General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: CptTrips on September 06, 2021, 10:30:13 AM
Title: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on September 06, 2021, 10:30:13 AM
Hmmmm. This one might actually tempt me to take a serious dive into the DCS world if it has a cool campaign. I used to love Microprose Gunship back in the day.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Wiley on September 07, 2021, 11:54:53 AM
:eek:
Oh dear... That looks like something I need. I had one called "Comanche" in the olden times that I loved and wanted more like it.
I'm not fond of the $100+ price tag of the good stuff for DCS but that might actually get me to do it. Especially with VR.
Wiley.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Vulcan on September 07, 2021, 04:17:31 PM
Had to go looking as I would've been shocked if the game I played supported VR. The one I played was Comanche Maximum Overkill 1992. Novalogic as well.
I've already warned Mrs. Wiley of the impending purchase.
Wiley.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Vulcan on September 08, 2021, 03:32:15 PM
Had to go looking as I would've been shocked if the game I played supported VR. The one I played was Comanche Maximum Overkill 1992. Novalogic as well.
I've already warned Mrs. Wiley of the impending purchase.
Wiley.
The version that supported VR was Commanche 3. There was a tank game from Novalogic that supported VR as well, Armored Fist. They supported the VFX-1 which pales against modern VR headsets (a pair of 263 × 230 LCD displays capable of 256 colors). At the time Looking Glass games supported VR - Flight Unlimited 1 and 2, System Shock 1 and 2, and Terra Nova (Starship Troopers suit type combat).
Commanche 3 apparently was 97. I have a vague recollection the earlier version you played also supported earlier VR headsets. The only issue I remember was that it didn't have a 3D cockpit, so when you played in VR it was a full screen view - no maps or radar.
The VFX-1 was my first VR headset (~1995), then an emagin Z800 (~2005) - I got the emagin running AH2 around 2008 (I used a razor hydra strapped to it to get full 6DoF tracking with a trackIR emulation utility).
Then a Vuzix 1200VR (~2011), then the Oculus DK1/DK2/CV1/Dell Visor/Quest.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on September 08, 2021, 04:56:35 PM
But can it compete with the classic???
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Nefarious on September 08, 2021, 07:11:53 PM
Looks awesome, but I'm waiting for the A-6, A-7, and F-8 - in no particular order. :devil
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on September 09, 2021, 12:34:15 PM
[Edit] Some of those external model shots are not from the current mod. That's stupid. I guess just B-reel.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on September 09, 2021, 04:33:12 PM
come play ARMA 3
Apaches for days
and the planes Nefarious listed.......in that order!
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on September 12, 2021, 11:34:01 AM
Hmmm. Unfortunately I am left-eye dominant. Guess I'll be closing one eye often in VR.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on September 22, 2021, 01:10:46 PM
Taka-taka-taka-taka-taka....
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Bruv119 on September 22, 2021, 02:49:02 PM
errr Mossie is out sod the chopper!
Raided Amiens prison at dusk. Cockpit lit up like Blackpool illuminations. Multi crew Navigator can also control functions in the cockpit.
Just speechless half the time when cruising around in it. Bozon knows.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on September 23, 2021, 09:25:23 AM
Raided Amiens prison at dusk. Cockpit lit up like Blackpool illuminations. Multi crew Navigator can also control functions in the cockpit.
Just speechless half the time when cruising around in it. Bozon knows.
Is there any sort of dynamic campaign? Or are you just playing a canned mission? I don't need a cheesy story-line, but I used to love the old career/squadron/dynamic mission model the best of the old fightsims had. Like Red Baron, Falcon 3.0, etc.
Mossie looks like fun. :aok
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Wiley on September 23, 2021, 10:51:40 AM
Is there any sort of dynamic campaign? Or are you just playing a canned mission? I don't need a cheesy story-line, but I used to love the old career/squadron/dynamic mission model the best of the old fightsims had. Like Red Baron, Falcon 3.0, etc.
