Apache: Air Assault reviews and impressions

[bobbysocks]

OK everyone who DLed A:AA tell us what you think...the good, bad, and the mediocre.


got this from the yuplay site: The Xbox demo kicks major ass, ..it's outstanding and my Ace Edge works very well with Apache: AA. "Nuff said, I gotta get back to the chopper.

[FOZ_1983]

Just this second finished work, noty even turned xbox on, came here first. Saw this....


xbox now on within seconds and demo downloading!!!

[Mage_016]

Okay last mission of demo is about half way trough. First you have to start with training difficulty and when you pass your first mission you open realistic which is must for this. First impression was, how would I put it... I waited too much. BUT after I opened realistic difficulty I was sold. Great sim even tho theres lots of learning ahead because of bop controls are stuck real deep in to my head. Graphics are like in bop, nothing special so far. But this is only a demo. Missions one training and two real missions are quite easy, with realistic too. Few trys because of crashing. I'm totally buying this!

[MACADEMIC]

Okay last mission of demo is about half way trough. First you have to start with training difficulty and when you pass your first mission you open realistic which is must for this. First impression was, how would I put it... I waited too much. BUT after I opened realistic difficulty I was sold. Great sim even tho theres lots of learning ahead because of bop controls are stuck real deep in to my head. Graphics are like in bop, nothing special so far. But this is only a demo. Missions one training and two real missions are quite easy, with realistic too. Few trys because of crashing. I'm totally buying this!

New PS3 yet Mage?...

:rolleyes:

MAC

[trk29]

So far I am loving the demo. There will be a learning curve for those not familiar with helos. For ps3 there are a few options for flying and looking because of the motion in the DS3, you can free look with controller or you can fly with movement. You can fly from any view including gunner, there is flight controls for both positions so no need to keep switching view.

I was having a time with figuring out the controls but I believe I got them except for one. How do you fire flares?

Also I love you can shoot from BVR. This is how if you haven't figured it out yet.

For PS3
Select target, (L1 & X), hold up on the d-pad to get a satellite view of target and then hit R1 to fire missile you can hold it there if you want to watch it blow up. I am glad the save screenshot feature is back. Thanks Gaijin I am going to buy, this is a defining moment for flight fanatics again thanks to these developers.

One thing I like is when you auto hover L3 click, you can hold down bottom d-pad and move right stick and your gun will move with your head and you can fire and zoom. Very well done IMO.

Now if I can just figure out how to fire flares. :)

[Mage_016]

New PS3 yet Mage?...

:rolleyes:

MAC

Actually I do have... :)

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

theres lots of learning ahead because of bop controls are stuck real deep in to my head.

:grin: Same here. The closer to the ground I get the more I forget throttle is controlled by the right stick.

[FOZ_1983]

Loving it thus far. Thought it'd be easy to control so went straight for realistic controls, managed to barrel roll and hit the floor quite quickly.

Slowly picked them up now and really getting into it. Will be playing this alot more tonight to master controls.

Great job gaijen, im loving it

[winny]

Ok,
Having similar fixed wing mentality control issues (backwards? what is backwards?!) but other than that I'm enjoying it so far. The gun camera and FLIR can look spookily real at times, helicoter appears to handle like a helicopter and there's plenty to look at.

The music however, is awful, I already switched it off (better with whup whup whup anyway).

I'll be buying it just for the over the 'shoulder' apache view, which is very nice when it zooms in. (cockpit is pretty good too).

[Robotic Pope]

I really like the demo. I havn't bothered to try training difficulty, went straight for realistic (doesn't need unlocking). Control is challenging but I'm really starting to get the hang of it and doing some sweet moves. Its too easy now lol I need Sim mode.

Ive notice a few things on the xbox version. All three xbox joysticks (Av8r, fly9 and Ace edge) have their own control scheme. You can select to use any of them for any control device even the game pad lol which makes you spin around until you half press the right trigger. The dead zone is far smaller when using the joystick profiles and you don't have to press a button to activate freelook.

One thing I don't like is the throtle is Ace combat style if you use the gamepad. I really need BoP style set throttle. This means you cannot have 118% torque at the same time as rotating because the right stick is circular in it x-y axis. Also the fact that they moved the activate free look to the d pad down means you can't controll the left stick at the same time. I was happier it being on the right stick button. These things mean I will have to buy a stick now.

Ive found a really anoying bug too. Its in the sound effects. When you kill a bunch of ememy troops on the ground, very often their machine gun sound effect (which is way too loud in my opinion) will become stuck on leaving this very anoying sound, to make it worse you cant fly away from the noise, It seems to follow you along. I guess I noticed it because I turned the in game music off. Hope this is just a demo bug because it is VERY anoying. I actualy found exactly were the sound was coming from, landed, stopped the engine and the went to outside view when I spotted three dead guys right beside me.

[trk29]

Here are a few shots using the save screenshot feature.

[FOZ_1983]

I really like the demo. I havn't bothered to try training difficulty, went straight for realistic (doesn't need unlocking). Control is challenging but I'm really starting to get the hang of it and doing some sweet moves. Its too easy now lol I need Sim mode.

Ive notice a few things on the xbox version. All three xbox joysticks (Av8r, fly9 and Ace edge) have their own control scheme. You can select to use any of them for any control device even the game pad lol which makes you spin around until you half press the right trigger. The dead zone is far smaller when using the joystick profiles and you don't have to press a button to activate freelook.

One thing I don't like is the throtle is Ace combat style if you use the gamepad. I really need BoP style set throttle. This means you cannot have 118% torque at the same time as rotating because the right stick is circular in it x-y axis. Also the fact that they moved the activate free look to the d pad down means you can't controll the left stick at the same time. I was happier it being on the right stick button. These things mean I will have to buy a stick now.

Ive found a really anoying bug too. Its in the sound effects. When you kill a bunch of ememy troops on the ground, very often their machine gun sound effect (which is way too loud in my opinion) will become stuck on leaving this very anoying sound, to make it worse you cant fly away from the noise, It seems to follow you along. I guess I noticed it because I turned the in game music off. Hope this is just a demo bug because it is VERY anoying. I actualy found exactly were the sound was coming from, landed, stopped the engine and the went to outside view when I spotted three dead guys right beside me.

Ive not noticed that sound issue you have, and ive had a few games of it. Maybe delete the demo and download it again? I mus tadmit im thoroughly enjoying it so far, its just so different and exactly whats needed for my console. Im yet to try it with my AV8R though, just the control pad for now, for some reason i think i will prefer this game on the control pad than the flight stick.

My only gripe is lack of 2 player co op in 1 apache, i know anton said technical things prevented this, but i dont see how.....

It worked well enough in bad company and bad company 2 ;)

All in all i love this demo!

[xX-SiLeNcE-Xx]

I love the demo so far. Everything is awesome. Is realistic the highest difficulty? Or is there a sim mode like IL-2?

[Steiner]

This demo is awesome. Ace Edge works well, camera controls are right on, looks good, sounds great and the replays... I couldn't ask for more:shock:.
I'm out the door and down to the store for a preorder to support Gaijin.:!:

[trk29]

What are the flight stick options for xbox demo?
I see only one for ps3 and it's not AV8R, its Cyborg.

[FOZ_1983]

What are the flight stick options for xbox demo?
I see only one for ps3 and it's not AV8R, its Cyborg.

CYBORG F.L.Y 9

Saitek AV8R-02

Ace Edge



Those are the flight stick options for the xbox demo :)

[winny]

I love the demo so far. Everything is awesome. Is realistic the highest difficulty? Or is there a sim mode like IL-2?

There is a veteran mode, 1 helicopter for the entire camaign.

[dkwookie]

I love it!! The Africa mission really shows some scope with lots of travel and objectives. I switched straight to realistic and love the way you can throw the Apache around with some great acrobatic swinging turns.
One odd thing, I tried a fast strafe to destroy the downed Apache and hit a building. The building collapsed and the game showed the collapsed wreckage with the message "your killer"

Oh and Winny is spot on, the music is dire. If anyone wants an MP3 rip of Blue Thunder OST I will PM the RS link

[The_Goalie_94]

I love the demo. My best experiance was when i was flying really low and my left pylon (wing whatever its called) actually ripped off, so i only had half the ammo. Then my right engine got shot up a few minutes later. After that my tail rotor got hit and i started to spin. I was low at the time so i landed it, but it rolled on to its side with a spectacular crash rotors hitting ground, dust everywhere effect. It was really cool. I was in third person at the time to check out my damage because i seen in the cockpit it said "RIGHT PYLON CONTROL, RIGHT ENGINE DAMAGED". I didn't know about free look, so i switched to third when my tail rotor was hit. THe realism was incredible. Hopefully i can round up some money for this game. First i need MoH and Black Ops though. (sorry, can't resist shooting ZOMBIES with an M16 XD, especially while im playing as JFK or NIXON)

[The_Goalie_94]

So, since i never payed attention, is it pretty much confirmed that the only aircraft is the APACHE? Because i seen on the website it was like AIRCRAFT: A-10, APACHE and others...

[FOZ_1983]

I love the demo. My best experiance was when i was flying really low and my left pylon (wing whatever its called) actually ripped off, so i only had half the ammo. Then my right engine got shot up a few minutes later. After that my tail rotor got hit and i started to spin. I was low at the time so i landed it, but it rolled on to its side with a spectacular crash rotors hitting ground, dust everywhere effect. It was really cool. I was in third person at the time to check out my damage because i seen in the cockpit it said "RIGHT PYLON CONTROL, RIGHT ENGINE DAMAGED". I didn't know about free look, so i switched to third when my tail rotor was hit. THe realism was incredible. Hopefully i can round up some money for this game. First i need MoH and Black Ops though. (sorry, can't resist shooting ZOMBIES with an M16 XD, especially while im playing as JFK or NIXON)

Have to agree, the effects do look good. Ive spent the last 30 mins trying different ways to crash. The voice of the pilot as your gonig down is good to, with such things as "were going down, brace for impact were going down hard" before seeing your apache spin into the floor then blow up. Spectacular stuff. Cant wait for MP co op and watching as your "wingmen" are screaming over the mic as you see them spinning out of control before hitting the deck. To add to this and how you like it... i'd suggest staying away from MOH for a few months at least. Its a good game, the SP is one of the best if not the best game ive played, all be it very very short. But emotional and superb. The MP is hit and miss, but with Black ops coming out, you'll not even bother with MOH so honestly mate i'd save the £30+ you'd be paying for it and get this game instead which will only be £32 :D but its your call at the end of the day.

So, since i never payed attention, is it pretty much confirmed that the only aircraft is the APACHE? Because i seen on the website it was like AIRCRAFT: A-10, APACHE and others...

In SP you play as the apache (maybe another, but not much) but not just 1 version of the apache. You play as the US and the British versions. In MP you can play as 4 (i think thats right) different helicopters, including the russian hind. Though which missions this is is unknown yet, or if you can choose your own heli for any mission. Maybe someone else will know more on this.

[Daveyboy86]

Great demo I cant wait for this to release Im really looking forward to the co-op.
The only thing that is bugging me is I want to change the yaw from one stick to another (xbox 360 pad) but it looks like you cant customise your controls, do the devs read theses forums ? If so please add customisable controls for console players.

[xX-SiLeNcE-Xx]

ProTip: Don't launch Hellfire to close to friendlies.............
:-x

[trk29]

Great demo I cant wait for this to release Im really looking forward to the co-op.
The only thing that is bugging me is I want to change the yaw from one stick to another (xbox 360 pad) but it looks like you cant customise your controls, do the devs read theses forums ? If so please add customisable controls for console players.

