Hristo, I downloaded WB3 last night to check out the difference.
I don't want to get into a pissing contest which is better. But I DO like to see both sides of the coin.
First : I can't really comment on the FM's WHY? Because I am no expert, I couldn't tell you who's is right or who's is wrong. MY expertese is what I see visually.
But personally I like AH's.
Also I would like to add that "IF" a flight sym was to recreate ww2 planes FM to a T, it would be to hard to fly for me and probably 99% of the customers and if it means 'scaling" back for playability and enjoyment while maintaining some degree of difficulty and learning curve, I think HTC has it PERFECTLY!!!!
I do like Il-2 But since massive online flight syms have a trade off for connection and end user computer specs, I would like to compare apples with apples and leave IL-2 out of the discussion.
IMO, althou WB planes were nice, I would hardly say they were ahead of the graphics game. Now this is just my personal prefrences. I actually liked a few of WB's planes , very nicely done, But I personally like the vass majority of AH's planes better.
Terrains: Hmmmmm One plus WB's has over AH is Bitmapping within a vortex. (some maynot follow this , some may) and I 'm not going to explain it.
Trees: AH wins hands down.
terrain ground textures: We'll I am bias on this answer because I have played with the Terrain editor and made a few maps. But AH smacks a grand slam in this department.
SKies & clouds: I havent seen any clouds yet in WB's so my comment will only be from the screenshots i saw.
AH clouds Are freakin' awsome at times and horrible at others.
Below and above the clouds in AH it's so realistic looking, Once inside the solid "grey" is not to pretty:( I'm not sure if this is intentional for low end computers or not but "I" personally would like to see transparency to some degree..
WB's clouds can't comment, but look nice from the screen shots.
The shadow the storm front cast could also use some work.
SKies: I like the high altitude cloud look of WB's better than AH "plain Jane" blue fade.
Flying at low level: WB's gave me a better feel for speed over AH I would have to admit, BUT this is a big BUT. The availability to turn on this "clutter" as HTC calls it, IS there in AH, and from what I have heard THIS Can be changed for every map. Althou I have had no luck changing this clutter, and HTC's default clutter does nothing for me. Once this "clutter" hurdle can be jumped I would give the edge to AH. But as it stands Wb's low level flight has a better immersion ( under 500 feet) with HTC's clutter off, Although Clutter over AH's water is done pretty nicely I like the water clutter but not the land.
I can't comment on tech support but HTC's is Unmatched and so personal, they make me feel like "I AM" their best customer whenever i call. The only comment i can give about Wb's is some responses I've seen on the thier BBS, and it seems some are defensive, short tempered and down right rude. ( I am not talking about players who post on the BBS).
This Is just my perspective , and Althou i know this will be looked at by some, and i'm sure arguements for both sides will be posted. I want to stress this is just My personal views, I wish WB's and their community all the best and know many fly both.
I can't wait for what HTC has instore for us around the corner, I feel I've been spoiled with a great product, continuing upgrades, and unrivaled staff at HTC.
NUTTZ