Mossie looks like fun. :aok
I haven't seen one of those in forever either, the most modern plane I can think of that did something similar was maybe Rise of Flight a few years ago? It was one of the ones that came out about the same time as RoF... For a single player game, I loved how Red Baron did it.
Wiley.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on January 05, 2022, 02:42:24 PM
If you pre-order the Apache you get 8500 miles on Eagle Dynamics site
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 05, 2022, 02:57:39 PM
If you pre-order the Apache you get 8500 miles on Eagle Dynamics site
I did pre-order but I don't know about those miles. What can you get with that amount?
BTW, have any of you IL2/DCS guys used VRNeckSafer? Thoughts? https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/67985-simple-tool-to-check-your-six/ (https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/67985-simple-tool-to-check-your-six/) https://gitlab.com/NobiWan/vrnecksafer (https://gitlab.com/NobiWan/vrnecksafer)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on January 05, 2022, 04:30:05 PM
you get money off future purchases. 8500 miles would be $8.50 off of a module.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Drano on January 05, 2022, 04:48:30 PM
+1 for NeckSafer. I use it in IL2. Pretty painful checking your 6 in VR until that came out. The experimental version is about as close to TIR as you can get.
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 05, 2022, 04:57:43 PM
+1 for NeckSafer. I use it in IL2. Pretty painful checking your 6 in VR until that came out. The experimental version is about as close to TIR as you can get.
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Awesome. I'll try it.
I find I am not a bendy as I was in my youth. Especially the part that connects my headbone to my body. :cool:
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: decoy on January 05, 2022, 07:14:15 PM
I'm really glad to see this thread because I've been looking for a good helicopter flight sim and so far my results have been less than anticipated.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on January 05, 2022, 08:16:46 PM
Only issue I am having is whether I want to learn the front seat first or the backseat
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 05, 2022, 08:27:17 PM
I haven't seen one of those in forever either, the most modern plane I can think of that did something similar was maybe Rise of Flight a few years ago? It was one of the ones that came out about the same time as RoF... For a single player game, I loved how Red Baron did it.
Yeah. I assume this will work with Apache. This will be great to get lost in offline play on my game night. The times I tried DCS World it seemed like there was nothing to do. Reminds me of Falcon 3.0 more than Red Baron, but good enough.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 17, 2022, 10:01:44 PM
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 18, 2022, 12:24:10 AM
Just to get some stick time I got the Gazelle to play in. Rotor birds are just weird. :rofl
I even got it flying around (auto-start). It was fun just trying to stay in the air. lol. I even pretty much landed...sorta'ish. I'm sure I bent something though.
Ya know, from an engineering point of view it's actually impossible for helicopters to fly. They're just so damn ugly the Earth repels them. :cool:
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 20, 2022, 03:03:22 PM
Hooked. I haven’t tried flying choppers since the original gunship2000 with mouse and keyboard. With HOTAS and VR it’s a whole different thing. I think I will specialize in choppers for a while. It’s sorta revitalized my interest in flightsims again. Choppers are just so different than what I have flown for decades. It feels like a whole new hobby. Though often puzzling and frustrating. Lol.
I just got the Huey too. :D Not sure I will get the Kiowa since I have the Gazelle. But with the Apache too, I can do a variety of chopper mission roles. (Just don’t have an interest in Russian stuff really.)
Each definitely need their own custom input curve. I got my Gazelle tuned much better and is much more manageable. Still need work on my fast landings. ;)
Starting with this VA profile (https://forum.voiceattack.com/smf/index.php?topic=1370.0 (https://forum.voiceattack.com/smf/index.php?topic=1370.0)) and will be adding multi-step sequences for stuff like weapons power-on/arming/configuration. Multi-step macro like “Weapons Hot Rockets” and VA would power on the weapons systems, set my preferred ripple, arm, reticle down and adjusted, etc. In VR it will be impossible to refer to cheat-sheets.