In the ps3 demo you can switch sticks.

[FOZ_1983]

Im having trouble with the "free look" camera. It doesnt seem to work!! This is on the
AV8R on the 360.

Anyone else know how to do it?

Must admit, its much smoother and easier with the joystick :D


EDIT - I've sorted it, was a silly error on my part. Loving it with my AV8R, makes it more fun :P

[The_Goalie_94]

I just had my tail fly off. span for a bit, then blew up. I also took a head on RPG hit, while in cockpit view. It was amazing. My heli just blew up. I also managed to do a few barrel rolls while flying through a valley.

May first crash was in cockpit view when my tail rotor hit a tree. I started spinning then the ground came up. Epic.

Can we fly the BLACKHAWK? My favorite helo is the Huey, but i geuss thats out of the question for sure.

[FOZ_1983]

I just had my tail fly off. span for a bit, then blew up. I also took a head on RPG hit, while in cockpit view. It was amazing. My heli just blew up. I also managed to do a few barrel rolls while flying through a valley.

May first crash was in cockpit view when my tail rotor hit a tree. I started spinning then the ground came up. Epic.

Can we fly the BLACKHAWK? My favorite helo is the Huey, but i geuss thats out of the question for sure.

Its epic isnt it!! Absolutely brilliant. Especially in cockpit view when you can see what it is thats hit you or youve hit!! I love it, im hooked!! haha.

Not sure if we can fly the blackhawk...maybe in MP co op, but i doubt it. We can fly the Hind though.

Huey would be nice :D

[The_Goalie_94]

Maybe we can start a vote for DLC. I only played for half an hour and can't play for 2 days. I hope to play a few hours on the wweekend. It is very epic. THe damage is intense! Can't wait for the full game so i can customize my owm bird.

In case you didn't know, i prefer helicopters over planes. Sorry plane fans :)

[FOZ_1983]

Maybe we can start a vote for DLC. I only played for half an hour and can't play for 2 days. I hope to play a few hours on the wweekend. It is very epic. THe damage is intense! Can't wait for the full game so i can customize my owm bird.

In case you didn't know, i prefer helicopters over planes. Sorry plane fans :)

After completing the 3 missions of the demo it unlocked a new apache and some skins. I thought maybe i could use these in the missions again but it turns out you cant. Its good how you can go to "extras" and put stickers etc onto your apache. I spent a while making my own haha, redy eyes at the front and a nice badge at the side. Nothing t ofancy, but looked good ;) then when you exit the demo you lose it all.

Im hooked on this demo i must admit.

As for DLC, anton has already said its a posibility, but its not down to the devs, its down to the publishers and whether or not they want to publish it. Lets hope this game gets enough sales :D

Cant wait for some XBL co op missions!! Some epic games will be recorded and talked about in this forum no doubt.

[bobbysocks]

you all have me stoked! just got in and am going to DL it....we may have to split out time between BoP and AAA....we need a secretary...a sexy hot one !! i will do the the interviews.....

[Akula]

I just got done playing the demo, and it was pretty nice. Until my PS3 froze!

[tbtstt]

I had no idea this was coming out until I spotted the demo download in the PSN store last night. I've always wanted a decent helicopter game (I'm another who favours rotors over fixed wing ;)), so I did a bit of Google research whilst the demo was downloading and couldn't believe my luck when I saw it was developed by the same team behind IL-2!

I played it for about an hour last night and loved it. I thought there were one or two very minor flaws with the physics (I was playing on realistic) and a bit more of help with the controls would have been useful (e.g. using the satellite view) but otherwise its great and a definate purchase for me.

Highlight of the demo for me was realising that, not only could you switch to the gunners position on the fly, but the TADS includes a FLIR mode as well. Brilliant!

[vdomini]

Downloaded the demo last night and played for about 1 hour, unlocked the three mission and played in realistic.

It's hard flying an helicopter i prefer a plane lol

The game is very well balanced and designed, i'm pretty courious to try the simulator difficulty level but i am not very good flying helicopter.

I like the english acccent of the female gunner in the last mission :rolleyes:

Only thing i expected more was more definition and details over the ground and building/enviroment destrucion animation, and more dust/particles effect when flying very low or behind enemy vehicles. I fear that atmospheric turbulence has not been taken in count as well. Physics does not look good when houses collapses, and some structure can't be destoyed. Grass/bush graphical rendering is quite poor. Enemy models/animations are not good as i expected to be. Feel like ps3 can handle much more higher graphical details ( have a look at the crytek engine on ps3, used in Crysis ) Overall, the graphic is average, but i was expecting more from a brand new game.

I will surely buy the full game and probably some kind of joystick, it's gonna be fun flying that heli drunk with friends, and playng that online, but i will wait to find it used, second hand or get in from ebay, not willing to pay full price for it. Bit disappointed about the graphics.

P.s.: where the HELL is my air speed? Also, how can i look around like in bop while in cockpit wiew using joypad!??

[FOZ_1983]

you all have me stoked! just got in and am going to DL it....we may have to split out time between BoP and AAA....we need a secretary...a sexy hot one !! i will do the the interviews.....

Nah, we dont need a secretary!! We'll just the female pilot from one of the missions ;)

What we need is some damn good groud crews, a bit of training, and a lot of luck!!

Was it just me that randomly listens to ride of the valkyries while playing this sometimes? haha :P


Have noticed that on realistic, your fuel doesnt seem to go down. Unless its just a very slow process. Ive not looked into this to much really so dont take my word as gospel.

What i do enjoy is when i have used up all my Hellfires, rather than wait 3 ins for them to re arm, i love flying to the nearest heli pad and rearming and repairing. Great feature.


Great game so far, just a few minor flaws but hopefully they are only on the demo (the sound issue has not been reported on the ps3)

[tbtstt]

Only thing i expected more was more definition and details over the ground and building/enviroment destrucion animation, and more dust/particles effect when flying very low or behind enemy vehicles. I fear that atmospheric turbulence has not been taken in count as well. Physics does not look good when houses collapses, and some structure can't be destoyed. Grass/bush graphical rendering is quite poor. Enemy models/animations are not good as i expected to be. Feel like ps3 can handle much more higher graphical details ( have a look at the crytek engine on ps3, used in Crysis ) Overall, the graphic is average, but i was expecting more from a brand new game.
I think I'd put them a touch above average, but I agree that some of the ground detailing looks a bit rough up close. I daresay the graphics are the same quality as IL-2, but with A:AA you can come to halt and look at things in more detail, whereas you were always in motion in IL-2, so you wouldn't notice some of the rough edges on ground objects. Given that the flying in this game takes place lower and slower then IL-2, they perhaps could have polished the ground detailing a bit more.

I didn't really look at the particle effects too closely but, thinking back, I don't recall seeing any sort of dust cloud when flying at low level. I'll have to check that out when I get back to my PS3 this evening!

[trk29]

For those that are having trouble with the controls this seems to be the most that people are having/were having including me. I don't know about Xbox so someone else will have to clarify.

To look around with default settings.

Hold d-pad down and free look with right stick. Using the motion control was hard it seemed like it had a little lag so this wasn't for me. And flying with the motion control was hard as well, but glad to see Gaijin had implemented it.

To change target select missiles, X button change target. One cool thing is you can shoot beyond visual range by going into a hover or still flying. After selecting your target you can hold d-pad up to get a satellite view of target, and you can zoom in by holding L2 and while still in satellite view press R1 to fire missile, which is fire and forget. Another cool feature is while using the Flir mode, (gun) when you find a target you can press R1 to fire missile.

I had got pretty good with the controls last night on realistic, I am guessing when sim mode is unlocked in full game it will be taken up a notch hopefully.

I figured out you can rotate the helo a full 180 while going topspeed but you have to level out your body with the left stick and keep it level, so you can be going full out towards your target and do a complete turn around and start flying backwards while shooting hellfires. Another thing to try is while coming at targets try to switch to your flir mode and shoot while the helo is going straight at low speed that is what I did at the level where the Apache is down to make it a little more challenging.

Talking about the graphics I agree the surrounding so seem a little low detail but I can live with that because the gameplay is superb. I am surprised Activision didn't has Gaijin to put in MP VS. but hopefully they could add that, I don't know. But the co-op will be fun if it is done correctly and I believe Gaijin will not let us down.

[FOZ_1983]

For those that are having trouble with the controls this seems to be the most that people are having/were having including me. I don't know about Xbox so someone else will have to clarify.

To look around with default settings.

Hold d-pad down and free look with right stick. Using the motion control was hard it seemed like it had a little lag so this wasn't for me. And flying with the motion control was hard as well, but glad to see Gaijin had implemented it.

Its the same for the xbox 360 pad. Hold down on the D-pad, use R-stick to look freely.
To change target select missiles, X button change target. One cool thing is you can shoot beyond visual range by going into a hover or still flying. After selecting your target you can hold d-pad up to get a satellite view of target, and you can zoom in by holding L2 and while still in satellite view press R1 to fire missile, which is fire and forget. Another cool feature is while using the Flir mode, (gun) when you find a target you can press R1 to fire missile.

I had got pretty good with the controls last night on realistic, I am guessing when sim mode is unlocked in full game it will be taken up a notch hopefully.

I figured out you can rotate the helo a full 180 while going topspeed but you have to level out your body with the left stick and keep it level, so you can be going full out towards your target and do a complete turn around and start flying backwards while shooting hellfires. Another thing to try is while coming at targets try to switch to your flir mode and shoot while the helo is going straight at low speed that is what I did at the level where the Apache is down to make it a little more challenging.

Talking about the graphics I agree the surrounding so seem a little low detail but I can live with that because the gameplay is superb. I am surprised Activision didn't has Gaijin to put in MP VS. but hopefully they could add that, I don't know. But the co-op will be fun if it is done correctly and I believe Gaijin will not let us down.

Agree with everything your saying, The graphics for me.... are good, acceptable. I can comfortably live with them. Ive seen worse ;)

Has anyone just gone into "free flight" mode yet? As in.. on the first combat mission, kill all the attackers etc, but instaed of heading through the valley at the end to the forward base, jus tstay behind and enjoy flying freely without any trouble?

Well i have, and its great. Zoomed in and looked at the instruments etc to. Noticed how good the touch was when you can see your pilot holding the stick etc and they move when you make them :D Great touch, BUT.... even though the instruments work, the altimeter doesnt. The dial does, but the actual altimeter doesnt. The height just stays at 0000.

Little things aside. A great game.


Has anyone on the PS3 encountered the sound problem that us 360 players have encountered yet? with the never ending machine gun sounds? (rainbow 6 anyone)

[King Jareth]

Any idea if kinect works for freelook?

I love the demo and spent a while trashing it last night, pad first then AV8R-02.
My only niggle with the stick support is the digital zoom (I thought the analogue zoom on the joypad was a nice touch and damn useful) but that might be a hardware limitation.

Online co-op should be a blast (looking forward to trying out the local 2 player co-op too).

[FOZ_1983]

Any idea if kinect works for freelook?

I love the demo and spent a while trashing it last night, pad first then AV8R-02.
My only niggle with the stick support is the digital zoom (I thought the analogue zoom on the joypad was a nice touch and damn useful) but that might be a hardware limitation.

Online co-op should be a blast (looking forward to trying out the local 2 player co-op too).

