Realism, Playability and the creamy goodness in between.
Having come from AW3, I'm not too sure about this. In all departments it really looks to be a leap up from old faithful, including the price to play. However when all is said and done, if HTC can pull this off and support hundreds of people online at once, while maintaining game balance, accuracy and enjoyment for their customers, I think it might be worth paying so much. I'm sure the open beta will be most enlightening. But since I am by nature and impatient selfish person, *grin* I was wondering if anyone could throw me a few bones...
Clouds: There's has been some talk. Are HTC really looking at putting 3D clouds in the sky? Flight sims REALLY need this. Clouds and the weather are such a crucial element to Air Combat that I'm suprised anyone can call their game 'realistic' anymore without it. But they can't be Clayton's Meteorological effects- they must provide cover, lessen visibility etc.. What about the possibility of a cloudy night sky, with a JU88 night-fighter screaming through the starry void. *sigh* ok maybe I'm dreaming a bit.
Aircraft: What planes are being modelled? I know there is the obligatory Spitfires, Mustangs and Bf109s, but what about the more unusual aircraft? Me 110 Zerstorers? Hawker Typhoons? Fairey Battles? Ki45 Toryus? If some one knows the line up I would be appreciative.
So if they have all these spectacular Aircraft with all these weapon systems available for strapping the underbelly of your little plane, are we virtually able to build our Marks and Models of different Aircraft? For instance are engines replaceable? Higher end powerplants more available if all is well.. clapped out old second-handers if you country is being strategically molested? OK different engines may be going too far, but I'd love to make a MK XVIII Mosquito- It had a Molins 57mm Anti-Tank gun for killing U-boats. I wonder what it would do to a bomber.... MUHAHAA
My main Gripe with AW3 is that the planes they have chosen seem sometimes to be a little unbalanced. Sure the game is putting some years on, but I really think many of planes are useless if you don't support certain factors of Air Combat. What good is an IL-2 if there are no enemy tanks rolling about. Is there a point flying behind terrain if there is a big red marker on your enemy's Heads Up, informing him of your feeble attempt to remain inconspicuous? Not many people want to gun for a TBF Avenger and you are twice as dead without a gunner, so why can't the computer gun for you? (like in the stand-alone version of AW).
Many planes are not given the ability to exploit their strengths as well as they could. I hope Aces High sets the mark for others to follow. I know that a mark between realism and playability must be found, and I have read the thread below about real world tactics. It's a sticky question. I for one err on the side of realism, but I suppose it is up to HTC to find that special compromise.
By the way, If anyone knows of or has a Fan site where I can get more info or random speculation on this game, please let me know.
Ok I'm finished. You can wake up now...
TENGU
"If it has wings, I can plough it into a hill"