I’ve already started opening up and looking at the innards of the mission files and learning the mission editor. Wanna eventually get into making some campaigns and maybe some interesting out of the box stuff with custom coding. I’ve been looking at the Liberation source to learn how certain things are handled there.
For now I am setting up a second machine on my local network the run the dedicated server and Liberation to offload my VR game machine. Maybe eventually want to play with an on-demand cloud server.
Oh, and watching all Casmo’s vids. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on January 20, 2022, 03:06:24 PM
Oh, and thanks for the discord link. By the time I remember it it had expired, but that's OK. Not sure I want to join anything. Wouldn't mind mind finding some knowledgeable chopper pilots to learn from on so occasional coop though.
If some of use get Apache's here we ought to try a coop session or something.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Oldman731 on January 20, 2022, 03:50:16 PM
How do they duplicate helicopter controls, which are so different from aeroplane controls?
Son took me flying in a helicopter once. He said, "You've got it, Dad!" After about a minute and a half, I said "You'd better take it back."
- oldman
I've never flow a chopper in real life so I can't compare.
CH throttle is my collective. CHstick is my cyclic. Rudder peddal are my tail rotar. Seems pretty close.
The biggest issue is with game controls your stick lengths is so short so a lot harder to get fine control, but careful scaling can make up for that. (Huey may not need it, but a light nimble Gazelle sure is a lot easier with a little tweaking. )
CH throttle is my collective. CHstick is my cyclic. Rudder peddal are my tail rotar. Seems pretty close.
Guess they combine throttle and collective in one. For me, getting the two to work together was the biggest challenge...in all that 90 seconds of experience, said the old helicopter hand.
Glad you're enjoying it.
- oldman
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Drano on January 20, 2022, 08:07:55 PM
Virpil makes helo controls. Looks like pretty good stuff too. $$$tho
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 21, 2022, 10:17:34 AM
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Rocco on January 25, 2022, 09:37:40 PM
They said it's the first of the Phantom family and they plan to do a naval version after. Looking forward to it!
Also waiting patiently for the Apache release...
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 26, 2022, 05:44:34 PM
BTW, if you want to get ready for the Apache by getting used to at least one model of the DCS helicopter physics, the new Blackhawk mod is a free download and of course DCS World is free.
Not an Apache, but if you have never flown any of the other DCS helicopters, it might be helpful to at least get a basic feel of their rotor FM.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 26, 2022, 10:45:30 PM
Also for those waiting for the Apache...
If you have Arma III, there is a descent Apache mod: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1351428303 (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1351428303) https://ah-64d-apache-official-project.github.io/index.html (https://ah-64d-apache-official-project.github.io/index.html)
I can't vouch for the sophistication of the FM, but it looks like it has an accurate cockpit and functioning MDP with clickable buttons and accurate mode pages (switchology/symbology). I plan to try that for cockpit familiarization and systems practice.
For flight training I am using the Huey in DCS. The Apache is supposed to be easier to fly because of all the computer assist systems, but I look at it like learning to drive on a standard first. Learn standard first, then you can drive anything! Huey is so fat and under-powered, you can't just easily muscle your way out of bad decisions. And it has so much momentum you have to think two moves ahead or you get behind the curve. That should build good muscle memory without relying on the the computer to paper-over bad piloting.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on January 27, 2022, 01:14:14 PM
I run this Apache in Arma 3 you speak of. Allows you to manually start the motor
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on January 27, 2022, 01:46:34 PM
Do the electronics and dash systems seem sufficiently accurate that is might be useful to familiarize before DCS Apache?
Pretty close. I have been reading the manual for the D model Apache. It is a lot.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 01, 2022, 05:54:45 PM
If you are getting ready for the Apache I can certainly recommend the Huey. It seems to be the preferred trainer. And it is a lot of fun to fly even if it is a bit old school. The Apache will be easier to fly with computer assists, but learn the Huey and you will be even better. Again, like learning to drive on a standard first.
