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Aviation Hobby => Other Aviation Hobbies => Flight Simulators & Games => Topic started by: Viggen on May 03, 2005, 08:49:10 AM

Title: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 03, 2005, 08:49:10 AM
Here we go with a another poll gentlemen!
 ;D
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on May 03, 2005, 02:32:47 PM
I was a big fan of the Jane's US NAVY FIGHTERS and ATF. Loves the USNF 98 in which you had the Vietnam planes and campaign. Great fun. Unfortunately, the game today is unplayable, because of the computer speed increase...looks like they forget to have some kind of 'frame rate limiter' on it back then. I don't know how many of you played Grand Theft Auto, the original had such a limiter, ever tried to turn it off? Then you know what I mean. You can hardly play it now, it's too fast  ;)

When Falcon 4.0 came out, my system couldn't handle it. So I never really played that unfortunately, because it's pretty good. You should add that to your list.

Jane's F-15 was not just quite it, and some for the Hornet. Lock on, I have only played the demo, but plan on getting it. Combat flight simulator 1 was great fun, it's a better than Jane's WWII fighters. FS98 and FS2002 are very realistic, but not much fun, I enjoyed Flight Unlimited III better. But after some time, you miss the combat element again.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 03, 2005, 02:42:33 PM
You should try out USAF, they have a Vietnam campaign in that one. Really cool, ground troops call  you by the radio for airsupport. Then you just napalm "Charlie".  Ok graphics, lots of mods for the game.

I do agree with you about MS Flightsim, after a few hours you start to miss the adrenalinerush. The kind only the missilewarning system can provide.  ;)



Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Eagle16 on May 06, 2005, 07:17:45 PM
My favorite flight sim is Aces HIgh 2, it is a massive multiplayer ww2 air combat game.     
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 10, 2005, 07:29:20 AM
Have never tried out Aces High, how is the gameplay, graphics and so on?  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Eagle16 on May 14, 2005, 01:26:06 AM
Aces high 2 is my first flight simulation and i cant compare the gameplay with the others flight simulators but the graphics are just great and the gameplay seems realistic since i piloted for the 2nd time a cessna 172 a month ago.
And if u want more information, go on http://www.hitechcreations.com/

by the way what joystick u guys use?
mine is a Saitek X45
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on May 14, 2005, 02:29:14 AM
I purchased Lock On a few days ago, only played a few hours, I still need to sort out the controls.

Joystick, funny you mention that, I have a Microsoft Sidewinder Pro...which doesn't work when you install it as the Sidewinder. But I remember I sorted that out couple of years ago with a new driver. So I thought, I'll do that again. So I went down to microsoft website, turns out the old driver doesn't work under XP, and Microsoft no longer support the Sidewinder family.  >:( So I just have to install it under a different name, but then 4 out of 8 buttons don't work.  >:(
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on May 14, 2005, 12:03:53 PM
You know, another combat flight simulation from the past, that deserve to be mentioned is Jane's AH-64D Longbow I/II  ;)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 16, 2005, 07:42:57 AM
I used Logitech´s Wingman Force Feedback. I had it a few years, but last month it just gave up on me.

I had the same problems with this joystick when playing Lock on. The drivers dont work with XP, the only way i got it to work was to let XP choose the best driver for it. But then i had no force feedback, so i gave up. Impossible to fly a jet with a joystick that is completly limp.  :(

Btw a furball in Lock on is one of its highlights. Hope the next version of Lock On will be even better.  ;D

Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on May 17, 2005, 12:59:05 AM
Ah yes, that's what I mean!

Apache pilot on the important things when flying the Apache: "to serve my country, and kill thanks"

The game got that right  ;)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 17, 2005, 07:29:24 AM
I missed out on Longbow , never got the chance to play it.  But from what i have heard and read about the sim, then maybe Jane´s should do a new updated version of it.  :D

Btw does Jane´s Simulations still exist?

Do you guys remember a game called ACE on the Commodore 64? (Maybe you are to young to remember that good old machine)  ;)
The graphics sucked, but it was fun! The tricky bit was the landing, never worked that out then. (not much better at it today..hehe. Thank god for ejectionseats)!



Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on May 17, 2005, 05:37:03 PM
I think EA Games took over the department? I can vaguely remember an url with janes.ea.com replacing their own website. I haven't been watching development of games that much in recent years. I visited the shop the other day, and I was amazed by the amount of new games. Although most of them seemed variants based on or sequels of. But it's sick anyway.  :P

Too young I guess, I'm from the nintendo/sega generation.

Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 18, 2005, 07:25:48 AM
He he, thats right RecceJet and it was a great game. Many hours were spent infront of the TV playing it with a TAC-2 in your hand. Development of games and so on was incredible if you compare it with todays PC´s. Now you need a new graphicscard, cpu and memory if they release a new game with improved capacity.  :)

I used to play ACE often as a kid, and looking back its kind of surprising that back then you could get voice commands when refuelling air-to-air! That SIM chip in the old C64 was way ahead of its time.

Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: bazooka on May 21, 2005, 09:01:32 AM
I like the USAF sim because it provides a variety of planes to fly, and both historical and fictional missions. I can not wait to see the results of this poll. I have only a few sims and do always keep an eye out for the next big hit.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on May 23, 2005, 07:59:03 AM
Another good thing with USAF is that you now can download mods. New skins for the jets, more detail and realistic paintings. New  sound, improve the graphics and much more. Its a bit tricky but its worth it.

I love the Vietnam scenario, fly around and bomb the hell out of runways, sam´s and help the ground forces. Of course the dogfights against the migs aint too bad either.  :)

Then i also love MS flightsim, cuz you can do some serious airobatics. Nice to download a F18 blue angel (or another jet of your choice) and just fly over an airfield pretending your on a airshow, then look at the replay from diffrent angels.  ;D

I like the USAF sim because it provides a variety of planes to fly, and both historical and fictional missions. I can not wait to see the results of this poll. I have only a few sims and do always keep an eye out for the next big hit.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Air Marshal on June 16, 2005, 03:16:40 PM
My Favorite Game is JANES USAF......  :D
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on June 16, 2005, 03:22:53 PM
My Favorite Game is JANES USAF...... :D

Thanks for voting.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on August 26, 2005, 04:54:57 PM
What kind of joystick do you guys use and what do you think of it?

I used the Logitech´s Wingman forcefeedback until recently. It was cool but not exact. Now i use the F15 Talon from Suncom. Happy with this one but theres no drivers for XP.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Prowler on January 25, 2006, 10:45:41 PM
Falcon 4.0 Allied Force tops my list with Lock On: Flaming Cliffs in tight no.2

Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on January 26, 2006, 01:53:35 PM
I have recently bought a new PC. So i was also in need for a new joystick. Thought actually that Saitek´s hardware will be just fine for me. Then i got  introduced to Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar!!  :)

I have orderd one, will recive this beast sometime early in Febuary.  :D Now this will make a flightsim to a whole new experience i am told.

For those of you who dont know anything about this stick. Here is a picture and a link to a website.  8)

http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on January 27, 2006, 11:19:06 PM
It does not have any ruddercontrol, however you can connect a separate rudder to it all.  :)

I know what you mean. At low altitude you want to keep that nose pointed to the horizon during a roll, and thats impossible if  you have yaw affected the samt time as roll and pitch.  :-\

It is a very fine piece of equipment. It weighs in at 8 kilograms, its completly made out of metal, even the buttons. Its a precise replica of the F16´s stick. The stick can be easily changed in the future for an F15 or F18 stick.

Once i have recived it and used it, I will let you guys know if this joystick is worth the money i spent on it.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on January 29, 2006, 10:43:11 PM
LOL, I am still using Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro. Microsoft does not even support it anymore, you can't even download the original drivers from the Microsoft site anymore. But well, my joystick is actually the only piece of equipment that survived the technological progress since our first PC. This is the fourth PC I am using (had even more keyboards, mouses, printers, monitors), so quite an achievement, especially considering how often and how hard I pulled on that stick.It isn't very sophisticated, but it has throttle, rudder, POV, so I'm okay for now.

My video card needs upgrading first  ;)

Anyway, let us know your experience with it.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on February 02, 2006, 01:41:22 PM
I recived the joystick today (Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar). Been trying it out for an hour now.  8)

I can say that if you are serious about flightsims, then this joystick is the only option. It sure is worth its money.  The feel of the metal in your hands takes it to a new level. Besides that, it is very precise during flight. I was flying the F15 in MS Flightsim 2004, i had no problems at all with take off from Fallon, the run through Grand Canyon at mach 0.7 and landing at Nellis AFB.  :)

During all this, i never had to take my hands off the joystick or the throttle. Since i dont have any pedals for ruddercontrol, i used the "ant elev" button for this. Taxiing to the gates was no problem at all.  :D

Now the installation was not without any trouble, but thats because i was in a big hurry to connect the thing. So i started all over again and then like magic, it installed the software/hardware without any problems.

