"Unfortunately the game’s graphics do not compliment the great playability and overall fun of the game. The graphics are not much better than Jane’s WWII Fighters if not perhaps a little worse in some ways. The terrain graphics are actually fairly nice, better than that of Combat Flight Simulator 2. The only real disappointment was the aircraft models and animations. The models lacked much depth and did not even have rolling wheels. Personally I think the aircraft in Jane’s WWII Fighters looked much better than these. The damage animation however is very impressive. All kinds of bits and pieces can break or get shot off."
"In an email sent to AVSIM today, The Lock On: Modern Air Combat team has informed us that LOMAC will be posponed until Jan 2003. There is some good news though, it goes onto explain that the progress on LOMAC continues to exceed expectations in just about every way. The additional development time has been requested to ensure we are able to provide both the dynamic campaign system and the quality and reliability of an outstanding product. With all of the new features being implemented in the next few months, there will be some great stuff to show via the website. Please keep checking for updated information."
Microsoft have announced the following press release:
Make a Virtual Flight to the 50th Anniversary EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Microsoft Game Studios today announced that "Flight Simulator" fans will now be able to join the crowds at the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in and air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the air show, Microsoft has released a free add-on for "Flight Simulator 2002" that includes new detailed scenery of Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) and its surrounding area, plus a series of Flights that make it easy to fly in to aviation's biggest event.
The "Flight Simulator" team worked closely with the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) to recreate the look and feel of AirVenture through the use of highly detailed aerial photography and three-dimensional models of structures from Wittman Regional Airport. With the add-on, "Flight Simulator" fans will be able to experience the following:
A photorealistic image of the airport and surrounding area Highly detailed structures such as the EAA museum, Pioneer Airport hangars, "Fly Market" tents, and exhibit hangars Row upon row of aircraft in the parking areas and campers in the campground Saved Flights in a variety of aircraft that place you on approach to Wittman Regional Airport. These Flights are based on the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA to cover the special arrival procedures used during AirVenture. For more information about the EAA AirVenture scenery add-on and to download the setup package (22 MB) that installs the scenery and Flights, visit the Flight Simulator Insider site at http://zone.msn.com/flightsim/. "Flight Simulator 2002" is the revolutionary, award-winning new version of Microsoft's highly realistic aviation simulation - the best-selling PC flight simulation ever produced. "Flight Simulator 2002" introduces many exciting features, including interactive Air Traffic Control (ATC), auto-generated scenery, challenging new aircraft -- even a floatplane -- and stunning visual enhancements that truly make "Flight Simulator 2002" "as real as it gets."
With LOMAC in the wings, Sim-News have posted a review of Flanker 2.5. Here's an extract:
"In general, for those people not familiar with the Flanker series, Flanker 2.5 is the place where you want to start. It’s a great warm up for SSI’s upcoming Lock-On: Modern Air Combat. For current online play, Flanker is smooth even with 4-8 players. Noticeably lag free on solid Internet connections such as cable or aDSL, there are many virtual pilots out there that fly F2.5 both head-to-head and cooperatively. When someone asks you for a GUNZO fight, they are referring to ‘guns only’ head-to-head in flanker community jargon. Guns only lets you truly enjoy the flight models and use your skills to win matches."
il2sturmivik.com have posted the full transcript of the recent live chat with Oleg and other significant members of the IL2 community. Here's a snippet:
"<@cartrix> (f0rt): How much time do you spend on development/fix of il2 and how much development time goes into the new engine?
<+Sturmovik> f0rt: Not easy.... 50 hours per day and person..."
Bubba "MasterFung" Wolford has posted his thoughts about E3 at SimHQ. Here's a snippet:
"This was out first chance to see and talk about F4: OIR. I never saw the Press Release because when it was sent out, I was already on the way to LA. The guys were not showing any systems running F4: OIR so we had some time to talk about strategies and future work. Dave Putze (brother to our own Vince) made a nice entrance and got some time to chat with Andy and Chunx, which was nice. The group has some ambitious plans and we hope they are able to carry forward with them. Not much to see but just good conversation and ideas exchanged on what direction to take with Falcon V. The next few months should prove pivotal."
