So after four years I have finally removed Over Flanders Fields from my hard drive and now I am ready to begin playing Rise of Flight. I'll openly admit it...the 10 year old graphics from the base Combat Flight Simulator 3 game finally pushed me into the arms of RoF.
I have the Iron Cross edition but I have never played it before. The game is downloading and updating itself now and will take a few hours at least :'(
So, in the meantime, what do you guys recommend when moving along from OFF to RoF?
Got a TrackIR?
Also, if you're going to play offline, grab the campaign generator. OFF has much better campaigns, ROF has much better flight models. Don't lament the loss of the OFF campaign, just enjoy the flying experience.
http://www.wingsofhonour.com/riseofflight/resources/html_woh_riseofflight_resources_files_unofficialaddons_gameplay.en.html (http://www.wingsofhonour.com/riseofflight/resources/html_woh_riseofflight_resources_files_unofficialaddons_gameplay.en.html)
Forget about replicating a deep and immersive career that you had in OFF. RoF is just about flying and shooting.
Quote from: jomni on December 04, 2012, 09:36:31 PM
Forget about replicating a deep and immersive career that you had in OFF. RoF is just about flying and shooting.
+1 I always end up going back to OFF.
I just am burned out on OFF. Thanks for the campaign generator SDR.
We should do an MP night for ROF!
Quote from: Gusington on December 04, 2012, 10:15:49 PM
I just am burned out on OFF. Thanks for the campaign generator SDR.
Ah then RoF would be good for you as you can get in and out of the game easily. Less commitment, just dogfighting.
Are there ground attack missions on RoF? Like me some ground attack.
Tuna do you play MP RoF a lot?
Yup. What planes do you have?
Gus,
I have mixed feelings about RoF, and it's hard for me to summarize how I feel regarding a transition from OFF to RoF. So I'll say this:
If you're going to fly RoF, it really is better as a MP sim than single player, although I've heard good things about Patrick Wilson's campaign generator if you can get it to work. I wasn't able to, but I hear that it has been improved and the instructions are better.
Regardless, WRT MP, I found it personally much more enjoyable if you stick to furballing, and totally disregard any kind of K/D ratio or ranking or any of that nonsense. There are a lot of guys that are way into that and will snipe you....let them have their fun. Get into the mix and stir things up and it's not too bad.
Also, I find the German planes much, MUCH easier to fly than the Allied birds.
If you can find a good server where everyone isn't taking themselves too seriously, RoF can be quite fun. The career beta is fun for a while, too, but quickly loses its appeal compared to OFF.
Ooh, ooh, another potential Roffer!
I don't think you'll regret giving this a go, Gus. It has a really good feeling of flight and lovely visuals, which I enjoy as much as any fighting I get into. FWIW here's my advice:
As SDR said, head-tracking of some sort is almost a must-have. Also decent rudder controls, as most of these crates, especially the rotaries, can't be flown without. A twisty stick is fine, though pedals are more immersive.
Use the the response curves in the setup to make life easier. A lot of the planes, particularly the Brits, fly tail-heavy, requiring constant forward pressure on the stick for level flight. This causes (at least for me) constant "bouncing" when trying to shoot at anything. Move the pitch curve down until the machine flies level hands-off and things become a lot smoother. Purists may disagree with this idea, and it does disguise to a degree the different characteristics of each plane (one of the delights of the sim) but it just made fighting so much easier for me. It's not cheating - the game encourages you to set up curves for each plane. I justify it by thinking that pilots would have had their planes rigged to their own specs to a degree.
I think MP is where RoF is at - I've not tried any campaigns or careers, so I can't comment on them. I would say however that you should use the "fly now" missions to familiarise yourself with the planes and and their engines. You've flown in OFF, so I wouldn't bother with playing at anything less than "full switch" - it's better to learn the hard way than learn bad habits with "auto rudder" and the like. Also learn the game's controls (how to charge guns, get map up, etc) before venturing online.
Speaking of which, if and when you go online, I recommend New Wings Warground and Syndicate Realism. The first is designed to be for new-comers, but has full missions, and the latter is the same thing, but more hard-core. There are also a couple of dogfight servers which are basically TDM. In the first two I mentioned it is quite easy to fly for 20 min and not see another soul. I quite like the tension that builds up as you fly about the sky, nervously looking at every speck in the distance, but I understand how that could be boring. The dogfight servers cater to those who want instant action and it is pretty intense, but I find it too difficult and frustrating.
