Jane's Attack Squadron, a WWII air combat simulation by Mad Doc Software, had to fly a turbulent course to reach its final retail destination. Was it worth the effort? Aaron "Spectre" Watson files this review and also takes a look at the much awaited physics editor included with the game.

I have this but haven't loaded it because of the size and the bad word on the street. Yours is the first piece that hasn't denounced it furiously.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bismarck:
Spectre,

I have this but haven't loaded it because of the size and the bad word on the street. Yours is the first piece that hasn't denounced it furiously.

What is JAS' progress over EAW?

---

Bismarck,

I think that a lot of people were expecting something a notch above IL-2, and were
bitterly disappointed, thus the fury. I was not expecting much, so the disappointment was
less severe.

In regards to the progress over EAW, it is marginal. To be honest, I haven't fired up
EAW in over a year, so a direct comparison eludes me. Especially considering all the
user created enhancements over the years.

Nice review! I bought this game just to experiment with. I had numerous CTD, error messages, etc. Turning off the Sound hardware acceleration helped, but not enough.
Removed it from my hard drive. After the patch, I reinstalled it and it wouldn't even run. Decided to do a complete reformat.

After the reformat, I reinstalled and patched the sim. Now so far have had not one CTD or error message! Flew 10 missions last night without a single burp.

This game has the ability to be improved just like EAW did, but probably will be by the community only. Xicat, releasing the patch with no readme or explanation of what was fixed sends out some major bad vibes. But the patch does seem to have helped. I highly doubt we will see another. Hope I am wrong, for this game does have possibilities.

Donster

--------------------

quote:

---

Originally posted by Spectre_USA:
In regards to the progress over EAW, it is marginal.

---

I'd say the same for IL-2 Sturmovik.

Z

--------------------

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zhukov:
I'd say the same for IL-2 Sturmovik.

Z

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gonzo.:
Wrong again Z.

---

How so? I've logged about a zillion hours on EAW. I've had IL-2 for about 4 months now and I've played it about six times. Something's not clicking.

Z

--------------------

I know where you're coming from Z. I could not personally get into either side in the
depicted conflict. I ran around in `109, and didn't mind shooting at planes with Red
Stars. After completing the Luftwaffe campaign, I tried the IL-2, as I love moving
mud, and I don't mind firing at Swastickas. The sides depicted aren't my faves, but the
simulation is incredibly well done. If they ever do one with Western Aircraft, I will be
the 1st in line, it's that good, IMHO.

I may be totally off-base here on your reasoning, but it is what caused me to hesitate
in the beginning, and thought might be for you. Could also be the same reason I never
got into OFP. Different strokes, etc.

For me IL-2 doesn't have the epic feel that EAW has. It doesn't feel as claustrophobic as SDOE, but it never feels like you're in a huge air battle and this kills the immersion for me.

Like SDOE, it's a great sim and well crafted but doesn't quite make the mark. Looks like Jane's Attack Squadron falls into this category too. Although, with a few good patches it just might be a contender.

Z

--------------------

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zhukov:
Spec,

For me IL-2 doesn't have the epic feel that EAW has. It doesn't feel as claustrophobic as SDOE, but it never feels like you're in a huge air battle and this kills the immersion for me.

Z

---

The battle of Britain was very particular and a unlikely scenario, most of the war resembles the less epic air encounters who IL2 does.

But IL2 has a great potential to fill your epic expectations, especially to recreate historic missions, due time You could fly with the Dambuster squadron in the Rhine raid or fly with 8th torpedo bomber sq. at Midway.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zhukov:
Zhukov pokes his head out of his bunker to see if anyone took his bait when he compared IL-2 to SDOE. With a shrug, he recedes into the bunker and waits for the inevitable explosion.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zhukov:
How so? I've logged about a zillion hours on EAW. I've had IL-2 for about 4 months now and I've played it about six times. Something's not clicking.

Z

---

You.

You know how much I love EAW. Especially the DAW add-on. But after IL-2, EAW is just too easy.

I love the fact that in IL-2 I can't hit a darn thing, and that landings require complete concentration. I can play EAW half asleep, by comparison.

Honestly, there's only one prop sim that's as difficult as IL-2, and that's RB3D. (And that one, regretably, I can't play on the new rig.)

Sadly, EAW's time seems to be passing. And it is sad. Considering all that dedicated users have done for EAW -- well, with just a little bit of professional polish, it could have been the ubersim of all times. DAW almost makes you want to weep, it's so darn close.

But it looks as though the title of ubersim will be contested between IL-2's sequel and CFS3.

--------------------