Posted: 4/26/2009 4:33:29 AM EDT
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Whats a good, realistic flight simulator? I was looking at MS Flight Sim, but when I used to have it (years ago) it was kind of cheesy and it still looks like that a bit. I saw X-Plane but I don't think I can run it on my PC. I don't have a super-duper processor , it's almost 2 years old but not purchased for gaming. Any ideas? Thanks!  |
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Quoted: Whats a good, realistic flight simulator? I was looking at MS Flight Sim, but when I used to have it (years ago) it was kind of cheesy and it still looks like that a bit. I saw X-Plane but I don't think I can run it on my PC. I don't have a super-duper processor , it's almost 2 years old but not purchased for gaming. Any ideas? Thanks! I'm a fan of the family of simulators that all started with Falcon 4.0, and has been updated with Allied Force, and also Open Falcon. Falcon 4.0 (F4 for short) was originally copyrighted in 1998. It was the cutting edge high fidelity sim of choice for combat aircraft (originally just the F-16) at the time, and the latest developments are fully up to date and every bit as cutting edge today. It's still focused on the F-16 but other aircraft ARE flyable. One big advantage of it over Flight Simulator is that FS isn't a combat simulator while the whole F4 family definitely is, with full weapons support, adversaries, even full real-time dynamic campaigns, and of course, multiplayer support. It is the definitive combat simulator for jet fighters at this time. CJ |
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Flight Simulator X is a good mix of realism and eye candy, but very processor hungry...get FS2004, which needs far less resources. X-Plane is all about realism, with eye candy coming in a close second...you can make your own aircraft, and they will fly based on how you design them...change the airfoil, change the dynamics, etc...its been years since I had X-Plane on my PC, but back then it ran quite well on a base model system... Looks like X-Plane is catching up with FS in terms of graphics...  |
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What sort of flying interests you most? If it's general aviation and a wide variety of aircraft to fly, MS Flight Simulator (whatever version is current) is the way to go. If you're interested in combat, for vintage get Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator. For modern air combat, as I suggested earlier, one of the current generation sims built off of the Falcon 4.0 base (Open Falcon and Allied Force) are the way to go. F4 is designed specifically to offer the highest fidelity experience possible, relative to the real thing. An up to date installation, with all the right packages and patches, offers detailed realism at startling levels. Not just in graphics, but in terms of even having the option of working your way through checklists to perform procedures correct ramp starts, and every control in the virtual cockpit is functional and operates in an authentic manner, to the limits of classified knowledge. You don't have to use the full realism settings, of course, but they're there if maximum possible realism is what you're looking for. CJ |
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Well, any PIII machine is plenty powerful to run any version of F4 at max settings. So, no worries on that account. The only problem with any version of F4 is that you will soon find yourself thinking you want to dump about 300 bucks on a Thrustmaster COUGAR HOTAS throttle and joystick combination. (Rudder pedals, too...maybe.) Once you try it, there's no going back. CJ |
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Lock On is a good solid choice. It's a pretty realistic simulator where it matters. It's also got the added coolness of flyable Russian aircraft.