Sorry for the WoT, but I think MP RoF is a great experience. Finally, the RoF forums are a good place to hang out - like here people are happier to show off their knowledge than slap people down for asking "dumb" questions. Finally, finally, check this guy http://www.youtube.com/user/Requiem10NS?v=GRBFSxGV0Jc&lr=1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/Requiem10NS?v=GRBFSxGV0Jc&lr=1) out.
I used to play a lot (went and got a Track IR).. belonged to New Wings and still keep in touch with them...
New Wings actually has three Servers, with three grades of realism.. from easy against the different levels of AI (so you can fly with a friend co-op to learn), they also have a Wargrounds Server, which is almost full realism like Syndicate.. A great bunch of people run the servers... I definitely could get back into hopping in..
Here's the New Wings site
http://newwingstraining.com/news.php (http://newwingstraining.com/news.php)
Here's a cool site for checking numbers of people on servers
http://online.riseofflight.net/en/ (http://online.riseofflight.net/en/)
RoF is truely an amazing sim when it comes to flight model and graphical presentation.
The whole flying part of it is pretty awesome and totally engrossing.
I have no experience with the singleplayer part of it though, besides the awkwardly presented training missions.
But the multiplayer community is quite vibrant.
I have never played OFF, but I can say that RoF is a great choice no matter what.
I just didn't take you for a flight jock, Gus? ;)
Start with the Albatross Va. It is the easiest to fly, is fairly good in a turn, has decent speed and is very stable. Until you get the hang of it, stay away from the sopwith camel and the Fokker DR1...both will spin like a top
On another note, I quite enjoy the campaign in ROF. The game isnt an RPG, it's a simulator
Quote from: Yskonyn on December 05, 2012, 07:58:45 AM
RoF is truely an amazing sim when it comes to flight model and graphical presentation.
The whole flying part of it is pretty awesome and totally engrossing.
I have no experience with the singleplayer part of it though, besides the awkwardly presented training missions.
But the multiplayer community is quite vibrant.
I have never played OFF, but I can say that RoF is a great choice no matter what.
Same here, though I just fly quick single-player quick missions pretty quickly -- it is still an amazing game and/or simulator.
Great responses, keep them coming guys, I really appreciate it. In recent games I have not been much of a flight simmer, but I grew up with Gunship and F19 Stealth Fighter from MicroProse. Slightly more recently I was addicted to Wings from Cinemaware...not a sim by any stretch I know but it got me totally obsessed with WWI aviation.
And now I have fired up RoF for the first time. It is the Iron Cross edition so I have whatever planes came with it...I think there are four. Looks like I have some shoopping to do :) What do you recommend for ground attack missions? I have always been partial to. German aircraft, so German suggestions are welcome...good to hear that German planes ar
more forgiving too.
As far as TrackIR, I know nothing about it. I have my trusty old Logitech stick and that is it. What do ypu guys recommend to start with?
Quote from: Gusington on December 05, 2012, 10:28:12 AM
Great responses, keep them coming guys, I really appreciate it. In recent games I have not been much of a flight simmer, but I grew up with Gunship and F19 Stealth Fighter from MicroProse. Slightly more recently I was addicted to Wings from Cinemaware...not a sim by any stretch I know but it got me totally obsessed with WWI aviation.
And now I have fired up RoF for the first time. It is the Iron Cross edition so I have whatever planes came with it...I think there are four. Looks like I have some shoopping to do :) What do you recommend for ground attack missions? I have always been partial to. German aircraft, so German suggestions are welcome...good to hear that German planes ar
more forgiving too.
As far as TrackIR, I know nothing about it. I have my trusty old Logitech stick and that is it. What do ypu guys recommend to start with?
I use the trusty Logitech myself, but I just play quick single-player stuff. In that environment, the DH-4 is pretty deadly, though I just use it to bomb barges mostly.
I've enjoyed putting extra guns on the German Floatplane and the RE-8 and the DH-4 and having various duels with the up-gunned bombers.
You little Fokkers. I can't believe you're suckering me into playing yet another game I don't have time for.
When are folks getting together to fly?
Awesome. And my work here is just beginning.