A nice nostalgic history of the MSFS series has been posted over at flightsim.com. A bit light on the very early examples (for us old farts) but a good trip down memory lane from FS3 onwards. Here's a snippet:
"1993 finally brought the release of FS5.0 followed by an improved version 5.1 some time later. Both versions made the old FS4 scenery almost obsolete but, on the other hand, provided a tremendous increase of photo-realism as to the default cockpit panels. However, one of the things that tickled me most about FS5 and FSfW95 was that I could do almost nothing to adapt the panels to my liking. I guess such things were only the job of experts at that time. On the positive side we must say that the release of these two versions started an immensely continuous stream of new and excellent panels, all designed by third-party developers and highly talented amateur programmers as well."
"Next Wednesday (19th June) we will be running a live chat session with Oleg Maddox - the creator of IL-2 Sturmovik. The chat will be run on IRC (channel TBC).
The time of the chat will be 19h00 CET (Central European Time) and will last approx. 1 hour.
This is a unique chance to pit your questions directly to the creator of IL-2 Sturmovik!!!
Everyone is welcome to come and watch the chat as it takes place but the number of community members who can ask questions will be limited. If you have a question that you would like to ask Oleg then please e-mail me The community members with the most interesting questions will be selected to participate in the chat.
I will give you more information about the technical details of the chat at the start of next week.
helosim.com have posted a review of the sim. Here's an extract:
"SAR3 includes lots of gameplay options, always plus. There are several options that allow for tailoring helicopter physics and controls. You can fly from the cockpit of from the chase view. It pays to invest a little time familiarizing yourself with the procedures because you are graded on your proper utilization of them in rescue missions. And there are lots of procedures to choose from: swimmer rescue, stretcher and litter deployment, hoisting, and radio inspection are among many. Funny thing is, I found myself thoroughly enjoying performing rescue ops "by the book". SAR3 makes a great Coast Guard recruitment tool."
The following announcement has been made on the WWIIOL forums:
"Following the release of v1.5 we began a limited-time program titled 'Welcome Back Soldier' in which we welcomed all former account holders back to have a look at the improvements made to the game. With the successful release of v1.6 we are bringing it back.
Starting at approximately 1700ET Friday, June 14th and ending June 28th, all accounts which were closed prior to June 12th, 2002 will be re-activated for access to the game and forums. This does not apply to banned accounts."
As SimHQ report, Zengamer have posted an early preview of Strategy First's 60's combat sim along with some nice screenshots. Here's a snippet:
"Strike Fighters attempts to recreate the feeling of flying the jet aircraft of the early 1960's all the way to the early 1970's. It does not recreate the Vietnam War, instead creating a purely fictional campaign as well as allowing the player to choose a mercenary campaign, roughly analogous to the old Strike Commander games. Both concepts sound promising in theory, but our alpha build of the game only included a few single player missions and the promise of what Strike Fighters has to offer."
Liam Coyle has reviewed this Captain Sims add-on for FS2002 at AVSim. Here, Liam discusses the panel:
"How's your Russian? Unless it's pretty good or you spent time with the Flight Manual I suspect you'll struggle with the panel, because... it's all in Russian! Hey we're going for realism here, and what a job these guys have done. The panel is a treat to look at and operate and doesn't hurt your FPS. If you did spend time with the Flight Manual, the interactive one in particular, then operating the panel shouldn't be too much bother. It's relatively easy to hop in and head off, but to get the best out of it and get to know the various functions and HUD Displays will take time."
