Best Flight Sim?

I wouldn't touch aerofly at all, it has a really bad and arcade like flight simulation even with it all on expert, the aircraft don't have much beyond flaps, brake, power and control/trim. It's all visuals and even then it's only the snow topped moutains (some of them), the rest is average.
 
:) Thanks for the DCS world link. I didn't know that was there..

As for FSX visuals, people tend to get disheartened very quickly. You put all the sliders up to max. You buy the Heathrow scenery and you only get 2 FPS.

You can't be doing that on a <= 2010 PC. It's all about give and take.
 
I dont play Flight sims myself but my old man swears by Falcon 4.0.....apparently theres a massive community of modders for it bringing it up to date
 
ChrisJSY said:
I wouldn't touch aerofly at all, it has a really bad and arcade like flight simulation even with it all on expert, the aircraft don't have much beyond flaps, brake, power and control/trim. It's all visuals and even then it's only the snow topped moutains (some of them), the rest is average.
Click to expand...

Which kind of sounds what the op is after tbh.

And good call on falcon 4: linkage: http://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/content.php
 
I've just downloaded Flight the other day and haven't really got around to having a proper go on it yet but it looks nice even on low graphics (if I put it on high i get about 5fps on my crappy PC).

I still use FSX (for VFR in a Cessna, graphics are nicer), and 2004 for procedural flying in jets. Most of my add-ons are for 2004 and I never bothered updating them for FSX because I get better framerates when there's a lot going on. The four essential add-ons for me would be Global elevation data, a traffic package with real-world airlines, Radar Contact ATC, and a decent fully-systemed jet (the Mad Dog MD80 is my favourite).

I read somewhere that X-Plane couldn't deal with aircraft systems such as FMS's but I don't know if this is still true, also the default airports aren't like the real ones. Both of these things are a bit of a deal killer even if the 'simulation' aspect is more realistic than FSX.

I've also got Falcon 4 but the terrain graphics are comparatively basic and I don't use it much.
 
Xordium said:
And neither does FSX out of the box. And he is not going to get the best experience with just a keyboard and a mouse either.
Click to expand...

Are we really going to do this back and fourth?

FSX has the options, Aerofly does not.
In short, I repeat my last post; Not really, he wanted other stuff which aerofly absolutely does not have at all.

To explain further , FSX will cover a better flight model and in places at stock look better than aerofly, seriously some aerofly locations are low res, flat textures. Problem with aerofly is it's all looks up top but no body and soul, it has pretty mountainous regions and some villages from high up look nice, until you actually fly and realise you can flail your joystick around like a maniac and recover in seconds and when you fly low or around certain areas it's dog ugly.

In FSX at least, you have many, many addons/extras to take it further.
Some free too!

Also, It isn't just about looks and physics, it's the aircraft themselves and fidelity, you can play FSX at a basic level or get a bit more complicated with controls, unlike Aerofly which is simply go/stop. Although I have to say the stock FSX aircraft still aren't the best, but way better than the other game.

As for keyboard and mouse, I think you're completely mistaken on all the things he wants from the game, you can play FSX fine with a KB/Mouse, even on the most realistic mode with a 737+, it's not hard nor ideal, in fact any flightsim with a keyboard and mouse is pushing it, so why you brought it up in argument as if it had a point. It works, it's doable, end.


Edit: I think that anyone who recommended aerofly in this thread may not have played anything else nor have actually played aerofly, it's a joke of a game and a joke to call a simulator.
The sooner people realise with all these products it isn't about looks the better advice can be given, because you're going to get bored so, so quickly otherwise.
 
Last edited:
So I bit the bullet and bought Aerofly FS and the previous poster was right - it is a bit arcadey - but perhaps this is what I was looking for! I enjoyed trashing planes around the place (not literally 'trashing'....well......) and the textures/models are really good. Might check out some of the others once I've bought a flight stick.

Thanks!
 
!bluetonic! said:
Now you've got the bug for flying, give FSX a go.

The default Cessna 172 is a great starting point.
Click to expand...

I'd love to give FXS; the demo was good and looked very in-depth, but I'll probably wait til I get a flight stick.... also I'm a bit confused as to which mods etc to get to make it look its absolute best....and I'm not sure I'd want to spend out hundreds on add-ons either!! Any suggestions?
 
peanutismint said:
So I bit the bullet and bought Aerofly FS and the previous poster was right - it is a bit arcadey - but perhaps this is what I was looking for! I enjoyed trashing planes around the place (not literally 'trashing'....well......) and the textures/models are really good. Might check out some of the others once I've bought a flight stick.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Glad you enjoyed it!

It's a good one to find your feet on. Keep your eye on members market for the stick and trackir as they sometimes pop up on there. Don't forget that trackir will also work with games like Arma and driving sims etc. And of course once you have the cash get every other game mentioned here. See their strengths and weaknesses and ignore the fanbois. All have their place for a particular type of person.

ChrisJSY said:
Inane rant
Click to expand...

Whatever mate he bought it and enjoyed it. No need to go all fanboi if you have of engaged your brain you would see I personally prefer XPlane and DCS-A10 ... but hey ho you're entitled to your opinion even if that opinion is demeaning me for suggesting that the chap look at a few options.

