Anyone purchase or following this? It does look intriguing, however, the other Air Conflicts titles were more action arcade than flight sims for sure. But that being said action arcade flight games can be fun and a break from tough hardcore detailed sims.
http://www.gamefly.com/Download-Air-Conflicts-Pacific-Carriers/5004592/?cid=actgd092812
Tell us about it, IF YOU DARE!
Please disregard if this has been threaded or posted before.
A beta review on youtube leaves me with the impression of a simplistic game not too well developed. Possibly I could see myself getting bored with it because of it's many shortcomings and shortcuts taken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlbLvFqCkRU&feature=related
It's likely a no buy for me.
Quote from: FrontierCybrarian on September 29, 2012, 07:35:45 AM
A beta review on youtube leaves me with the impression of a simplistic game not too well developed. Possibly I could see myself getting bored with it because of it's many shortcomings and shortcuts taken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlbLvFqCkRU&feature=related
It's likely a no buy for me.
Forgive me - I'm not going to watch a 25 minute beta "review."
I will say this - as a professional game reviewer it is unacceptable to write a *review* of a game still in beta.
You will note that previews around here almost never mention a single bad thing about the game. Why? Because it's still in beta.
Beta is, by definition, known buggy code. An unfinished game. It is unfair to the developers and the gamers to discuss the limiting features of a game based in beta.
For this "reviewer" to say that the features "aren't well developed" he's stating the obvious: the game is still in development.
He might ultimately be right. Or not. But a review is inappropriate for beta code.
Longblade, forgive me, I stand chastised and I'll repent. I never intended to hit a raw nerve with anyone. I'm not a moderator or administrator so I'm not always aware of what's appropriate or not. Sometimes there are slip-ups.
There was a non-beta Youtube review but it was in German so that wouldn't have worked. I did ask if anyone has played it since it's been out on the XBOX for awhile. The game has not been reviewed by Gamespot, IGN, Game Rankings, or Metacritic...maybe it never will.
Longblade, you can delete the reference to the beta video and that will be okay with me. Sorry. I'll be more careful next time and keep beta stuff to myself.
Quote from: FrontierCybrarian on September 29, 2012, 12:23:30 PM
Longblade, forgive me, I stand chastised and I'll repent. I never intended to hit a raw nerve with anyone. I'm not a moderator or administrator so I'm not always aware of what's appropriate or not. Sometimes there are slip-ups.
There was a non-beta Youtube review but it was in German so that wouldn't have worked. I did ask if anyone has played it since it's been out on the XBOX for awhile. The game has not been reviewed by Gamespot, IGN, Game Rankings, or Metacritic...maybe it never will.
Longblade, you can delete the reference to the beta video and that will be okay with me. Sorry. I'll be more careful next time and keep beta stuff to myself.
<chuckle>
Sorry if that came across as a raw nerve. :)
I just take a dim view of stuff like that.
No harm done by you :)
I've heard the most popular mission to play in this game is the Pearl Harbor one. If I played Imperial Japan I might be inclined to deliberately lose that mission to see how USA/Hawaii would pull off the win. Of course I could crash all the planes into the drink, run out of time (if applicable), drop my bombs in the ocean, etc.
Off topic, but have you ever played the enemy, you are not too fond of, and deliberately made bad decisions to have them lose big time. It's a devious thought. Such an action could be cared-out I imagaine in rts and turn-based titles more so than with action flight games. It might be a learning experience to see alternate history and what might have been.
I know, I know what is the point in being a LOSER?
Let me know how you like FC.... I was sorta eyeing this one as well! ;D
When the guy starting commenting that he thought that all the planes looked the same I lost interest in him. He obviously is not well versed in WWII aircraft recognition.
I think that this game looks pretty decent. It might seem a bit simplistic but it does look like fun. I'm sure the spit and polish of the game will shine in the finished product so the reviewers comments on pixellated skies and non exploding buildings when you crash into them with an aircraft are ludicrous. I also agree that one shouldn't review a beta. Play and demo it, but don't review it.
MIGMaster, will do if I purchase it. In the mean time watch these actual gameplay videos (not beta and without player commentary...might be helpful to some) here is the Pearl Harbor mission played as the USA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M92SQIMk-P8&feature=related
And as the Japanese:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATdV7kjoGnY&feature=related
Not too bad of graphics
W8taminute, agreed with you and Longblade on unfair beta reviews. The actual gameplay videos do look like improvements over beta.