IL2 started small and turned into a huge flight sim. If you are into ww2 aircraft it's the best way to go. Make sure you get the latest version though. |
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Quoted: Lock On is a good solid choice. It's a pretty realistic simulator where it matters. It's also got the added coolness of flyable Russian aircraft. IL2 started small and turned into a huge flight sim. If you are into ww2 aircraft it's the best way to go. Make sure you get the latest version though. That would be 1946...a couple hundred flyable aircraft there |
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Lock On is a good solid choice. It's a pretty realistic simulator where it matters. It's also got the added coolness of flyable Russian aircraft. IL2 started small and turned into a huge flight sim. If you are into ww2 aircraft it's the best way to go. Make sure you get the latest version though. That would be 1946...a couple hundred flyable aircraft there
Yep. If you want a WWII flight sim, IL-2 1946 is the hands down best. ~250 flyable planes from pre-war bi-planes to late/post-war jet fighters. I don't know how many maps there are, but there's at least one for every theater of operations during the war. I've been playing the series for years, but just got '46(my brother got it for $10 off ebay). As you are probably guessing by the title, they added an alternate history spin to the game: jets, rocket planes, and German wonder-weapons. Right now I'm addicted to taking out flights of Soviet B-29s with wire-guided missiles and the four 30mm cannons of a Ta-183. The graphics engine for IL-2 is a few years old, so it should run fine on your computer. Just as long as you don't play any of the missions with massive aerial armadas or lots of ground objects(cities). If you stick to the Quick Mission Builder, you should definitely be fine as the number of objects are limited. |
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Lock On is a good solid choice. It's a pretty realistic simulator where it matters. It's also got the added coolness of flyable Russian aircraft. IL2 started small and turned into a huge flight sim. If you are into ww2 aircraft it's the best way to go. Make sure you get the latest version though. That would be 1946...a couple hundred flyable aircraft there
Yep. If you want a WWII flight sim, IL-2 1946 is the hands down best. ~250 flyable planes from pre-war bi-planes to late/post-war jet fighters. I don't know how many maps there are, but there's at least one for every theater of operations during the war. I've been playing the series for years, but just got '46(my brother got it for $10 off ebay). As you are probably guessing by the title, they added an alternate history spin to the game: jets, rocket planes, and German wonder-weapons. Right now I'm addicted to taking out flights of Soviet B-29s with wire-guided missiles and the four 30mm cannons of a Ta-183. The graphics engine for IL-2 is a few years old, so it should run fine on your computer. Just as long as you don't play any of the missions with massive aerial armadas or lots of ground objects(cities). If you stick to the Quick Mission Builder, you should definitely be fine as the number of objects are limited. sucks that 1946 and vista 64 are no-go |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Lock On is a good solid choice. It's a pretty realistic simulator where it matters. It's also got the added coolness of flyable Russian aircraft. IL2 started small and turned into a huge flight sim. If you are into ww2 aircraft it's the best way to go. Make sure you get the latest version though. That would be 1946...a couple hundred flyable aircraft there Yep. If you want a WWII flight sim, IL-2 1946 is the hands down best. ~250 flyable planes from pre-war bi-planes to late/post-war jet fighters. I don't know how many maps there are, but there's at least one for every theater of operations during the war. I've been playing the series for years, but just got '46(my brother got it for $10 off ebay). As you are probably guessing by the title, they added an alternate history spin to the game: jets, rocket planes, and German wonder-weapons. Right now I'm addicted to taking out flights of Soviet B-29s with wire-guided missiles and the four 30mm cannons of a Ta-183. The graphics engine for IL-2 is a few years old, so it should run fine on your computer. Just as long as you don't play any of the missions with massive aerial armadas or lots of ground objects(cities). If you stick to the Quick Mission Builder, you should definitely be fine as the number of objects are limited. sucks that 1946 and vista 64 are no-go Using it right now!   |
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Lock On is a good solid choice. It's a pretty realistic simulator where it matters. It's also got the added coolness of flyable Russian aircraft. IL2 started small and turned into a huge flight sim. If you are into ww2 aircraft it's the best way to go. Make sure you get the latest version though. That would be 1946...a couple hundred flyable aircraft there
Yep. If you want a WWII flight sim, IL-2 1946 is the hands down best. ~250 flyable planes from pre-war bi-planes to late/post-war jet fighters. I don't know how many maps there are, but there's at least one for every theater of operations during the war. I've been playing the series for years, but just got '46(my brother got it for $10 off ebay). As you are probably guessing by the title, they added an alternate history spin to the game: jets, rocket planes, and German wonder-weapons. Right now I'm addicted to taking out flights of Soviet B-29s with wire-guided missiles and the four 30mm cannons of a Ta-183. The graphics engine for IL-2 is a few years old, so it should run fine on your computer. Just as long as you don't play any of the missions with massive aerial armadas or lots of ground objects(cities). If you stick to the Quick Mission Builder, you should definitely be fine as the number of objects are limited. sucks that 1946 and vista 64 are no-go Using it right now!
