Now that we Alpha testers have been allowed to let the cat out of the bag...
There are a couple of other considerations, too: the cockpit is a 3d virtual model, so that limits the kind of detailing that can be done, and won't be as subtle as a 2d overlay like in WB, for instance. This is a very slight drawback. Also, remember that this is a product designed to be downloaded to market, so it won't have the level of detail that some boxed sims may purely because of file size.
A great advantage to a 3d cockpit, however, is that views can be panned to any angle as well as available snap and instant views; another is that G forces can be simulated by relative head movement (the view position changing up or down or side to side) within the cockpit.
An additional benefit is that the player can pick a head position that is most suitable in the cockpit by "moving" the seat forward, backwards and up or down. A neat zoom feature is added, as well, with a corresponding loss of field of view for the added proximity.
Finally, something I haven't seen in any other sim: one can save relative head positions -- rather than having a straight six view, one can move it off to the side and a little up and "lock" this postition as the default... this means every time you go to look backwards, it goes to this view, simulating craning and twisting the pilot's neck, rather than the unrealistic perfect six view of WB looking at the back of the seat (impossible unless the pilot were to undo the shoulder harnesses, crouch down and swivel in the seat).
So, 3d cockpits suffer a little in terms of detailing because of the art required for 3d cards; however, they make up for this a lot in additional features that just are not possible with 2d overlays.
Also, remember the shots you have seen are Alpha, and there will be a lengthy open Beta, too. Art may very well change before the final release.
Cheers,
Gian "phaetn" Vitzthum
phaetn@dofighter.com