I've watched less than 2 minutes of the "review" and already the guy is talking crap. Apparently he's disappointed because the aircraft on the Japanese carrier look the same! "The only difference is this is a little redder, that's a little greener...!". One is a Zero, one is a VAL and the other is a Kate - and they ALL look like their historical version! They are not the same and clearly don't look the same.
On top of that he's "whinged" about how little choice of configuration there is for weapons. I daren't listen to anymore for fear he bitches about the lack of AIM-9Ps or JDAMS!
Quote from: JudgeDredd on September 29, 2012, 04:03:57 PM
I daren't listen to anymore for fear he bitches about the lack of AIM-9Ps or JDAMS!
As if he'd know what those are.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on September 29, 2012, 04:09:18 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on September 29, 2012, 04:03:57 PM
I daren't listen to anymore for fear he bitches about the lack of AIM-9Ps or JDAMS!
As if he'd know what those are.
I am *so* glad I didn't flush 25 minutes of my life watching that.
I'm a big fan of the PTO so I've been kind of eyeing this one myself. I saw some reviews of Air Conflicts - Secret Wars that painted it somewhat meh so I think I'll wait for reviews of this one before/if I spring for it.
One of the screenies shows an Avenger dropping a torp. Is this one of the player control options? Is the success of the drop dependent upon height and speed at release? If so it'd be great if the game included the TBD. I've always had a soft spot for the Devastator after reading about Midway.
Steve58, it seems that few or no Groghead member so far has purchased this game in either xbox or pc version. Or has lived to tell about it...after my debacle with the lousy beta game review. There are initial impressions/comments about video gameplay clips though. Many are like you and waiting for more legitimate reviews from responsible players.
I have to hold out as my game purchase budget is tight and someone tried to fraudulently use my debit card (bank cancelled it & I await a new card). I have the two previous Air Conflicts titles and they are fun/light action arcade flight games. Haven't played them alot but I did feel some of the missions were too simple and repetitive. If you can purchase them cheaply then I feel you'll have fun for the price.
The Pacific Theater doesn't get enough love and there were terrific battles (land, air, sea) that should have better representation for gamers.
Staggerwing, you're a forum's popular flight guy. Not sure but it does seem dropping torps (both sides) would be included as player controlled. I had alot of fun with Heroes of the Pacific and was just learning to drop torpedoes when I switched from Vista to Win 7 on both my computers but the game wouldn't work for me on either 32bit or 64bit. Gave a bag of 12 older pc titles to charity, including the Heroes one.
The TBD Devastator (despite weaknesses) and the Avenger can be loved, especially in the hands of a skilled and patient game player.
If you want to fly some PTO stuff, have a look at War-Thunder. I'm still under NDA so I can't say much. They did just release a huge new patch and even in arcade mode, things are much less arcadey than before. I'm not sure how the pricing scheme is going to work but this game may just be a winner.
Generic pacific map. Gives a good sense of the chaos of a big furball. Don't know why nobody's used the paint option to personalize their planes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwbm6xSXabM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwbm6xSXabM)
Pearl Harbour map. You can see some of the plane personalization options in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYOMsCQxSFI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYOMsCQxSFI)
This is an older alpha video of the Midway map. Some of the physics and cockpits haven't been fully implemented in this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5N1pxOdHBs&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5N1pxOdHBs&feature=related)
Any single player mode for war thunder?
Yes. Single player campaigns and a full mission editor. I suspect the campaigns will be similar to those found in Wings of Prey.
Great..thanks for the info...looks nice.
The videos certainly caught my attention. The visuals looked great. What are the recommended specs for running it reasonably well?
[grog-whine] I did raise an eyebrow at the Tora Tora Tora vid showing what looks like an M10 or M36 on the field under attack at about the 1:55 minute mark. The first M10s entered the field in late 1942 and the first M36s in late 1944. [/grog-whine]
@SDR - thanks for the heads up on War Thunder, it looks great.. I'll add it to my watch list. I'd be more interested in single-player though.
Quote from: Staggerwing on September 30, 2012, 05:27:15 PM
The videos certainly caught my attention. The visuals looked great. What are the recommended specs for running it reasonably well?
[grog-whine] I did raise an eyebrow at the Tora Tora Tora vid showing what looks like an M10 or M36 on the field under attack at about the 1:55 minute mark. The first M10s entered the field in late 1942 and the first M36s in late 1944. [/grog-whine]
Expect a lot of historical anachronisms. I think that's something the guys who build missions for the full real servers will address.
