Easier interface

[JeffC]

I hope this doesn't sound to much like a complaint. I have been waiting for a long time to get back into combat sims. I played USAF (best ever IMHO)and Falcon 4 (very over complicated to learn) till my pc no longer played the game.

 

I have been in simulation my whole life as a simulator technician. 30 yrs. Military and now civilian.

 

I would love to fly multiplayer with my son, but I think it will be way to complicated for him to learn. I think that most would shy away because of the complexity. I have looked at the KB layout, Holy shnikies, 3 keys to start an engine? If you do not have programmable throttles and stick it maybe a little over the top.

 

I am not by any means knocking the "game". It seems to be as real as can be. I feel like im back on an actual sim.

 

Is there going to be a demo? I downloaded the beta but no reg key unless you pre-order the game. :(

[kylania]

Get him the HOTAS Warthog. No more needing the keyboard for anything.

 

Start the engine by simply pushing the throttle forward! He'll even get the satisfaction of the nice chucky switches for starting the APU and autopilot giving him a sense for what clicking the switches in game is really like.

 

Really though, this is quite a bit more of a simulator than a "game". If you want simple and fun to fly, pickup HAWX2 for the X-Box or something.

[Sticky]

There arent enough keys on a keyboard so they had no choice. I think Flaming Cliffs 2 would suit you and your son better. It has the A10A.

[Silent Warrior]

I don't think they've released a demo for BS yet, so... It's just not prioritized as high as having a finished product in a reasonable timespan.

As for the complexity - that's just the way it is, input devices being what they are. If your son's ok with it, power to him. If not, we certainly won't blame him.

[bengo]

Don't know the details about it, but maybe the "game"-mode (opposed to the hardcore "sim"-mode) might fit you more.

[JeffC]

There arent enough keys on a keyboard so they had no choice. I think Flaming Cliffs 2 would suit you and your son better. It has the A10A.

 

Is flaming cliffs easier? Does it have a demo?

 

Can you point the mouse on screen to start/ throttle etc. That would be fantastic.

 

I hope no-one reads me wrong, It looks like a fantastic sim.

[Dethmagnetic]

I hope this doesn't sound to much like a complaint. I have been waiting for a long time to get back into combat sims. I played USAF (best ever IMHO)and Falcon 4 (very over complicated to learn) till my pc no longer played the game.

 

I have been in simulation my whole life as a simulator technician. 30 yrs. Military and now civilian.

 

I would love to fly multiplayer with my son, but I think it will be way to complicated for him to learn. I think that most would shy away because of the complexity. I have looked at the KB layout, Holy shnikies, 3 keys to start an engine? If you do not have programmable throttles and stick it maybe a little over the top.

 

I am not by any means knocking the "game". It seems to be as real as can be. I feel like im back on an actual sim.

 

Is there going to be a demo? I downloaded the beta but no reg key unless you pre-order the game. :(

 

If your son has never played flight sims before, DCS might not be the best place to start... I'm not sure how old he is or what his interest in aviation is, but it does take a significant amount of time, practice, and study to get into DCS. It does have a "game mode" which is less complicated, although I haven't used it much.

 

Maybe HAWX or X-Plane (or IL-2 Sturmovik maybe) might be better if you just want to spend some time flying with your son?

[Agg]

Is flaming cliffs easier? Does it have a demo?

 

Can you point the mouse on screen to start/ throttle etc. That would be fantastic.

 

I hope no-one reads me wrong, It looks like a fantastic sim.

You dont even have to do that, the engines, and all the avionics can be started with a keyboard short cut, meaning that you only have to push one key to start everything up.

 

Have a look at Glowing Amraam's promo trailer for Flaming Cliffs Platinum:

 

[JeffC]

WOW

 

Platnium looks outstanding. OK I'm in lol He can find another game

[power5]

What is Platinum? Is it after FC2? Is it self contained or do I need to buy LOMAC, FC2, and then Plat?

[Poor mans sniper]

Platinum is LO and FC2 in one box.

[kylania]

Lock On Platinum is all the LOMAC stuff in one product. It'll replace LOMAC and FC2, it's kind of a "Gold" or "GOTY" edition.

[JeffC]

Got 2 copies at Best Buy for $20 ea. Love the program, now have to learn. lol

[JeffC]

Question. Can you use the mouse in the cockpit to cycle switches? I am getting a 23" touch monitor and that would be real handy

[Flamin_Squirrel]

DCS A-10 yes, Lock On/FC2, no.

[JeffC]

Ok thanks