Dan "Crash" Crenshaw has posted a very detailed review of the HOTAS at SimHQ. Here's a snippet:
"The throttle is also smooth. I have heard of people complaining about a "sticky" feel in the arc. I have 3 units (yes, I have replaced my entire stable of F-22/TQS digital setups with COUGAR s) and none of them feel this way. The idle and afterburner detents are GREAT. No more of this little click that wears away after 5 hours of use. These are solid, positive clicks that I can even hear through my headphones ... this is what it is supposed to sound and feel like. And lets not forget the new metal switches that replace the old plastic ones. These have a much more positive "click" feel to them. Some people are on the fence is the dual gate detents on the throttle. There are two definite "gates" (clicks) in both the IDLE and AFTERBURNER position so that your throttle will actually sit in-between them. Personally I do not mind this, but for some it seems a bit odd going into afterburner and having to pass thru two gates. I personally set my afterburner to engage right after the second gate so as I hit the first gate, I know I am approaching AB. The user can open up the throttle and remove the detents, and some folks have taken to filing these down for less of a "click" and notch to overcome. While not for everyone, the capability is there."
Andy Bush, Chunx, and Bubba "MasterFung" Wolford have posted their detailed opinions about the flightsims present at E3 for SimHQ. Here's a snippet from Chunx:
"Now, we’ve all seen the fantastic screenshots that Matt and crew have posted on the LOMAC website. Everything looks so fantastic, that everyone seems to be asking, "but what are the frame rates? Will it take a 3 GHz system and a GeForce 6 to run it?" Well, having now played with LOMAC in its pre-alpha form for about an hour of "flight time," I have to tell you - The water was even more beautiful than the screen shots! The game really does look absolutely fantastic. In the game, frame rates in my 1v1 dogfights and ground attack missions looked glassy smooth at about 40-50 fps, unless I was looking at the burning oil storage tanks that were blazing merrily away after I pounded them with Mk 20 Rockeye and 30mm cannon fire. At those times, it looked like the fps was dropping into the low 20s. I did notice a few game pauses or stutters every couple minutes, but nothing more than you will see in any other high-end simulation. Even in it’s early form, the game runs very smoothly despite it’s fantastic graphical beauty. And that’s good, because it is that fantastic graphical beauty, when combined with a very solid flight model, that gives LOMAC a fantastic sense of immersion whenever you are behind the stick."
Gamespot have posted a preview and interview with Matt Wagner, designer of Jane's F/A-18 and producer of LOMAC. Here's a snippet:
"A great deal of time and effort has been spent on the avionics of the F-15C and A-10A. Using unclassified manuals for both of these aircraft that detail the various avionics systems, Eagle Dynamics has created very accurate replications of these aircraft. Although every single submode and widget may not be included, virtually all the primary functions associated with these aircraft have. This ranges from radar, to heads-up displays (HUD), to radar warning receivers (RWR). A real Eagle or Warthog pilot will feel right at home in Lock On."
Dorset, England, June 7th, 2002 - Thrustworld. http://www.thrustworld.com/ the UK’s premiere online Gaming Service Provider (GSP), is pleased to announce their "Play to win a GeForce 4" Promotion.
For the next 4 weeks ThrustWorld will be giving gamers the chance to win a Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti 4400 just by playing their favourite game in the ThrustWorld GameZone. The GeForce 4 is currently the fastest video card for gaming and ThrustWorld is the UK’s fastest growing pay to play Gaming Service Provider (GSP). The competition is open both to paying members and free trial members. Non members can go to http://www.ThrustWorld.com/signup.php to create a new account. New accounts are completely FREE for the first month and you don't need payment details to signup. There is no obligation to remain a member after the competition or free trial has ended, this really is our gift to the most dedicated gamer for trying out our service.
The rules of the competition are simple, starting from 00:00 GMT on 8th June 2002 we will log the amount of time every member spends in the ThrustWorld GameZone. When the competition ends at 00:00 GMT July 6th 2002 we will tally up the total time each player has spent using the service, the person that has spent the most time in the ThrustWorld GameZone (http://www.thrustworld.com/bootup.php) playing or available to play, will be awarded a Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti 4400. As an added bonus the winner and first and second runners up with receive a years free ThrustWorld membership. To view the current leaders visit http://www.thrustworld.com/stats.php The competition is not open to ThrustWorld staff or admins.
