Combat Flight Sim

Narrated YouTube video tells it all!

As the big things of this world – governments, corporations, institutions – are losing traction, independent air-combat action game Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China (FTSOC) grinds along like an old river barge up Burma’s Salween gorge, fending off Japanese assaults on the left while expecting Allied reinforcements from the right. It’s been quite some time since you’ve heard from us gamedev-mechanics here at Ace Maddox, so hopefully today’s additions will make you all pleased.

Live on Steam now, this straight-forward update adds a good amount of content and bugfixes, and we’ve simply decided to call it “COCKPIT/CAMPAIGN”. Check out the voiced YouTube video for a thorough overview, or scour the changelog below for a quick rundown.

Update History/Changelog:

• Four new cockpits and “wide” interior camera added. Hop inside the P-40E, Buffalo Mk. I, Lysander Mk. II or the Japanese Ki-43 fighter! If you’re playing on keyboard and/or mouse, just press the V key to check out the newly added cockpit “wide” camera. And, there’s also a refurbished bomb-targeting system for when you’re seated in cockpit mode.
• Voice actors exhausted as Campaign nears competion. Development of FTSOC’s historical single player campaign is almost complete. We’ve updated some of the older voices, while a multitude of actors have been working around the clock to record the remainder of the Campaign mission’s screenplay in proper. We suggest you give the Campaign a full playthrough, so you can hear for yourselves.
• Controller vibration. For those of you who prefer to play/fly with a gamepad, there’s now controller rumble for stronger “immersion”.
• Improved rendering. Shadows and reflections look sharper and are more stable now, this specially noticeable when you’re seated inside.
• Toggle HUD elements on the fly. Press the H key while flying to control displaymode of the various HUD elements (handy feature when recording video or FRAPSing stills).
• Ship models. We’ve updated most of the game’s warship models, plus added a typical Southeast Asian wooden cargo ship, namely the Malayan Bedar (which, incidentally, does not look entirely unrelated to the Chinese junk).
• More Challenges. We’ve added two new mini-missions in the form of challenges, so go ahead and take that dusty old Vildebeest for a bit of tinfish-safari off the Akyab coast in the new TORPEDOGS challenge, or try out the bombs and machine guns of the Allied P-43A fighter in GROUND ATTACK.
• Added captured Japanese fighter. We’ve implemented a captured P-40E fighter, bombs included, to spice up multiplayer cockpit-dogfighting a little. Enjoy the flight!

About Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China:

Currently in Steam Early Access, Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China (FTSOC) is a historical air-combat action game based on the true events of America’s secret volunteer squadrons that flew against Japan in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre of World War 2. Secretly recruited under President Roosevelt’s authority, the Flying Tigers were officially known as the “American Volunteer Group”.

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

Sim155 Ltd. has announced that Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) VR Beta 1 is available now in the Steam client’s ‘BETAS’ tab. Here’s the news release by Ed Scio at developer Sim155:

I’ve got to admit VR in CAP2 is now pretty damn cool! With the first implementation I was slightly skeptical of the experience, feeling nauseous etc but with ‘Cinema Mode’ implemented for non pilot views there’s no longer a bucket by my desk.

There’s a lot of minor updates/fixes to come for VR, including:

• Allow MSAA rendering
• UI currently not shown in pilot view (after pressing ‘ESC’)
• Mission planner not shown in VR (enable 2D Mirror to view it if required)
• Radio commands input method
• Update VR during loading screens
• Add an Oculus API option

Also, in VR obviously can’t see your keyboard for input so I’ll add a method for highlighting cockpit controls by looking at them then selecting via a new control input. This will let you manage MFD’s, flaps, water injection, counter measures, canopy latch, eject handle, upfront controls etc using the headset and one button. This method will also be implemented in non VR mode to work with gamepad right stick cockpit view.

Right, back to finishing v808 with a new carrier and in-flight refueling!

For more detail on previous updates check out the dev blog.

Find out more about Combat Air Patrol 2 at the games official website.

1C Game Studios is excited to announce that IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Moscow is available digitally starting from today. The game can be purchased at our website in two editions, Standard and Premium, for the price of $49.99 and $79.99 correspondingly. For additional information on both editions please visit www.il2sturmovik.com.

The game is also available via Steam as DLC for the previous title IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Moscow is a combat flight simulation dedicated to the Battle of Moscow, one of the most decisive battles on the Eastern Front in WWII. This new project from 1С Game Studios continues the next generation of combat flight simulations with the latest development technologies – from a new higher level of physics modeling, damage modeling and aerodynamics to modern modes of gameplay with detailed, immersive environments.

