Is it Possible?

[Virden]

To actually be a good pilot in this game with the mouse and keyboard because I'm wondering if I should buy this game or not and I don't want to buy it if it will be close to impossible to fly helis/aircrafts without a joystick.

Also if it is possible what are the buttons you use when you fly. I just want to get an idea of how flying will be for me.

[D|sso]

Re: Is it Possible?

Of course.

After years of flying simulators and such (FS9, X-Plane, F4, LOMAC, IL2/PF...you name it), flying with an Saitek X52 and TrackIR, the whole she-bang, and coming into BF2's simplified kindergarden Flight Model, A keyboard is all I need.

Honestly, I'll probably get flamed for this, but the keyboard has always rained supreme when it came to Arcadish BF2 flying. I tried using the X52, but the controls were overwhelmingly sluggish with very slow reaction times.

I just had an overall feeling of sluggishness, and non-crisp movements. I couldn't stand it; it was impossible to line up a shot. Using my mouse is phenomenal, however. You have all the Axis of flight right on your mouse; yaw, pitch, roll, ect.

[=FCS=GI*DumB$hiT]

Re: Is it Possible?

i use the l33t combo known as mouse/KB.There are times when i wish i had a joystick (cant react
as fast to passing enemies) but overall its easier than fumbling about with 30 different objects on
my desk.

[SaladFork]

Re: Is it Possible?

You can be very good flying with a mouse and keyboard. However, you are also very limited/restricted in what you can do.

While you can be good with m&k, you will NEVER be able to reach your potential without a joystick.

I personally recommend the Logitech Extreme 3d Pro. I use it, as does my brother, and 3 of my other friends who play BF2. You can pick it up for $30 (or less) nowadays, and it's absolutely fantastic.

That is, unless you're planning to fly a helicopter. In this game, M&K are best for helicopters, while joysticks are best for planes.

~Salad

[Sloi sauce]

Re: Is it Possible?

To actually be a good pilot in this game with the mouse and keyboard because I'm wondering if I should buy this game or not and I don't want to buy it if it will be close to impossible to fly helis/aircrafts without a joystick.

Also if it is possible what are the buttons you use when you fly. I just want to get an idea of how flying will be for me.

Jet? Use a joystick.
Helos? Mouse and keyboard work best.

[D|sso]

Re: Is it Possible?

As I said in my above reply, I just don't get how you guys can possibly think a joystick is better for flying specifically in BF2.

Mabey it's just the way I had it set up, but the controls are absolutely icky. Slow, sluggish, not crisp and clean, Not what I would expect from my X52. I had sensitivities maxed as well.

I have absolutely no problems turning, keeping up, and out turning any man gracing the BF2 skies. It only takes a small amount of forward movement of your mouse to pull you through a 360 along with all the other joysticker's.

[TheHairyYeti]

Re: Is it Possible?

helos are great with my rudder pedals and joystick, i don't fly them that much, but when i do it is mainly blackhawks. i actually dont fly too much in this game...not as fun as combat flight sim 3

[MontereyJack]

Re: Is it Possible?

I use the Microsoft Trackball Explorer and key board to fly. Works good for me.

On another note. Any of you come across helicopter pilots that fly an attack chopper solo and switch to gunner, launch a TV missile with incredible accuracy? Even accurate enough to shoot down a jet with a TV missile? I've been playing BF2 over 1000 hours and I'm still not that good with a TV missile, even when I'm the gunner full time and have a pilot. Just wondering....

[Virden]

Re: Is it Possible?

Thanks for all the replies. Now for sure Im gonna buy bf2 :)

[imported_Wadpole]

Re: Is it Possible?

I fly jets with a joystick, but I always have difficulty lining up my shots accurately. Maybe a combo between mouse and joystick would work best. Joystick for maneuvers and mouse for accurate shots.

[NATESOR]

Re: Is it Possible?

After about 120 hours in the helo and over 75 in the jet, I can tell you that a jet benefits from a joystick. It isn't essential, but don't expect to be a good dogfighter without a joystick in a jet. Bombing is still very much possible with just a mouse and keyboard (and I think bombing contributes more to the team anyway, IMHO).

The helo on the other hand: I find it better to use a mouse and keyboard to be honest. I tried it with the joystick, and found it pretty unresponsive.

Hope that helps.

[Metasynaptic]

Re: Is it Possible?

I fly jets with a joystick, but I always have difficulty lining up my shots accurately. Maybe a combo between mouse and joystick would work best. Joystick for maneuvers and mouse for accurate shots.

I find it quite hard to line up the essex cannon with the stick, so I use the mouse to line it up, but it still is tricky.