Nope its not compatible with kinects i dont think, Only the PS3 "thing"

Im loving it with the stick, and dont really use digital zoom to much. Im, playing it "properly" if that makes sense? Im tracknig targets from well out of range and taking them out. Im really enjoying it alot!!

Ive got this and Black Ops on pre order, both coming out within a week of each other. I can honeslt say right now as of this moment, im looking forward to this more than Black Ops!! I love it.

Your right, co op should be immense if done properly by Gaijen. Shame a small sample wasnt available on the demo. But not to worry eh.

[tbtstt]

Has anyone on the PS3 encountered the sound problem that us 360 players have encountered yet? with the never ending machine gun sounds? (rainbow 6 anyone)
I only had around an hour with the game, but I didn't get any audio glitches in that time. I'll no doubt be giving the demo a serious work out in the next few evenings, so I'll post if I encounter any issues!

Thinking about the demo today I think what impressed/pleased me the most is that Gaijin have really "got" the source material. The Apache has appeared in numerous games and although its often cosmetically accurate, its very rare for its technology to be correctly represented as well. There have obviously been compromises made for gameplay purposes, but there were a lot of little details that I kept noticing - can't wait to try and spot some more later! :)

[FOZ_1983]

I only had around an hour with the game, but I didn't get any audio glitches in that time. I'll no doubt be giving the demo a serious work out in the next few evenings, so I'll post if I encounter any issues!

Thinking about the demo today I think what impressed/pleased me the most is that Gaijin have really "got" the source material. The Apache has appeared in numerous games and although its often cosmetically accurate, its very rare for its technology to be correctly represented as well. There have obviously been compromises made for gameplay purposes, but there were a lot of little details that I kept noticing - can't wait to try and spot some more later! :)

You'll know it (glitch/bug) if you see it. Well hear it. Its basically like a constant never ending gunfire sound. Annoying really. But Pope has come up with a theory about how it appears. It may just be a 360 prob.

Playing alot today ive noticed things looked good inside the apache, but the dials etc dont really work. They will on sim mode though im sure. For example, the temp gauge and fuel gauge dont change. They stay as they are. They stand out though because they are bright green and in the middle of your cockpit. The only one that changes is RPM gauge. Im not to worried about all this though as its only realistic and ammo etc replenishes. On sim mode it does not :D so it should be fine for that. Cant wait.

Theirs a small visual glitch to, could anyone else verify this for me please?

If your engine gets shot enough and gets damaged (top left of screen it will say "engine damaged") the visuals will show the engine looks a mess. But... theirs a little pylon/rod thing that is just above each engine. When your engine gets damaged this pylon/rod looks visually wierd. It just appears connected to fresh air, touching nothing but stays with the apache. Nothing big really, just annoying to look at haha. Though not to much bother because i play from in the cockpit mode 99% of the time anyway.

Hope your all enjoying this game :D

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Why is everyone posting about a sim mode?

[FOZ_1983]

Why is everyone posting about a sim mode?

What do you mean?

[tbtstt]

Why is everyone posting about a sim mode?
According to the previews (if I read them correctly), then there is a "Veteran" mode which is as close as the game gets to full simulation. I believe this is the mode people are referring to when they talk about the "simulation" setting*.



* Someone please correct me if I'm talking crap here!

[FOZ_1983]

According to the previews (if I read them correctly), then there is a "Veteran" mode which is as close as the game gets to full simulation. I believe this is the mode people are referring to when they talk about the "simulation" setting*.



* Someone please correct me if I'm talking crap here!

Ah right, now i see what he meant. My fault for not realising. Yeah "Sim" mode were talking about is the next difficulty up in the apache game which is not in the demo. It makes things harder, gives you limited fuel, ammo, and fly only in cockpit view. For the players that fancy that extra challenge :)

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Ah right, now i see what he meant. My fault for not realising. Yeah "Sim" mode were talking about is the next difficulty up in the apache game which is not in the demo. It makes things harder, gives you limited fuel, ammo, and fly only in cockpit view. For the players that fancy that extra challenge :)

I think they call it Veteran difficulty but all I heard about it was that you just get one Helo for the entire campaign.

[FOZ_1983]

I think they call it Veteran difficulty but all I heard about it was that you just get one Helo for the entire campaign.

Yup, Just 1 life, limited ammo, limited fuel, cockpit only view....... though when you run out of ammo you can return to base or to a landing zone and re arm and refuel plus also repair.


Exciting eh? :D

[FOZ_1983]

Speaking of landing...

Has anyone tried landing yet on the landing zones/heli pad on cockpit only view? How did you find it?

I've tried it!! Loved it!! crashed a couple of times, but slowly getting to grips with it. Takes me a while though. I like to attempt my landing, then switch to external view once im down and my engine has shut off to see just how close i am to the middle. Its a pretty hard thing to do unless im going wrong somewhere!!

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Yup, Just 1 life, limited ammo, limited fuel, cockpit only view....... though when you run out of ammo you can return to base or to a landing zone and re arm and refuel plus also repair.


Exciting eh? :D

Strangely, I find it easier to fly in cockpit mode on realistic. It seems like the assists in training make turning and diving too sluggish. Landing is hard though, you have to come in real slow to stop yourself from burying the helo into the ground. I need to play around with the sensitivities more.

[FOZ_1983]

Strangely, I find it easier to fly in cockpit mode on realistic. It seems like the assists in training make turning and diving too sluggish. Landing is hard though, you have to come in real slow to stop yourself from burying the helo into the ground. I need to play around with the sensitivities more.

I must admit i do also prefer flying in cockpit view, everything seems much more fun and you have t opay much more attention. And the fear factor that kicks in when you pull back on the stick to much and your nose goes up... priceless haha.

Ive found with the landings, i come in slightly to the side of helipad, get level with it and then slowly bank to the left or right before setting it down. Other times i will just get roughly on top of it and use the free look to make sure i can see the perimeter of the landing pad in my left and right windows. If i can them i know im on the money, then slowly set her down.

I always fly from the pilots view aswell, never from the gunners view. Just doesnt seem as authentic if i do?

[Robotic Pope]

I must admit i do also prefer flying in cockpit view, everything seems much more fun and you have t opay much more attention. And the fear factor that kicks in when you pull back on the stick to much and your nose goes up... priceless haha.

Ive found with the landings, i come in slightly to the side of helipad, get level with it and then slowly bank to the left or right before setting it down. Other times i will just get roughly on top of it and use the free look to make sure i can see the perimeter of the landing pad in my left and right windows. If i can them i know im on the money, then slowly set her down.

I always fly from the pilots view aswell, never from the gunners view. Just doesnt seem as authentic if i do?

Yeah always cockpit view for me too, although I do swich between front and back seat. The gunner can fly the aircraft aswell you know, as can the driver fire the weapons.

I advise anyone who is enjoying this demo to get yourself a copy of Ed Macy's book "Apache". I'm finding it hard to put down, and it really gives you a better idea of what imense skill it takes to fly this bird for real. It will make you enjoy the game even more.

[tbtstt]

I advise anyone who is enjoying this demo to get yourself a copy of Ed Macy's book "Apache". I'm finding it hard to put down, and it really gives you a better idea of what imense skill it takes to fly this bird for real. It will make you enjoy the game even more.
+1 for this. Macy has recently released a second book ("Hellfire") which I didn't enjoy quite as much as "Apache", but its still well worth a read.

[FOZ_1983]

Yeah always cockpit view for me too, although I do swich between front and back seat. The gunner can fly the aircraft aswell you know, as can the driver fire the weapons.

I advise anyone who is enjoying this demo to get yourself a copy of Ed Macy's book "Apache". I'm finding it hard to put down, and it really gives you a better idea of what imense skill it takes to fly this bird for real. It will make you enjoy the game even more.

Maybe so, but i have my own little pet hate haha. Thats being... in simple temrs, the guy at the back flies. The guy at the front shoots :D thats how i play it. Im loving it though mate, really i am!! Just free flying around and enjoying it is great. Pushing the Apache to its limits and doing what i can.

[DH1979]

Speaking of landing...

Has anyone tried landing yet on the landing zones/heli pad on cockpit only view? How did you find it?

I've tried it!! Loved it!! crashed a couple of times, but slowly getting to grips with it. Takes me a while though. I like to attempt my landing, then switch to external view once im down and my engine has shut off to see just how close i am to the middle. Its a pretty hard thing to do unless im going wrong somewhere!!

I use the auto hover button when im as close as i can get to the LZ's. It helps keeping the helo stable and you can still make slight adjustments while still in auto hover mode. Helps loads for cockpit view.

[King Jareth]

+1 for this. Macy has recently released a second book ("Hellfire") which I didn't enjoy quite as much as "Apache", but its still well worth a read.

Ed Macys 'Apache' and Damien Lewis' 'Apache Dawn' are both pretty good books to read. Also if you've read 'Apache' then "Charlotte" the female apache pilot has a book out called "dressed to kill" about her life as a pilot as well.

p.s. Its because these books that I have this in my sig \/ \/

[The_Goalie_94]

I just really really hope we get a BLACKHAWK. Its one of my favorite birds and it seems logical. Imagine we got all the aircraft in the AIRCRAFT section of the website :O

Plus I just watched Black Hawk Down the other day.

[bobbysocks]

i am loving it. only had about an hour to screw with it but enjoyed it. there is a learning curve after fixed with ac and old habits die hard!! i seem to hit the wrong flight control out of reflex...but i am getting better. seems the slower i go the better i can get kills. cant wait for the full version and to fly with others.

did any of you adjust your sensitivities?? and if so...which & down how many??

[xX-SiLeNcE-Xx]

Has anyone on the PS3 encountered the sound problem that us 360 players have encountered yet? with the never ending machine gun sounds? (rainbow 6 anyone)

I have, on PS3. Just once though. And I though I was like the only person to ever play Rainbow 6 Vegas/ :-P

[tbtstt]

I have, on PS3. Just once though. And I though I was like the only person to ever play Rainbow 6 Vegas/ :-P
I was just about to post and say that I think the PS3 version is audio fault free, when I read this comment! I put a couple of hours in last night and didn't get it, any idea what triggered it, or is it just a randon glitch?

Ed Macys 'Apache' and Damien Lewis' 'Apache Dawn' are both pretty good books to read. Also if you've read 'Apache' then "Charlotte" the female apache pilot has a book out called "dressed to kill" about her life as a pilot as well.
I read "Apache Dawn" and didn't rate it as much, I've seen "Dressed to Kill" advertised but not got round to picking it up yet. Is it any good?

I'm now a cockpit view player as well. I had been using the nose camera, but I switched to the cockpit view last night and found it way easier to fly the aircraft smoothly. Don't know if anyone else finds the same, but being able to see part of the aircraft makes it easier to orientate.

I also found the "move cannon in zoom" (or whatever its called!) function last night, very nifty! Once you get a bit more familiar with the controls you can quite easily fly in one direction, whilst you are shooting in another.

Tonights job is to properly play around with the satellite mode!

NB: For those asking, the airspeed figure is on the left on the HUD, a bit below the torque figure!

[King Jareth]

I read "Apache Dawn" and didn't rate it as much, I've seen "Dressed to Kill" advertised but not got round to picking it up yet. Is it any good?


I've not got Dressed to Kill yet, its one of the many books waiting in my Amazon wishlist to be bought for me for Christmas (after some really heavy hinting to people asking what I want). I read Apache Dawn first and did prefer Ed macys book but 'dawn' was more technical I though. Also if you read '3 Para' you get boots on the ground accounts of some of the same fights which is pretty cool.

