Combat Flight Sim

Source: Steam

Developer Ace Maddox has announced its air-combat action game Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China the control-system has been overhauled and upgraded! Meet the ICARUS patch. Many new options, including sim-style PITCH, ROLL and YAW controls have been implemented. In addition, we’ve added a few more features such horizontal and vertical “auto-stabilizators” to further improve the original ARCADE flying style. A free-roaming “Panoramic Camera” feature has also been implemented, so if you play on mouse you can simply hold MMB to look around (and if you’re playing on KEYBOARD, just move the mouse to activate the Panoramic Camera).

Please note that ICARUS may still have some issues, mainly with Saitek flightsticks on Windows 10. We’re working on it though, and are planning to release the full controls update shortly.

Here’s the shortlist:

• Implemented optional PITCH/ROLL and rudder (YAW) controls.
• Added “Panoramic Camera” feature that lets players look around freely.
• Rebuilt the SETTINGS/SETUP CONTROLS GUI for better overview and improved navigation.
• New gameplay cameras. Press “V” to toggle NORMAL/FAR/NEAR.
• Game Balancing: Made several adjustments to difficulty and AI.

Back to work, and oh, we’ve got Trading Cards nearly done too, they should release in less than a week. Get more information about the game at the official Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China website.

Texas-based game studio HiTech Creations have announced they have opened a free public beta of their next generation online combat simulation multiplayer game for the PC, Aces High.

Aces High is a versatile multiplayer World War 2 simulation game which combines hard core combat flight simulation elements with ground-wars and naval battles. With vast amounts of user generated content, a vibrant community and regular free updates, this is an addictive game for anyone who likes intense dogfights and beyond.

The free open beta version adds many major new elements to the long-running game. A completely new graphics engine and a new sound engine headline the new version. New features of these engines include:

• Continuous Level-of-Detail shift
• Real-time environment mapping
• Atmospheric light scattering with realistic haze effects
• Award-winning SpeedTree® vegetation rendering system on an unprecedented scale.
• Terrains as that can exceed a quarter-million square miles.
• Large-scale terrain smooth self-shadowing gives life-like vistas
• Upgraded DirectX 12 compatible shaders
• Completely new ships, airfields and ground objects
• New high resolution terrain mapping
• FMOD® Sound System
• Completely new sounds including multi-channel recordings of real World War 2 aircraft
• New environmental background sounds
• Greater sound realism using new blending, cross-fading, and filter effects

In addition to large-scale open arena play and historical re-enactment scenarios, a new mission system can put players right into the start of air battles ranging in size from 1v1’s to huge air battles with hundreds of planes in either player-vs-player, or player-vs-AI configurations. New alternate game play modes such as Capture-the-Flat and Last-Man-Standing are also supported. The open beta can be downloaded for free from the official Aces High website.

About Aces High
Aces High was released in the last quarter of 1999. Since its initial release it has been continuously updated and maintained. Now the best supported game just got better. Through all the major revisions of the game, continuity has been maintained. Adding new features, augmenting others, adding and updating content has kept the game fresh for the thousands of players who play Aces High.

Source: Blue’s News

A post to the Eagle Dynamics forums has word that version 1.5.0 of DCS World is now available in open beta, offering the chance to test fly updates to this combat flight simulation that includes a graphics revamp. They also announce that open beta testing is underway for their L-39 Albatros module that adds this light jet to the game. This page is where to find the downloads along with details on testing, and this video shows off the L-39 Albatros.

iEntertainment Network’s acclaimed World War II simulation WarBirds 2016 has landed on Steam!

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, WarBirds 2016 is loaded with a wide range of improvements and brand new content – including new geographical terrains, airplanes, online modes, and flight models by veteran fighter pilots and engineers. All WarBirds 2015 owners will automatically be upgraded to WarBirds 2016.

WarBirds is the longest running online combat flight simulation in the world. Hundreds of thousands of WarBirds veterans have flown, won, died, and celebrated the Greatest Generation’s fighter and bomber pilots of World War II. WarBirds takes dedicated learning and lots of practice to survive and win.

“WarBirds 2016 rewards attention to detail, teamwork, and courage under fire above all else,” says iEntertainment Network’s CEO, ‘Wild Bill’ Stealey Lt. Colonel, USAF Retired, Command Pilot. “These are the same qualities you were expected to have if you sought to survive the deadliest air battles of World War II.”

Source: Blue’s News

iEntertainment Network announces Warbirds 2016 will take flight on September 28th, offering the newest installment in their World War II combat flight simulator series. This will add a bunch of new content to the game, and will be an automatic free update for owners of Warbirds 2015. They also announce the next installment in their squad select series is this Sunday. Here’s a new trailer and here’s word on new features in the new version.

