Why il2 is great

[HFC_Dolphin]

IL-2 is great because 9 (NINE) years after its original release it's STILL the best and most complete game in PC's.

I really try to figure out if any other game, besides Civilization, can compete to IL-2 in the history of games.

[winny]

Ok, I'm only here because I'm waiting for SoW. But I've decided to buy 1946. (Anyone recommend where I can get it via download?)

So.. being a noob,

What bits of software/patches/expansions do I need in order for me to be able to get online with it?

Thanks

[Richie]

Here you are



http://www.direct2drive.com/3021/pro...-1946-Download

[Avimimus]

I remember my first successful flight - I didn't have a fast enough computer, but I talked a friend into installing the demo. I recall firing a 37mm from the P-39 using only the keyboard. It was a head on pass with the FW-189. To my surprise I hit and blew off an engine which fell gloriously to the ground as the FW-189 struggled along.

I remember people were so fascinated that they did things like dive the P-39 until both landing gear had been torn off and then land the plane on its nose wheel. As the plane slowed below vmin the angle of attack increased and the plane lifted up again.

It was a real innovation to have aircraft that would keep flying once you bailed out and to have ships modelled below the water line, torpedoes and Russian aircraft. It was all so new and so much higher fidelity.

Oleg would eventually release the AFM - I don't know how many people remember what a revolution that was.

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by winny

What bits of software/patches/expansions do I need in order for me to be able to get online with it?

Hi Winny,
After you've got the 1946 installed, you need to update it with v4.08 and v4.09, downloadable from various places. I think I did mine via M4T, (mission4today). There'll probably be a link on here somewhere.
Then you'll need to get Hyperlobby from hyperfighter.sk, installed and set up to your liking.
There are loads of servers available on hyperlobby, but some of the ones using unmodded v4.09 are, well, not very realistic, with no stalls n spins, and unlimited ammo and fuel etc.
UKdedicated1 is a good place to start.
Someone else would be better telling you about other 'add-ons' available, as we're not supposed to talk about them here.
See you there, hopefully.

My first experience of IL2 was the mig3-U high level one on one single mission against the recce FW-189.
I must have flown that 100's of times, and still do now and again for nostalgia's sake.
I first flew it on a win98 computer and was hooked. That was in 2001. Still hooked.
Still fly old Campaigns. Love the Sturmovik Leningrad campaign.
SoW will have a hell of a lot to live up to.

[Splitter]

Mt first experience with IL-2 (1946) was just a few months ago. I had been into other types of games and X-Plane, but I always wanted to get back to my roots in flight combat. I had avoided IL-2 early on because the theaters of war did not interest me greatly and I never followed its' development.

Any new game, if it is good, comes with a learning curve, some frustration, and some absolute wonder.

For me, all of those things were encompassed with flying an F4-U off of a carrier that first day . Each time, I would drop into the water with the left wing stalling right before impact. So I had to go online and search for some tips on taking off with that plane. Eventually, I got it and it was a great feeling of accomplishment.

Then came landing the Corsair on a carrier....I never knew plane could bounce that high lol. More research followed. Then I tried knocking down some Zekes and discovered the wonderful stall modeling . That first week was spent tweaking my control settings and learning how to turn each plane without stalling and spinning.

I could argue that first impressions of games are the most important thing. I could also argue that, if the game is good, the first few weeks are the most fun because that is when you are getting to know the basics of the game. Discovery is a wonderful thing.

Of course, if the game is VERY good, playability lasts beyond those first few weeks and you keep discovering new things about the game and refining your techniques.

IL-2 scores high on the initial interest AND with its' onging ability to keep your interest.

Splitter

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by Splitter

I had avoided IL-2 early on because the theaters of war did not interest me greatly and I never followed its' development.

It's a funny thing that, because when people first talked about it, I felt the same about the theatre of war issue.
Since getting into the sim hugely, I found that my interest in, and knowledge of, that theatre of war was expanding and I wanted more.
I've since made sure I read up on it, and have benefitted from a significantly expanded knowledge.
I think this 'game' has done a lot for a greater realisation in the west as to what the USSR went through from 41-45, and that goes some way to explain what happened after.
Just reading in depth about the siege of Leningrad is incomprehensible to us modern types.
So not only a fantastic combat flight sim, but as far as I'm concerned, a great educator.
I always was a bit slow on the uptake!

But it works both ways. A friend of mine went to Leningrad (I mean St. Petersberg of course!) a couple of years ago, and visited a war museum. The English speaking guide was adamant that Britain and the US did not get involved in WWII until June 1944.
Maybe Storm of War will do for some Russians what IL2 has done for me.
I certainly hope so.

[Splitter]

Hey Dutch,

The ground battle had always fascinated me but I never paid a lot of attention to the air war. Then I saw IL-2 and thought: I HATE tank busting and mud moving, that's not the game for me. I saw the air battle in the East as hordes of outdated Russian planes battling a small number of more advanced German planes. And it ended there for years.

(Side note: I did recently discover that I purchased Pacific Fighters at some point but I don't think I played for too long. I was just getting into BF 1942 when I bought Pacific Fighters as I recall.)

Still, my gripe is that I can't play for the USAAF flying over Europe. I am looking forward to one day being able to jump in my Mustang or P-47 for an off line stock campaign and take on the Luftwaffe.

Yes, the "geekiness" of this and other forums has opened up a whole new area of WWII aircraft/airwar for me. It's a whole new level of detail and definitely an education.

Splitter

[philip.ed]

I know there is a taboo around the subject, but modding the game does allow you to play in every theatre that I am aware of...

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by Splitter

Side note: I did recently discover that I purchased Pacific Fighters at some point but I don't think I played for too long. I was just getting into BF 1942 when I bought Pacific Fighters as I recall.

Still, my gripe is that I can't play for the USAAF flying over Europe. I am looking forward to one day being able to jump in my Mustang or P-47 for an off line stock campaign and take on the Luftwaffe.Splitter

I must confess, the 'Pacific Fighters' element of 1946 I've not yet 'gelled' with, owing to the length of some of the missions. 45 mins of flying over boring water only to be shot down by flak?!
I also find the landscapes a bit 'garish'.
The RAF campaign isn't too bad though.

Phil's got a point re mods whilst we await SoW. M4T have loads of downloadable campaigns and skins that'd suit your needs admirably.