Aces of Thunder and why I think it matters
There is a new sim coming, it's Aces of Thunder and I think it's important. The simulation world does two things for us. First it allows us to experience these planes in a setting something close to reality. Sitting in a virtual reality cockpit and looking around provides a perspective you just never get looking at pictures or even in a good flat screen sim.
Until I flew in virtual reality, I never full realized how tight the FW190 cockpit is, after sitting in a virtual US or even a Japanese fighter, you can really see how much the Germans were trying to minimize the plane's cross section.
Second, and this might be more important, simulations get the younger people interested in WW1 and WW2 aircraft, some of those people want to learn about the technology involved, and of those some become engineers and designers and they take some lessons of the past with them into their new occupations.
Aces of Thunder is important because it's going to be very accessible. It doesn't require anything other than a VR headset, and even then you don't have to have that, it can be played on a flat screen. There is no need for an expensive HOTAS system, although you can use one if you want.
This new sim has the advantage of being simple enough for someone brand new to flight sims to be able to buy it and enjoy flying right away. DCS, and I love DCS, but it requires a huge investement in time just to be able to start the engine and take off. DCS isn't that far from real pilot training in terms of aircraft control and systems. DCS has it's place, but it's never going to attract many first time flight simmers. We need a new entry levels sim and I think Aces of Thunder is perfect for this. I'll put up a video tomorrow.
Greg
Comments (11)
Cool DCS is awesome but it takes timed. I did use DCS to prepare for training flights at Jetwarbird in New Mexico. That went very well and it saved me training time on the L-39 AND Mig 15 (with hot ejector). Note you need a PPL and valid medical for that level to fly with them. (even if it is just backseating. Thanks for the simulator tip Gregg. I don;t have the time to spend too long to set up the simiulator.
Greg, have you tried Aerofly FS4 (on Steam)? It's also very VR friendly, and the planes range from really easy (Bu-133 is awesome!) to full up A-380s or 777s and gliders, helos, etc. Some flight models are flat out UFOs (the F-15E is hilariously bad) but some are really nice - the R-22 helo is supposed to be one of the best helo sims. Terrain-wise it's kind of MSFS lite, with the whole world avialable, some weather, some traffic - all pretty easy to work with. It's my go-to when I don't want the drama of DCS...
DCS is definitely nice for the full experience of systems and flight, but it's nice that something is coming out that allows for a quick fun flight after coming home from work. Only so many hours in a day and there's a lot of real world stuff to study in aviation, especially for younger people starting out.
Every time you mention this I think of Aces of the Pacific, the 1992 Dynamix flight sim. That was one of the first games I played a lot as a kid, once my Dad (an army pilot during Vietnam) had taught me the basics. I'm looking forward to trying Aces of Thunder and your videos on it.
I have used Microsft Flight Simulator since it loaded with Floppy Disks. Even learned to add aircraft from uploaded files. I got the B-52, 58 also a P-38 loved it . I really loved the B-52 And B-58. I have the lastest flight sim and it is beautiful. Please anounce when the new sim arrives so I can look at it. I can take off and fly fine. Landings, I'm still only adaquate. I found a good joystick and throttle assembly that cost around 400.00 made a big difference. My landing skills still need work. can you make recommendations on a VR Selup. I've got one my son bought me, but it needs something to improve the clarity.
While War Thunder is playable in flatscreen, Aces of Thunder is not. The Steam page for the game specifically notes that VR is required.
They’ve made an announcement last month or the previous that it will be playable in non-vr as well.
Looking forward to it. Tried DCS a couple times, but never had the time to get familiar with it. If Aces of Thunder gets your approval, it's worth giving a look.
Just wondering if you ever investigated Aces High by HiTech Creations. And if so, what was your opinion of it?
WarThunder had the position to be that sim but they turned it into an insufferable grind-fest embodiment of the worst aspects of free-to-play FOMO nonsense. I'm looking forward to giving this one a shot.
Aces of Thunder, thanks for the recommendation. I used to fly Hellcats over the Pacific and F/A-18 Hornet 2.0 and 3.0, and Combat Flight Simulator 3 Battle for Europe back in the day. I'd like to get back into it. Appreciate the recommendations.