I have finally taken the next step with CoD by getting into some on-line action since the final patch came out. I have played IL-2 Classic almost exclusively on-line for over 4 years. Unfortunately, the few populated servers up for CoD are “full-real”. “Full-real” is a bit of s stretch because real pilots would be required to have perfect or nearly perfect vision. CoD pilots would be considered legally blind in the real world. For example, I took off near the Dover coast line to defend against bombers yesterday. I turned inland to get some altitude then headed back for the channel. As I approached, I started seeing a great number of flak explosions. Assuming they were shooting at an enemy plane I headed toward the flak. When I got there I could see no other planes. I circled and searched for several minutes but still nothing. Finally, I saw more flak east of my position then a dot appeared. It was coming toward me, which I determined based on the exploding flak shells and NOT the look of the dot. Finally, it kind of took the form of an airplane. Even when it was within a few hundred meters I still could only tell is was a fighter, but I couldn’t determine what type. I only determined it was an enemy because it was being shot at. I turned to chase it down. I didn’t really expect to catch up but hoped he would turn to engage me. As he pulled away, poof, he just vanished. A few seconds later he reappeared as a dot again. We made a few more passed at each other and I believe he was having as much trouble figuring out who I was as I was having with him. There wasn’t much “real” or fun about that sequence to me. On a bright clear day I should have been able to ID that plane from several miles away. If not for the flak, I would have missed him completely. I have the same issue with “full-real” IL-2 classic servers, but it is far worse with CoD.
I know icons are now realistic to many, but they do compensate for the lack of reality in the graphic images produced by the game. It’s a bit like giving the pilot eye glasses.
P.S. If you are able to see other airplanes better that what I just described I would really like to see your settings, especially your screen resolution. My screen resolution is 1920x1200 which should show a lot of detail even without anti-aliasing.
I will probably continue to provide a target to you other on-line plays so just remember I am legally blind