I don't know what the recommended specs are for running it. They haven't been put out yet, as far as I know. Basically, if you can run Wings of Prey, you should be able to run this without too much problem. It's also very scalable from what I can tell by the graphics options tabs.
Silent Disapprovaal Robot thanks for bringing this to our attention. Many of us follow all things Pacific Theater.
I assume when you mention NDA it referes to non-disclosure agreement even though google definition search rendered over 250 official definitions which might have some bearing; Next Day Air, Never Die Alone, Normal Daily Activity, and most importantly Not Diagnosed with Anything. I could see how a Pacific War pilot may utter anyone of the phrases.
GrimReaper & Steve 58, single play is my only interest, too. When flying I like to look around, take in the situation slowly and precisely, before engaging the dogfights or missions. That's not to say I don't like computer AI squad members helping out. However, many multiplay games include some hot shot youngsters who aren't patient and just want to get in and out of the shoot em ups. They have there place...but let it be with similar type players.
Staggerwing and others, if you don't have Wings of Prey here are the computer stats which SDR indicates should handle War Thunder game as well". These are from the back of the box:
Minimum Recommended
Win XP (SP3), Vista (Sp3) Win & same
CPU Intel Pent. 4.332 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
Ram 1 GB Ram 2 GB
GPU Nvidia 7600 256 MB, Direct X 9.0c Nvidia GTS 250 512 MB
Hard Drive Space 10 GB same
Sound Card 100% DirX Comp. same, 5.1 Ch. Capacity
Internet Connection 56 kb/s 512 kb/s
"Internet Registration of Key Code Required to Play the Game. Online Connection Not Necessary to Play After Registering Key Code. Online Connection Required to Play MultiPlayer."
Regarding the specs, I don't know why they didn't list AMD cpu and gpu equivalents. I imagine the game will play with those computer components, too.
NM this post in it's original form. I figured it out. Next I plan on learning all my numbers and colors. Someday- the Alphabet too.
SDR, thanks for the key!
Staggerwing, in the opinion of many (some, few, or one) you're in the Eddie Rickenbacker and Billy Mitchell class, so you're way ahead of numbers, colors, spelling, etc. Fly on Brother!
This isn't a big deal but several WW2/Pacific flight games are mentioned in this thread about Air Conflicts-Pacific Carriers. If Administrator (Longblade), Silent Disapproval Robot, and others don't mind, and if it's useful/appropriate, we could take two possible approaches on posting:
1. I could change the title of this thread to Air Conflicts: Pacific Carriers, War Thunder, other Pacific Flight PC Games and let it carry on as we're doing with discussion on the general theme of WW2 Pacifc flight pc games. I think this would reach more readers and the subject will tie together nicely.
2. Have a separate thread on War Thunder (not just titled beta keys) and have someone else host it (SDR if desired). The beta keys deal was very nice and helpful to participants by the way and I'm glad it was offered. Also separate threads placed for other Pacific flight games.
Give your opinon and we'll proceed forward with FLYING HIGH in the 40's OVER the OCEAN BROAD.
Here is a player (not a "professional" reviewer) comment about the game where he talks about play balance, difficulty issues, and AI concerns. He scores the game a 6/10 but if patched to fix the issues a 8/10. It is fun but could be better.
Read the specifics by Ansatsu83 at Metacritic:
http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/air-conflicts-pacific-carriers
I'm still holding out in a purchase until I find players are giving it higher marks than a "6". One player review is not enough for me.
SORRY, SORRY, SORRY. The above was a premature interjection (not ejection, dejection or detection). After further investigation here are some other reports of actual install/play of the game. Go to Steam, Air Conflicts-Pacific Carriers, and find the blue Community bar (rightside half-way down. Click on Visit Forums and you'll find 49 questions and comments about the game. Much of it confirms the above player comments.
Found out there is a new release of a "stripped" down version of Heroes of the Pacific called Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WW2.
http://www.gamespot.com/damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwii/videos/damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwii-official-trailer-6375070/
There are a few player comments at Amazon giving it a 2.5 to 3 average out of 10 score for xbox & wii. At $49.00, 20 bucks more than ACPC, I'd be cautious about this one.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_4?rh=n%3A468642%2Cn%3A%2111846801%2Cn%3A229575&bbn=11846801&ie=UTF8&qid=1263449575&rnid=11846801#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D229575&field-keywords=Damage+Inc.&rh=n%3A468642%2Cn%3A%2111846801%2Cn%3A229575%2Ck%3ADamage+Inc.