Here is a training mission I made for my own use, based on some initial training feedback I got from some kind gents. It is designed to break-down and isolate certain skill exercises to drill with. Each station in the circuit lets you practice a different skill. Maybe not the day 1 practice. You first need to get your controls mapped and tuned and get a basic control of hover etc. The first couple of time you run it I would set invulnerable because that initial hover/taxi drill can leave a lot of chopper parts laying around if you can't maintain fine control.
Caveat. I've only been running this on the Huey, but I dropped in other choppers you can select if you own those. Can't vouch how well it works for the others yet, but I can tweak if need be.
I've found it useful anyway. Helo are so odd compared to fixed wing. You have to learn a whole different kind of feel. I can almost land regularly now. Well, I can get on the ground and at least pretty close to the spot I pick. :D
I had asked Youtube helo guru Casmo what in the 1000 page manual I should focus on first to get a head-start start based on his closed testing experience (he is now cleared to talk about).
His rely:
Quote
"Focus on TSD set up and understanding the weapons pages, particularly the hellfire/Laser/LST stuff. "
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 05, 2022, 01:56:48 PM
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 10, 2022, 02:51:09 PM
Thank Cod I don't have the money. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on February 12, 2022, 09:29:12 AM
https://youtu.be/C4Rhoizzj7A
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 12, 2022, 12:21:41 PM
Just give it to me!!!! Hurry before the software gets blockaded as part of sanctions. That would suck. :mad:
For those intending to get the Apache, I started some study aids for the cockpit familiarization. I'll be adding some for the screens and symbology just to help ramp up to speed while waiting for the release.
For the MPD FAB (the bezel Fast Action Buttons) I intend to use a series of VoiceAttack commands to press like "Right T1" "Left R4" for the right MPD Top 1 button and left MPD right 4 button, etc.
This thing is going to make my head hurt. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 12, 2022, 01:30:23 PM
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 12, 2022, 01:31:39 PM
Videos seem to be arriving at a quicker pace. Maybe they are getting closer to release.
Btw, not that it matters much, but if you want this forum to show the preview, you have to get the link from the "share" button below the video not the browser URL and paste in a youtube markup block (see the button above the emoticons. Why the browser url not work? I dunno.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on February 14, 2022, 03:33:37 PM
just waiting on the startup video now
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 14, 2022, 03:39:22 PM
Fk that! If I got a boom stick with rounds you think I'm waiting on a cold start????? Bahahahaha.
I won't use anything but Win+Home for at least a month anyway! ;) Release the Kraken. The cold start and grease fitting videos can come after launch! They can always go to the -10 for that. RTFM!
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on February 14, 2022, 03:47:31 PM
Fk that! If I got a boom stick with rounds you think I'm waiting on a cold start????? Bahahahaha.
I won't use anything but Win+Home for at least a month anyway! ;) Release the Kraken. The cold start and grease fitting videos can come after launch! They can always go to the -10 for that. RTFM!
Let me re-format what I typed above
when waggs puts out the start up video for the apache the release of the aircraft will happen shortly afterward.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 14, 2022, 03:54:46 PM
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 19, 2022, 12:38:27 PM
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on February 19, 2022, 03:45:17 PM
Added study aid for flight symbology: http://helo-ops.net/StudyAids Let me know if you find any errors please.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 03, 2022, 04:07:44 PM
This is just a preliminary, WIP version of the manual for Early Access (Not the final version), but good material to start getting up to speed if you are getting this module.
If you fly in VR I believe you can set it up for that.
Yep. Saw later that you can switch left or right or have it render on both. (they have to support people with various disabilities. It's not the real military.)
I was having frame rate issues on my old machine in VR. I've switched to 3 monitor (which ironically take less uhhhmp?) and I bought TrackIR again and don't dislike it as much as I did the first time I tried trackIr. So for now I'll stick with 3 monitors so it won't be a problem anyway.
Actually I don't think I will mind flat monitors so much for helo's. You are not flipping around in 3 dimensions like dogfighting in fixed wing. I don't find flat monitor really a disadvantage, but I'm sure the emersion is nice in VR.
