and you have no affect on the world.

Not much activity going on outside "your" cockpit.

Shoot through, weapon see through, fly through tree's. In a helicopter simulator? Helicopter domain is low and fast. You would have thought realistic terrain and vegetation would have been a priority. I understand there might have been some technical limitations.

 

Being a military helicopter pilot has taken some of the "uniqueness" out of the simulator somewhat for me. Although, I am glad I bought DCS: BS. DCS's A-10C simulator also look's to be stellar. I most likely will not play that one much either since just like BS, it will focus almost exclusively on Air to Ground combat. I prefer multi-role aircraft for simulators as I have the most fun in those. If DCS comes out with a study sim of something like the F-16, F/A-18 or the like, I'd be all over that in a heartbeat. For now, I will stick to Falcon 4 and it's offspring and Rise of Flight for great WWI action if they can ever work out the bugs.

:pilotfly:

[wickedpenguin]

Hi there, Callsign.Vega. All valid points.

 

It's strange to fly a helicopter simulator where the vegetation is completely transparent and collision-free. However, between smooth framerates and collidable trees, I'll take the framerates. I just wish they'd find a way to make it so at least you couldn't target through them. If there's a forest between me and that SAM battery, I'd think the chances of that missile threading its way through the trees was just about nil.

 

Like you, I also wish the outside world had higher fidelity and more "life" to it. More vehicles on the roads, higher resolution textures, smoke rising from factory smokestaacks, etc. would be nice. But... I'd still take the framerates over the eye candy again.

 

And, on the subject of A.I., when I open fire on a stationary convoy, I'd prefer it if they acted like real people and hauled ass to get out of harm's way. Right now they just sit there waiting for me to kill them. Great for my score. Not so good for my suspension of disbelief.

 

Out of curiosity, what helos do you train on and fly? I'm located in Pensacola, FL, just southwest of you. We get some of your Fort Rucker birds here from time to time.

Edited September 17, 2009 by wickedpenguin

[Feuerfalke]

IMHO all simulations you named have their pros and cons. I guess everybody has to make the choice for his personal favourite. So far there is none that can win against all competitors in every regard.

 

On the other hand, ED is always open for suggestions, modifications and help from experience pilots and engineers. Considering your occupation, you might add some valuable feedback?

 

On a personal note:

Fort Rucker - that brings a lot of nice memories. I spent one month in the beautiful south and visited all aviation museums of interest. Fort Rucker for sure was one of my favourites (as well as Pensacola, btw ;) ).

[Callsign.Vega]

I fly sometimes down to the Eglin/Pensacola area doing Ranger training missions instructing Army flight school students in UH-60's.

 

FireFalcon, did you fly from Germany to visit the American South? I haven't seen many foreigners around these desolate parts ;). I am originally from Chicago and not used to being out in the middle of nowhere!

[Kirai]

I agree on all of your points and the main negative things I think is the lack of a dynamic campaign and AI that react more like real people and get out of harms way if they get fired upon.

 

I thought that DCS would have a dynamic campaign when I bought it but I was wrong. It is a wounderfull simulator, best I ever played but it could be better if they changed some things.