This is my experience going to DCS WWII multi-player from AH.
I always preferred fighters and had spent 20+ years flying AH. Despite positive reviews from fellow squadmates, I resisted trying DCS because it was “too complex” and I was “too old” to learn these complexities. I was in a comfortable rut.
The “groundhog day” experiences of AH and its continued slow decay finally pushed me into the mindset “Right, lets learn DCS and see if this hobby is still worth it”.
With the included kneeboards I realized I did not have to memorize as much as I feared. Every aircraft has a “quick start” kneeboard checklist. I also added customized kneeboards, such as pictures of my HOTAS button mapping and procedures I don't use often.
With DCS WWII multi-player I found:
1) Historical plane match-ups
2) A two country fight
3) Less “gaming” of the sim and a serious will to fight
4) Realistic sounding radio comms
5) Weather and wake turbulence
6) The uncertainty of aircraft identification in battle
7) Survival is not assured till the wheels are chocked
I did not expect what the DCS experience gave me outside of the sim. I live in an area that does a lot of warbird restoration and have had the opportunity to sit in the cockpits of several WWII icons.
With only AH experience, the cockpits felt familiar with regards to outside views and the basic “six pack” of instruments. The rest of the cockpit was somewhat foreign (even though I was a private pilot). Since DCS, when I sit in a real cockpit I bring a printed start-up kneeboard from DCS. I do a “touch only” start-up sequence in the cockpit and it all feels VERY familiar.
My passion has be reignited. DCS gave me a new intimacy with the aircraft (both in mechanics and flight characteristics). There is a new level of understanding when I reread some biographies I have. Movies/documentaries seem fuller. I have begun rereading “Fighter Combat”, which I have not done in at least a decade.
For anyone interested it trying DCS, you can do it absolutely free. I can share some tips that allow you to try out all the major features without having a time limit to learn them. Also if it has been awhile since you tried DCS, you might want to check in every now and then. The sim is in a constant state of updating and even a few months see's significant changes.
https://youtu.be/mhLQNuxRqJQ?si=Y2p1US9jZq_hirZL