For the Apache, I plan on concentrating on being a front seater anyway, so I will have my head down in the dash panels, TEDAC most of the time working the systems and targeting and the extra resolution of 3 monitors will actually be an advantage.
And I got one of these to map all the TEDAC controls to. Many are planning on doing that. I'll lay it on the desk between my throttle and stick and can just pick it up when I go into the sights.
I'll start with that Then my HOTAS is left configured for piloting.
I'll leverage Voice Attack for all the MPD bevel buttons and map them like "Left T2" for left MPD, top 2nd button, "Right Fixed FCR" for the right MPD Fixed Action FCR button, ect.
It's going to be interesting. ;)
<S>
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 04, 2022, 11:33:57 PM
I just started a book on a British Apache squadron in Afghanistan. They mention this battle.
It must have been in the news but I hadn't heard of it.
Strapping commandos and wounded on the wings of Apache attack helicopters???????
If I saw that in a movie I would have rolled my eyes.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 13, 2022, 05:45:29 PM
Oddly, I'm starting to warm to the whole looking around the cockpit clicking on things to do stuff. I didn't think I'd ever want to bother with that, but if you take to time to really learn an aircraft, it starts to add to immersion.
But at least for the first week I will be sticking to "Win + Home" to get up in the air and start blowing stuff up. Then I'll come back and learn startups. ;)
I will probably eventually learn the Apache, Kiowa, Huey, and Blackhawk to that level. Everything else it's just the short cut key. ;)
Everyone is betting next week. Maybe Wed. ;) Lol. Downloads are surely going to crash their servers. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Ramesis on March 14, 2022, 03:23:09 PM
How do DCS aircraft flight models compare to AHs? :salute
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Rocco on March 14, 2022, 04:02:45 PM
Nothing against AH but I would say DCS has some of the best flight models out there. It does depend on the aircraft though. Some of the old dcs aircraft like the flaming cliffs set are a simpler flight model. Most of the guys I've heard that fly the real things say it's the best feeling flight model they've tried, though not without inaccuracies (biggest thing nowadays is the turn rate performance of the F-16, but I've heard that is about to be fixed).
For their WW2 aircraft the DCS flight model definitely makes you work harder. I find I really have to be on the rudder pedals to keep the Spit stable. No idea if that is real world accurate but it gives the feeling of a living aircraft.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 14, 2022, 05:27:25 PM
How do DCS aircraft flight models compare to AHs? :salute
Well, I've never flown military aircraft.
I think it varies according to aircraft. Separate player-made mods and 3rd party, and older planes out from the core company recent modules. I suspect the new official stuff is pretty good and gets better each iteration. Some of the player-made and 3rd party are good too.
I know that real life active Kiowa and Apache pilots have been extensively involved with the upcoming releases of those modules. Their opinion that even though not completely finished in the Early Access releases, they already claim in their expert opinions, those are the most accurate non-classified models they have seen commercially.
DCS is all about FM, systems modelling. Less so on game-play. Not that they couldn't do gameplay, but their focus has been on study-sim fidelity. They are working on a new Dynamic Campaign System with other improvements that should improve the gamey aspects. I think their mission editor is quite sophisticated and what I've seen not nearly take to it's current possible limits by the player-made missions I've seen. Including the ability to inject custom scripting to alter base behavior.
DCS World is a free download (big dl) and comes with a P-51 and SU-25 Frogfoot free out of the gate. So you can just go play with those any time. And I believe most planes and helo have a two week trial per module. I'd suggest the Huey for Helo to start with, Maybe the F-18 for Jets (other than the free one)?
Try the first two and try some of the other module two week trials and decide for yourself. Most important hint: Win+Home circumvents the cold start procedures and does it all automatically when you are first getting started. ;)
:salute
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 16, 2022, 09:24:00 PM
It's going to be... "The Summer of George!"
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 17, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
And so it begins...well, in a few hours. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Eagler on March 17, 2022, 12:19:48 PM
Dsc doesn't do auto pilot...once you take off and start your exhaustive search for action you can't see as there aren't any icons...you can't let go of the stick for any length of time...