[tbtstt]

I've not got Dressed to Kill yet, its one of the many books waiting in my Amazon wishlist to be bought for me for Christmas (after some really heavy hinting to people asking what I want). I read Apache Dawn first and did prefer Ed macys book but 'dawn' was more technical I though.
Ha! I know the feeling! Too many books and not enough time (or money!) for all of them! Yeah, Dawn covered some technical details, but I found the book very repetitive in places.

Also if you read '3 Para' you get boots on the ground accounts of some of the same fights which is pretty cool.
I didn't think "3 Para" was that great to be honest. I read it almost immediately after reading "Sniper One" though, and that was such a good book I think it may have influenced my opinion on 3P - I'll have to give it a re-read some time.

Off topic slightly, but I've been meaning to pick up "Snake Driver" for ages now. I read a short article by the author in a book years ago and would really like to check out his full account - once again though, time and money... :grin:

[Korsakov829]

I think A:AA is at Igromir. I was there for about 3 hours yesterday but couldn't find it.

[winny]

I think A:AA is at Igromir. I was there for about 3 hours yesterday but couldn't find it.

Ooh.. Did you manage to see Storm of War?

[Steiner]

Get pumped, last 30 seconds Whoa!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QytBMnbpt8c&feature=related

[Korsakov829]

Ooh.. Did you manage to see Storm of War?

Yes, yes I did.

[bobbysocks]

I think A:AA is at Igromir. I was there for about 3 hours yesterday but couldn't find it.

there is a pretty good reason for that...it doesnt come out until the 19th. after it comes out you ought drop by 1C and get Anton to sign a copy for you. that would be a collectors item!

[Korsakov829]

I could disguise myself and get several copies. Make alot of money that way.

[winny]

Yes, yes I did.

Very monosylabic.. thanks.... and? Impressed?

[Korsakov829]

Not quite. It has things Birds of Prey doesn't, but seems lacking alot of things does have.

[winny]

I've seen video of it there and just wondered what someone who'd actually seen it thought. It could be the reason for me to get a good P.C.

[mattd27]

Seems like mostly positive thoughts then? I know even with the BOP demo people were running out a huge list of complaints. I still haven't gotten a chance to try the demo yet, but I've actually been hearing a little bit of unexpected buzz on other gaming forms. Hope it sells decently, the more online players the better!

[hurricane]

I gave it a shot yesterday but didn't do so well.I don't know if I have the skills.

[Robotic Pope]

I gave it a shot yesterday but didn't do so well.I don't know if I have the skills.

nonsense bucket, if you can play BoP on sim you can do this too. You just need to get used to the different control of the helicopter.

[The_Goalie_94]

So, any words on that BLackhawk yet? I think if it is flyable, i might start some sort of vote for a huey as well via DLC. THat would make this game the coolest game...ever?

[The_Goalie_94]

Also, any words on pre-order bonus'? Im thinking of pre-ordering it, just for kicks.

[bobbysocks]

no..blackhawk isnt flyable. just a couple versions of the apache...an unmanned but armed drone and the hind. for a DLC i would love the A10...but not holding my breath.

[bobbysocks]

actually kind of surprised i dont see more people playing the demo when i go online. i figured i wouldnt get into a BoP for awhile because of it but not so..at least late night in the us.

[tbtstt]

no..blackhawk isnt flyable. just a couple versions of the apache...an unmanned but armed drone and the hind. for a DLC i would love the A10...but not holding my breath.
Apologies if its already been clearly stated, but have Gaijin actually confirmed that the Blackhawk isn't playable, or are we just assuming? I assume when you say "unarmed drone", you are referring to the Fire Scout and not a Predator, Global Hawk or other fixed wing drone?

And yes, the A10 as extra DLC would be awesome. Probably unlikely, but still awesome!

[The Few]

actually kind of surprised i dont see more people playing the demo when i go online. i figured i wouldnt get into a BoP for awhile because of it but not so..at least late night in the us.

I looked for the demo last night and could not find it so I'm not sure if it has been released for the US yet. I have seen Europeans playing the demo on my friends list and that is what reminded me to look for it, so I looked in demo's, latest release and then did a search and came up with nothing.

[bobbysocks]

i know the demo is released in the us for xbox. i DLed it the day after. i admit having to look around for it.
yeah it was pretty well confirmed that those are the only ac flyable...2 versions of the apache, the mq 8b ( un manned not unarmed..or should say remotely piloted) and a hind. i will dig for the actual quote later...

[P-51]

i know the demo is released in the us for xbox. i DLed it the day after. i admit having to look around for it.
yeah it was pretty well confirmed that those are the only ac flyable...2 versions of the apache, the mq 8b ( un manned not unarmed..or should say remotely piloted) and a hind. i will dig for the actual quote later...

The three in the hangar section in the demo, basically!

[Robotic Pope]

i know the demo is released in the us for xbox. i DLed it the day after. i admit having to look around for it.
yeah it was pretty well confirmed that those are the only ac flyable...2 versions of the apache, the mq 8b ( un manned not unarmed..or should say remotely piloted) and a hind. i will dig for the actual quote later...

It was confirmed by the developers, but then they don't have to give out all their secrets. If a Ka-50 or Mi-28 turns up as unlockables then I wouldn't be all that supprised. :cool:

[hurricane]

nonsense bucket, if you can play BoP on sim you can do this too. You just need to get used to the different control of the helicopter.

yeah bucket jr. played it yesterday and said i should get the game.he blew thru the demo in about 30 mins.it took me that long to get thru training.he can kick my ass in every game but one.IL2 sim.can't prove cause i haven't played him online but i let him try against you guy's and he gave up .

[Robotic Pope]

yeah bucket jr. played it yesterday and said i should get the game.he blew thru the demo in about 30 mins.it took me that long to get thru training.he can kick my ass in every game but one.IL2 sim.can't prove cause i haven't played him online but i let him try against you guy's and he gave up .

Strange, I remember that minibucket shot me down 3 times.

[Korsakov829]

yeah bucket jr. played it yesterday and said i should get the game.he blew thru the demo in about 30 mins.it took me that long to get thru training.he can kick my ass in every game but one.IL2 sim.can't prove cause i haven't played him online but i let him try against you guy's and he gave up .

Sounds like premature arthritis has you.

[hurricane]

Strange, I remember that minibucket shot me down 3 times.

you left yourself open for one of my smartass comments there pope but i think iv'e killed enough threads allready.back on subject...... the game seems real good but the online play will determine the durability of the game.we shall see.

[The_Goalie_94]

I want a blackhawk :(

Were is it confirmed that you cant fly it? Just because in the demo it has just those three showing does that mean*only those? I just have a hard time thinking this.

Also why would they put all those Aircraft under "AIRCRAFT" on the website if you can only fly 3? It just seems fishy i dont know.

[Buggins]

I want a blackhawk :(

Were is it confirmed that you cant fly it? Just because in the demo it has just those three showing does that mean*only those? I just have a hard time thinking this.

Also why would they put all those Aircraft under "AIRCRAFT" on the website if you can only fly 3? It just seems fishy i dont know.

Why would you want to pilot a transport chopper? Wouldn't be much to do with it gameplay-wise. Here is the link confirming flyables:

http://forum.yuplay.com/index.php?showtopic=2748

[Robotic Pope]

Why would you want to pilot a transport chopper? Wouldn't be much to do with it gameplay-wise. Here is the link confirming flyables:

http://forum.yuplay.com/index.php?showtopic=2748

I can think of some cool missions that would be fun to fly the blackhawk in. Gameplay doesn't have to be blowing stuff up you know.

Although saying that, I would be very suprised if you do get to fly it.

The developers didn't confirm that there are no other helicopters unlockable.

[Korsakov829]

Why would you want to pilot a transport chopper? Wouldn't be much to do with it gameplay-wise. Here is the link confirming flyables:

http://forum.yuplay.com/index.php?showtopic=2748

Same reason why the Po-2 is my favorite Birds of Prey plane.

[xX-SiLeNcE-Xx]

Holy s***. Playstation peeps listen up! The Official Playstation Blog released there games release list, and it has Apache: Air Assault listed to be released tomorrow in the US. Comment #75 asks for verification of the release date and the blogger confirms it is to be released tomorrow.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/07/the-drop-week-of-nov-8th-2010-new-releases/comment-page-2/#comments

Excuse me while I run down the street flailing my arms and jumping with excitement.

[trk29]

Holy s***. Playstation peeps listen up! The Official Playstation Blog released there games release list, and it has Apache: Air Assault listed to be released tomorrow in the US. Comment #75 asks for verification of the release date and the blogger confirms it is to be released tomorrow.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/07/the-drop-week-of-nov-8th-2010-new-releases/comment-page-2/#comments

Excuse me while I run down the street flailing my arms and jumping with excitement.

Cool thanks.

EDIT: Called my local Gamestop today and they are still saying the 16th. So no game today.

[tbtstt]

If a Ka-50 or Mi-28 turns up as unlockables then I wouldn't be all that supprised. :cool:
A Ka-50 (or -52) would be a superb addition!

Gameplay doesn't have to be blowing stuff up you know.
Of course it does! :grin: No, I agree, I have to say that gameplay elements of A:AA remind me of (the massively underrated) Dropship on PS2. That managed several missions where your priority was delivering cargo rather then blowing everything up and that was still a very enjoyable game.

[tbtstt]

Apologies for the double post and further apologies if this has already been posted, but I just spotted this in the Yuplay forum and thought it was worth sharing:

http://yuplay.com/img/screenshots/6E7A8D24-69B2-44E6-8976-784E46E52BC6/big/8.jpg

Mi-35 front seat! :grin:

[Korsakov829]

It looks too clean to be Russian. The pilot has digital camo similar to the U.S.A millitary also.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Excuse me while I run down the street flailing my arms and jumping with excitement.

:grin: I'll be sitting here in the warmth of cynicism. 9th/19th easily confused.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

It looks too clean to be Russian. The pilot has digital camo similar to the U.S.A millitary also.

Whatever country got it, cleaned it up nicely.

[tbtstt]

It looks too clean to be Russian. The pilot has digital camo similar to the U.S.A millitary also.
An aircraft is as clean as whoever operates it wants it to be!

[Korsakov829]

Absolutely true. I remember riding in the back of the Mi-35s and the cigar smoke from the pilots seat always drifted back onto us.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

This Russian one has a similarly nice black interior.

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz159/tagemandbagem/mi35.jpg

Absolutely true. I remember riding in the back of the Mi-35s and the cigar smoke from the pilots seat always drifted back onto us.

:-P A cigar-chomping Hind pilot or a Russian paratrooper, I don't know who wins that fight.

[Korsakov829]

Those might be the more modern ones, but the ones in Afghanistan were dirty, clogged with sand.

I'll try the demo later. I don't believe though, I will like it. If I don't get penalized for shooting US troops with a auto cannon then I might get it.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Maybe early release is why U.S. store didn't get the demo. Can anyone confirm it's in the shops over there?

[winny]

Maybe early release is why U.S. store didn't get the demo. Can anyone confirm it's in the shops over there?

I wouldn't be surprised if it's the demo that's out tomorrow..

[trk29]

Maybe early release is why U.S. store didn't get the demo. Can anyone confirm it's in the shops over there?

Cool thanks.

EDIT: Called my local Gamestop today and they are still saying the 16th. So no game today.

No.