My guess it that this joystick will rock together with Lock On or any other military flightsim.  >:D

Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on February 21, 2006, 04:56:00 PM
If you get your hand on a Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, whatever you do... Dont drop it on your foot or toes!! Hurts like h***!  :-\
I´ve been limping for a week now. :P
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on February 22, 2006, 01:13:10 AM
Hahahaha, one of the very few dangers of simulated flight at home, esp. compared to the real thing.

Careful mate!  :P
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on February 22, 2006, 09:33:49 AM
Neither the joystick or my toe broke...Thats atleast positive.  :)

Btw, MS Flightsimulator X is planned to be released sometime this winter if everything goes according to the plans. The first pictures looks very promising. :D

www.fsplanet.com/fsplanet_com_fsx.htm
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on February 22, 2006, 01:42:50 PM
Hmm, looks just like more of the same to me. Probably need high spec system to run it with all the detail. What is Windows hardware anyway?

Why did they call it X? Probably not sure whether they can launch it in 2006 or that it will be 2007. What comes after X? XX?
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on February 22, 2006, 02:03:38 PM
Well the big question is how will they succed with the feel of the aircrafts? That have always been the most positive thing with MS Flightsim. In the flightsim community FS has no equal when it comes to the realism of flying.  ;)

Yes, you would probably need a PC on steroids to be able to run it with the best graphicssettings. But its always the details that separates a good sim from a bad one. But now im only talking about graphics.  :P

What really counts is how well they are able to simulate the aircraft,  the enviroment and the interaction between them.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Air Marshal on March 24, 2006, 10:53:32 PM
My All Time Favorite of USAF United States Air Force, Because of Its Tactical Missions & Arming, Great!!!
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on July 19, 2006, 02:46:11 PM
Just a little update on MS Flightsim X.  Some trailers are released and you are going to be able to play missions based on true events. More interactive enviroment, not just on airports but on oceans, roads and cities. Interactive animals, whales, elephants and more, all based on real time.

Two versions will be released, the regular and the de luxe version. The de luxe version will contain some extra airplanes and SDK (Software Development, making your own aircraft and airports).

Trailer: www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=10982&type=wmv&pl=game
There is a short movie of Ape escape first before the real trailer starts!
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on July 19, 2006, 03:32:30 PM
LOL, I almost thought they would let monkeys fly the planes.

I'm still not sure, looks nice, but if you need to put it on low quality to be able to play, what happens to all the animated animals and events...
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on July 20, 2006, 04:32:50 PM
He he!!  ;D

I guess you can remove the animals and traffic in the options-screen if nessecary, so you will end up with an expensive FS2004.

Anyway, im going to buy it. So if you dont want to invest in the sim right away, wait until i try it out and let you know how good/bad it is. Think the release-date is set in september this year.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on August 17, 2006, 03:39:06 PM
Flying the Draken over Sweden during late evening, engaging the afterburner and let it rip straight up into the sky. I just love FS2004.  ;)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on October 13, 2006, 04:00:19 PM
Well the time hase arrived....FSX is here and i have flown it. It was as i expected. The simulation of the aircraft are better and more real. But the hunt for FPS (Frames per second) ruins the game. You need a really good PC and graphics-card to be able to run the game smoothly.

The positive side is that you have missions to fly and you may choose how real the aircraft should behave. So if you are a beginner, you could fly it without crashing and the basic needs for steering the plane around.

During these missions, surprises do happen. Like the engine cuts out and then you need to do the right procedure for restarting or use an auxilary systems. But its up to you how tough these missions will be. You can choose from several missions like, The Red Bull Air Race, flowerbombing, Rescue missions or compete in a proffesional sailplane and much more. At the end of eah mission you can earn medals and unlock new aircraft.

The enviroment is more alive now. There is animated cars on the roads, ships in lakes and oceans. Animals, birds. Airports have workes, passangers and all the things in between. How much of this is again up to you.

Then we have the aircraft....There are more then in the previos sims, but still no military jets. But you can always download freeware addons as time progress and developers release them. I know that a highly detailed Gripen is under development for FSX, but  i dont know when it will be released.

All addon-planes from FS2004 can be used in FSX. But you have to install them manually, since the folders have changed somewhat in FSX.