11 new geographical air-to-air competition terrains:

Pearl Harbor, Japan Islands, Korea, Solomon Islands, Greece, North Sea, New Guinea, Truk, Sicily, Marstown

6 new aircraft:

P36, MC200, P-38G, Japanese N1K1-J fighter, Nakajima L2d Troop Transport, and British Spitfire 9b

22 new flight models:

P-40 (E and N models), WarHawk, F4U-1A (both flown by legendary WW II Ace, Pappy Boyington with 25 Recorded Kills — featured in the 1970s TV series, *Baa Baa Black Sheep*), A6M5 Japanese Zero, and more

Flight Model updates:

Improved torque effects, realistic fuel burn modeling, engine overheat damage models, adjusted turn, roll, and climb rates, more accurate gun ballistics — along with a new, more capable autopilot feature

The Fighter Collection with Eagle Dynamics are happy to announce that DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map is available for pre-purchase from the DCS e-shop! DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map will sell for $49.99 in November 2015. Pre-purchase now for $39.99 and save 20%!

The Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) has the largest contiguous air and ground space available for peacetime military operations in the free world. The NTTR land area includes simulated air defense systems, mock airbases, and several target ranges. The NTTR was also used for nuclear testing. Today, it is home to RED FLAG and other military exercises that include countries from around the world. The NTTR map for DCS World 2 includes Nellis AFB, Creech AFB and the infamous Groom Lake AFB (aka Area 51). This map also includes the city of Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport, and Hoover Dam.

Check out the teaser video here.

Key Features of DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map:

• 366,000 sq. kilometres that covers portions of Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California.
• Highly detailed modelling of Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, McCarran International Airport, and the Area 51 facility.
• Hoover Dam and Lake Meade.
• All VOR and VORTAC radio navigation beacons.
• High resolution mesh and textures around the detailed airbases.
• The entire NTTR airspace as well indication of all sub-ranges.
• Las Vegas, Pahrump, Mesquite, Moapa, Indian Springs, Boulder City and other cities and towns in and nearby the NTTR. This also includes all major roads, railways, and power lines.

For those that pre-purchase prior to October 1st, 2015, you will receive a 20% discount and two free Red Flag campaigns (one for the F-15C and one for the A-10C). For those that pre-purchase between October 1st and the Open Alpha release in late November, you will receive a 20% discount and one free Red Flag campaign. Both of these options also include a 20% bonus savings on future purchases at full price.

Visit the Digital Combat Simulator website for more information.

Developer Ace Maddox has announced its air-combat action game Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China is available on Steam. The Early Access release offers a polished subset of content and features for both single- and multiplayer modes, and includes a decent number of maps and aircraft (with about a third of the single player campaign already completed). A new Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China “Kunming” Gameplay Teaser video can be viewed here.

Get more information about the game at the official Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China website.

Sim155 Ltd. has announced they are working on a new indie game, titled Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2), an all new flight and naval combat simulator for PC (Steam/Windows). In Combat Air Patrol 2  you will “take command of the AV-8B Harrier II, become an elite pilot and fight to protect the Strait of Hormuz from a new enemy threat.” The team has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the project. An official trailer and screenshots are available for viewing at the sims official website. The game is due to release through Steam Early Access this September/October. Here is a bit about Combat Air Patrol 2…

“After initial flight and tactical training you will be pitched into an immersive scenario against aggressive ground, sea and air based enemies. Use your skill as a pilot and your tactical awareness to engage in dogfights, carry out ground attacks and command your fleet to ultimately ensure the safety of your comrades and the final capitulation of the enemy. Strategic decisions such as commanding your fleet on the tactical map and your performance in the air will affect the final outcome: Go ‘gung ho’ with a full out assault and the outcome will be in the balance or plan ahead and the end result will be your ultimate victory.”

You may also follow Combat Air Patrol 2 on Facebook.

Source: Blue’s News

An IL-2 Sturmovik forum post announces the release of a new patch for IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad, updating the World War II combat flight simulator to version 1.011. The new version includes a new aircraft and a new map, and also adds the ability to transfer the license for the game to Steam. They have set up a FAQ on how to get your Battle of Stalingrad Steam key.

1С Game Studios announces the launch of Early Access Pre-Orders for IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Moscow on the game’s official website.

Battle of Moscow is the continuation of the legendary Sturmovik combat flight-simulation series for the PC and it will include a large-scale map (270 x 290 km) and several famous Russian, German, American and Italian aircraft that have been recreated from detailed drawings and blueprints. The planes featured are the I-16 Type 24, Bf 109 E-7, MiG-3, Bf 109 F-2, IL-2 model 1941, Bf 110 E-2, Pe-2 Series 35, Ju 88 A-4, P-40 E-1 and MC.202 Series VIII.

The Premium Edition is being offered first, with the Standard Edition to follow later this year. Pre-Order customers will be given Early Access to game content starting as early as summer 2015. Early Access players will be able to use the Quick Mission Builder and dogfight in Multiplayer months before final release. The final product will also include a challenging Campaign that tells the story of the Battle of Moscow and seasonal terrain textures for summer, fall and winter landscapes.

Battle of Moscow will be fully compatible with 1CGS’s previous title IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad through a single user account and game interface. Also, any copy of Battle of Moscow purchased, whether from the official website or from Steam is going to be compatible with all previous IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad editions, including ones previously bought from Steam.

Battle of Moscow will also include all the advanced physics, ballistics, flight-models and damage modeling that is the hallmark of the Sturmovik series, while at the same time being accessible to both novices and experts alike with adjustable difficulty settings, graphics options and programmable controls.