[bobbysocks]

Thanks Silence...i didnt know about PS3 demo ( for north america ) not being out until today so will push it to all my firends here.

Pope...i hope you are correct and there is a surprise ac or 2 for us.

Kors... they arent going to put a dirty @$$ copter in the game. they took it to the local detail shop for a complete buff and shine. i DO like the vis out of this cockpit! ( still would love a hind vs apache DF in the mountains )

i have a guy here at work who has been over to the ME a couple times. I mistakenly thought he flew apaches...he flies blackhawks. i told him about the demo and am interested to see his take on the game ( might get some flying pointers to pass on to ya ). as far as firefights... he said blackhawks and chinooks get into more S#!T because insurgents dont want to go toe to toe with an apache. they know the others are bringing troops in and arent as well armed. so when they go to land all hell breaks loose more often than not.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

i have a guy here at work who has been over to the ME a couple times. I mistakenly thought he flew apaches...he flies blackhawks. i told him about the demo and am interested to see his take on the game ( might get some flying pointers to pass on to ya ). as far as firefights... he said blackhawks and chinooks get into more S#!T because insurgents dont want to go toe to toe with an apache. they know the others are bringing troops in and arent as well armed. so when they go to land all hell breaks loose more often than not.

First episode of Frontline: Battle Machines, the chinook they're travelling in gets riddled with bullets and the pilot gets wounded in the head.

[flynlion]

As far as firefights... he said blackhawks and chinooks get into more S#!T because insurgents dont want to go toe to toe with an apache. they know the others are bringing troops in and arent as well armed. so when they go to land all hell breaks loose more often than not.

That's what my buddy was doing when he was killed in Iraq, escorting some Blackhawks with his Apache.

[bobbysocks]

sorry to hear the loss of your friend, flynlion. i do remember you mentioning him months back. i work with a lot of guys who rotate over there. so far, thank God, they have all come back. and i hope it stays that way.

[flynlion]

Those might be the more modern ones, but the ones in Afghanistan were dirty, clogged with sand.

I'll try the demo later. I don't believe though, I will like it. If I don't get penalized for shooting US troops with a auto cannon then I might get it.

You might like it Korsakov. It's not like your shooting at Russian soldiers, at least not in the demo. But I do see your point, it's kinda hard to build a game based on modern combat without getting modern politics involved. Perhaps that's one reason why WW2 games are so popular. I don't see how anyone, even modern Germans, can have an issue with shooting down an aircraft with a swastika painted on the side.

[flynlion]

sorry to hear the loss of your friend, flynlion. i do remember you mentioning him months back. i work with a lot of guys who rotate over there. so far, thank God, they have all come back. and i hope it stays that way.

Thanks Bobby.

[Korsakov829]

I was kind of upset with Battlefield Bad Company 2, Battlefield Free2play, and the Modern Warfare series along with Black ops. I'm glad this game doesn't seem to be taking the U.S.A vs Russian Federation theme.

[hurricane]

I was kind of upset with Battlefield Bad Company 2, Battlefield Free2play, and the Modern Warfare series along with Black ops. I'm glad this game doesn't seem to be taking the U.S.A vs Russian Federation theme.

you hope when a game comes out nobody will be offended and its made with current political events in mind .war is old men talking and young men dying someone said.lots of men talk on this forumn.fortunately no one's dying.

[Robotic Pope]

You might like it Korsakov. It's not like your shooting at Russian soldiers, at least not in the demo. But I do see your point, it's kinda hard to build a game based on modern combat without getting modern politics involved. Perhaps that's one reason why WW2 games are so popular. I don't see how anyone, even modern Germans, can have an issue with shooting down an aircraft with a swastika painted on the side.

Actually, German politics and law is the reason why we can't have the swastika on the Luftwaffe planes in BoP or in any other game that is to be released in Germany. So kind of a bad example but I see your point too.

[Robotic Pope]

makes me think of ace combat six were they seemed to try to write a story without a political theme.easier said then done i'm sure.

Ace Combat has its own world and politics which worked really well, anything could happen. Which is why imho its a mistake to take the new Ace Combat game into the real world.

[Korsakov829]

That reminds of I think Battlefield 1942. Instead of the Nazi swastika as the icon for the German forces, it is the German Empire flag, which is not banned in Germany. I hope the Taliban flag is in the game.

[Robotic Pope]

That reminds of I think Battlefield 1942. Instead of the Nazi swastika as the icon for the German forces, it is the German Empire flag, which is not banned in Germany. I hope the Taliban flag is in the game.

:eek: Somehow I don't think the Taliban will be featuring in this game.:rolleyes:

[flynlion]

Actually, German politics and law is the reason why we can't have the swastika on the Luftwaffe planes in BoP or in any other game that is to be released in Germany. So kind of a bad example but I see your point too.

You're correct Pope. I just looked at several German planes in BoP and there's a black diamond shape painted where the swastika would be. Funny that I never noticed that before, but to be honest that is one symbol that I really don't miss though it might be fun to shoot at.

Have y'all tried playing The Sabateur? It's a mediocre title at best but it is kinda fun icing SS men wearing nazi armbands. I'm guessing they don't sell that game in Germany even though the German people have as much reason as anyone to hate the SS.

[flynlion]

That reminds of I think Battlefield 1942. Instead of the Nazi swastika as the icon for the German forces, it is the German Empire flag, which is not banned in Germany. I hope the Taliban flag is in the game.

I think the taliban flag is one we'd all like to shoot at.

[tbtstt]

Those might be the more modern ones, but the ones in Afghanistan were dirty, clogged with sand.
I would say that was more to do with the operating environment (and operating practices) of the time, then a general statement about Russian aircraft (in my opinion anyway).

There has also been a change in the maintenance trends for Russian helicopters between the 80's and now.

[BRIGGBOY]

Actually, German politics and law is the reason why we can't have the swastika on the Luftwaffe planes in BoP or in any other game that is to be released in Germany. So kind of a bad example but I see your point too.

they are in WOP

[Korsakov829]

I would say that was more to do with the operating environment (and operating practices) of the time, then a general statement about Russian aircraft (in my opinion anyway).

There has also been a change in the maintenance trends for Russian helicopters between the 80's and now.

True, but you might just be looking at some pictures of ones in a musuem. Display art for the public is alot differant then stuff in the field.

[Robotic Pope]

they are in WOP

WoP is probably exempt from this law because it is a online download product



You're correct Pope. I just looked at several German planes in BoP and there's a black diamond shape painted where the swastika would be. Funny that I never noticed that before, but to be honest that is one symbol that I really don't miss though it might be fun to shoot at.

Have y'all tried playing The Sabateur? It's a mediocre title at best but it is kinda fun icing SS men wearing nazi armbands. I'm guessing they don't sell that game in Germany even though the German people have as much reason as anyone to hate the SS.

Makes no difference to me. Although I would prefer it to be there for historic acuracy. And German law dictating what we can see and do is rather iritating.

I Believe Sabateur has two versions. I have seen videos of that game with swastikas everywhere (North Amerian release?). Then later when the came came out here I saw the trailer had them all replaced by a black luftwaffe type cross on red backbround. I asume this is the European Version.

[flynlion]

Makes no difference to me. Although I would prefer it to be there for historic acuracy. And German law dictating what we can see and do is rather iritating.


Gotta agree w ya there Pope. As much as I hate any kind of nazi symbolism, any law that restricts freedom of speech or expression seems like a victory for the nazi way of thinking.

[Gilly]

Gotta agree w ya there Pope. As much as I hate any kind of nazi symbolism, any law that restricts freedom of speech or expression seems like a victory for the nazi way of thinking.

Agree with both of you guys but I think the German governments restrictions comes down to symbolism and what ultimately the Nazi regime did. It's therefore associated with a period in history they would now rather forget.
I have to buy special transfers for my airfix kits as they don't come as standard which is a ball ache but hey we live in strange times nowadays!

[Korsakov829]

Snapped a bunch of photos of the Lord of War mission.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7539/apacheairassaultdemo.png
http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/1181/apacheairassaultdemo1.png
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6211/apacheairassaultdemo2.png
http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/2868/apacheairassaultdemo3.png
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8554/apacheairassaultdemo4.png
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3931/apacheairassaultdemo5.png
http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/2608/apacheairassaultdemo6.png
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2877/apacheairassaultdemo7.png
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/237/apacheairassaultdemo8.png
http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/9065/apacheairassaultdemo9.png
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1213/apacheairassaultdemo10.png
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/571/apacheairassaultdemo11.png
http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/1876/apacheairassaultdemo12.png
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2197/apacheairassaultdemo13.png
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/329/apacheairassaultdemo14.png
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/5825/apacheairassaultdemo15.png
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8297/apacheairassaultdemo16.png
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/3508/apacheairassaultdemo17.png

The controls take getting used to. The game is pretty good but, since there is no MP like BoP it isn't for me.

[bobbysocks]

I hope the Taliban flag is in the game.

that i highly doubt you will see. any developer or publisher would be insane to included the actual symbol of an extremist group in their game for players to trash. these groups have no sense of humor and when offended they seek violent retaliation as punishment. nope, you dont poke the cat....pope feeds them on occasion but that is a complete other story :grin: . you do this and one day a fan would walk into the lobby of the company seeking to get an autograph on his copy of the game...the author obliges and KaBoom! sad state of affairs this world is having to walk through.

[Korsakov829]

They give all Muslim people a bad name, so much for their Jihad.

Training mode in BoP is good but the AI isn't very challenging. And playing the campaign over and over again has gotten boring. The only thing left keeping many people playing it is MP. If A:AA doesn't have this on a later patch, it had better be cheap for low length of play.

[bobbysocks]

I agree with you there. MP is the only reason BoP is as successful as it is. it will be interesting to see how this coop in A:AA works out. might surprise all of us. and then again as players we can always bastardize the senario ...disregard the mission and DF each other...lol. if it can happen...it will.

[JOED70]

Well As a long time gamer and flightsim nut I must say this game has the potential to be epic . It's been a long time since a decent ground attack chopper game came out and for console to boot . The graphics are step up from BOP add to the fact that on line will be co-op with custom skins . plus play back feature ... I am speechless . Interestingly some of the bugs from Daggor game play engine seem to persist in demo as they did BOP. @ 60 Bucks this is a must buy

This reminds me of LHX Attack for the old Genis

[Korsakov829]

The play back feature is pretty neat. Something that would have been interesting to see in BoP.

[Robotic Pope]

I agree with you there. MP is the only reason BoP is as successful as it is. it will be interesting to see how this coop in A:AA works out. might surprise all of us. and then again as players we can always bastardize the senario ...disregard the mission and DF each other...lol. if it can happen...it will.

Yep. And It will be known as Blue on Blue co-op mode. ;)

[Korsakov829]

Yeah, might surprise us. Then again Gaijin always leaves things out of their console games.

[Rotor Trash]

as a rotorwing guy and i gotta say: Bout time someone did a updated Helicopter game! Would be cool if they dlc'd some EC Tigers, Ah-1s, or OH-58s.

[bobbysocks]

has the release date been pushed back to the 22nd? i got this notification from amazon:

We have received new release date information related to your pre-ordered video game in the order you placed on September 20 2010 (Order# 002-1202009-8475434). The release date for the video game listed below has been changed by the publisher, and we want to provide you with a new delivery estimate based on the new release date:

"Apache: Air Assault"
Release date: November 16 2010
Estimated arrival date: November 22 2010 - November 24 2010

[SEE]

It seems like good fun, strangely enough using a flight stick seemed fairly natural. Skipped training as the guns/missiles wouldn't fire using a stick and went straight into the demo missions. Prefer the 'pit' view' TBH. It won't replace BOP , not for me anyway! Pity the demo doesn't say which buttons do what or what commands/controls are assigned /available. Only had a quick try but will give it another go later........