Another more extensive and slightly more favorable review for Damage, Inc.
http://www.slashgear.com/damage-inc-pacific-squadron-wwii-review-28244151/
I really loved Heroes of the Pacific but gave it away when I couldn't get it to work on Win 7. To me the game had personality and I liked playing (using a code to unlock) advanced aircraft (Typhoon, etc.) starting in the initial mission that could really smoke the standard Zeroes, Vals, Kates to produce astounding USA/UK victories. Damage Inc. from what I read doesn't carry the personality of HOTP.
To me the best game covering this time period and place was Dynamix's Aces of the Pacific.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domaratius.de%2Frezensiert%2Fspiele%2Facesofthepacific.gif&hash=1964d2961d17bbc6a581a58048e6034a05ceda83)
The graphics were actually cutting edge back in the day. What I really liked about this game, and the feature I use to judge every flight sim since, is the campaign mode. Today there is not a game out there, not one that I know of anyway, where to play the campaign you simply fly missions, rank up, get better aircraft when they were historically available to frontline units, get taken prisoner, escape and return to duty. This cycle continues until the historic end of the way in August of 1945.
Today's games seem to want you to play some scripted missions, tell a story, unlock new camo patterns for your planes, share your achievements on facebook, and then watch a fantastic movie at the end bragging about how awesome you are. I don't want that, I just want a realistic, mundane career in which I do my job, and be done with it.
W8tAminute, right on. I actually bought a more powerful new computer to play Aces of the Pacific and for my son to play Wing Commander. Both are classics.
So you just want to be a serious pilot, get in get out,...no hot-dogging or bragging. The reward is personal and inward...an inner feeling of satisfaction. But...you still have sweat, oil, cordite on your face and hands when all is said and done. You do not want to be like Steve McQueen in the initial stages of the movie, War Lover.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056676/
Quote from: FrontierCybrarian on October 03, 2012, 03:35:42 PM
W8tAminute, right on. I actually bought a more powerful new computer to play Aces of the Pacific and for my son to play Wing Commander. Both are classics.
So you just want to be a serious pilot, get in get out,...no hot-dogging or bragging. The reward is personal and inward...an inner feeling of satisfaction. But...you still have sweat, oil, cordite on your face and hands when all is said and done. You do not want to be like Steve McQueen in the initial stages of the movie, War Lover.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056676/
Yes yes! That sums up what I want. You hit it spot on. Now that you mention it I think I bought a new gaming rig just so that I could play Aces of the Pacific and Tie Fighter. Wing Commander was a great game too. I regret now not ever buying it at the time because of missed out memories I could have had with that title.
War Lover? I don't think I've ever seen that movie. Add that to my list of want to sees.
W8Aminute, must see War Lover if for nothing else than actual WW2 B17 clips. Steve McQueen is a dare-devil , hot-dog bomber Captain.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056676/
I really like older WW2 movies because they often have original aircraft, tanks, artillery pieces, vehicles, etc. Especially like the aircraft. Even getting bit by a Mosquito!
With income tax refund I puchased Rise of Flight, Over Flanders Fields, Microsoft Flight Sim and add-ons; WW2 War Birds, Sunderland flying boat, and Lancaster Bomber. Installed them all but haven't played. Was expecting my youngest son to participate but unfortunately to both of us he's too busy with teaching auto tech at college, getting an MS degree, and serving as Chairman of the Board in his Dept.
Things won't always be the same and I'll venture into MS Flight Sim titles...knowing the learning curve is harder with true sims than with arcade flight types. Both have there places in the wide-open skies and in the wars.
Quote from: W8taminute on October 03, 2012, 03:13:32 PM
To me the best game covering this time period and place was Dynamix's Aces of the Pacific.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domaratius.de%2Frezensiert%2Fspiele%2Facesofthepacific.gif&hash=1964d2961d17bbc6a581a58048e6034a05ceda83)
The graphics were actually cutting edge back in the day. What I really liked about this game, and the feature I use to judge every flight sim since, is the campaign mode. Today there is not a game out there, not one that I know of anyway, where to play the campaign you simply fly missions, rank up, get better aircraft when they were historically available to frontline units, get taken prisoner, escape and return to duty. This cycle continues until the historic end of the way in August of 1945.
Today's games seem to want you to play some scripted missions, tell a story, unlock new camo patterns for your planes, share your achievements on facebook, and then watch a fantastic movie at the end bragging about how awesome you are. I don't want that, I just want a realistic, mundane career in which I do my job, and be done with it.
Good one W8Aminute. I'd forgotten all about this classic. Enjoyed it as any sim since. I loved all of the Aces games from Dynamics for that matter. I still have the German uboat map of the Atlantic kicking around.
Quote from: Rekim on October 04, 2012, 11:20:46 PM
Quote from: W8taminute on October 03, 2012, 03:13:32 PM
To me the best game covering this time period and place was Dynamix's Aces of the Pacific.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domaratius.de%2Frezensiert%2Fspiele%2Facesofthepacific.gif&hash=1964d2961d17bbc6a581a58048e6034a05ceda83)
The graphics were actually cutting edge back in the day. What I really liked about this game, and the feature I use to judge every flight sim since, is the campaign mode. Today there is not a game out there, not one that I know of anyway, where to play the campaign you simply fly missions, rank up, get better aircraft when they were historically available to frontline units, get taken prisoner, escape and return to duty. This cycle continues until the historic end of the way in August of 1945.
Today's games seem to want you to play some scripted missions, tell a story, unlock new camo patterns for your planes, share your achievements on facebook, and then watch a fantastic movie at the end bragging about how awesome you are. I don't want that, I just want a realistic, mundane career in which I do my job, and be done with it.
Good one W8Aminute. I'd forgotten all about this classic. Enjoyed it as any sim since. I loved all of the Aces games from Dynamics for that matter. I still have the German uboat map of the Atlantic kicking around.
I still have the Floppys from this.. Aces of Europe and Red Baron.. I think I have the Box for Europe!
Tuna and Rekim there was high praise for the Dynamix flight titles. Thanks for taking us dowm memory lane.
While I was away from town for a a couple years my oldest son (out of work) sold most all of my treasured software (complete in boxes, with manuals and discs)... Aces, Red Baron, etc., all of the great ones. I had hundreds of titles (used to sell software). An unhappy day when I returned.
But, also I was stupid. Not getting some to work on XP I just threw many away, like the complete Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe. Could have at least sold them. Now I find a few older titles at a local thrift store. I like their large boxes, install guides, and comprehensive manuals. Yes, I know why they don't do that anymore but it was nice while it lasted.
Finally, I was in a position to purchase Air Conflicts-Pacific Carriers...downloaded it last night from Steam (yes, it has to go through Steam no matter where you buy it). Give me a few hours of play and I'll provide some initial actual gameplay comments.
-The price point ($29.00 plus tax) for this new game is about $10-20 less than similar arcade flight titles when they were released.
-On my slow dsl it took about 3 hours to complete the download.
-The game start-up worked fine.
-The options section is limited...sound is adjustable but graphics is not.
-Arcade and Sim play. Don't know how extensive Sim play is going to be (additional rudder movement available).
-The pdf manual through Steam is really a "quick-start guide." Despite 20 pages only two pages apply, other languages represented.
-Claims to work with xbox style gamepad, mouse/keyboard, joystick/keyboard.
-10 minutes into the tutorial I machinegunned the drone plane with success but failed in divebombing the ship (ran out of bombs and couldn't find a way to reload them...you only have one handful to begin with). That part realistic, yes... frustrating, yes for a tutorial trying to teach divebombing. I imagine I'll just have to start the tutorial over and over until I succeed in the divebombing.
Take a look at the quick start guide.
http://cdn.steampowered.com/Manuals/214910/AirConflictsPacificCarriers_Quickstartguide.pdf?t=1348247773
Game players computer specs:
-Windows 7 Pro SP1 64bit
-Intel Core i7-2600 CPU 3.40 GHz
-16 GB memory RAM
-Thermaltake esports Black gaming mouse 6500 dpi
-Coolermaster CM Storm mechanical keyboard
-Ideazon FANG gamepad
-SoundBlaster Recon 3D PCIe card
-Corsair Vengeance 1500 7.1 headphones
-Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speakers
-OS hard drive Western Digital Velociraptor 150 GB
Will provide more later.
Working through an allergy or sinus head cold so didn't get as much playing time with ACPC or Borderlands 2 (the two threads I'm participating in). After an hour more play here are my observations:
-Graphics and frame rates are quite nice.
-Ambient sound is good but not fantastic, music is initially good but gets repetitive and I turned it down to 20%.