Oh the realism...lol
Eagler
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 17, 2022, 01:08:03 PM
Downloading now... :cool:
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 17, 2022, 01:31:20 PM
Prettiest app going just don't get the same fun factor out of it as I do in ah...vr or 2d monitor/trackir
Different kind of game.
A lot of the squads run private coop missions/campaigns against a AI enemy. So if you aren't in a DCS squad you won't see those. i.e. PvE.
WWII is definitely less popular in DCS. They are slowly adding to that genre. They are soon to release the WWII version of the Marianas map. But I just don't think WWII will be the major focus.
I'm still in the honeymoon phase. I will literally lose 3 hours offline at an empty airfield just practicing learning the Huey. I will lose 6 months on the Apache easy. It's been a long time since a flightsim had me that amused just practicing. I guess I have gotten burned out on fixed wing. Helo's have given me a second wind. It's like learning to fly completely over again. Really different physics.
If it were just another fixed wing, I wouldn't be that interested. Especially flying at 30k killing dots on a BVR radar. If I refused to try anything other than WWII, I'd say IL2 is a better choice for now, or AH.
But ripping around at 100ft in a helo pulling tree branches out of my teeth is a different experience. At least for me. Just landing is a accomplishment still (but getting much better). ;)
And in DCS, run you own server and allow icons if you want. I was thinking about doing that and make it helo focused.
As I said, I believe most modules have a two week trial. If you are trying a helo, maybe give this a try to generate dynamic offline missions to practice on: Gonna give that a try this weekend. Not sure if it supports Apache yet though.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on March 20, 2022, 06:45:21 AM
Tha Apache module is the best experience a person can have on the internet right now.
The immersion cannot be matched by any other game. Sixteen hellfires and a 30mm chain gun makes for one hell of a fun time.
If you have the module already lets get a mission goin
If you don't have the module what the heck are you waiting for????
If you have the Mi-24 module and your gonna go "hunting" Apaches I will give you my location
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 20, 2022, 08:29:29 AM
Tha Apache module is the best experience a person can have on the internet right now.
The immersion cannot be matched by any other game. Sixteen hellfires and a 30mm chain gun makes for one hell of a fun time.
If you have the module already lets get a mission goin
If you don't have the module what the heck are you waiting for????
If you have the Mi-24 module and your gonna go "hunting" Apaches I will give you my location
I'd have to agree.
I've been so tired of dealing with game companies that phone it in. This is a pleasant surprise. They've really pulled out the stops here.
It's still early access. It has some bugs and there are pieces still to finish before the full release. But it's obvious that there is gold here.
This sim will be a legend.
But it is a ton to learn. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Rocco on March 20, 2022, 11:26:37 AM
I'm dying. It's been sitting on my drive since Friday but I haven't had a chance to fire it up yet. Everything I've heard is it's an awesome module. I'm hoping today.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 20, 2022, 11:37:14 AM
I'm dying. It's been sitting on my drive since Friday but I haven't had a chance to fire it up yet. Everything I've heard is it's an awesome module. I'm hoping today.
I think it's going to be epic.
I'll just warn you though, the complexity is going to be a monster. Reminds me of how I felt first getting into Falcon 3.0 back in the day. Eat it like an elephant, one bite at a time. I'm OK with that as it gives me something to really sink my teeth into.
It flys smooth as silk though. IMHO, easier than the Huey to control. The only flight problem I've had is it doesn't give the same shudder I had gotten used to with the Huey when it leaves ETL. You have to pay attention to your speed and VSI when you get down around 30 kts or that drop can get a way from you and then you get Settle With Power condition.
Luckily the Apache has a very robust undercarriage. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: RichardDarkwood on March 20, 2022, 05:31:25 PM
The chaingun slaved to me helmet trumps everything. Even the flamethrower and Napalm
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Spikes on March 20, 2022, 05:47:57 PM
These look like fun but I can't stomach paying $60+ per plane lol.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 20, 2022, 06:42:27 PM
These look like fun but I can't stomach paying $60+ per plane lol.