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2966/grab0004.jpg well i'll be. |
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Quoted: Falcon 4.0 (F4 for short) was originally copyrighted in 1998. It was the cutting edge high fidelity sim of choice for combat aircraft (originally just the F-16) at the time, and the latest developments are fully up to date and every bit as cutting edge today. It's still focused on the F-16 but other aircraft ARE flyable. How do you fly the other aircraft? |
Installed "Lock-On Modern Air Combat". Looks great except when I went to actually use it.  My computer can't handle it. I guess I will need to update my system with more RAM, video card, processor etc... I guess thats what I get for trying to buy it off ebay at $2.95. I tried turning down all of the options, (color, haze, water effects etc.. but it still seems to use more memory than available. Part of the screen are black and very choppy, when grapghics are displayed they are mis-matched abd choppy. I am assuming it is too slow. |
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Quoted: Installed "Lock-On Modern Air Combat". Looks great except when I went to actually use it. My computer can't handle it. I guess I will need to update my system with more RAM, video card, processor etc... I guess thats what I get for trying to buy it off ebay at $2.95. I tried turning down all of the options, (color, haze, water effects etc.. but it still seems to use more memory than available. Part of the screen are black and very choppy, when grapghics are displayed they are mis-matched abd choppy. I am assuming it is too slow. What are your system specs? Did you get Lock On Gold? |
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Quoted: No just plain Lock-On Quoted: Installed "Lock-On Modern Air Combat". Looks great except when I went to actually use it. My computer can't handle it. I guess I will need to update my system with more RAM, video card, processor etc... I guess thats what I get for trying to buy it off ebay at $2.95. I tried turning down all of the options, (color, haze, water effects etc.. but it still seems to use more memory than available. Part of the screen are black and very choppy, when grapghics are displayed they are mis-matched abd choppy. I am assuming it is too slow. What are your system specs? Did you get Lock On Gold? System specs? Well, I think the processor is 1.6GHz, Intel Processor running XP sp3 - Not sure what to look up and where. |
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Right click on My Computer, and choose properties. It'll tell you your processor speed and amount of RAM. Lock On: Gold is better because it has Flaming Cliffs, which adds a couple new aircraft and missions into the mix. I picked up Black Shark today...that is a squirrely bastard! And the menus are kinda annoying...once you click on a button, the game just dissapears for a minute or so until it loads up the next menu  |
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I'm actually running XP. I bought it or a small business venture a while back. Now I use it as the family room computer. My laptop probably isn't much better. So what do I need to run some of these games? Is it something I can upgrade? I don't really want a new system. I can invest a few bucks into some parts. I can add more memory but changing a processor may be more difficult. I've never done that before. I probably need to reload the entire system to recognize the new processor. Now my question goes to a different forum... Sigh... |
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more importantly, what type of video card to you have? I have a feeling you're using an onboard POS vid chip that shares system ram. That means No Gaming.
And, throw in the fact that Flight Sims are some of the most demanding applications out there, in terms of CPU, RAM & Graphics, and yeah. Usually you need a BEAST of a PC if you want glass smooth FPS and good graphics. Sounds like it's time for you to check out Alienware or Dell's XPS line of gaming PC's. Sure, you could build one yourself much cheaper, but it doesn't sound like that's something you're quite ready for... |
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I'm actually running XP. I bought it or a small business venture a while back. Now I use it as the family room computer. My laptop probably isn't much better. So what do I need to run some of these games? Is it something I can upgrade? I don't really want a new system. I can invest a few bucks into some parts. I can add more memory but changing a processor may be more difficult. I've never done that before. I probably need to reload the entire system to recognize the new processor. Now my question goes to a different forum... Sigh...Flight sims are CPU heavy. You need more CPU power and ram. |
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A lack of RAM or CPU power would present as sluggish performance- not graphical errors and oddities.