Sim155 Ltd. has announced that Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) will be updated to version v806. Its the most extensive update so far and will go live this week. One of the major features of v806 is radio comms. Radio exchanges and background chatter really improve simulation immersion. It also enables commands to aircraft within your section such as:

• Formation control
• Target assignment (A-A & A-G)
• Report State
• Navigation
• Mission abort
• Return to base
• Recover/land on carrier
• Emcon (Emissions Control)
• Lights state

You also have RT to the carrier/fleet such as:

• Request takeoff
• Request land
• Request position check
• FAC assign fire mission to fleet

Target assignment is done by locking up an air target, surface target or locking a point with your Lantirn pod then commanding a wingman to attack your target.

Formation control is fun to use, you have standard mission formations such as combat spread, echelon etc. You also have the close formation ‘parade’ which is great for photo opportunities, not so great for sudden maneuvers!

Fleet FAC (Forward Air Controller) allows you create a fire mission for the fleet main guns, initiating a barrage at your Lantirn pod lock point.

Radio comms will continue to evolve throughout ‘Early Access’ with extra commands, associated AI logic and UI updates.

You can follow the development of Combat Air Patrol 2 via its Steam Community Hub. Find out more about Combat Air Patrol 2 at the games official website.

Nothing quite shocks the senses like the chilly winds and intense air-battles of 1940s southeast Asia. Today’s summery Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China Steam update not only improves multiplayer features, but also retrofits cockpit view/support, starting with a functional inside rendition of the RAF’s tropical Spitfire Mk. V. Furthermore, a pair of new fighters have been made available namely the Allied P-47D “Thunderbolt” and the Japanese Ki-44 Shoki “Toji”, each with a decent selection of skins and over-the-radio voice shouts in American, Chinese, Russian and Japanese languages.

“Cockpit/Contender” Update Overview:

• Added support for cockpit view. Just getting started on fighter interiors. Buckle up in the Spitfire Mk. V fighter in the Multiplayer, Dogfight or Free Flight modes (press “V” to cycle cameras/cockpit).
• Online features improved. Collapsed multiplayer JOIN/HOST menus for better overview and accessibility, improved lobby/match views, added Steam invites (via lobby and pause screens), Leaderboards readily accessible, Steam profile avatars used for both multiplayer games and match stats, adjusted formatting/layout to make native chat more pleasant (use RETURN/ENTER to toggle chat).
• Multiplayer modes. Flying below 200 ft partially hides you allowing for interesting escapes and sudden “jumps” on opponents. Player health for all multiplayer modes now displayed in the match stats/overview.
• Visuals. Improved scene rendering for increased shadow and tree stability on (resulting in a less distractive landscape view).
• Just for fun. Implemented real-time “documentary” color modes; sepia, black & white and vintage filters (available via the DISPLAY SETTINGS menu).
• Two new fighter aircraft. P-47D “Thunderbolt” and Ki-44 Shōki “Toji” fighters with multiple skins and voice shouts.

Watch the “Cockpit/Contender” Steam Update Gameplay Trailer here.

You can purchase Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China via Steam.

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

Sim155 Ltd. has announced that Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) will launch today via Steam Early Access at (6pm GMT/12:00 PM Eastern USA). Check out what veteran programmer Ed Scio at Sim155 had to say about today’s release:

Well, this is early access launch day so I thought it’d be good to explain what to expect over the coming days, weeks and months. I have to admit its been a scramble to get ready for the launch though without a deadline I’d probably never get around to releasing CAP2. I’m looking forward to getting feedback, both good and bad. Bear in mind this is an Early Access title. For instance, the main strategic feature of CAP2, the dynamic campaign, is approximately 75% complete. There are lots of minor items on my release list which won’t make the 6pm (UK) release build so expect a stream of updates over the next few days. All elements will likely evolve with your feedback.

After the initial flurry of updates this week, we’ll run a general beta build for those of you who want to try new features/bug fixes as soon as they are available. Based on feedback we’ll then transition them to the main build. There may be several beta builds per week so only subscribe to those if you are OK with that. I’ll be primarily using this blog to keep you up to date with development.

