In 1994 Simis created Flight Sim Toolkit for the PC, running under
Windows 3.1 and DOS. This title provided a suite of sophisticated tools
allowing the game player to create their own flight sim world. January,
1994 PC Gamer called it, "A must for flight sim fans and frustrated
programmers alike … Well designed, huge in scope and very absorbing."
The original FST still has a large and active on-line
community, with dozens of active web-rings. Flight Sim Toolkit 2 will
embrace this community with regular on-line updates to tools and engine
features, news groups, and provision for exchange of maps and models.
Although I had previously seen press releases on FST2 I didn't
really know what this program did, somehow assuming it was related to
Microsoft Flight Simulator. Far from it! FST is a unique too that
marries a range of sophisticated, easy to use, authoring tools with a
state of the art simulation engine. In short, FST2 will allow the
player to unleash their creativity and build anything from a flyby over
their house, to a complete electronic battlefield simulation.
Incredible, no? For about $49 US you can own this product
yourself. Neil Soane, until recently of SSI fame, says that, "FST2 will
change the face of the simulation world."
Flight Sim Toolkit 2 will be based on the stunning new Daedalus
engine, the same engine that powers SIMIS newest product, Ka52 Team
Alligator. With full support for next generation graphics cards and
processors, it will be possible to create dazzling visuals and fx using
the powerful new suite of FST2 tools.
FST Tool Interface
FLIGHT SIM TOOLKIT 2 features:
Cutting edge 3D terrain system, based on sophisticated variable L.O.D. mesh technology
Dynamic weather, including rain, snow and storms.
Special fx, including explosions, smoke, lens flares and IR.
Multiple camera views, including padlock, tower, missile, flyby, roaming
Full support of all 3D graphics cards
Makes full use of Intel Pentium III, AMD 3DNow! technology
FST Terrain Tool
A suite of tools including:
World builder
Terrain editor
3D Shape editor
Texture Editor
Object Viewer
Cockpit Editor
Aerodynamic Model Editor
A library of models including:
Military aircraft
Civil Aircraft
Ships (military and civil)
Buildings
Military vehicles
Civil vehicles
Artillery
FLIGHT SIM TOOLKIT 2 is scheduled for release in 2000 for the PC.