You have plenty of RAM and CPU- Lock On is several years old and should run fine (it runs ok on my system with similar specs with some features turned down). You're issues are almost certainly centered on your video card. First things first- you must update your drivers. Right click on 'My Computer' and select 'properties' from the context menu. Click on the 'Hardware' tab then then Device Manager button. Expand the 'display adapters' section and post back whatever you see there. Will probably be something like NVIDIA GeForce 6400 or something like that. Also, press the windows key and R at the same time. Type in 'DXDIAG' into the command line that pops up. A window will open that will display a bunch of information about your computer. Post back what it says after 'DirectX Version:', near the bottom of the list of stuff. Once you do that we can point you in the right direction for the most up to date driver package. You may ultimately still need to update some hardware but oftentimes the latest drivers make a huge difference. More CPU and RAM always helps but it sounds like your graphics card just doesn't know how to properly render what it's being told to do, or isn't optimized to do so. -Local |
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Dumb question, is this the entire game or an upgrade?
http://www.amazon.com/IL-2-Sturmovik-1946-Pc/dp/B000N4JENW |
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I saw a boxed copy of 1946 for $20 at a local store.
Then, I saw it on the website for $10 as a digital download. I am wondering if the download is also the full set of games? Cause $10 is well worth it! I mean, it's worth it at $20, so $10 is even better! Yes, it's the full set of games. I'm thinking I'll pick it up one way or the other this weekend. I'm downloading it now. (I have an old joystick, not sure if it works though, guess I'll find out in a bit...) |
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Quoted: Display Adapter: A lack of RAM or CPU power would present as sluggish performance- not graphical errors and oddities. You have plenty of RAM and CPU- Lock On is several years old and should run fine (it runs ok on my system with similar specs with some features turned down). You're issues are almost certainly centered on your video card. First things first- you must update your drivers. Right click on 'My Computer' and select 'properties' from the context menu. Click on the 'Hardware' tab then then Device Manager button. Expand the 'display adapters' section and post back whatever you see there. Will probably be something like NVIDIA GeForce 6400 or something like that. Also, press the windows key and R at the same time. Type in 'DXDIAG' into the command line that pops up. A window will open that will display a bunch of information about your computer. Post back what it says after 'DirectX Version:', near the bottom of the list of stuff. Once you do that we can point you in the right direction for the most up to date driver package. You may ultimately still need to update some hardware but oftentimes the latest drivers make a huge difference. More CPU and RAM always helps but it sounds like your graphics card just doesn't know how to properly render what it's being told to do, or isn't optimized to do so. -Local Intel (R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family DXDIAG: DirectX 9.0c |
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1946 is every release of the game up until now IL-2 Sturmovik Ace Expansion Pack Pacific Fighters Polikarpov Pe-2 1946 Cool. I ordered it from the amazon link above, then dug out my old LOGITECH joy stick J-ZA10. it has an old DB15 (serial?) connector, I can't find the USB adapter. 
What's a decent joystick that won't break the bank? |
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I am about to pick up the Saitek AV8R-02. It's one that I can use on both my 360 and PC. The standard AV8R is PC only, and can be had for $40-50. In fact, I saw it at a local Best Buy for $36.
Here's a shot of the 360/PC one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16874104075 Here's the PC only version, which new egg also has for $36: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826102002 These sticks have Dual Throttles, and I believe the Toggle Switch allows one to have two configurations loaded, which would be pretty handy. Otherwise, Logitech and Saitek have several sub $50 joysticks, most with throttle and twist rudder. Pretty much any of them will work good enough. A friend of mine has the HOTAS setup from Saitek (Pretty much the same set that the Collectors Ed of Ace Combat shipped with) and it's pretty cool. I think it goes for about $110, and they have a more programmable version of it for like $190. |
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Quoted: Quoted: 1946 is every release of the game up until now IL-2 Sturmovik Ace Expansion Pack Pacific Fighters Polikarpov Pe-2 1946 Cool. I ordered it from the amazon link above, then dug out my old LOGITECH joy stick J-ZA10. it has an old DB15 (serial?) connector, I can't find the USB adapter. What's a decent joystick that won't break the bank? Logitech EXtreme 3D Pro I think its like $30...it is what I use now that my 2nd Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro (circa 1998  ) is starting to lose its settings on a daily basis...Dont get the AV8R...it is stupid ergonomics to put the dual throttles in FRONT of the joystick...my clan leader has one and its making it a bitch for him to learn to fly helos in ArmA.. |
Thanks
I got this one on the way new egg link I haven't played a flight sim since I had Jane's WWII fighters, several years ago. |
 This is what you want if you're serious. It's what's on my desk right now. I intend to put some upgrades into mine as well. As good as it is, it can be much better and even more authentic in feel and performance, referenced to the controllers in a real F-16, which it is closely copied from. But it's expensive. Retail is about 300 dollars for the stock version. It's possible to dump another grand or more into upgrades for it. CJ |
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http://101squadron.com/pics_media/cougar.jpg This is what you want if you're serious. It's what's on my desk right now. I intend to put some upgrades into mine as well. As good as it is, it can be much better and even more authentic in feel and performance, referenced to the controllers in a real F-16, which it is closely copied from. But it's expensive. Retail is about 300 dollars for the stock version. It's possible to dump another grand or more into upgrades for it. CJ I'm not serious. I'm cheap I spend all my real money on AR's and IPSC
I found my old JANES WWII FIGHTERS CD's, both, but can't find the product key. 
