Recommend a flight sim?

[stormbind]

Hi,

Now that my preferred joystick is working, I would like a new flight simulator but don't know which to get.

I don't mind realism but there's a limit to how much detail I can comfortably handle - I only know the basics of flying.

Generally prefer WW1 or WW2 planes (maybe stretch to early Cold War stuff) but I don't like really modern ones because they have too many settings and switches to confuse me with.

Also, I prefer actual scenery to endless ocean, which puts a downer on many carrier-based simulators.

Lastly, I prefer a simulator that allows some freedom to explore and doesn't stick to a pre-defined script: If it includes an Me-262 then it should also include a RAF Meteor and maybe the WW2 USAAF jet aswell - I forgot it's name.

So with that in mind, can you recommend a simulator?

 

[Reno]

Try Il2 Sturmovik + Forgotten Battles there's also a new add on for it, but i forgot the name.

 

[Suppersalmon]

I always like Microsoft Combat flight simulator

 

[-0blivion-]

Try Il2 Sturmovik + Forgotten Battles

I second that.

 

[Strontium_Dog]

I've got an old one, that's WW2 based, called Fighter Squadron. I could'nt get very far with it though got shot down a lot, or just crashed into the ground
It was ok though, once you'd got the crate in the air. It also stretched reality somewhat, by allowing the option of HUD, not very realistic in a P51, but helpful.
Realistic flight sims never really bit for me. Especially one with modern planes, too complex, too much to remember.

 

[MikeH]

Not a lot of flight sims around these days, but I agree IL2:FB is very good. Pacific Fighters is the new sim by the same team, so you might prefer that if you'd rather sim the Pacific War than the Eastern Front.

If you prefer flying civilian plane MS Flight Sim is about the only show in town.

 

[stormbind]

I became hooked on flight sims with... and this is going to sound really pathetic... Red Baron! Ooooh... *silly melodramatic sound effects*

That's an oldie 16-colour game for IBM PC, also available also in a rare 256-colour enhanced version... hehe

I have played loads of newer games, some similar to RB, but none have ever matched it's fun and playability. Most newer games leave me waiting too long before meeting a foe, or are too complicated. Just generally less fun - although they do look better... hehe

IL2 has just been ordered. If I like it, I'll add the expansions. I actually blundered as it would have been cheaper as part of a flightsim bundle, but oh well

Here's hoping it will be better than RB!

 

[Reno]

Believe me IL2 is much better than Red Baron.

 

[citizen001]

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, although it takes a beast to run.

 

[Mavfin]

OK, *if* you want more realistic FMs and the multiplayer online part of it, here are three recommendations:

The IL2/Forgotten Battles/Pacific Fighters set

Aces High http://www.hitechcreations.com I think

Warbirds http://www.totalsims.com

I play Warbirds, myself, but, they all have their flavors.

 

[Dabomb18359]

Yea the Red Baron free game is funny!!

 

[t0mme]

Red Baron
Aces over Europe
Aces over the Pacific
Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe
Secret Weapons over Normandy

The first is an instant classic.
The next three are very good WWII-sims (although SwotL isn't all that good but it's about the prototype planes they've put in)

I still play the first four games on my old P100. If you don't want 'crappy' Dos-games the last title is a nice pick.

 

[Reno]

Secret Weapons over Normandy is like Crimson Skies Very unrealistic.

 

[Perfection]

Sim Copter then get Sim City 2000 to make your own places to fly.

 

[searcheagle]

I second SimCopter.
-Very simple to learn, hard to master.

USNF'97 and Fighter's Anthology by Janes, for a modern accurate, but easy to learn, flight sim.