[trk29]

It seems like good fun, strangely enough using a flight stick seemed fairly natural. Skipped training as the guns/missiles wouldn't fire using a stick and went straight into the demo missions. Prefer the 'pit' view' TBH. It won't replace BOP , not for me anyway! Pity the demo doesn't say which buttons do what or what commands/controls are assigned /available. Only had a quick try but will give it another go later........

On ps3 the square button shows all of your button assignments, where you choose your options.

[Akula]

After playing the last mission of the demo, i'm stuck on a certain part. It is the objective where you cover the downed Apache aircrew.

Otherwise... the game looks like a 'buy' for me. The controls are great, the graphics look nice and the gameplay is awesome.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Pity the demo doesn't say which buttons do what or what commands/controls are assigned /available. Only had a quick try but will give it another go later........

Press [] in the controls menu to see layout. There doesn't look like there will be optional layouts on console, like in BoP, which is a bit of a shame.

After playing the last mission of the demo, i'm stuck on a certain part. It is the objective where you cover the downed Apache aircrew.

There are lots of ways to do this part without resorting to flattening the surrounding area with hydra. A good way is to put your helo in a slight bank then go into FLIR and use 30mm on any foot soldiers getting close and Hellfire on the RPGers that appear on rooftops. You'll have to pop back into cockpit view every now and then to correct the bank, but it protects you from the RPGs.

[Korsakov829]

The missions were all too easy for me. Finished in about 45 minutes, if it takes you more the game has some value to you.

[Steiner]

has the release date been pushed back to the 22nd? i got this notification from amazon:

We have received new release date information related to your pre-ordered video game in the order you placed on September 20 2010 (Order# 002-1202009-8475434). The release date for the video game listed below has been changed by the publisher, and we want to provide you with a new delivery estimate based on the new release date:

"Apache: Air Assault"
Release date: November 16 2010
Estimated arrival date: November 22 2010 - November 24 2010

@ Bobbysocks.
The new European A:AA site says release is on the 19th.

http://www.apacheairassault.eu/

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

The missions were all too easy for me. Finished in about 45 minutes, if it takes you more the game has some value to you.

Hopefully they are just early missions and SAM avoidence becomes a much bigger threat later on.

[Korsakov829]

Hopefully after we hear from the full version and find its real worth more people will buy it.

The recent trends, U.S.A vs Russian Federation is really just made up for balance. A entire conventional army would easily destroy some rebels in the Middle East. So instead of life facts developers invent conflicts involving balanced armies.

[FOZ_1983]

Hopefully after we hear from the full version and find its real worth more people will buy it.

The recent trends, U.S.A vs Russian Federation is really just made up for balance. A entire conventional army would easily destroy some rebels in the Middle East. So instead of life facts developers invent conflicts involving balanced armies.

Yup your right. Just like the soviets did in afghanistan in the 80's.......


Oh wait a min..... :shock:

[MACADEMIC]

Finally had a chance to download the demo and give it a shot.

I love flying the helicopter, it's very nicely made and there's still plenty to learn about controlling it. A nice challenge!

However I miss the ability to free look around, which takes away from an otherwise great flying experience. I believe this is not Gaijin's fault, just comes with the nature of helicopter flying, the limitations of the PS3 controller, and the incompatiblity of Track IR with the PS3 (and Playstation Move not being integrated for Headtracking in this game yet).

So while I'll pick this up for the PS3 (and hope my friends here will as well so we can play Coop games together), I'm also thinking of investing in a copy for PC and a Track IR with it. Would continue using my PS3 controller there (driver available for free at motioninjoy.com).

I hope the game supports free flying, since for me it's really the joy of flying the helicopter, not so much blasting ground targets...

MAC

P.S.: Just read on the yuplay forum that free flight will be available in all versions. :)

[tbtstt]

However I miss the ability to free look around, which takes away from an otherwise great flying experience. I believe this is not Gaijin's fault, just comes with the nature of helicopter flying, the limitations of the PS3 controller, and the incompatiblity of Track IR with the PS3 (and Playstation Move not being integrated for Headtracking in this game yet).
I don't know what the control is mapped to on a flight stick, but if you are using a controller then hold down on the D-pad, and you can then use the right stick to free look around! :)

[vdomini]

Finally had a chance to download the demo and give it a shot.

I love flying the helicopter, it's very nicely made and there's still plenty to learn about controlling it. A nice challenge!

However I miss the ability to free look around, which takes away from an otherwise great flying experience. I believe this is not Gaijin's fault, just comes with the nature of helicopter flying, the limitations of the PS3 controller, and the incompatiblity of Track IR with the PS3 (and Playstation Move not being integrated for Headtracking in this game yet).

So while I'll pick this up for the PS3 (and hope my friends here will as well so we can play Coop games together), I'm also thinking of investing in a copy for PC and a Track IR with it. Would continue using my PS3 controller there (driver available for free at motioninjoy.com).

I hope the game supports free flying, since for me it's really the joy of flying the helicopter, not so much blasting ground targets...

MAC

P.S.: Just read on the yuplay forum that free flight will be available in all versions. :)

You can freely look around using the pad, by holding down the down pad button and then use the L3 stick to look around.

Main problem is that you won't be able to use the stick control while camming around, that could easily lead you crashing whilef lying very low :(

[MACADEMIC]

Thanks tbtstt and Vdomini,

It's true I had not found out about that, just now when I played...so yes it's possible to free look, which is good. Not quite at the same time as flying and looking simultaneously (as I'm used to with BOP), but it's okay.

Will still get the PC version and Track IR, which it will hopefully support (fingers crossed).

Great game Gaijin!

MAC

[tbtstt]

Thanks tbtsst and Vdomini
You're welcome! There are one or two controls/features that the demo doesn't explain at all (like the free view and using the satellite view), so its worth pressing all the buttons to see what happens! :grin:

[trk29]

I have been playing the demo with the pad until yesterday when I tried it with the AV8R, I must say it felt good but it does take some getting used to, I wish the hat button was a little bit bigger and was heavier, but I believe I will have fun with the stick, now all I have to do is figure out a way to mount this to my racing rig.

I have a six speed shifter mounted on the right side of my rig and I think this would be better than mounting it in the middle but I don't know In the middle I would be able to control the throttle with my second hand better, will give it a try hopefully this weekend, below is a shot of my finished rig.

[xX-SiLeNcE-Xx]

A friend of mine is already playing the full game now. T_T

[Korsakov829]

I have been playing the demo with the pad until yesterday when I tried it with the AV8R, I must say it felt good but it does take some getting used to, I wish the hat button was a little bit bigger and was heavier, but I believe I will have fun with the stick, now all I have to do is figure out a way to mount this to my racing rig.

I have a six speed shifter mounted on the right side of my rig and I think this would be better than mounting it in the middle but I don't know In the middle I would be able to control the throttle with my second hand better, will give it a try hopefully this weekend, below is a shot of my finished rig.

Seeing that makes me want to shoot my TV out! By god, I got to get something. If this is coming out on PC too, might get it there instead. I got a Vista with a hard drive that can store a whole terra byte. With it, there is no such thing as CPU melter settings.

[Steiner]

I've been playing the full retail game the last couple of days and I'm really enjoying it a lot despite a few bugs.:evil:

[flynlion]

The full retail game is out, at least here in the states. I kinda like it :grin:

[xX-SiLeNcE-Xx]

Loving the game, especially the co-op, very fun. Unfortunately it's only me and a buddy at the moment, and a lot of he harder ones require 4 people... >.>

[Woogie]

Still 2 days to release in the uk is the game good?really looking forward to it ! Got the night set up for a long sesh! Hope it's not gona let me down like so many of the latest games releases

[dkwookie]

First review I have seen, 8 out of 10. Looking good

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-reviews/430.html

[trk29]

Apache Air Assault was on X-play tonight. :)

[tbtstt]

Couple more reviews...

IGN (7.5/10)
IGN.com - Apache Air Assault Review (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/113/1135522p1.html)

Gamerant (4/5)
Gamerant - Apache Air Assault Review (http://gamerant.com/apache-air-assault-reviews-dyce-53472/)

Irrespective of the reviews though, this is a must buy for me, its now out in the UK so I'm hoping to try and grab a copy on the way home from work today!

[winny]

Couple more reviews...

IGN (7.5/10)
IGN.com - Apache Air Assault Review (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/113/1135522p1.html)

Gamerant (4/5)
Gamerant - Apache Air Assault Review (http://gamerant.com/apache-air-assault-reviews-dyce-53472/)

Irrespective of the reviews though, this is a must buy for me, its now out in the UK so I'm hoping to try and grab a copy on the way home from work today!

Hope you have better luck than me.. Game, Gamestation, Tesco, ASDA and Blockbuster in my town all have it on the list to be delivered today none recieved any copies. I spent my money on CoD instead.

[tbtstt]

Hope you have better luck than me.. Game, Gamestation, Tesco, ASDA and Blockbuster in my town all have it on the list to be delivered today none recieved any copies. I spent my money on CoD instead.
Bugger! I'm counting on my local Blockbusters and there is a massive Tesco nearby thats my backup plan. Failing that I'll have to go further afield tomorrow!

[Korsakov829]

Always hard to please, I would like to see a Russian review of the game. Bet it would get 9/10 or better.

[dkwookie]

Hope you have better luck than me.. Game, Gamestation, Tesco, ASDA and Blockbuster in my town all have it on the list to be delivered today none recieved any copies. I spent my money on CoD instead.

Its very odd, I went into Sale today and nowhere had it either. I ended up getting Assasins Creed 3. And we thought BoP was niche! When I was in Sainsburys picking up AC there were tons of copies of BoP on PS3 and 360 for £19.99. First time I have seen the game locally since I got it last year

[winny]

Its very odd, I went into Sale today and nowhere had it either. I ended up getting Assasins Creed 3. And we thought BoP was niche! When I was in Sainsburys picking up AC there were tons of copies of BoP on PS3 and 360 for £19.99. First time I have seen the game locally since I got it last year

The guy I spoke to in Game said that it was supposed to be there. They even had a demo running on the screen above the empty shelves where it was supposed to be.. He just said there must be a problem. I also saw BoP today for 19.99. Oh well, guess Activision are probably busy making another 3 million copies of CoD Black Ops instead...

[dkwookie]

The guy I spoke to in Game said that it was supposed to be there. They even had a demo running on the screen above the empty shelves where it was supposed to be.. He just said there must be a problem. I also saw BoP today for 19.99. Oh well, guess Activision are probably busy making another 3 million copies of CoD Black Ops instead...

Its pretty unfortunate for Gaijin. Not only a delay but the announcement of GT5 next week. Any game slotted between COD and GT5 would struggle but I dont think Apache has any chance now. I think its looking like a December buy for me now

[Woogie]

Went to pick my copy up bout 10ish at gamestation but hadn't been deliverd or at game! went back just before 12 and had just got it in managed to get a couple of missions in but only the same as demo ones gona crack out the flight stick later and give it a good thrashing pleased with it so far think il be tradeing black ops in on wednesday for gt5 no contest £30 on trade in....