TrackIR is a way of translating your (actual) head movements into a pointing device so that by moving your head you pan around your in-game view. It works by by having an IR camera mounted on your screen record the movement of an array of three IR- LEDs on your headset or a cap, and translating that into "mouse-look" (effectively). By use of input/output curves you make it so that a small real head movement allows you to look over your shoulder or straight up in game whilst still seeing the screen in front of you. After a short period of adjustment of those curves and acclimatization it becomes incredibly natural.
RoF allows for six degrees of freedom with this system so that you can shift your view sideways, up and down, and back and forth as well rotate your view in three planes. This is great in RoF as you often need to look round struts and things. Also it displays the cool feature of the slipstream noise increasing if you look over the side of your cockpit.
Most of us try it and then won't contemplate "flying" without it - it's that good. And you can also use it in any other self-respecting flight/car sim and the ArmA games.
The only drawback with TrackIR (a trade name) is the price - $150...
However, there is some good news...I use a thing called Freetrack which uses freeware and whatever bits I can cobble together. You can put together something which does the job of TIR for about $20-30 if you're prepared for a bit of easy DIY. But maybe that's for another thread - or Google it; the Freetrack website tells you all you need to know.
As for the stick, well, like I said before, twist for rudder is pretty essential. A slider for throttle for mixture and throttle is also nearly essential. If you can spring for a new stick, then a good quality "cheap" one is the Thrustmaster T16000 ($40).
Recommending kit is tricky. I wouldn't expect anyone to lay out on pedals ($150) and a throttle quadrant ($100) before they knew if they liked the game or not, but I know that you WILL like the game more with the right kit.
Bottom line for me would be headtracking and the T16000.
WOW! That Freetrack stuff is way cool. I'm gonna have to find some time to try it out.
Thanks for the link! 8)
If you want to do ground attack stuff, you're better off flying for the Entente. Several of the smaller scout planes can carry bombs as part if their default load out.
I'd say get comfortable flying the 4 planes that you get with your edition for now. In sure there will be another RoF sale for the holidays and you can grab some new planes then.
If you like the Germans, I recommend the Pfalz III. Very nice plane to fly. Decent speed, great turning radius, very stable to fly, and sturdy enough that you aren't going to rip your wings off in a dive. The only drawback is the forward visibility.
Avoid the German heavy bomber for now. That thing is truly a beast to fly. Getting a fully laden one off the ground is quite a challenge.
My personal favourite is the Sopwith Pup. It's just a tiny little buzz saw. Amazingly agile and just a blast to flip around the sky.
Anyway, get a TrackIR or free tracker. Once you've used one, you can't imagine playing a flight sim or ArmA without one.
Finally, go to the RoF site and download the community skin packs. That'll give you dozens of historical and fictional paint schemes for your planes. Very nice of the Jerries to adopt such vibrant colours. Makes target recognition so much easier.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 05, 2012, 11:50:15 AM
Avoid the German heavy bomber for now. That thing is truly a beast to fly. Getting a fully laden one off the ground is quite a challenge.
Dang. I don't like hearing that. The only thing I'd like to fly more than a Gotha is a Zeppelin-Strachan. Clearly I'll have to start with some training wheels and work my way up.
Thanks for the advice.
Not sure why people are telling you that you need a Campaign generator from 2010. That was before ROF had its campaign implemented. The ROF campaign is excellent and is very similar to the OFF Campaign. My only complaint being that it does not go back in time enough to where the E.III and Dh2 were actually effective.
Quote from: LongBlade on December 05, 2012, 12:15:03 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 05, 2012, 11:50:15 AM
Avoid the German heavy bomber for now. That thing is truly a beast to fly. Getting a fully laden one off the ground is quite a challenge.
Dang. I don't like hearing that. The only thing I'd like to fly more than a Gotha is a Zeppelin-Strachan. Clearly I'll have to start with some training wheels and work my way up.
Thanks for the advice.
Once you cut your teeth on some of the other planes and get a better overall feel for the game's control scheme and physics, then you should give the bomber a whirl. I'd recommend starting with the Handley-Page O/400 bomber first. It's easier to fly than the Gotha and a lot of the mechanics (jumping around from station to station, learning the bomb sight, etc) are the same.
TrackIR will change your flightsimming life for sure.
Once you try it, you will immediately be hooked and wonder how the heck you ever flew without one and kept situational awareness. (Which you probably find out at the same time, you obviously wasn't able to keep anyway, LOL!)
I will never fly without one anymore, but if you're not a serious simmer it might be an expensive piece of gear.
