Getting Started

[Hobobob]

hi all.

Have been looking at this game now and have decided to give it a go.

The only problem is i haven't got a joystick, can anybody reccomend suitable ones for a beginner, i only want to pay about £20-30 to get me started.


Aslo any essential things i should know before i commit? (apart from the subscription).

[Waffle]

Joystick should be about all you need to start...make sure you get one that is a "twisty" type one. That way you can control your rudder by twisting the stick. Also, when you get your stick set-up...there are plenty of trainers in the Training arena, and you can even set up appointments if you're having trouble. There's a pretty steep learning curve to get to know all of the intricate parts of the game.

[Schatzi]

Joystick:


Thrustmaster Afterburner Topgun 2: Joystick with 8-hat.switch, rocker rudder, throttle and 8 buttons. My boyfriend had one for over a year, definitly worth the price.

Speedlink Black widow: Also 8-way-hatswitch, rocker rudder, throttle, 8 button. I flew with it for 1.5 years. Loved it. Button layout not ideal in the LONG run. But definitly suffice for starters.

Saitek Evo: Never had one. Dunno how many buttons, twisty rudder. Good, durable stick.

STAY AWAY from Logiteck sticks. They dont last very long (measured in weeks).


Whatever you choose: Make sure you have an 8-way-hatswitch, throttle lever and some form of rudder control (twisty or rocker). The more buttons, the better.


Its really worth taking a look at the Help file on HTC homepage. Also, check out Net Aces, which is a great page to get you started and further. for more detailed and "scientifical" reads. Help and Training section of this board as much recommendable as the Trainer Corps and the Training Arena.

Essential things to know before subscribing... hmmm...... BEWARE!!!!!! This game is worse then crack. It redefines "addiction" . Welcome aboard!



PS: NEVER hesitate asking. Theres no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid answers. Only he who asks will learn.

[thndregg]

I would recommend you avoid sticks by Logitech.  Mine did not last beyond a month.  I currently use a Thrustmaster stick.  Cost is around $30.  Much better than Logicrap.

[Atoon]

Stick- must have rudder control- twist types are the least expensive rudder,  pedals more useful- but more expensive.

BEFORE you start, I recommend that you Download the game and learn to fly while playing offline.

Once you have conquered the art of flight, do some Situation Awareness exercises. Pick a spot on the ground like a specific hangar, and learn to manuver your plane through rolls and turns keeping track of your hangar.  These are basic skillz you can learn offline. Then when you start your 2 weeks free trial, you can see how you fare against live flyers. Otherwise you will likely use your 2free weeks just learning to fly.

[FX1]

Saitek Evo! I have the Evo and nostromo combo its killer. I did like my x52 but the evo feels better in my hand and the spring is strong for a man (:

[LYNX]

ANYTHING but logitech.  Go to PC World 30 to 35 quid gets ya a nifty Saitek.  You need twisty + HAT switch.

[SAS_KID]

ouch i have a logitech twisty stick its lasted me about 2 monthes already and no signs of screwing up and i seem to kill pretty easy with it:D

[aztec]

For just a little more money you can forgo the twisty stick and pick up some CH anolog pro pedals pretty cheap these days....they work fine with XP as a stand alone device.

[Hobobob]

OK,

Thanks for all the help guys.

And i thnk i got the idea about STAYING away from the logitec sticks!

[kamilyun]

Also...

1.  Print out all the keyboard commands
2.  Print out all the clipboard maps (small airfields, ports, etc.)

Keep these by your computer.  You always forget things like arrester hook (Shift + G), manual trim buttons, etc.

[Simaril]

Even better for quick reference:

Here's a one page reference from NetAces.org

Hammer's spent a lot of time pulling together refernces that help you pick things up faster. There are little things like this one page quick reference, and big things like articles about how to fight better.

Also links to resources like SODA'S AH AIRCRAFT EVALUATIONS, which goes over the strengths and weaknesses of every plane we have.

So point your browser already!
Netaces!!

[dedalos]

Originally posted by Atoon

BEFORE you start, I recommend that you Download the game and learn to fly while playing offline.
 

Not an expert but I have to agree.  Extremly hard to play and learn if you don't download the game first

[Hobobob]

I have now decide to go far the Saitek Cyborg Evo Joystick

thanks for all the help