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Q: Why B17 2? While there is great interest on the part of virtual pilots, most developers would argue it's no fun flying big hulking bombers so you can get shot up by the fighters..
A: The original is widely accepted to have performed admirably,
it was awarded "Simulator of the Year" when it came out and it certainly
performed well in the other crucial area - sales. We've had no problems
finding a Publisher willing to take on the sequel, and it certainly seems
that a lot of people remember the old B-17 and can't wait to see the new
one.
There is no shortage of people interested in bombing either, Warbirds
recently increased its complement of bombers due to public demand, and
flying as part of a BUFF formation online is immense fun. As for getting
shot up by the fighters.... those Fortresses pack a lot of firepower,
and they have some very dangerous "Little Friends" along for the ride....
Q: In real estate the watch word is "location," and in combat
sims its "atmosphere." How do you establish atmosphere and suspension of
disbelief in B17 2?
A: The short answer is Attention to detail and consistency of
interface. If it looks like it should work, it will work. If it looks like
it should blow up, it'll blow up.
If you choose Nose art and names for your
B-17's then that's how the simulation will depict them and refer to them.
The cockpits are incredibly accurate and the controls are complete and
correct, which should please the most fanatical enthusiast. Of course we're
providing flexible detail levels and strong AI support which allows novice
players to find their niche.
Click to continue
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Q: Another factor of immersion is giving players a reason to
care about their crew and squadron. How do you accomplish this?
A: The crew is one of the most important aspects of B-17 2. At
the simplest campaign level your responsibility is for the crew of a single
bomber and your goal is to get all ten crewmembers through a 25-mission tour
of duty.
In terms of gameplay each crewmember will be a learning AI who will
improve with experience, the passage of time but most of all when the gamer
performs as that crewmember. Combat losses from the gamer's crew will be
replaced with rookies who will need training up before they can pull their
weight. Loss of all 10 original crewmembers will constitute defeat for the
gamer.
In terms of supporting background detail there will be
personnel records kept on your crewmembers complete with mission histories,
injuries, performance stats, promotions and decorations and also his
classification if he goes MIA, WIA or KIA. Letters will be generated from
the Pilot to the families of deceased or captured crewmembers for signature
by the player.
Caring for an entire squadron is a more difficult task, but
Squadron CO's will certainly care when all their experienced Veterans buy
it! They'll be forced to plan missions that aren't advancing the course of
the war particularly whilst they get new B-17s and those green crews gain
experience. Handing out decorations and promotions will naturally draw his
attention to the high achievers and, of course, he'll still be flying with
them all.
Currently in the design are plans to allow gamers to customise their bombers
with their own noseart and names - although we're providing a goodly amount
ourselves that you might find hard to beat.
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