Having that said, for RoF I think TrackIR is far more important then a top-notch flightstick. Especially when you're going to venture online. You need to be able to keep scanning around you for threats.
Keyboards or mice aren't very workable unless you use a Padlocking system, which might be disabled on the more serious servers.
A good stick is important no less, don't get me wrong. But the aircraft in RoF are pretty archaic in term of functions and buttons needed to be assigned. As long as your axis are fine on the stick, you'll do fine.
A TIR would be a higher priority.
If you guys are going to have set flightsim evenings with RoF I'd like to join in too.
Not only are we cooking up some MP games, we even got bboyer to show up. I am very tempted to get a TrackIR but I don't know that I am serious enough to warrant the price. Is the game easier out of the box with one?
If I stick with RoF my goal is to fly and rain destruction with the Gotha.
Gus,
You have to get a TrackIR, or at least get that freetrack thingy to work. I simply will not fly a flight sim without a TrackIR.
I shot a little bit of video of a multiplayer flight a while back. You'll see very quickly how incredibly useful a TrackIR is in the video.
http://vimeo.com/38336593
Thanks man, I will check out your video. I love the TrackIR concept but the price...you all seem to really love it though and not just for flight sims.
Ask for it for Hanukkah 8)
Track IR is almost a must for Multiplayer... Because most MP servers have padlock turned off, so that mean's you have to look around with hat switch or mouse, and it is really frustrating for me..
I think the beginner New Wings server has Padlock available, so if you are doing MP and don't have a Track IR, that is a good place to go...
Track IR is awesome for the DCS sims.. on A10.. you can practically put your cheek right up against the console.. it's awesome!
Some older games like IL2, you can only turn your head side to side or up and down.. but the newer games, it let's you lean and lets you move your head back and forth..
Quote from: Tuna on December 05, 2012, 04:20:04 PM
Some older games like IL2, you can only turn your head side to side or up and down.. but the newer games, it let's you lean and lets you move your head back and forth..
IL2 has 6DOF now.
For RoF learning purposes it might be a good idea to get a few Grogheads into an empty server (there are usually several) and get on TS3. One practical advantage of MP is that you can quickly respawn when you crash, whereas the SP missions have to be reloaded each time that happens.
I won't buy ROF due to the DRM but you guys have sold me on a TrackIR!!!!! ;)
I'm up for a GH session.
Here's what I've got:
Handley-Page O-400
Gotha G.V.
R.E.8
Bristol F2B
DFW C.V.
Fokker Dr.I
Fokker D.VII
Fokker D.VIIF
Fokker E.III
Albatross DIII
Albatross DVa
Pfalz D.IIIa
Pfalz D.XII
Airco D.H.2
Nieuport 17
Nieuport 28
SPAD 7
SPAD 13
Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Dolphin
Sopwith Pup
Sopwith Triplane
S.E.5a
Plus a few weapons mods (rockets for the Pup and the wing cut for the Camel) and a personalization pack so I can fire my Webley at Gus.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 05, 2012, 11:50:15 AM
Anyway, get a TrackIR or free tracker. Once you've used one, you can't imagine playing a flight sim or ArmA without one.
Tried it on ARMA and didn't like the experience. Lol!
For combat sims, TrackIR is great. Of FSX, only when you fly little planes. Not really that important for big planes. It messes up with how you press the on-screen buttons when your head is shaking. I guess FSX implementation of TrackIR isn't optimal.
I see the Channel Map is coming out soon. When I get the hang of the game I am definitely getting that.
Put some ROF time in tonight .. boy was I rusty, and I sucked!!! ...lol. but no deaths landing and taking off.. got one kill.. and had a blast, that's all that counts!
I can only say the same as the rest...TrackIR is a must in RoF. As soon you have a setup you like and the dizzyness is gone its a great tool. It really helps with the immersion.
I you want a great two seater then go for the Bristol F2B. I made a short aar flying this kite some time ago: http://www.twins4ever.dk/cougarscorner/index.php?/topic/2536-rof-the-story-of-david-parker/ (http://www.twins4ever.dk/cougarscorner/index.php?/topic/2536-rof-the-story-of-david-parker/)
A technical question: Where do I download my retail copy of RoF these days? Or is the F2P version the only download and unlockable with your serial to the full version?
Quote from: Yskonyn on December 07, 2012, 06:44:56 AM
A technical question: Where do I download my retail copy of RoF these days? Or is the F2P version the only download and unlockable with your serial to the full version?