[dkwookie]

Went to pick my copy up bout 10ish at gamestation but hadn't been deliverd or at game! went back just before 12 and had just got it in managed to get a couple of missions in but only the same as demo ones gona crack out the flight stick later and give it a good thrashing pleased with it so far think il be tradeing black ops in on wednesday for gt5 no contest £30 on trade in....

If you have a CEX in your town you can get Gamestation to match their trade in plus beat it by £1. You will need an up to date print of the price CEX is offering from their site or you can use iPhone or mobile browser to show them in store. CEX offering £36 so GS will give u £37. I do this in Manchester GS all the time

[Woogie]

If you have a CEX in your town you can get Gamestation to match their trade in plus beat it by £1. You will need an up to date print of the price CEX is offering from their site or you can use iPhone or mobile browser to show them in store. CEX offering £36 so GS will give u £37. I do this in Manchester GS all the time

That's great info mate never knew that I'm down near bournemouth and funny cex and gamestation are next door to each other sweet! Can get it up on my iPhone and get it sorted that will be a result as I only paid £37 at asda anyway ! Enjoyed the campaign but online is just boreing me now feel there's more to offer with gt5 all round! Cheers for the tip man !

[dkwookie]

That's great info mate never knew that I'm down near bournemouth and funny cex and gamestation are next door to each other sweet! Can get it up on my iPhone and get it sorted that will be a result as I only paid £37 at asda anyway ! Enjoyed the campaign but online is just boreing me now feel there's more to offer with gt5 all round! Cheers for the tip man !

Glad to help mate. It's even better if you can get it when GS do the extra £5 trade when you trade in 2 games. I did the price match when Medal Of Honour came out on Fifa 10 and some other really old game I had. I had got Fifa on a Tesco 25 deal and GS price matched to £33 plus extra fiver I ended up coming out up on the deal!

[trk29]

psxextreme.com review

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-reviews/430.html

8.0 out of 10

[Korsakov829]

I wish to kill Ben Dutka, for that horrible review!

[Delta-64-]

Hey guys, Im not new to these forums. I had a different screen name but forgot it (it's been a while). I felt obligated to write a review. Many sites have not reviewed this game and ones that have are some half-assed reviews, such as IGN.com 's review. So I wrote my own and am posting it on as many websites and forums as I can. This game isn't getting the spotlight it deserves. Its long, but I went in depth...and yes I am a real Apache pilot for the US Army. Here we go:


It’s a shame that Apache: Air Assault will fly under most people’s radar (no pun intended) this holiday season with all the other blockbuster games coming out. Especially since it’s release is in the shadow of Call of Duty and with upcoming releases such as Gran Turismo 5, this game is bound to be ignored and in bargain bins after the holiday season. It really is a shame because the game is a true gem.
I fly AH-64D Apache Longbows for the US ARMY. As an aviation nut and pilot, I cringe at most console flight games. I like my flight games with a degree of reality, not the unrealistic arcade games like Top Gun and After Burner. The only console flight games I enjoy are the Ace Combat series…that was until Gaijin Entertainment developed Il-2 Birds of Prey for consoles. Birds of Prey is what I envisioned a perfect console flight game should be. It blended realism with arcade type elements which made it user friendly and playable for console gamers. But, when I heard Gaijin was making an Apache game for consoles I was still skeptical. Helicopters are a lot harder to fly than airplanes. It takes both hands and feet to fly a helicopter and when you throw in radios, weapons, systems, etc., it takes all your fingers and concentration as well. I just didn’t see that translating well to a console game. I’m happy to say, not only did Gaijin do a great job mimicking helicopter flight using a console controller, they made one hell of an authentic Apache game.
The game starts you off with a tutorial mission, in which you must start out using the training difficulty mode. There are three types of difficulty modes: Training, realistic, and veteran. Training mode simplifies everything from controlling the aircraft to the HUD. The controls are as follows: The right stick is your “collective” which in a helicopter is the control that moves a helicopter up and down vertically. You can hover up by pushing your right analog stick up, and hover down pushing down on the right stick. The right analog stick acts as your pedals also. So left or right on the stick will have you spinning to the left or right horizontally, similar to an airplanes yaw. The left stick is the “cyclic” control. In a helicopter, the cyclic is your directional control such as climbing and diving, or banking left or right. It takes coordination of all the controls to properly fly a helicopter. In the training mode, it is fairly easy: Take off with the collective and fly around with the cyclic stick. It is the realistic and veteran modes that requires a lot more coordination and has a steeper learning curve. To speed up in a helicopter, you need to push the cyclic forward, but if you don’t add collective you will start diving and lose altitude. Realistic and veteran applies all these mechanics into the controls. The real treat in playing in these modes though, is the HUD. The HUD in realistic/veteran is almost identical in what us real Apache pilots see in our monocle, (Look up pictures of apache pilots if you don’t know what I am talking about.) from the radar altimeter on the right, to the velocity vector in the center, and the torque meter in the upper left corner, it is very similar to how we look at things in the aircraft. Realistic and Veteran are the same control wise, but Veteran, you get one attempt per mission and once you use all your weapons, you have to land at a predetermined pad to get reloaded. Realistic, you get 4 attempts and reload of weapons happen after a set time in the air.
Now onto the gameplay. there are two main modes of play. The single player campaign and squad operations. Single player is what I expected a single-player campaign to be. The Campaign takes place across three locations: Africa, Asia and Central America. The missions are varied enough, but mostly have you attacking ground targets. There is some air to air combat with other helicopters in the game, but in real life, you will never see an Apache with stinger missiles on the end of its stubby wings. There is just no need to use them in the real world, but sure makes for some good helicopter dog fights in the game. You can switch camera views from 3rd person behind the helicopter view, the pilots seat, co-pilot/gunner (CPG) seat, or just a plain HUD view with no cockpit. The cockpit views are authentic and modeled like the real life thing, which as a real Apache pilot, I was happy such care was taken into getting the details right.
Speaking of authenticity, the game is impressively accurate when it comes to the Apache. The in- game model is accurately recreated down to the side steps and panels on the exterior of the Apache to the button placement and screens on the interior cockpits. Even the weapon systems are portrayed accurately. One of my favorite things to do is press L3 which enable auto hover. The aircraft will hold the same position and altitude you engage it at, something that you can do in the real aircraft as well. While you are in auto hover, you can control the TADS (Target Acquisition and Designation Sight) in DVO (black and white day TV) or FLIR (Forward looking Infra Red) to pick out vehicles and human targets easier to pick off with the 30mm cannon. There is mission where you have to do just this and cover your down wingmen before they are over run. Just don’t hover too long or you will get picked off with a SAM or RPG. The TADS image is created accurately as well. Go on you tube and look up gun tape footage from real Apaches and you can see the developers created the TADS HUD accurately as well. And just FYI, contrary to what people think, the camera is not part of the gun. It is the bottom turret on the nose of the aircraft. That’s what the CPG uses to target and designate, as well as using the FLIR image to fly at night.
Have a friend over and don’t want to take turns playing single player? Hook up another controller and play the single player campaign together, one as the pilot, the other as the CPG, which adds a whole level of fun. Just like the real life aircraft, the two crew members have to work together. The pilot has to hold a stable platform for more accurate weapons while the CPG controls the weapons systems, for example rockets. Coop rockets require the pilot to line up the reticle while the CPG shoots the rockets. (It’s opposite in the real thing, the CPG uses the TADS to line up the shot while the pilot shoots the rockets, teamwork is required either way.)
Squad-Operations is another Co-op mode where you and a friend can crew the same apache or you and three others can complete a whole set of missions (that are different than the single player missions) online. The missions can be done solo and are similar to the single player missions, but are harder to try solo due to the fact there are mission objectives that are coop dependent and accomplished much easier with a buddy.
Graphically, the game doesn’t impress that much. They claim to use satellite imagery to create the scenery with, but the colors seem washed out. It isn’t ugly by any means, just doesn’t impress. Like I said before, the vehicle models are done well and are accurate to their real life counterparts. Everything that are in the “levels” is interactive. Buildings can be destroyed, whether by shooting them or crashing into them, you can chop down trees using the 30mm cannon. I enjoyed crashing into some trees and watching my helicopter leaving a path of destruction among the trees. The explosion effects look good as well. You will take damage as well that both affect performance and the exterior of the aircraft. Overall, I thought IL-2 had a better graphical package.
Sound is accurately portrayed. From the sound of the helicopter to the weapons. The voice acting is well done and most of it is radio chatter during the missions. The musical score is great as well. Not sure who composed it, but it fits the game well, from the menus to the in-game music. Nothing to really complain about sound-wise.
Now, if I had to change or add anything to the game, it would be the inclusion of night missions. We fly using a FLIR system at night, not night vision goggles. Again, look at the nose of the aircraft and the top turret is the pilot’s night vision sensor. That turret is slaved to the pilots head, so when he turns his head left, the turret turns left while he looks at his FLIR image through his/her monocle. The pilot flies at night as if his eyeball was on the nose of the aircraft, and it is extremely hard to get used to. I just wished the developers had a couple missions at night where they could have implemented the pilots night vision somehow. I guess there is room for that in a future game….

BOTTOM LINE:
….But we may not see a sequel, I just have a feeling this game isn’t going to sell well. The genre isn’t that popular to begin with and with all these popular games coming out, this one will get over looked. It is a damn shame. It is a great game, and if you are a fan of the genre or an aviation/helicopter enthusiast, this is defiantly a no-brainer. Like IL-2, this game blends arcade and sim elements for a perfect console flight game and remains faithful to its source material: flying a real Apache. I highly recommend it.

Hope this review helps.

[simfan]

Thx Delta.
Incredibly informative review ! I loved reading it.
At last a true review from someone with in-dept knowledge on real helicopters.
================================================== ========
I've been enjoying a.o. EECH on PC (past 12 years) and I am so glad this new title is now available on both consoles and PCs.

[Steiner]

Delta-64-, ...Thank you very much for that detailed review, OUTSTANDING!
If you don't mind I want to copy&paste your review and put it in my Apache: Air Assault thread that I have at Ace Combat Skies.com.
Thanks again.

[bobbysocks]

Delta 64, thanks for the insight. i took the liberty to cut and paste this on the yuplay forum...hope you dont mind. well i am trying to post it anyways....the site must be having issues because it keeps giving me error messages...and not taking my post.

[Zatoichi_Sanjuro]

Blops and GT5 as release bookends are really going to hurt casual sales. I guess they just couldn't factor in GT5's release.

@ Delta-64-

Great review. Do you have an issue with the 30 mm fire? On some guncam vids I see it arching quite dramatically.

[JRay85]

About the arch you see in real apache tapes, the apache has a weapons processor that has a ballistics solution. Meaning the real apache's weapon processor takes into account range to target, winds, speed, etc. So when we take aim at a target with our tads at a far range, the barrel is not going to be pointed right at the target, it's going to be pointed up so that rounds will arch down onto the target. So no, the arch isn't a problem. The weapons on an apache are very accurate.

[Korsakov829]

This should never have gone internation, not with all the big releases out there. Keep it in eastern Europe where people never heard of EA games, Treyarch, Activision, etc.

[Robotic Pope]

This should never have gone internation, not with all the big releases out there. Keep it in eastern Europe where people never heard of EA games, Treyarch, Activision, etc.

:confused: What a dumb thing to say. Really, you do have some crazy opinions.

[Draupnir2]

Fantastic review Delta 64 !