-In the training mission the bombing became much easier by bombing from bow to hull (or vice versa) than from the narrow port to starboard...duh on me.
-I was wrong about reloading bombs in the above post. The mouse scroll wheel is used to reload a couple more bombs. In the tutorial a single plane starts out with 4 bombs and later two reload ones.
-It appears that on missions you need to think about the concept of SQUAD SQUAD SQUAD and not just as an individual pilot. Do all the damage you can with the one plane but if it runs out of ammo/bombs or gets damaged just press/hold the "Q" key and a new plane will taxis from the carrier. The new plane will have the full ammo and bomb load. However, there will be limited # of planes in the squad.
-There are Campaign, Training, Instant Battle, Survive, and Restart choices. I played Instant Battle and was quite surprised at my choices. In the Pearl Harbor episode there were mostly Japanese aircraft but also U.S., U.K., and German planes available in combinations. Besides historical Zeros vs U.S., Zeros could fight Zeros, U.S. could fight U.K., and I imagine some combination of someone fighting Germany. I didn't have time to account for all the combinations.
-The speed control (right shift) initially increased the plane's speed but seemed to peak quite soon and was no longer too useful unless you pressed the decelerate key (right ctrl). Continue holding the right ctrl key will result in the engine stopping and if not right sht'ed again your plane will get premature drink (it will be salty that's all I know).
-I stupidly tried to land a damaged plane back on the carrier and failed every time. Forgot to lower landing gear (G key). Never finished trying to land a damaged plane. Hopefully it better allow this.
-It could just be me, but I really couldn't FEEL a huge significant difference between flying a Zero, Devastator, or Wildcat. Was expecting a bit more in this area.
-Didn't take time to try out rear machine gun in Devastator. The guide indicates there is that function.
-I believe the real play in this game will likely be the CAMPAIGN where you can feel more connected to squad members and overall success.
-I had fun while playing and that is the whole purpose of a a pc game. Will it be $32 worth of fun for the hours expended. That needs to be decided through further play.
Will talk more later. Must rest some weary bones, stuffy nose, weeping eyes, & cockpit blues.
More informal comments from several more hours of play:
-As a "whimp" I'm playing on the "rookie" difficulty setting in the arcade mode.
-I'm getting to like the game more as I progress through the campaign.
-The graphics; planes, water, land, foliage, buildings/structures, clouds, smoke, machine gun fire, and bomb explosions and building fires are all done well.
-The sounds for planes and gun fire are good.
-Sometimes when I start the game through Steam it offers a configuartion option and other times not. However, on my computer even if I adjust to a higher res the config. screen seems to be cut-off on the right side not allowing an "apply" or save feature. Why the sporadic occurrence is anyone's guess.
-This is not a "cake-walk" game even on the lowest setting and in arcade. Haven't tried simulation yet with a joystick. But I'll bet it's really tough. I had to play several missions multiple times before advancing the campaign.
-The missions to search for enemy planes via Wildcat planes and with binoculars standing on the carrier were a bit frustrating not seeing anything for several minutes until the last when it was too late. Once planes are sighted and reported Wildcats can attack and you're given an AA gun to down a suicide Japanese plane.
-Bombing will require much practice to become proficient. It's seems my bombs hit the target only about 1/3 of the time.
-Landing on the carriers is not easy either. Half the time I was successful.
-It usually takes personal operation (one at a time) of all squad planes to complete missions.
-Damage to planes is shown with bullet holes, metal chipping, smoke, slow-down and often crashes. Besides bullets and AA/flak planes get damaged from collisions, hitting trees or towers, and of course, smashing into the ground or water.
-Voicing so far is good. There is an option to "voice-over" the Japanese language.
-Before a mission there are options to change plane type, armament, bomb types, & camouflage. Don't know if all these options are accurate or historical for any given plane.
-Completing missions with the most planes still available on carrier will be the ultimate challenge in this game. In the missions I completed I never had any planes left on the carrier and only the one in air (damaged at that, too). Just completing the mission was murder. It's too bad most of my pilots were killed before returning to the carrier or bailing out.
Guess this is enough for now. Fly on Boys!
Thank you for your comments.
Jomni, I hope the posts have been specific enough so far to help readers determine if it's a buy, wait, or absolutely no go. Thanks for participating in the thread.
I'm still at the beginning stages of the missions in arcade but it appears I might be the only one playing and reporting...but for better or worse you're stuck with me.