How to play in Simluation mode?

[Parmenion]

Hi there.
Just got to say that I never liked aeroplane games before I bought this and now I'm hooked.
However, I can't seem to play in simulation mode. I checked through the manual and did a search of the forum but can't seem to find the answer I need.

I started the game in Arcade mode and have got to the Battle of Stalingrad, but I though that it was too easy and decided to start again but in Sim mode. The option to do so doesn't exist when I start the game though. Am I missing something simple?

Thanks in advance,
Parmenion

[Araqiel]

Originally Posted by Parmenion

Hi there.
Just got to say that I never liked aeroplane games before I bought this and now I'm hooked.
However, I can't seem to play in simulation mode. I checked through the manual and did a search of the forum but can't seem to find the answer I need.

I started the game in Arcade mode and have got to the Battle of Stalingrad, but I though that it was too easy and decided to start again but in Sim mode. The option to do so doesn't exist when I start the game though. Am I missing something simple?

Thanks in advance,
Parmenion

You need to complete the tutorials. Once you've done those the Realistic tutorial will be unlocked; complete that to open Realistic mode and the Sim tutorial - once you've completed that, Sim will also be available.

[Parmenion]

Thanks Araqiel,
I went through all of the Tutorial missions last night but I can't for the life of me figure out how to stop stalling and spinning whenever I so much as breathe on the controller.
It seems to be a huge jump between Arcade and Sim, and I'm really struggling to perform any maneuvers without having 'STALL' continually flash on my screen.

It's not like I'm yanking the plane around to perform a high-G maneuver. It seems to happen with even the most basic turn or increase in pitch.

Reading through the FAQ, the recommendation is to turn down the sensitivity a couple of notches which I may try this evening.

I hope my enjoyment of the game isn't ruined by my over-sensitive controller.
Parmenion

[Araqiel]

Originally Posted by Parmenion

Thanks Araqiel,
I went through all of the Tutorial missions last night but I can't for the life of me figure out how to stop stalling and spinning whenever I so much as breathe on the controller.
It seems to be a huge jump between Arcade and Sim, and I'm really struggling to perform any maneuvers without having 'STALL' continually flash on my screen.

It's not like I'm yanking the plane around to perform a high-G maneuver. It seems to happen with even the most basic turn or increase in pitch.

Reading through the FAQ, the recommendation is to turn down the sensitivity a couple of notches which I may try this evening.

I hope my enjoyment of the game isn't ruined by my over-sensitive controller.
Parmenion

A good way to get used to this is to fly in virtual cockpit mode. In this view you have a HUD more reminiscent of modern jet fighters, and one of the useful gauges is a critical angle of attack indicator. When you manoeuvre your aircraft in this view you'll see two horizontal lines begin to close in towards the centre of your screen - if your bore sight crosses either line for any extended period you'll stall. With no sound effect for stalling in the game this is the best way to learn the limits of your aircraft's flight envelope, and see what you're doing that's contributing to the stall.

Turning sensitivity down does help, but it also reduces the maximum amount of stick deflection you can input - with only 1/4 sensitivity you'll have a drastically reduced ability to pull the tightest turns, as the amount of play on the stick is still the same even with lower sensitivity. For this reason it's best to keep sensitivity as high as possible, and to drop it down for aircraft you have particular issues with. Keeping it as level as possible across all aircraft is my preference, but I appreciate that's a level of frustration most don't wish to introduce simply for a more realistic variation in aircraft handling.

[Rhah]

Originally Posted by Parmenion

Thanks Araqiel,
I went through all of the Tutorial missions last night but I can't for the life of me figure out how to stop stalling and spinning whenever I so much as breathe on the controller.
It seems to be a huge jump between Arcade and Sim, and I'm really struggling to perform any maneuvers without having 'STALL' continually flash on my screen.

It's not like I'm yanking the plane around to perform a high-G maneuver. It seems to happen with even the most basic turn or increase in pitch.

Reading through the FAQ, the recommendation is to turn down the sensitivity a couple of notches which I may try this evening.

I hope my enjoyment of the game isn't ruined by my over-sensitive controller.
Parmenion

Turning down the sensitivity down will solve all your problems.... the trick is to lower them just enough so that you maintain the maximum amount of control on the elevators... (the aerilons don't have to be adjusted as much).

Best thing to do is pick your favourite plane and experiment with the settings till it feels right. Don't worry about not having a flight stick... some of the best online players don't use them, and they get on just fine.

Also, don't make sudden, jerky movements with the controls. Keep it smooth and calm (unless you are getting shot at, in which case anything goes!), and be aware of energy retention and angle of attack. You should probably try out realistic mode as well, as its a good stepping stone between arcade and sim.

[Ancient Seraph]

Check this out for some information about the airplanes and their characteristics. It also has a link to Benrizz' post about sensitivity settings.

[kozzm0]

Originally Posted by Parmenion

I'm really struggling to perform any maneuvers without having 'STALL' continually flash on my screen.
Parmenion

The stall warning in realistic mode occurs well before you would actually reach stall speed. Sim mode doesn't harass you as much for flying close to the edge.

Assuming you're still flying hurricanes and spits in Britain, set the elevator to about half and the ailerons to maybe about 2/3.

When stalling in realistic mode, I think it's better to ignore the on-screen instructions telling you to use both sticks. Just rudder in the opposite direction of roll and the spin will stop as your plane speeds up.