If you have not tested the FS-series before, i recomend you buy FS2004 first. FSX is always expensive to buy no matter where you live.So if you dont like the game you have not lost a small fortune.

Another great thing with the FS-series is the online-community. Here you really get to fly against the best, real pilots from all over the world. Some are civilian private pilots, some work as airline pilots, you also run into the fighterjocks who usally train navigation or just like to hang on your six while you try to loose them. You will meet all kinds, and they usally dont mind helping out with questions about flying.  :)

Enjoy!!!  8)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on October 13, 2006, 05:30:00 PM
Thanks for the review, Viggen! Very nice.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on October 13, 2006, 08:21:01 PM
Thanks Niels.. I only had the game for 24 hours now, so more positive and negative things will show up as i will continue to fiddle around in the sim. I will probably add things here as i go along and the game progress through time. Dont know how many persons here that are intrested in flightsimulators. But most ppl usally are if they are into aircraft.

But my point to is that if you ar intrested in a serious flightsimulator, then there is only 2 to choose from. FS-series and Falcon series.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Webmaster on October 13, 2006, 10:40:19 PM
What did you think about Lock On then?
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Raptor on October 14, 2006, 10:30:07 AM
There's this FS for F-22s and the AWACS controlling them only, so... it's quite old, built to play on Win95. Approved by DID and some other Big Flight Simulator company, by big i mean the ones you sit inside... Designed by Ocean smth, i think. it's called F-22 ADF. You get to do Air-to-air refueling, the works.

There's another WWII flight sim that i purchased for S$14.00. It's brilliant. The gameplay is as realistic as FS 2004's
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on October 14, 2006, 01:30:52 PM
What did you think about Lock On then?

Well. Lock On focuses mostly on dogfighting. Not that much on flightdynamics. I have not played it as much because of this. Sure the dogfights are great and intense. But somewhere in the back of your head there is this thing that says, no way a real dogfight would be like this. It just dont  have the feel of authintency. ( i know my spelling s**k).    :)

But if you just want to bomb,shot missiles have fun and feel like a fighterpilot. Then its good enough. The grahpics are good, the sound is really good. So its easy to fall inlove with Lock On. Its mostly about you own personal taste.  :)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on December 06, 2006, 10:22:12 PM
Hey, does anyone have Heroes of the Pacific? for ps2? I have it coming (its shipping) how is it? is the online good? what all can you do in the online?
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Globetrotter on December 06, 2006, 11:39:05 PM
Has  anyone ever played MiG-29 from Novalogic?
It's quite old, but for its time, I think it's almost perfect (no real thing though :-\)
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on December 21, 2006, 04:13:27 AM
Does anyone know of a flight simulater for ps2 thts like SFX or FS2004? haven't played them but have played 2001 a while back....I want one that you run controls and stuff...not just use analog sticks. Please reply, thanks.
 
 
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Viggen on December 21, 2006, 01:20:08 PM
Does anyone know of a flight simulater for ps2 thts like SFX or FS2004? haven't played them but have played 2001 a while back....I want one that you run controls and stuff...not just use analog sticks. Please reply, thanks.

I dont know of any such game for PS2.  I dont even think they have tried to make such a sim for any console yet.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on December 21, 2006, 10:36:31 PM
That would be great if they would.  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Raptor on January 20, 2007, 10:09:35 AM
i think so too.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on January 20, 2007, 07:20:29 PM
It wouldnt be hard...make it so you can turn your head in your cockpit and have a sight in front of where you turn and hit R-2 or something to activate a control like activate BVR mode or something ya know?
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Raptor on January 22, 2007, 01:17:42 PM
They already have that.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on January 23, 2007, 12:17:13 AM
They do? for ps2?? whats it called?
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Raptor on January 23, 2007, 09:58:11 AM
You fly F-5s and F-16s. i don't know beyond that what other fighters there are...
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on January 24, 2007, 12:32:05 AM
Yeah but whats it called? you are talking about a ps2 game right?
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Raptor on January 24, 2007, 10:40:59 AM
Yes. I can't remember what it's called. I didn't even play it.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Cobra2 on January 25, 2007, 10:17:41 PM
Hm...well since Lock-On doesnt work  >:( >:( >:( I guesse I'll look for it.
Title: Re: Flightsimulators
Post by: Raptor on January 26, 2007, 10:46:25 AM
PS1. I looked.