Friday 2010-02-25 Development update:Interview by Grégory Lemasson/Discussion Thread

[MikkOwl]

Originally Posted by AdMan

maybe aircraft manuals can come included with SOW? Either originals or re-written to include information that is important to SOW. If they were accessible in-game would be cool, even simple text files on disc would be nice.

It's not always easy hunting down original flight manuals and then figuring out what is emulated in the flight model and what is not, having some type of manual included would encourage novices to learn realistic settings. I guess this also depends on how training missions are designed.

I love it! I find it intriguing to read the old manuals to learn about the machines, the pilots requirements, and how to fly better. I also think such a move speaks to how realistic the maker thinks his simulation is. The manuals themselves do not have to be full length with very irellevant (to the pilot flying SoW) detail, but can be a bit condensed. And by now, there is no copyright on the manuals. Can print and sell them. Just need translations.

I will pay a premium for this, and it makes buying the game even more tempting (also for people who might want to get a pirated copy because of convenience or that they think there's nothing the purchased version offers them). It is good business.

Do what was done for Silent Hunter IV Collector's Edition (that I bought). It was not printed in very huge numbers, but people like me loved being able to buy it.

1. A game box made out of thick paper.
2. A large, fold-out map of the theater of operations.
3. Ship recognition guide.
4. Manual, soundtrack CD, game DVD and minor extra goodies.

Keep the map and instead of recognition guide, a pilot's handbook for a few of the aircraft.

Not every customer needs these things. A regular DVD case with disc (or online download, with PDF file) is OK for many. I think for SoW a typical customer would prefer the extra material.

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I bought several flight sims even as far back as 1988. In 1990 and 1991 I especially loved "Their Finest Hour" and "F-19 Stealth Fighter". One reason was the great manuals with a lot of things to read and learn about the aircraft, flying and history. I still read them sometimes, because they are still that good.