About the Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti 4400
NVIDIA introduced the GeForce4 Ti–delivering the most radically immersive graphic environments ever seen on a desktop PC. Groundbreaking features including the advanced nfiniteFX™ II Engine, superior Accuview Antialiasing™ techniques and flexible nView™ multi-display technology, deliver screaming performance and fierce processing power–for truly unmatched ferocious graphics power.
Vertices per Second: 125 Million Fill Rate: 4.4 Billion AA Samples/Sec. Operations per Second: 1.12 Trillion Memory Bandwidth: 8.8GB/Sec Maximum Memory: 128MB
About ThrustWorld
ThrustWorld (http://www.thrustworld.com) is the UK’s premiere pay to play Gaming Service Provider (GSP), created by gamers for gamers. ThrustWorld utilises a combination of different technologies supported by an extremely resilient network on a very fast backbone. to deliver the best possible multiplayer gaming experience. The team at ThrustWorld have considerable industry experience and are pioneering new technologies destined to become the future of stable online gaming. ThrustWorld’s ground breaking software enables members to launch multiplater games and servers from within a community based lobby system.
The system supports both DirectPlay and server based games. Fro a full list of currently supportedgames go to http://www.thrustworld.com/supported_games.php With DirectPlay games members are able to find other members to play against easily and without fuss, then once all are ready the software will launch the game.. With dedicated server based games such as CounterStrike, Quake 3 Arena, Mobile Forces etc, members are able to configure their own servers within the lobby system, with custom settings, including maps and desired mods, this server will automatically be created on ThrustWorld’s hardware and from then on will act as a fixed server.
The above configuration flexibility allows members to have league matches and private games with pure ease. As well as the options for game play TW also have news and message boards with chat also available via IRC or via the ThrustWorld lobby software. Members gain their own @thrustworld.com email address and free web space on the service.
ThrustWorld host monthly tournaments and competitions with their league/ladder creation and management system, prizes for these competitions include cash, hardware and software.
v1.60 was released yesterday and is available as an auto-update of as a download from HERE. Chris "Mo" Sherland had this to say in the release notes:
"This version in many regards can be called a new game. A completely new user interface and first person trooper systems highlight what is undoubtably the biggest and most profound update for WWIIOL yet. Read the updated OGM for details about operating new vehicles and navigating the new UI. Here is a list of what has changed, been fixed, or added since 1.5.5.
ADDITIONS -Added new User Interface and loading screens -Added New Keymapper -Added many new CPs and revisited many of the original "core area" CPs -Added seperate archive support "Playarc.XXX" files -Added New trooper first person models and animations -Manual reload for troops added (r key) -Added new and replaced many old troop sounds -Added checks to insure archive validity -Added bomb weights to aircraft carrying bombs -Added Moon and new night lighting values to night cycle -Added Host reconnect code -Localized the settings application
CHANGES -Updated teulkit.dll -Updated EtxTools.dll -Changed AI behaviour to be less accurate and shortened tracking ranges -Adjusted AI rebuild times -Removed "vehicle selected" text from radio buffer
NEW FEATURES/VEHICLES -Added Hotchkiss 25mm AA gun -Added PzKpfw IV D -Added HE111 -Added Laffly French mover -Fixed Matilda's gound clearance
BUG FIXES -Fixed a materials format bug that darkened the models -Fixed various memory issues -Fixed various CTD issues
ENHANCEMENTS -Revisited some of the existing sounds to help minimize load times and increase performance. -All buildings are now enterable -Map zoom in has been increased to 500 meters -Added MLE38 to Brit spawn limits -Removed Bedford from French spawn lists -Added the stuka siren -Added range finding to StuG commander (a la FlaK36) -Enhanced all non-gunner commander positions on AT and AVF weapons. Bino view is now in sync with regular view, and elevation can be manipulated PRIOR to "deploy" or "open" -Changed R35 loadout to include correct ammo types (HE/AP) -Trooper death cam finaly displays full troop model