Use the F2P version and unlock all your stuff when signing in :)
Quote from: Cougar_DK on December 07, 2012, 07:27:45 AM
Quote from: Yskonyn on December 07, 2012, 06:44:56 AM
A technical question: Where do I download my retail copy of RoF these days? Or is the F2P version the only download and unlockable with your serial to the full version?
Use the F2P version and unlock all your stuff when signing in :)
Thanks! :thumbup:
Dammit. Ok I am pretty set on getting a TrackIR...how steep will the combined learning curve of the device and game be?
It will probably lessen your learning curve, because looking around will be far more natural.
The TrackIR needs a little time on your part to get used to the movement and setup a tailored profile specific for your head movement and experience level with the hardware, but it's all pretty straight forward.
One thing to keep in mind is that you probably want to have a higher smoothing factor set in the TIR software. It will dampen your movements translated into the game. It makes it steadier to control when just starting out.
I have a pretty decent profile made for myself, which I use for almost all my flightsim titles. I'll be happy to share it if you need it.
As far as TIR settings go; check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TASEXUd4Oto
While he puts in some advice I would ignore, the whole process of creating a profile and what the different axis do is very well presented.
I am confident you will find the investment worthwhile.
Thanks Yskonyn. Just posted this in t eFriday thread but here seems appropriate too: if I got the TrackIR 4 would I be making a mistake? Also can someone explain the TrackClip to me? What is it? Do I need it? Does it come included with TrackIR 5? Do I need to get the Pro packages to insure a complete setup in one shot?
I have a 5 but I don't use the clip myself as it uses an additional USB. Basically, the clip fits onto your headset mic so you don't have to wear the funny hat with the antennae. It also emits IR light so that it works better than the hat reflectors in bright conditions.
The hat reflectors generally work very well so I personally don't see the need for the clip. However, if you do go with the reflectors there are some issues you'll have to take into account. Don't have any reflective surface behind you or the thing will go nuts. Mirrors, windows, tv screens, stripper poles, body glitter... all will give the device a fit. Don't have it in a spot where you get a lot or direct sunlight peeking through a curtain or something. The trackIR was made by basement dwelling nerds for basement dwelling nerds and sunlight burnses it.
Finally. Shut up and get online tonight. If the flying doesn't work out, you can always take a gunner's position or the bombardeer's slot and shoot Tuna in the face.
Shoot Tuna in the face sounds dirty.
I'll need to reconsider my pole and glitter placement I suppose.
If I purchase either TrackIR 4 or 5 Pro, do I need anything else? Is everything in one package? Playing gunner sounds fun.
With the 5 Pro, you get everything. I am not 100% on this, but with the 4, I don't think you get the clip. You get the hat reflectors only. And you have to supply your own hat.
Thanks that's what I needed to know. Will pull the trigger on this and hide it amongst the other 100 holiday purchases :) I. won't have it for tonight obviously but if gunner is fun or y'all don't mind me shooting you in the face, I'd still like to play.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 07, 2012, 10:19:40 AM
I have a 5 but I don't use the clip myself as it uses an additional USB. Basically, the clip fits onto your headset mic so you don't have to wear the funny hat with the antennae. It also emits IR light so that it works better than the hat reflectors in bright conditions.
The hat reflectors generally work very well so I personally don't see the need for the clip. However, if you do go with the reflectors there are some issues you'll have to take into account. Don't have any reflective surface behind you or the thing will go nuts. Mirrors, windows, tv screens, stripper poles, body glitter... all will give the device a fit. Don't have it in a spot where you get a lot or direct sunlight peeking through a curtain or something. The trackIR was made by basement dwelling nerds for basement dwelling nerds and sunlight burnses it.
Finally. Shut up and get online tonight. If the flying doesn't work out, you can always take a gunner's position or the bombardeer's slot and shoot Tuna in the face.
lol. funny, but only thing is, that could get him kicked/banned from an MP server pretty quick!!.. but yes, you cold always be a gunner while you're learning!.. Just don't shoot Tuna in the face or back of the head (depending on which plane you're in)..
Gus,
I have the TIR4 and the clips that hook onto your hat. I like the set up very much.
My mom RTB's to NJ on Sunday evening and I get my office back. Then I'll meet you guys online and do some schooling in ROF.
