galileo1 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 (edited) I've been out of the aircraft simulator gaming side of things for a while and would like to know what's out there in iterms of a good PC based sim I could try. It needs to be a game I can just use my keyboard to play as I don't own a joystick . Any feedback will be really appreciated. Rob Edited June 7, 2015 by galileo1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SonyKen Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Rob, Being that this one is an oldie goldie, you probably already know about Aces of the Pacific and the follow on game of Aces over Europe. Being that I am a big history buff and I like naval aircraft types, I enjoyed playing Pacific more than I did Europe, but they were both enjoyable keyboard games. I haven't actually looked for them in several years but by now they may be now share-ware games. It seems like the Pacific game had a "1946" expansion disk which I know included Japanese types had the war not ended in 1945, but I can't really remember. Cheers! Best Regards, Ken Bailey (SonyKen) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Exhausted Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Il-2 is the gold standard. Less than $15 shipped. http://www.amazon.com/IL2-Sturmovik-Complete/dp/B00104X1WE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1433629239&sr=8-7&keywords=il-2+sturmovik Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Cartwright Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Hi Rob, There are a lot out there, but I think you'll find most of them a little difficult to play without a joystick. I don't know if you just don't want to spend the money on one, don't have room, or any other reason, but if you can entertain the idea of buying a joystick for it, I think you'll enjoy any simulator much more, and you can get a good joystick for under $40. There's the Logitech Extreme 3D for about $32, and it works pretty well, even having a separate throttle. http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Extreme-Joystick-Silver-Black/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433629246&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+extreme+3d+pro I'm not sure there are many I can recommend without a joystick, even though most provide the ability to control them with the keyboard. Most flight sims are more demanding on hardware, too, so you'd want to have a relatively fast system to use them. Lately, flight sims have been pushed towards more realism, so that ups the hardware requirement and complexity. You can download DCS World for free, and it includes a Russian SU-25 with it, and then you can buy other modules to add that all work off the basic install (they have the Flaming Cliffs series, which included an A-10A, F-15C, Su-27, MiG-29, and I think another variant of the Flanker. To take it a step up, there's the A-10C module from them, which is very realistic in its avionics, and add-ons from other companies for the MiG-21, F-86, etc. They have some WWII aircraft as well, but all of the action, for now, is set in Crimea (it's developed by a Russian company). http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/world/ There's Rise of Flight, which is WWI, and is pretty good. You can get started for free, then buy more planes if you want. http://riseofflight.com/ There's IL2 Sturmovik, which has been around a while but is still a great sim, and there are lots of mods for it to add more features, better graphics, etc. It's on sale for $2.49 at gog.com right now (normally $9.99). http://www.gog.com/game/il_2_sturmovik_1946 There are others, but I think this post is long enough already :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vince14 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Both 'Rise of Flight' and 'Il-2 Stumovik: Battle of Stalingrad' (the new game, not the Il-2 game mentioned above) have recently been changed by the developers to allow both Joystick and keyboard/mouse flight control. Having said that, you'll need a reasonable graphics card to get them to run properly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
graves_09 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 (edited) I've been out of the aircraft simulator gaming side of things for a while and would like to know what's out there in iterms of a good PC based sim I could try. It needs to be a game I can just use my keyboard to play as I don't own a joystick . Any feedback will be really appreciated. Rob Define good? Are you looking for realistic, good graphics, easy game play?, ww1, ww2, modern? Carrier based, dog fighting, mud moving? Lots of options based on what you like. I also would strongly suggest a joystick. To me it would be like painting a model without an airbrush. It's possible, just makes getting the correct results much harder. Edited June 6, 2015 by graves_09 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