There was also a huge data audit. Some discrepancies were found and we made the following changes:
WEAPON/DAMAGE CHANGES -Adjusted Hurricane MkI top speeds and climb rates to hit historical values. -Adjusted Bf110 drag values to allow it to hit historical top speeds and climb rates -Added and confirmed WEP (War Emergency Power) settings for all apropriate aircraft (109/110/Spit/Hawk75/Hurri) -Changed all MG15 ammo drum capacities to 75 rounds -Adjusted 303 ammo types -Adjusted 7_9mm ammo types -Adjusted 9mm ammo types -Adjusted flak30 ammo types -Adjusted French Grenade -Adjusted Bf109 Starter motor -Adjusted explosive component of 75mmsa32L17he, 75mmsa32L17 -Adjusted explosive component of 47mmsa35l34he, 47mmsa35l34 -Adjusted explosive component of 20kwk30he, 20kwk30ap -Adjusted explosive component of 37kwk38t_pzgr, 37kwk38t_pzgrhe, 37kwk46_pzgr, 37kwk46_pzgrhe -Adjusted explosive component of Millsgrenade -Adjusted explosive component of all StuG/PzIV rounds -Adjusted explosive value of kwk30 for FlaK30 -Adjusted mv of sa34l72 -Adjusted explosive component of stig24 -Adjusted explosive componenet and mass of 88mm rounds (both) -Adjusted 45acp mv -All tracked vehicles recieved a damage threashold for tracks and drive wheels (no MG damage now) -All French armor adjusted for cast armor values -Matilda armor values adjusted for cast armor values -Fixed yawing moment error in Bf110 flight model -Audited and standardized all damage values for AFV guns (refers to damage object for the gun) -Reduced max control throw times on Stuka -Corrected Bedford transmission and power curve -Corrected burn damage values on Blenheims and Bf110 for fueltank fires -Corrected MGFF mine round ammo values -Corrected all SMG/Pistol dispersion values"
Further details including a new manual can be found
HERE
"The next free upgrade for IL-2 is set to be released on Monday 10th June!! The upgrade will be distributed through the official IL-2 website where we will post links to all of the download mirrors. So, if you are ready to fly some new planes make sure you stop by next week!
There will be two versions of the upgrade available:
1. An upgrade from Version 1.0.4 to Version 1.1 (for users who have already upgraded to Version 1.0.4) The file size will be approx. 31 Mb
2. A comprehensive upgrade from Version 1.0 (original box product) to Version 1.1. This upgrade will include all of the upgrades and patches that have been made available to date and should be used by people who have not already upgraded to Version 1.0.4. The file size will be approx. 100 Mb
Please note that this official version will not be compatible with the beta version that was leaked to the community last week. Anyone who is using the beta version will have to download the official version to play online.
In addition this is a provisional release date barring any unforseen problems. If something happens between now and Monday then the release date could be put back.
I look forward to seeing you in the air next week.
Jim "Hornit" Campisi reports on racing sims at E3 for SimHQ. Here Jim checks out Microsoft's RalliSport Challenge:
"This one caught me by surprise! I was wandering around the Microsoft area and stumbled right into the setup for this game. It is a port of their console game and it looked very good. Release date is currently slated for the end of this year. Digital Illusions of Nascar Heat and RallyMasters fame is the force behind this fine looking Rally sim. Features include 48 tracks around the world. Twenty-nine Rally cars from Audi, Citroen, Lancia, Ford, Subaru, and Mitsubishi. Group B cars from the 1980's are also included in the vehicle assortment."
The long wait is over. Falcon SuperPAK 3 has launched.
The flight simulation community has refused to let Falcon 4.0 die and has recreated the world's most popular and most realistic flight simulation, Falcon 4.0, as Falcon SuperPAK 3. The list of improvements would quite literally require a small novel to describe, and they have been in our Falcon SP3 manual. At almost 200 pages, the Falcon SP manual outlines the details of flying the most realistic flight simulator that can be found outside the world's military trainers. In fact, several Viper pilots tell us that they use Falcon SP3 for informal training because this is as real as it gets. Stand by for even more detailed guides for Flight Models, Avionics, Tactics and Campaign Building in the months to come.