It sounds like an official Grogheads reflective Track IR hat and/or headband might be a needful thing. Somebody needs to arrange a meet with Cafepress' materials buyers.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realoco.com%2Fimages%2FP%2F237n.jpg&hash=e6f8066fa295004f42ab08975169919c981ca472)
I need to find the right profile.. I went from not being able to look up.. to too much side to when I look down.. I wish it would the same profile every time intead of going back to default!
Buying at TrackIR tomorrow, got some Amazon gift cards with $ left...should be able to get it for about 100.
Yeah, I need to tweak my profile a bit too. I was getting way too much head bobbing and couldn't keep my gunsights lined up.
Friggin' tax was charged on the TrackIR 5 I just bought...but combined with the card I had lying around it cost ~135.00. I am thinking it will be worth it though.
OK so I am futzing with the settings of RoF, etc. Do you guys recommend playing through the training missions? Graphically I am already impressed...it just looks slicker than OFF right away.
I've read a few negatives about the tutorials but I found them very helpful (I'm not a hardcore flight-simmer). My only issue with the game was the difficulty I had configuring my joystick, the manual was not very well done in that regard. Otherwise it is a great ww1 game.....but, I find myself going back to OFf because of the excellent career mode.
^I'm not hardcore by any means. I'm going to attempt them keeping in mind what you said about the joystick. I hope I don't have to relearn too much once TrackIR arrives.
Anytime Gus. I am using the 4 myself and it works fine. The 5 has a higher resolution and a somewhat bigger field of view. I have no idea wether the difference is big between the two units so pricing is a factor.
If you can get the 4 cheaply you would be fine, but otherwise go for the 5.
I disagree about the points made against the TrackClip.
I find it an invaluable upgrade to have. In my experience the reflectors are way too finicky to get to work properly and even a small reflective or light emiting object in the FOV of the TIR makes your movement go out of wack. Not nice in the middle of a dogfight!
Besides, the reflectors will force you to always use a hat or something similar, while the TrackClip will be attached to your headset, which in turn, you would have been using anyway (voice comms).
Also, the TrackClip doesn't use an extra USB port. You actually stick the USB plug of the TrackIR into the plug of the clip and that in turn goes into the same slot as you would have been using for the TrackIR alone.
The package I just bought is the 5 "Premium"...not sure if it comes with the Clip or not. I thought it did but now I'm not sure...
Just looked...TrackIR 5 premium does not come with the TrackClip :/
Check out this guy's videos the are outstanding for learning the ins and outs of the game!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Requiem10NS?feature=watch (http://www.youtube.com/user/Requiem10NS?feature=watch)
^Thanks!
The TIR doesn't affect the way you fly, just how you look around. I apologize if that comes across as patronizing, but I'm just trying to say that it won't be a wasted effort if you start to get to grips with the game before you get TIR up and running.
With regards to the tutorials, I don't remember doing them, but any stick-time is time well-spent. Above all be patient. This is a sim which pretty faithfully reproduces the flight models of the aircraft involved and many more pilots were killed in training and accidents than by enemy action in the RFC, so these crates are not easy to fly initially.
^Nah doesn't seem patronizing at all. I'd rather not carry on the tradition of getting killed during training so I am definitely doing each tutorial.
The production values on RoF are top notch by the way...a well put together game.
Make some easy dogfight missions you in at Fokker D.VII versus novice Nieuport 17 to get an idea of how to fight. The Nieport will bit you if you fly straight and level but you should have no problems taking them out :)
And do the 'Fly now' mission for the planes you have. There you can practice take off, landing, air to ground, air to air or just fly around and enjoy the flight model and graphics. ;)
Again, I highly recommend the Albatross DVa to start. Probably the easiest plane to fly and against early and midwar allied planes, it can do very well. Stay away from veterans in Camels and Dr1s though.
Taking on a big airship in your Camel never gets old! :)
I agree with Ted, by the way. TrackIR will not magically change the way you fly or isn't a secret ingredient to suddenly become an Ace. However, because it does change the way you look around and are now able to keep situational awareness; more bits become free in your brain to focus in flying and fighting.
So a secondary element of using a TIR arguably does make you a better pilot. ;)
Thanks guys. I'll try the Albatross DVa (if I have it...I have eight planes, not sure if that is one). Will have to do without TrackIR until it arrives. That will show me the big difference though, I am thinking.