Bananaaa said:
Shall be buying DCS A10 this weekend, anyone willing to show me the ropes?
Click to expand...

A few people I know started off with these:

 
Last edited:
Xordium said:
Whatever mate he bought it and enjoyed it. No need to go all fanboi if you have of engaged your brain you would see I personally prefer XPlane and DCS-A10 ... but hey ho you're entitled to your opinion even if that opinion is demeaning me for suggesting that the chap look at a few options.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure it's right to call me a fanboy because I pointed out some facts rather than personal opinions, also when I read the OP I thought of everything he wanted and aerofly didn't fit the bill. You'll take particular note to the other fact that I never mentioned anything about FSX until you did, I was simply correcting an error.

Also, if you thought that reply was solely for you, you're mistaken.
My examples were mostly for the benefit of peanutismint.

The thread was titled Best Flight Sim, not arcade game. I was simply trying to avoid someone wasting cash on something they didn't ask for and reading the original post, the game required and what he wanted don't add up. All I wanted was to be a little bit more detailed about a certain product for the concern of the OP.


Edit: Lastly, why would I need to engage my brain so I can understand that you personally prefer XPlane and DCS-A10? What has that got to do with anything at all? Great, so do I! I love DCS-A10, it's my favorite sim! ?


Bananaaa said:
Shall be buying DCS A10 this weekend, anyone willing to show me the ropes?
Click to expand...

As Xordium linked, but also I recommended (since I've trained at least a handful of people);
-that you understand the basics startup/takeoff/controlled flight/ though landing not so important yet.
-are able to start the aircraft manually (so you know where most of the usable switches are and not just auto start)
-know what key is bound to what (manual/printout/write it down) because different people have different bind locations, so if someone asked do you know where you DMS/TMS/Coolie/China/Pinky/etc are, you know what to press (and what they are!).

After that it makes the job of someone helping you much easier since they know you have the basics down!
 
Last edited:
Xordium said:
Glad you enjoyed it!

It's a good one to find your feet on. Keep your eye on members market for the stick and trackir as they sometimes pop up on there.
Click to expand...

Firstly - I'm in work so can't really watch that video at the mo but I did see an A-10 video (might even be this one!) which was hilarious- basically three guys on headsets with one guy controlling the plane and one reading the pre-flight checklist from the manual. It was really funny - they didn't even make it off the runway for about the first 20 minutes - they managed to get all the power switched on and then the instruments, and then when trying to engage the engines they turned around to see that one of their engines was like totally ablaze :-D

Secondly, I'm not sure whether I'd actually use a TrackIR type system enough to warrant getting one...are they really that good? I've had a look around for flight sticks and have found a massively cheap one - now I know all the flight sim nuts will probably say it's cheap for a reason, but I'm thinking it might be okay for me starting out? It's a Speedlink Black Widow which is only like £30. Reviews seem to be good, although I'm quite aware that it's probably not AMAAAZING for only £30. Has all of the controls I'd probably need for a beginner; throttle, rudder, hat button for looking around etc... Says it has 'force vibration' but I assume that's not the same as the 'force feedback' found in Microsoft's SideWinder etc (sorry if that's showing my age - my friend had a SideWinder II when they first came out in like 1998 and it was mental! Truly difficult to control sometimes but made it very realistic!). So I'm wondering if anyone's had any experience with this cheap flight stick or any other beginners-sticks that they would recommend? I'd expect I could probably get a fairly cheap SideWinder or similar on eBay?? But for the amount I'm gonna use it, I'd rather pay like £40-50 than like £200! :) Hope that makes sense....
 
Last edited:
TrackIR is that good. However - if you have a cheap webcam or wiimote (I think) you can use freetrack for the same functionality.

I have a £25 Logitech 3D pro and can recommend it for a beginner.

Nate
 
peanutismint said:
Secondly, I'm not sure whether I'd actually use a TrackIR type system enough to warrant getting one...are they really that good?
Click to expand...

It really depends. What else do you play? How flush with the cash are you?

There is a list of compatible games on their site. I know I've put over 200hrs into mine just on DayZ this year let alone anything else. I have this kind of theory where I work entertainment out as value for money if it equates to less than £1/hr - so cinema not so good - my trackir very good. Like I said before though there are free versions eg FreeTrack for you to have a play around with.

Maybe play around with your new flight sim for a bit. If you are still playing it and feeling it is not stretching you enough in a month or two then look at the others. DCS is a hell of a step-up from anything else mentioned here really. Sometimes I think it makes playing Eve Online look like Angry Birds or something. Have a think though what you really like and try out all the free demos etc. Some people love modern jets, some people prefer helicopters, some prefer civilian games, some people want the difficulty through the roof whilst some people prefer something milder. You kind of have to think about what you like etc are you a competitive player and want to PVP etc, or do you chill out in gaming etc. You need to be certain though before splashing the cash on the expensive stuff. When you look at your Steam profile and see Aerofly on a silly number of hours and you feel it is not stretching you then maybe have a look at something else. Walk before running and all that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom