DCS is less of a game, and much more of a sim.
The "low" definition aircraft are in the Flaming Cliffs 3 package. Whilst they have realistic flight characteristics, their controls are simplified.
The rest are "high def", i.e. you can flick switches and similar within the cockpit and most have pretty complex routines, reflecting reality where possible. The exceptions being the more "sensitive" systems, like IFF (Identify Friend or Foe). Sure, it's in game and controllable, but won't fully reflect reality.
Regards how you fly, take your pick:
- Most aircraft come with a number of pre-designed missions
- Paid for campaigns, typically including 12-15 missions which are usually well designed. On sale, these are around £5 a pop
- Learn how to use the mission editor yourself. It's a lot easier than you might think and allows you to design pretty much whatever you want, assuming that it fits the maps (currently 4 and increasing), and the existing assets, i.e. aircraft, tanks, ships etc. You can create a mission for just yourself, or for many people to fly on
- Jump online, either into an "open" server, or join a squadron. Then it's down to your preference, i.e. do you want to fight "air to air", "air to ground", PVP, PVE, in a helicopter, modern day jet etc
It does take time to learn the systems, but it's incredibly satisfying when you're there.
As it's free to try it, give it a go. What I would say is that you should assume you're a new pilot joining a real airforce from the level of practice involved.
On a positive note, there's a LOT of good material to guide people, on everything from aircraft choice, how to take off, land etc, how to build missions.
Sure, the DCS forums are certainly not perfect, but generally you'll get a useful response to a sensible question.