will this old game even run on XP? |
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http://101squadron.com/pics_media/cougar.jpg This is what you want if you're serious. It's what's on my desk right now. I intend to put some upgrades into mine as well. As good as it is, it can be much better and even more authentic in feel and performance, referenced to the controllers in a real F-16, which it is closely copied from. But it's expensive. Retail is about 300 dollars for the stock version. It's possible to dump another grand or more into upgrades for it. CJ I'm not serious. I'm cheap I spend all my real money on AR's and IPSC
I found my old JANES WWII FIGHTERS CD's, both, but can't find the product key.
will this old game even run on XP? i loved my old janes games. my favorite would have to be USAF. although, i did enjoy the apache series too. i've tried falcon 4.0 and i can never land the damned jet, i guess i just suck. i also have LOMAC, but honestly i have never played it. |
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Landing the F16 in Falcon is easy IF you've patched the game. In the original release it was very tough but I learned to grease it right in on the numbers. After patching it, it's more realistic, that is, easier. Set speed brakes, drop the gear, get stablized at 160 knots on a long 3 degree final approach, stick the steerpoint cursor on the end of the runway, and as you cross the threshold, pull up gently to put the cursor on the other end of the runway and slowly dump the throttle. You'll grease it right in every time if you do exactly this. I've become a master at landings at short notice from any angle and direction. My favorite landing practice is to do a giant loop over the runway, throw out the anchor at the top of the loop, (That's speed brakes out and gear down), chop the throttle, and make the final approach at something near a 45 degree angle. I land long at 220 knots rolling but I stop before the numbers at the other end of the runway. It's loads of fun. I swear I have more fun in the landings than anywhere else.  CJ |
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Display Adapter: Intel (R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family DXDIAG: DirectX 9.0c Ok. Your computer is using an integrated graphics chip instead of a dedicated card. As a cost saver your motherboard has a little graphics processor on board and it borrows some system RAM instead of having it's own. This is fine for web browsing and office apps, maybe even some simple games, but it's just not going to cut it for a flight sim. So you have some options. You can pick up a decent video card these days for 70 bucks. Exactly what you get is highly dependent on what sort of interface your computer has to choose from. It's just old enough, and cheap enough, that it might not have a PCIex 16x slot. It may have a 1x slot. Couldn't say with out knowing more about the machine. You can upgrade to a new computer. If you've got some spare cash this is a pretty good option. Computers are pretty cheap. 500 bucks will get you a machine perfectly capable of playing Lock On or IL2 with the settings pretty high. It won't be mind blowing, but it'll be ok. Try updating your drivers and Lock On. That might fix the graphical oddities but the game is never really going to run well. But it's also free. -Local |
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It's a hard game! maybe I'm just spoiled by the more modern aircraft and/or the games that 'help' the player with waypoints, radar, and such. I started up a Pacific career, and dammit if I didn't get lost right off the bat from my flight leader on a simple CAP! LoL.
I never got around to ordering that joystick either, and my current old Logitech one sucks pretty bad. I had to basically put the game in arcade mode just to make the planes somewhat controlable....heh. |