Film of the competitors! (Boo Hiss!)

[Skoshi Tiger]

Originally Posted by Viking

Thanks for the video! Flight sims have com a long way, almost photo realism to day.
I find that its realistic down to the detail that the opponents lack weapons to defend themselves with. Impressive!

Viking

"Skilled and calculating is he who takes the high ground." -Sun Tzu


Cheers!

[Skoshi Tiger]

Originally Posted by Feuerfalke

I think the difference between the boats and the vehicles is a matter or priorities, which was between the lines I wrote.

You are much more likely to take a closer look at a combat vehicle or user-placed object, either through your targeting pod or with the external camera than some random traffic vehicle like this boat.


Still I have no doubt that SoW will soon look as good as DCS, in some parts maybe even better. Let's not forget that these two simulations have two completely different origins:
While DCS is based upon the largely modular engine from LockOn, which again is based upon the experiences, data and engine of Flanker, we see a constant development and improvement of an existing sophisticated engine.

Oleg is doing the same thing, just that he's at the beginning of his modular engine, because the old IL2-engine was not enough modular and flexible to allow a similar evolution.
Given todays possibilities in programming and computing, new insights and the experience based from the successes and weaknesses of IL2, I bet that SoW will improve even faster than DCS, once the engine is completed as the solid basement.

That's why I don't think we can compare the two sims in any regard and I also don't think they compete with each other.

I'm sure your right.

I guess I should have put more thought into my thread title. Both title will will a completely different niche in the market.

Cheers!

[Feuerfalke]

I think the title is okay.

You are free to have your own opinion and if you think it may be a competitor, that's fine. I think there are much worse titles and posts on this forums - LOL

[Viking]

Originally Posted by Skoshi Tiger

"Skilled and calculating is he who takes the high ground." -Sun Tzu


Cheers!

"You must look down on the enemy, and take up your attitude on slightly higher places"
Musash

Cheers! In Beer Chang.

[Flanker35M]

S!

Gonna get that A-10 sim for sure. One of the very few jets I like. Do not see it as competition to SoW as they are so different. In the contrary it is good to see some still produce high fidelity flight sims in the world where "boom headshot" sells more

[Immermann]

Originally Posted by Skoshi Tiger

Maybe they decided to model arid terrain because they couldn't get the right colour green for a European theatre.

I like the way tufts of grass fit in quite well with the landscape. Looks quite realistic.

No, that is the Nevada training area map. The main action will take place in the same place as the rest of DCS/Lock On, Georgia.

[ZaltysZ]

Originally Posted by Romanator21

However, I understand why the DCS team would have chosen not to represent these - the cockpits of modern jets are very busy, and they would obscure the fine text and markings on the panels. It's very much a technical simulation than a graphical/arcade one.

I think DCS engine needs to be blamed more, than good readability of instruments. Lots of (bad) things were inherited from previous engines, some were fixed, but some just could not be fixed quickly. I think no cockpit shadowing and "incorrect" lightning fall into such category together with wrongly rendered water above sea level. However, eventually they will be fixed.

[JG27CaptStubing]

Originally Posted by Romanator21

I guess SoW is somewhat unique in the flight sim department in that it supports self-shading for aircraft interiors as well as exteriors (RoF also has this feature).

However, I understand why the DCS team would have chosen not to represent these - the cockpits of modern jets are very busy, and they would obscure the fine text and markings on the panels. It's very much a technical simulation than a graphical/arcade one.

The terrain detail is far less than that of SoW so far, but you can't help but like the colors and photographic textures.

I can answer some of these questions for you... The reason why DCS doesn't show off some of the latest "self shading" technologies or techniques has everything to do with where DCS comes from. DCS BlackShark the first release is based upon the LOMAC engine DX 8. The premise being that today's modern simulator isn't going to get a bunch of funding. I think Oleg's project is one of a kind. There is a lot of risk taking on a simulator. Just look at the pages if criticism in this Forum alone and SOW hasn't even been released. Remember Modern Flight Sims has a very strong following but it's far smaller than the masses purchasing Halo Reach right now. With that said Wags started the DCS projects and he built some success by using the older Game LOMAC and adding a Helo to it. They also greatly enhanced the terrain to support a low level flying game such as BS. They were very successful with BS and it's a fine sim if you haven't played it yet. It's now compatible with the new Re-Release of Flaming Cliffs 2 which adds LOMAC back with several enchancements in that title and compatibility with DCS Black Shark.

This next project A10C is continuing to add to the franchize but it will add support for newer technologies. It's pretty clear to me they are self funding this stuff by selling these earlier titles with enhancements.

[JG27CaptStubing]

Originally Posted by Skoshi Tiger

I didn't know about that decision.

I guess that when your developing a sim like these there is always going to be a trade off between the features that you implement and the performance that your trying to achieve.



Maybe they decided to model arid terrain because they couldn't get the right colour green for a European theatre.

I like the way tufts of grass fit in quite well with the landscape. Looks quite realistic.

Actually this would be incorrect... They have a European theater but this screenshot is for the new map they are adding which is Nevada USA a desert training center and home of Red Flag.

[proton45]

I'm sorry but the smoke doesn't look right...the grass doesn't move and the colors look to bland.


Where are the "nit-pickers" when you need them...