Glad to see you finally giving RoF a try, Gus. I haven't flown in a couple of months, but I still purchase planes every time they have a sale, and I also supported them by purchasing the new "Channel Map". This is going to be the WWI flight sim for the foreseeable future.
The Track IR purchase was a good choice. It takes a little while to get used to, but I think it's much better than using POV switches or key strokes to look around.
Any idea when that Channel map is due out?
No, but the dev team said they were in the later stages of making it. I would assume that means anytime between now and end of Q1 next year.
Dude, you just started playing. Enjoy what's there now.
They've released some pics of the new Floaty boat thingie.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsimhq.com%2Fforum%2Ffiles%2Fusergals%2F2012%2F12%2Ffull-11770-46681-felix1.jpg&hash=abd2789e4ab0b5fa64295a5ea6260b77ba6c1846)
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WANT!
I already bought the German floatplane and pre-ordered the Channel map. Hope they finish it soon...
That is a nice looking plane.
Even without the channel map, there is a LOT of good content already in.
And if you want an extra campaign you can purchase the St. Mihiel one which is pretty nice.
At the moment I only have the fighter planes in my collection, no bombers, or support. It only means you can't fly them as far as I know, but they all are available as AI aircraft.
Went in single player last night and repeatedly tried to land the Gotha. Failed every time with a nose first flipover. Lol, I guess it's a good thing that I always get shot down in MP, before returning to base. Makes it less embarrassing than a failed landing.
I can imagine the Gotha being a total beast to do anything with, especially land. The British flying boat above is nice but the German one really makes my loins tighten.
Can someone who has the St. Mihiel map give a quick description?
FYI the ROF:Iron Cross edition is on sale at Gamersgate right now for $11.98.
http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-ROFICE/rise-of-flight-iron-cross-edition
If you wait for a sale at the Rise of Flight store, it'll be cheaper. The Gamersgate version of ICE comes with 5 planes, two of which you get free anyway. The other three planes you get will be $2.99 each on sale.
So despite a head cold I finally started training last night and completed the first tutorial on basic flight, with a Spad. I felt proud of myself until my nose started dripping on the joystick. Going in for the take off and landing tutorial today/tonight. The cut scenes are well done except for the voice-acting which is clearly done by someone who does not have English as a first language. And the flight model for the Spad is sensitive, I'll have to adjust it!
If you think the SPAD is sensitive, don't go anywhere near the Camel or the Dr.1.
I only crashed once while going through the course :) Maybe if I get used to the really responsive/sensitive planes the others will be much easier...
I downloaded and installed it last night, though I didn't fire it up.
I am not going to try combat until I have completed the tutorials.
lol.. spent my lunch break today trying to land the Gotha again.. no luck.. nose first tumble every time!!!
Like I said before, in MP you never get the 'chance' to land.. cause the NME always feeds on you.. but still I'd like to 'be able' to, if I ever did make it back to friendly territory unscathed!
Come on Tuna, we all know it isn't the enemy that kills you. It's the dreaded cloud bank.
LOL. you're right, I did get shot down by the Cloud Bank the other night! :-X
For those in the knowing:
What do the 'Sharp Picture' and 'High Contrast' options in the sim do? And you you keep this on or off?
I've got them both enabled. Not sure what they do though! I've got visibility of objects set to 100% (default is 50 I think). One other tip I found on the RoF forums:
There is a startup.cfg file in 777\RoF\data which can be edited in notepad. In it is a value for saturation. Default seems to be 0.75 - I changed mine to 0.95, as per recommendation. The result of this is more vibrant colours and I do think it makes it easier for me to pick out planes. The downside is that you might consider the colours too garish, though I find them more realistic. There might also be a touch more "shimmer" at the horizon, but that's quite minor. Anyway, it should be easy to change back, or experiment with different values.
I'd stay away from SweetFX as it seems to cause problems for some people and isn't easy to disentangle from you RoF installation
OK, I downloaded Rise of Flight and managed to discover the hard way that the WASD keys aren't the default for plane navigation.
Tomorrow night I am going to continue my flight training, which has been delayed by illness for the last three days. Takeoffs and landings, then three more basic tutorials, then perhaps a taste of combat. Oh and my TrackIR arrived, I am going to hook it up over the weekend.
ooh nice! Pretty quick delivery. Happy to read you're back on your feet.
Thanks man. Once I put in some time with the TrackIR I will decide if I want the clip too.