Well, watch. They go on sale a couple of times a year.
I payed full price for the Huey like a dummy, but frankly I feel like I'm getting my moneys worth. So, whatever. Then they all went on sale the next week and I picked up the other Russian helos for 50% off. Paid -30% off for the Apache I think Early Release.
They are so in depth you really don't need 10 of them. I have practiced with the Huey for a month barely scratching the surface. Haven't even touch the Russian helo yet. Just grabbed them for later.
Apache and F18 would keeps you fully engaged for at least a year or more if you learn them in depth.
The only other one I have plans to add at this point is the Kiowa Warrior.
To each their own.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: 1stpar3 on March 21, 2022, 04:39:24 AM
Hmmmm. This one might actually tempt me to take a serious dive into the DCS world if it has a cool campaign. I used to love Microprose Gunship back in the day.
NAH!!!! F-16 Viper Up-Date...Rules them all!! :rofl :aok
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Spikes on March 21, 2022, 07:47:55 AM
Well, watch. They go on sale a couple of times a year.
I payed full price for the Huey like a dummy, but frankly I feel like I'm getting my moneys worth. So, whatever. Then they all went on sale the next week and I picked up the other Russian helos for 50% off. Paid -30% off for the Apache I think Early Release.
They are so in depth you really don't need 10 of them. I have practiced with the Huey for a month barely scratching the surface. Haven't even touch the Russian helo yet. Just grabbed them for later.
Apache and F18 would keeps you fully engaged for at least a year or more if you learn them in depth.
The only other one I have plans to add at this point is the Kiowa Warrior.
To each their own.
The only module I have a lot of interest in is the F-14, but with the amount of study time and money needed for DCS I could just go get my PPL and fly for real instead. :)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 21, 2022, 08:03:50 AM
The only module I have a lot of interest in is the F-14, but with the amount of study time and money needed for DCS I could just go get my PPL and fly for real instead. :)
That's close to a true statement. ;) These are study sims not lite plinkers. That's why I was saying you don't need 10 of them. ;)
If I saw the F-14 or F-18 on sale for the right price I might get them just for the carrier ops. Doing carrier ops looks awesome. I'll watch the F-4E with interest. Not sure if I'd pull the trigger. Maybe. Probably would just wait and catch it on a sale, too.
Like I said, for me personally, and it's just personal, I'm just having more fun with helo's at the moment.
Cost is relative and subjective. Some might say paying $180 a year for player made skin batch releases and forum obituary threads is expensive. It just depends on what you feel you are getting out of it. ;) ROI is subjective so only you can answer that for yourself.
Now if they came out with a full depth Stuka module, I'd be tempted to dabble in fixed wing again. ;)
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Spikes on March 21, 2022, 08:58:39 AM
Cost is relative and subjective. Some might say paying $180 a year for player made skin batch releases and forum obituary threads is expensive. It just depends on what you feel you are getting out of it. ;) ROI is subjective so only you can answer that for yourself.
There is still much more to this game than that, but complaining about a forum that you spend every single day on is rich.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 21, 2022, 09:30:48 AM
There is still much more to this game than that, but complaining about a forum that you spend every single day on is rich.
Sorry. Didn't mean to activate your cult reflex.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: DmonSlyr on March 21, 2022, 09:31:20 AM
I have finally jumped into DCS. The graphics are pretty damn good. The P51D definitely does not fly the same as in AH haha. It seems you have to be even more gentle on the controls and its dreaded left snap roll pulling up too hard can cost ya. Taking off and landing are much harder. If you Rev them rpms too high your engine cuts off in 2 seconds lol. I got a good deal on planes when I first downloaded the game. Got the P51, P47. Spit, and F18. I am still in training so haven't really done anything but learn how to take off and land, and engage some easy mode AI in our training arena with the P51. I am now learning the F18 to learn the jets. I consider DCS more of a hobby rather than a game, because there is a lot to learn. I'd consider AH a good stepping stone for DCS though.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 21, 2022, 09:40:41 AM
I consider DCS more of a hobby rather than a game, because there is a lot to learn. I'd consider AH a good stepping stone for DCS though.