I had no expectations, and was simply blown away by the demo ! (trying to get hold of full version here in Norway)
It has the same strong "being there" feeling as BOP, and a sensational feeling of speed. I play it in a home theatre with a 100" PJ screen and really powerful surround sound.
I agreee that terraingraphics looks dated, but it is very functional, fluid and stutter free.

I must say that controlling it with an ordinary X360 controller is too difficult on realistic. I fired up a custom HOTAS i made for BOP (from old Thrustmaster PC gear), and wow a completely different experience ! The complexity of flying is much more enjoyable, and feels more realistic. The mapping of controls from BOP matched up pretty well too, but some adjustments will be made. From what I have heard Apache is very well suited to the console joysticks in the market.
Link to my HOTAS thread: http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=10528

[tbtstt]

The guy I spoke to in Game said that it was supposed to be there. They even had a demo running on the screen above the empty shelves where it was supposed to be.. He just said there must be a problem. I also saw BoP today for 19.99. Oh well, guess Activision are probably busy making another 3 million copies of CoD Black Ops instead...
I didn't make it to the shops on Friday evening, but popped down to my local Blockbusters early the next morning. Almost gave up the search when, tucked on a bottom shelf, I found a lone copy - hurrah! :grin:

Spent most of the day playing through the campaign, plus I had a little bit of time online, before I headed out for the rest of the weekend. Will be resuming play this evening!

[flynlion]

Hello Delta-64, thanks for the review. I've got 20+ years of flying experience, but all of it is civillian and all of it is fixed wing, and I've been kinda wondering what someone with your background would think of Apache Air Assault. I still know several friends who fly military choppers, but none of them play video games LoL.

For what it's worth I would give this game an 8.5 out of 10 (BoP gets a 9). Many of the campaign missions take on a sort of "kill 100 of the enemy before time runs out" character which is unfortunate but probably unavoidable. The cockpits are nice, but my favorite is realistic difficulty and plain HUD view without any cockpit clutter to spoil the fun. Why look inside the cockpit when it's clear and a million outside? It's nice that this game offers some choice as to how you play, and for the most part I've been enjoying it immensely.

Stay safe Delta-64, you've chosen a dangerous line of work.

[tbtstt]

Another review trickles in...

Gamespot (7.5)
Gamespot - Apache: Air Assault (http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/sim/apacheairassault/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Bread-review)

Was working though the Squad Ops section online last night. Any sensible players on PSN fancy a flight then feel free to add me! :)

PSN: tbtstt82

[Draupnir2]

Finally, today I got hold of a copy !

The guy in the mall was in the process of opening the delivery and putting them into the shelf when I arrived :)

I cant wait to go into the full campaign tonight. I will post some opinions later.

[vdomini]

Got a copy too from an UK store!
looking forward to play it :D

[Robotic Pope]

Still waiting for my pre ordered copy from play.com here :mad:

[Draupnir2]

Had a quick couple of online sessions around midnight after remapping of my custom BOP HOTAS. Its a pity that buttons cannot be remapped in the game. It would have been much easier than swinging the solder iron and pliers :)

I must say that the game really shines online. It was smooth and stutter free without any hickups. I have to extend my mic-cable to reach the controller. Game speech seemed to work fine, and added a lot to the team athmosphere.

See you online !

[dkwookie]

If anyone in uk wants it on xbox CEX has if for £20. Not bad considering it's £40 at Game and Gamestation. If they had PS3 version I would be down there tomorrow
http://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=5030917089480

Edit: I wouldn't be there tomorrow as it's only instock in Huddersfield and London! 1 copy in stock online though

[flynlion]

Still waiting for my pre ordered copy from play.com here :mad:

That bites :evil: I thought pre-order meant you got the game first?

[FOZ_1983]

Still waiting for my pre ordered copy from play.com here :mad:

If anyone in uk wants it on xbox CEX has if for £20. Not bad considering it's £40 at Game and Gamestation. If they had PS3 version I would be down there tomorrow
http://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=5030917089480

Edit: I wouldn't be there tomorrow as it's only instock in Huddersfield and London! 1 copy in stock online though

That bites :evil: I thought pre-order meant you got the game first?

Guys, the game is great graphically, gameplay. A few "little" things make it a bit silly at parts, but on the whole a great game!!

BUT

i'd foget your pre orders for a while at least, save your money. As good as this game is, the sound bug just ruins it. Plain and simple. Its a shame because that aside it would be superb. Anton knows of it and is in the process of sorting a patch out, but we all know from experience what the publishers can be like. Hopefully activision will get it sorted.

In the mean time i'd save your cash and wait for the patch :) by then it may of come down in price to.

Win win!!

[The_Goalie_94]

I have never seen this sound bug...but im still going to wait on this game. I want to see if any fancy DLC comes out.

[Draupnir2]

Sound bug ?

Im on X360, and has never noticed any sound issues with Apache.

The game is fantastic, but there are too few online games to join yet. Hopefully this will change because it really shines online.

The replay function is a nice surprise with a flexible view system. Could have done with a fly-by view as in the good old IL2.

See you online !

[The_Goalie_94]

I plan on getting it soon or later. Before christmas for sure. Heck, maybe next week :P

[Robotic Pope]

I have never seen this sound bug...but im still going to wait on this game. I want to see if any fancy DLC comes out.

:lol: you'll have to use your ears not your eyes ;)

[The_Goalie_94]

:lol: you'll have to use your ears not your eyes ;)

Never seen this sound bug so i cant comment or speculate XD

Sorry HEARD LOL. Maybe i'll wait for the patch, and a DLC.

[nuklhed808]

Hey guys, haven't been on this forum or BoP for about 10 months or so. Now I see this thread posted and I have the flying bug again. I'm going into town tomorrow to purchase this game for my PS3. Can't wait to fly with you gents again!!!
watermanr7

[Steiner]

Anyone ready to play Xbox online?

[bobbysocks]

Steiner, add me. GT Bobbysockser. i am EST and usually on 10 to 2am ( my time ) sun, mon, wed at the least. i usually play bop but am getting more and more into this game.

[vdomini]

YAYYY!!!!!

A PS3 copy of Apache air Assault is laying onto my office desk :-P:-P:-P

looking forward to play it tonight :-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P

funny think the booklet inside is half english half french

[dkwookie]

I picked Apache up from Tesco on PS3 today. They finally stocked it in and best thing was the price, £19.70. Looking forward to some co-op action with other forum members

[Robotic Pope]

I picked Apache up from Tesco on PS3 today. They finally stocked it in and best thing was the price, £19.70. Looking forward to some co-op action with other forum members

£19.70? that makes me sad. Is it really flopping that baddly?

[vdomini]

I have an audio bug

At the beginning of certain mission, the rotor noise disappear. I have in game music volume at 0. Does anyone expected same error?

[House MD 221B]

hey guys i played the ps3 demo today, freaking sweet, my brother, my friend and I will all be getting this around christmas.

LOVE the 30mm cannon camera, can't wait for local co-op gunner pilot, wish that mode was online too though.

really really enjoyed, hopefuly its not like BoP where the demo was amazing but the release left a little to be desired, and required patching. But from what I played sweet, the realistic mode was AWESOME!!! can't wait to see what veteran mode is like.

Well done is all I can say, great game. I've seen it for around £22 which I'm happy to pay, cus I know my mate Dazz will love it, so I'll always have SOMEONE to fly with.

May even start a squadron for this.

If there's rival / competing ones, anyone got any plans to?

[vdomini]

hey guys i played the ps3 demo today, freaking sweet, my brother, my friend and I will all be getting this around christmas.

LOVE the 30mm cannon camera, can't wait for local co-op gunner pilot, wish that mode was online too though.

really really enjoyed, hopefuly its not like BoP where the demo was amazing but the release left a little to be desired, and required patching. But from what I played sweet, the realistic mode was AWESOME!!! can't wait to see what veteran mode is like.

Well done is all I can say, great game. I've seen it for around £22 which I'm happy to pay, cus I know my mate Dazz will love it, so I'll always have SOMEONE to fly with.

May even start a squadron for this.

If there's rival / competing ones, anyone got any plans to?

Unfortunatly veteran mode is like realistic but you just have one attempt and limited ammo, that you can replish when landing at any LZ.

I've been playing a couple of CO-OP mission online and was very funny!
It's a nice and addictive game!

[House MD 221B]

Cool cheers, I'm sadly not going to be airborne until Christmas but I can't wait to go through the campaign.

[vdomini]

Cool cheers, I'm sadly not going to be airborne until Christmas but I can't wait to go through the campaign.

campaign mode is pretty fun, i just learned how to make tight U turn at full speed :o

when you get your game copy message me we will do some co op match they're very fun!

And i think ( not tryed yet ) you can fly a personlized chopper, you can apply decals and change the chopper texture as well....

[House MD 221B]

yes it would be cool to see if you can add your own images or if only preset ones. Delta 64 said that you could do pilot / gunner over the internet, that sounds amazing!

if anyone wants a game or is interested in joining a squad for it, feel free to add my PSN.

Delta 64 if you read this, if your on PSn feel free to add, would love to hear more about your thoughts on A:AA

[FOZ_1983]

Anyone on 360 have this? would love to try some co op, send a FR my way and we'll fly.

[Korsakov829]

If you can add your own images to your helicopter, I bet I could make some for it.

[bobbysocks]

Foz, i have it...so does pope and steiner. i am a little slow getting started with it. busy time of the year for me. HoHoHo..

[Robotic Pope]

Foz, i have it...so does pope and steiner. i am a little slow getting started with it. busy time of the year for me. HoHoHo..

Lol, You've got further than I have. I haven't managed to unwrap the plastic from the case yet.

[FOZ_1983]

Foz, i have it...so does pope and steiner. i am a little slow getting started with it. busy time of the year for me. HoHoHo..

Lol, You've got further than I have. I haven't managed to unwrap the plastic from the case yet.

Then why are we here? Pope get it opened!! we'll see how a wingman works with helicopters!! haha.

Im not free this weekend, but free tonight?Guys fancy a game?

[bobbysocks]

LOL....i did the training mission and one free flight to map controls. i just cant take the BoP CD out of the console.

[The Few]

i just cant take the BoP CD out of the console.

I think that's one of those good problems to have. :grin:

[House MD 221B]

As I can't go buy the game till tomorrow, I've been messing around, trying to destroy EVERYTHING in the friendly camp, and I also noticed the empty hangars, and wondered if I could park in there. Quite a nice challenge on Realistic mode, you should try it :)

anyway as the saying goes, "pics or it didn't happen" so here are some pics to prove it.

P.S. launching a rocket in an enclosed space, doesn't end happily. :)

http://1staircavalry.webs.com/P05-12-10_02.02.JPG

http://1staircavalry.webs.com/P05-12-10_02.03.JPG

http://1staircavalry.webs.com/P05-12-10_02.03[01].JPG

P.P.S. Have also done it WITHOUT AutoHover mode and got right to the back of the Hangar. First Time :)

Happy flying guys.

1st Air Cavalry FTW!

[Korsakov829]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JwNfW90mIQ

[trk29]

Very cool trailer.

[vdomini]

Hello!
For everybody that have trouble finding the game (apache air assault ) in stores
i might suggest you the following link:

http://www.shopto.net/XBOX%20360/VIDEO%20GAMES/XB2AP02-Apache%20Air%20Assault.html?language=en-GB&x=19&y=12

I took my copy from there. It was shipped from UK and arrived at my place in 5 days... works very fast in europe, have fun!