worldslaziestbusker Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 You can download DCS World for free, and it includes a Russian SU-25 with it, and then you can buy other modules to add that all work off the basic install (they have the Flaming Cliffs series, which included an A-10A, F-15C, Su-27, MiG-29, and I think another variant of the Flanker. To take it a step up, there's the A-10C module from them, which is very realistic in its avionics, and add-ons from other companies for the MiG-21, F-86, etc. They have some WWII aircraft as well, but all of the action, for now, is set in Crimea (it's developed by a Russian company). DCS World now comes with an unarmed Mustang in addition to the SU-25. The DCS Bell UH-1H simulator is challenging but a lot of fun. I look forward to adding their F-86 to my hangar on my next birthday. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Exhausted Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 (edited) Define good? Are you looking for realistic, good graphics, easy game play?, ww1, ww2, modern? Carrier based, dog fighting, mud moving? Lots of options based on what you like. I also would strongly suggest a joystick. To me it would be like painting a model without an airbrush. It's possible, just makes getting the correct results much harder. I took it by the mention of keyboard flying that he didn't mean for a game with extreme fidelity, though Il-2 Sturmovik is enough to get someone into the genera and encourage them to buy a stick. I have no doubts that he will get one if he gets into Il-2. Besides, yesterday they released patch 4.13, which includes a flyable B-24D and a new flyable Ju-88 variant, the P-1 tank buster. It's graphics are a bit dated, but it'll run on almost anything. Edited June 7, 2015 by Exhausted Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tdogg Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Dcs for sure, for civilian I preferred fsx but x plane is good too and a bit more realistic fsx just ran better on my machine. But for any of these you really need a flight sitck of some sort. I need a new one myself. It can become an expensive hobby like modelling, but thanks to the Internet deals can be found all over. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
galileo1 Posted June 7, 2015 Author Share Posted June 7, 2015 Wow, that's a lot to digest, guys!! Thanks very much for the great answers! To answer a few of the questions posed above, I am indeed looking for a realistic and good overall graphics sim. I don't care much weather is modern aircraft or WWII (I like both). Regarding the joystick, well, I just can't seem to get used to it. I used to play Janes' USAF and loved how the jets handled with the keyboard. I have used a joystick to play sims but never really liked it. I'm sure it was just me not giving it enough time to get used to it. I may give it another try in the hear future but prefer, for the moment, to use what I have available. My PC is pretty new and came all the goodies allowing me to play COD and other such games. I'll research all of your great suggestions and will see which one I like the most. Thanks again for the great feedback! Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Neo Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Im currwntly playing war thunder is a free to play online . its fun i play wirh a joystick but it fully suppots miuse and keyboard. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Smokey Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Have a look at Falcon 4- it's a fantastic sim! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Cartwright Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 (edited) Have a look at Falcon 4- it's a fantastic sim! For Falcon 4, be sure to get the BMS mod - it's free, and improves the graphics dramatically, as well as many other improvements. http://www.bmsforum.org/forum/content.php Note: It does not work on Falcon 4 Allied Force - it's stand-alone, but checks for the original Falcon 4 to install. Edited June 9, 2015 by Ken Cartwright Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sarathi S. Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 Strike Fighters 2 is also a good one. TONS of mod support available as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Exhausted Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 Falcon 4, and BMS, require a joystick. I bought 4.0 in 1998 and found this out the hard way. Strike Fighters 2 is actually amazing for a mid-fidelity game. I use it quite often. I like that you can add planes. Recently I've added the Bucc pack, F-101 pack and the Razbam A-6 and F-102s. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Smokey Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 I wouldn't call anything that can be flown from a keyboard a flight sim:) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
galileo1 Posted June 10, 2015 Author Share Posted June 10, 2015 (edited) Okay, okay, it seems I need to get a joystick then :D/> Which one would you recommend if I were to use DCS and/or Falcon 4? Rob Edit: There's the Logitech Extreme 3D for about $32, and it works pretty well, even having a separate throttle. http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Extreme-Joystick-Silver-Black/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433629246&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+extreme+3d+pro Just re-read the thread and Ken already mentioned the Logitech Extreme 3D. Well, I just ordered one. It should do for now. Rob Edited June 10, 2015 by galileo1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SERNAK Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 My brother had the Suncom throttle and Talon joystick (I think he still must have it....somewhere). What a fantastic set it was, giving you that extra feeling of realism.!.. Those were the days!!! Did any of you had this set or, still has??? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Okay, okay, it seems I need to get a joystick then :D/>/> Which one would you recommend if I were to use DCS and/or Falcon 4? Rob Edit: Just re-read the thread and Ken already mentioned the Logitech Extreme 3D. Well, I just ordered one. It should do for now. Rob Personally, I give the nod to Falcon (with the aforementioned mods). Graphics are bit lacking but IMO, the sim is just a bit more fun. I know this is highly subjective, so your mileage may vary. You can also run it on a lower spec PC. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Cartwright Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 (edited) My brother had the Suncom throttle and Talon joystick (I think he still must have it....somewhere). What a fantastic set it was, giving you that extra feeling of realism.!.. Those were the days!!! Did any of you had this set or, still has??? I had the Talon joystick. Right now, I'm running the Thrustmaster Warthog: http://www.simhq.com/_technology3/images/technology_174a_001t.jpg With the Thrustmaster Cougar MFD panels: http://images.flightstore.co.uk/images/products/zoom/1334773001-28210100.jpg And the Saitek Pro Combat Pedals: http://i1.expansys.com/img/b/216790/saitek-pro-flight-combat-palonnier-rudder-pedals.jpg There's also TrackIR, that allows for looking around by just moving your head: http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/ Here's a clip I recorded flying Falcon BMS with TrackIR - just a simple training mission. All the looking around is done by just moving my head - makes it easier and adds to the SA. Edited June 11, 2015 by Ken Cartwright Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SERNAK Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 WOW!!! I see you are quite organized Ken.!.. Do you also have a set of 3 screens for better viewing the operational environment? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
erik_g Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 With TrackIR you don´t need three screens.. your one screen almost feel like a dome simulator. You just turn your head slightly to have your virtual pilot twist his head to the sides. The ratio of actual vs virtual movement is set in the TrackIR setup software. I have it and I think it works great. Still, doesn't beat a $2000/hr real combat aircraft simulator, but it does not take up a whole room, and it cost a tenth of the price for a life time of use :-) Actually, I had the opportunity to visit the simulator department at SAAB Aircraft, and while they have one simulator with a complete Gripen cockpit inside a large dome, they have several smaller simulators with one large tv-screen for environment display. I told them of TrackIR and suggested that they´d use something similar for the smaller sims. Last thing I know is that they bought a few, but I never heard what came out of it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
galileo1 Posted June 11, 2015 Author Share Posted June 11, 2015 (edited) I had the Talon joystick. Right now, I'm running the Thrustmaster Warthog: http://www.simhq.com/_technology3/images/technology_174a_001t.jpg With the Thrustmaster Cougar MFD panels: http://images.flightstore.co.uk/images/products/zoom/1334773001-28210100.jpg And the Saitek Pro Combat Pedals: http://i1.expansys.com/img/b/216790/saitek-pro-flight-combat-palonnier-rudder-pedals.jpg There's also TrackIR, that allows for looking around by just moving your head: http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/ Here's a clip I recorded flying Falcon BMS with TrackIR - just a simple training mission. All the looking around is done by just moving my head - makes it easier and adds to the SA. Guess you're pretty hard core with these sims, Ken. Nice set up you have there. How much does that Thrustmaster Warthog go for? Before ordering the Logitech 3D I was reading a few forums and people seem to speak highly of this one. Might upgrade the one I just bought one day to test this one out. Rob Edited June 11, 2015 by galileo1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Cartwright Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 Hi SERNAK, I only have the one screen, but as erik_g states, with TrackIR additional screens don't add that much. I would like something larger than my 24", but not sure if the higher resolution would slow the sims down. Rob, the Warthog is crazy expensive, which is why I didn't recommend it originally. I wasn't sure if cost or space were reasons why you didn't have a joystick, and it's both expensive and large. It goes for north of US$400, for both the throttle and joystick. It's an exact duplicate of the joystick and throttle in the A-10C, and the DCS A-10C simulator automatically maps all the controls to the actual aircraft controls, as well as the MFD buttons. For other sims, you'd have to do some programming, either with the TARGET programming tool that comes with the joystick, or within a given sim, to get the buttons to do what you want. Adds a little complication to the initial setup, but once done, it makes things easier. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle Uncool Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 :blink: DCS ≠Lock-On...? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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