OK this is going to sound ridiculous, but I am trying out the takeoff and landing mission. I can turn on the engine but enriching the fuel mixture is a mystery. I keep trying the key command for it (right shift - +) and all it does is zoom my cockpit view. Without enriching the fuel mixture I have no throttle and can't begin to take off. What am I doing wrong?
Double check your key bindings to make sure you don't have a conflict set up. Maybe remap the fuel mixture bindings while you're at it just to be sure. Most cockpits have a brass fuel mixture throttle or knob that you can see moving when you alter the mixture so you should know if it's working or not.
Also, check your engine temp. If you haven't given the engine enough time to warm up, your plane won't move.
Did you set up your TrackIR yet?
I have a couple of different profiles set up for Rise of Flight. I can email them to you if the default isn't working out and you'd like to try one.
I mailed him a profile the other night, but I may be interested in checking out some new ones!..
He's right Gusington, on the mixture,it's usually right next to the throttle, so if you got the key right you should see it moving.. I made my 1 and 2 key increase and decrease the mixture.. I usually just go to 100% then drop it back a few notches.. you can actually watch your RPM on some planes and see where the prime spot is..
Tuna sent me a profile he said worked well for him but before I even unwrap the TrackIR I want to get the basics like this out of the way. Thanks for the above...I haven't changed the default key bindings at all...could there be a conflict in the defaults? This whole flying thing is complicated.
Why not turn off the advanced engine features for now? Turn on automatic RPM limiter, start with warmed up engines, and auto fuel mixture. Once you start to feel comfortable with flight and fighting, then you can start to fiddle with that stuff.
^Good idea.
OK where do I find the off switch for advanced engine features? I just tried remapping the keys for mixture and radiator and it didn't do anything :/
Which plane are you trying to fly? Some don't use mixture..
It should be under settings.
Under settings? OK I'll check. I'm training in the Spad.
Reset the default settings and tried once more...I was using the wrong plus/minus keys...of course now the family is ready for me to grill dinner so I'll have to attempt to actually take off later tonight. Thanks for the help guys...it was my own doofosity getting in my way. Again.
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I would use "simple gauges" as well (enable in settings somewhere, and then default ctrl-I in game, I think) This brings up a HUD with clock (pointless), compass (v useful) and engine monitor (essential). The engine gauge shows your throttle, mixture and radiator settings, so you can what effect what key-presses are having
Let's see how well I take to using the default. If I can handle it then I'll be happy.
I've got RoF and several of the planes. If I get RoF:ICE, can both my versions be combined? I'm just thinking a head a bit as I'm pretty sure my wife got me a TrackIR 5 for Christmas :P
p.s. on sale at Amazon: Rise of Flight Iron Cross Edition $7.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Flight-Cross-Edition-Download/dp/B004TGME1Y/ref=br_lf_m_1000716161_3_70_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&pf_rd_p=1444949422&pf_rd_s=center-6&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000716161&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H40YWCSESE4A1VB9EVZ)
Don't bother with ICE if you've already got the base game and other planes. Yes, you can combine them but it'll likely be cheaper for you just to buy the planes you don't have directly from the ROF store.
Channel map and the Felixstowe sea plane released.
http://riseofflight.com/Blogs/post/2012/12/24/Channel-Map-Felixstowe-Released-Massive-Sale-Dec-24th-30rd!.aspx (http://riseofflight.com/Blogs/post/2012/12/24/Channel-Map-Felixstowe-Released-Massive-Sale-Dec-24th-30rd!.aspx)
Big sale in the RoF store from Dec 24th -30th.
W00t!!!! I prepurchased so I'm going to check them out ASAP!
Awesome, want to get both...need more RoF experience...
Warning. The update is 791MB and it resets your graphics and game settings to default so you might want to make note of what you've got prior to installing the upgrade. Thankfully it doesn't reset your control bindings.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 25, 2012, 12:15:49 AM
Warning. The update is 791MB and it resets your graphics and game settings to default so you might want to make note of what you've got prior to installing the upgrade. Thankfully it doesn't reset your control bindings.
Dang. I'm still travelling around and won't be back at my desktop for a week or more!
Nicely written AAR here by a Brit playing an iron-man campaign.
http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/12/a-coward-in-a-camel-an-iron-man-flight-sim-diary/ (http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/12/a-coward-in-a-camel-an-iron-man-flight-sim-diary/)