Does anyone know of any good and fairly easy to learn modern aircombat sims out there?
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Re: Flight Sim
Easy to learn modern combat flight sim is a paradox.
If it is a true sim, there is no way it could pick up and play without proper familiarization of the aircraft, radar mechanics, and weapons deployment. And that's just to fly it, actual combat is a whole other world of getting shot down over and over before you learn what works and what doesn't.
Now that the scary info is out of the way, there are basically two modern combat sims at the moment. Falcon 4.0 AF, and Lock On Gold.
Falcon 4.0 is the hardcore of the hardcore. If you have the time and patience to literally study on flying an F-16C, then go for it. Falcon 4.0 is hands down the best and most realistic simulation ever. However because of the hardcore nature it is not something easily recommendable to first time flyers.
I actually have the ooooold binder version of the game, which means it is not AF and actually out of date. However I studied that massive 700-something page manual (if you can even call it that, more like textbook) more than I did my schoolwork, and I loved every minute of it. Learning F4 makes you feel like a real fighter pilot, so much to the point that you feel confident in being able to just hop into a real F-16, start it up, and shoot down some Russians (I'm in classic Cold War mode here, no offence to any Russians on these boards.)
Lock On Gold is the second best sim on the market, but it is much more accesible. It has 8 distinct aircraft to fly, each with its own detailed flight model, radar, and cockpit. The differences between Western and Eastern aircraft is something to really behold, and the more time you spend in the cockpits of the Su-27 and F-15 the more you appreciate just how wildly different they are.
To be honest I was actually amazed how easy Lock On was to pick up, and I find the avionics and radar and all around handling to be extremely easy to grasp. However I came from F4, so take what I just said with a grain of salt. But remember, this game simulates 8 separate and completely different aircraft with an impressive amount of accuracy. So if you focus all your energy into just one single aircraft you are missing the point. The more I played the game the more I came to appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of each aircraft. The game has a suprising amount of depth, you just have to stick with it.
Quick Summary for the lazy:
Falcon 4.0 AF
+ Hardest of the hardcore. If you're totally serious, get this.
+ The most intensive and realistic sim on the market.
- Level of hardcore is daunting to new flyers, takes real dedication to learn and play
- Graphics are fairly outdated
Lock On Gold
+ More accessible than F4
+ Impressive variety and depth in the different flyable aircraft
+ Great Graphics
- Terrible stock sound quality, you will want a soundpack to really enjoy this game
Remember that accessible is very, very relative in meaning. Saying something is more accessible than Falcon 4.0 is like saying there are things smaller than galaxies. Both do require a good amount of time and effort to be put into, but are very rewarding when you get a grip on the mechanics.
Alternatively, if you own an Xbox 360 and want to try a lite sim. Pick up Over G Fighters. It's a vastly underrated title that is as realistic as you would want to get on a console. It would actually serve a very good introduction to dogfight mechanics and missile dodging. Not to mention its a blast to play. -
Re: Flight Sim
Yes, LOMAC is a great one.Comment
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Re: Flight Sim
Oh yes, one more thing. You will need a HOTAS if you want to get serious about this. There are three sets of throttle and stick. If your short on money and a normal person you can buy the Saitek X52 for around $100. But if you're the type of person that puts on a surplus flight helmet, jumpsuit, and gloves, look into the more expensive CH and Thrustmaster sticks.
I know nothing about those expensive sticks so I cannot really say anything about them. But the X-52 was a terrific stick. Unfortunately I had to send it back for repairs because the pentometers (?) wore out and were giving fuzzy inputs. I had the stick for almost 11 months, and I am pretty sure I had one of the early models, so you might not have that problem.Comment
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Re: Flight Sim
Lock On has been one ive had my eye on for a while, I used to play IL2 and i know lock on has some of the same graphics styles. Thanks for your input
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Re: Flight Sim
Be warned that LOMAC comes with starforceComment
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Re: Flight Sim
LOMAC 1.02 does not, Lock-On Gold and FC does come with starforce.Originally posted by $kelet0rComment
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Re: Flight Sim
the latest patch 1.12 iirc installs starforce on your original
so yes you can have an unpatched LOMAC but then that prevents playing online and fixing some show-stopping bugs. and good luck finding the original in stores
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Re: Flight Sim
If you're going to get LOMAC buy Lock On Gold. It includes the original and the Flaming Cliffs expansion, from there you can bring the game up to 1.12 with no problem.Originally posted by $kelet0rthe latest patch 1.12 iirc installs starforce on your original
so yes you can have an unpatched LOMAC but then that prevents playing online and fixing some show-stopping bugs. and good luck finding the original in storesComment
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Re: Flight Sim
Ya, if u buy flaming cliffs up, you can edit one of the files in the game, and make the AI planes flyable with one of the F-15C, Su series, or A-10 Cockpits (but you cannot do it in 1.02 below)Comment
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Re: Flight Sim
Why?! where can i get one of those sound packs for lomac?Comment
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Re: Flight Sim
Sign up at www.lockonfiles.com and search for this "Zzzspace sound pack V1 for FC1.1 " There are a couple sound packs, this is the best in my opinion. You will also likely need ModMan for some mod installs.Originally posted by mrkidkill
Explore the site, most of my little nitpicks with LOMAC can be fixed with mods.Comment
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Re: Flight Sim
I like your sig quote.
yea lockonfiles is the best place for mods. I got a few skins and a beta skin on Ace CombatComment
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Re: Flight Sim
Looks very promising, but they do not update often, and all updates are model renders. While the models are extremely detailed, the lack of in-engine screenshots really bugs me.Originally posted by Lt.DropComment
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