Falcon SP3 retains all of Falcon 4.0's scalability. From fully realistic avionics (read complex) to the improved, configurable campaign engine, and winding up with the most accurate cockpit ever seen in a consume flight simulation, Falcon SP3 has it all. Immersion and the experience on being in the aircraft is brought to a whole new level. You are in combat, fighting for your life, changing the course of the war.
An all new user interface, AWACS screens, new weapons, new in game theater switching and so much more just barely skims the surface of what you are about to experience.
And it is free :)
The Falcon community's support and enthusiasm, along with the permission of Force 12 and G2 Interactive, have made this all possible. The over 200 beta testers and over 60 developers of the Falcon Unified Team (F4UT) have made this possible. The webmasters that carry our downloads and the ezines that support special forums have made this possible. This is the ultimate grass roots efforts. Cheer for Falcon. Cheer for F4UT. Cheer for yourselves.
Enjoy the simulation as much as we have enjoyed creating it.
Kurt 'Froglips' Giesselman for the Falcon 4 Unified Team Falcon 4 SuperPAK - Spokesperson
"ZenGamer: How complex is the radar system going to be? Will it simulate real life combat, or will it be more accessible and easy to use?
Tsuyoshi Kawahito: Our radar system simulates real life fairly closely in terms of its display and its tactical implications. Just like the real analog radar of the 60s, the radar in our game has very simple and limited display, with no digital readout. And we’ve tried to model everything that would affect the radar operations, from ground clutter and terrain masking, to radar cross-section of the aircraft that depends on the aspect angle. What we did simplify, to make it more accessible to the user, is the interface to operate the radar. Real life radar required the pilot (or GIB/RIO, in the case of the two-seat F-4) to constantly adjust dozens of knobs just to get a simple lock on a target. There probably aren’t enough keys on the keyboard to simulate all the controls even if we wanted to, so we’ve streamlined all that into a single key."
Tom "Saint" Launder has announced this campaign for SP3 in the F4 Forum:
"Kim Jong-Il was assassinated by a growing hard-line Communist military that rejected any idea of reunification with South Korea. These military leaders, led by General Kim Pak, believe the only hope to save the DPRK is to attack South Korea and take control of Seoul. Though the assassination has been kept secret, the massing of troops near the border has not. US intelligence has intercepted communications that make war seem inevitable. While not wanting to risk an immediate confrontation, the US and her allies have scheduled war games in Korea as a cover to get as many forces in place to deter the North from attacking.
Though these additional forces have been moved to the region, the DPRK has declared war. The first waves of DPRK special forces troops have crossed the DMZ through underground tunnels. Other DPRK special forces have infiltrated deep into South Korea via submarines. War has begun and now it will be up to US and her allies to assist the South Koreans in fighting for their very lives.
Note: The continued warm relations between the US and the CIS makes their joining the US forces against the DPRK a most likely event. China continues to back the DPRK regime."
Read further details and respond to the post in the forum
HERE
MicroWings have posted a detailed E3 screenshot preview in four parts along with some quotes and facts:
"Soar alongside friends – Players can create “campaign servers” allowing people from across the globe to play in an ongoing war theatre over the Internet. Form squadrons and battle in a myriad of missions against other users or coordinate to man a medium bomber, playing the role of either bombardier or gunner."
militarygameronline.com have posted an interview with Sean Baker of wingswithwires.com discussing their upcoming WW1 flight sim. Here, Sean Baker discusses the flight modelling:
"We also have modeled the airfoils carefully from known dimensions. We take the unique coefficients of the airfoils and apply them to the various lifting surfaces of the plane - wings and stabilizers, as well as the fuselage and even the undercarriage! This is one really exciting aspect of OpenPlane, the fact that the airfoil section is influencing your airspeed in a hard turn or a steep dive, or in straight level flight. This largely affects the differing flight characteristics from plane to plane. The airfoil for a Spad XIII is radically different that the Fokker Dr. 1, for example, and the flight models of these planes will demand that they be flown in striking similarity to their real life counterparts!"