Here are our main areas of upcoming development:

• Dynamic Campaign. We’ll be improving the dynamic campaign by adding more targets, enemy capabilities such as mine laying, offensive capabilities such as integrating Tomahawk strikes into a mission package.
• VR. Its been difficult to hold off starting on this, especially with all the recent buzz around the official launches but we managed to show some restraint. We’ve got the Rift kit, Vive is on the way so we should start on this next week. We’ll create a VR build which anyone can opt into. Initial builds will be a simple implementation followed by UI upgrades.
• Multiplayer. As described in previous posts.
• Rendering. Expect to see graphical improvements such as SSAO, DOF, self shadowing terrain, shadow casting vegetation.
• Carrier. We’ll create a fully populated deck and also have animated lifts, defenses and radars.
• Aircraft. Expect graphical updates to the AV8B cockpit together with increased control functionality.
• In Flight refueling. We have the animated refuel probe in game already, just waiting for drogue logic/physics implemented.
• Scenery. A high priority feature to be added is OSM (Open Street Map) data for accurate road and building generation.
• 3D Models. In addition to generated OSM scenery models we’ll be adding custom models not adequately described in OSM,
• Map Areas. We plan to add Yuma and well known training areas such as the ‘Mach Loop’ and the ‘Jedi Transition’.
• Satellite Imagery. We’ll begin sourcing satellite imagery to apply to the terrain.
• 32/64 bit build. We have both builds running now though as they are functionally identical only the 32bit is published. We’ll make the 64bit build available together with larger terrain cache sizes.

You can follow the development of Combat Air Patrol 2 on Facebook. Find out more about Combat Air Patrol 2 at the games official website.

Sim155 Ltd. has announced today the pricing of its exciting new air combat simulator, Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2). Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) is a flight and naval combat simulator game for PC (Steam/Windows) where you pilot the AV8B Harrier II.

As launch is fast approaching we thought we had better let you know how much CAP2 will cost. The Early Access price will be $29.99. Its worth noting that Steam converts the price for different regions based on factors other than exchange rate – so for example the UK price will be £22.99 and the Euro price €27.99, both are slightly more than the current exchange rate. Some regions will be less.

Remember – the last competition before launch is closing today, just head over to the hub and hit follow for your chance to win a free copy.

You can follow the development of Combat Air Patrol 2 on Facebook. Find out more about Combat Air Patrol 2 at the games official website.

Sim155 Ltd. has announced that Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) will launch into Steam Early Access on 6th June 2016 (6pm GMT). Price will be confirmed in the coming days.

Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) is a flight and naval combat simulator game for PC (Steam/Windows) where you pilot the AV8B Harrier II. 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 can follow the development of Combat Air Patrol 2 on Facebook. Find out more about Combat Air Patrol 2 at the games official website.

Don’t look back, someone might be gaining on you! Today’s Steam update adds improved dogfight AI and two new fighters, the Allied P-43A-1 “Lancer” (with Chinese ROCAF and USAAF skins) and, perhaps unexpectedly, a Japanese Messerschmitt! (Germany supplied Japan with a number of evaluation Bf 109Es for comparison trials by the Japanese Army Air Force – the Allies, expecting to encounter those Bf 109Es in combat, assigned code name “Mike” to the Messerschmitts).

Update rundown:

• Increased cool-down duration of arcade maneuvers to make them less spammy [in multiplayer and elsewhere].
• Improved dogfight AI; AVENGING ACE and SURVIVAL modes now more challenging (not necessarily more difficult).
• Better display support, the game now runs on three monitors with HUD elements in the center screen.
• Began implementing skillshot/reward badge effects in dogfight modes, coming to multiplayer soon (in development, apologies for the rough polish).
• Added a setting to toggle the hold (auto-camera) of OBSERVE TARGET function (that’s the F key on default setting M+K or K).
• Invert X-Axis for the panoramic camera view now possible.
• Fixed numerous crashes in the “EAST OF MARTABAN” campaign mission.
• P-43A-1 “Lancer” and Bf 109 “Mike” fighters with multiple skins implemented.
• Lots of [minor] GUI enhancements.

About Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China:

Currently in Steam Early Access, Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China is an air-combat action game based on the historical events of America’s secret volunteer squadrons that flew against Japan in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre of World War 2. Secretly recruited under President Roosevelt’s authority in 1941, the Flying Tigers were officially known as the “American Volunteer Group”.

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

Sim155 Ltd, developer of the flight and naval combat simulator Combat Air Patrol 2, has announced a chance for members of  Steam Community Hub to win a free copy of the game when released. So join the Combat Air Patrol 2 Steam Community and maybe you’ll  be one of the lucky winners!

Combat Air Patrol 2 (CAP2) is a flight and naval combat simulator game for PC (Steam/Windows) where you pilot the AV8B Harrier II. 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 can follow the development of Combat Air Patrol 2 on Facebook. Find out more about Combat Air Patrol 2 at the games official website.