I don't disagree. To me it feel like when you used to buy Falcon 3.0 or Tornado or Flanker. You're buying a platform at a time and delving in deep. I'll probably spend most of my time offline with missions and campaigns. Playing when my schedule permits without having to rely on a server population.
Totally different than AH as I told Eagler. I don't see them as direct competitors like IL2 is. WWII isn't their focus and not likely to be. Though the Mossie looks nice. If you are 100% limited to WWII, I don't think DCS is your best platform.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Spikes on March 21, 2022, 03:41:20 PM
Oh please. Just because you didn't have fun in this game anymore does not mean other people don't.
Did I say that? Or did I say the ROI has to be something that each person decides for themselves? Do you have a reading comprehension problem?
It’s like dealing with Scientologists.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 21, 2022, 04:34:36 PM
BTW, for the cult members who get their skirts in a tangle, I don't consider DCS and Aces High competitors.
AH doesn't have helos and jets and although DCS has a couple of token warbirds they apparently aren't interested pushing for that market. I suspect they have made the calculation that IL2 has that market and doesn't compete with them on jets and helo so there is no point in overlapping.
That is basically why the largest/most successful WWII DCS server SoW has closed it's doors.
So DCS isn't any more of a competitor to AH than MS Flightsim or iRacing or Arma or Battlefield.
IL2 is AH's competitor, not DCS.
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: Spikes on March 21, 2022, 04:52:50 PM
I didn't say they were competitors. I was just simply pointing out the irony in you complaining about a video game and associated forum ON the game's forum.
If you have such a problem with the alleged cult of Aces High, why are you here?
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 21, 2022, 05:00:36 PM
I didn't say they were competitors. I was just simply pointing out the irony in you complaining about a video game and associated forum ON the game's forum.
If you have such a problem with the alleged cult of Aces High, why are you here?
I have to join the cult in order to follow a game? I don't join cults. Sorry. I wouldn't join a DCS cult either. I call things the way I see them.
I follow multiple games on multiple forums. You don't get a say in that.
I've followed AH over decades and came back when WWI was added, after VR was added, etc. I don't have an account now, if I see significant development again, I might open an account again to check it out.
Is that OK with you high priestess?
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 21, 2022, 05:27:51 PM
Again, I am just pointing out the irony in complaining about a game and the associated forum on said forum. That is literally it.
Again, I am just pointing out the irony in complaining that I don't think anyone is having fun with this game when I clearly said that is a completely personal evaluation based on each person's own criteria.
Thanks for accusing me of things I didn't say. Things that I was very careful to specify.
You don't consider falsely representing what someone said a personal attack?
Title: Re: DCS Apache
Post by: CptTrips on March 25, 2022, 10:05:26 AM
FYI, one of those sales I mentioned is coming up. I'm sure Apache won't be on it as it is a new release, but incase you wanted to pick up a terrain or one of the other helo.
Icons and spotting are below par in both dcs and il2 compared to ah gameplay IMO
I agree that post-WWII is DCS's best payoff. Not everything has radar though like the Huey.
If you have icons on in DCS, I haven't noticed any real difference compared to AH. They have different levels. I like the one that simply places a little colored line by them just enough to help you pick them out of the clutter. Not enough to blot out your view when there are several grouped together.
In all games, what I'd like to see is an intermittent icon switch button. I'd like them to be off by default for emersion, and if I hold down a button have them show at a desired level and then vanish again if I let go of the button. I feel that would a good compromise between realism and practical limits of resolution. Off unless I need a little help for a second or two, then off again.
As I said, my only real interest at the moment is helo, and I find that attacking ground targets and road convoys at 100ft agl that icon are not that needed unless I'm attacking infantry.