What are my options for a Helicopter sim

[Nefaro]

DoctorQuest's link to the EECH MegaMod is a must if you're going to try it.

A huge amount of stuff was modded & updated, especially since the source files went public long ago.  But the core game still shows it's age, namely regarding the 3D ground geometry.  You'll notice some very sharply angled spots in hilly terrain that can be rather jolting these days. 

The mod has many flyable helos, along with many different dynamic campaign settings to choose from.  The dynamic campaigns may have some drawbacks, but hey... at least it has dynamic campaigns.

If you can look past it's obvious age issues, there is a lot of classic helo sim content to be had at a nice sweet spot between moderate casual sim and DCS full-featured cockpit button pushing.  I really wish someone would create a modern equivalent with a similar wealth of content. 

I've actually enjoyed Black Shark 1&2 from DCS but, per usual, the limited world content made it feel more like an extended demo for an incomplete setting.  Still, if you want more eye candy and cockpit detail, you can get BS2 quite cheap on one of the regular DCS sales.

[jejo68]

I've had trouble getting EECH to work on Win 7; I get some graphics anomalies. 

However, I will concur with the suggestion to give ARMA 3 helos a try.  They are a ton of fun to fly around in.

Also if you play on any of the bigger multiplayer maps you get the added pleasure of risking being shot Down by actual players  :)

I love running around in King of the hills games and shoot Down choppers. Especially when they are full of people being transported to the frontline. Best shot I got 17 kills in one go  O0

[JasonPratt]

Since you mentioned a PS3 originally, U'geek, there's a surprisingly decent Apache / Hind sim for consoles (and a PC port) called Apache: Air Assault. I own it for PS3. It can be played co-op, too.

[JasonPratt]

Though due to being constantly distracted by other shiny things, I have to admit I haven't played more than a few tutorials (and those were at least three years ago...?)

But I listen to its soundtrack on a pretty regular basis, which incidentally combines very well with the musical scores to the National Treasure movies.  O0

[Toonces]

I've had trouble getting EECH to work on Win 7; I get some graphics anomalies. 

However, I will concur with the suggestion to give ARMA 3 helos a try.  They are a ton of fun to fly around in.

Also if you play on any of the bigger multiplayer maps you get the added pleasure of risking being shot Down by actual players  :)

I love running around in King of the hills games and shoot Down choppers. Especially when they are full of people being transported to the frontline. Best shot I got 17 kills in one go  O0

That was you?   

I really like EECH but I have just had a bear of a time getting it to run properly.  I get this white flickering that is really game-stopping.  It's not an uncommon bug but it doesn't happen to everyone.  However, when it works, it's a really nice game, but hard to play at this point.  The lack of a clicky cockpit means you're back to mapping your HOTAS and using keyboard commands.  For something like the Apache that is a real bitch. 

Mostly I installed EECH to play the Hind mod, which is fantastic.  But, again, figuring out how to make everything in the cockpit work with the keyboard really requires a significant time commitment.  It's not a lite sim.

EECH isn't expensive, so if you're willing to put some time in to get it patched, modded, and then learn it, it is worth the money for sure.

[jejo68]

hehe

[Apocalypse 31]

I've had trouble getting EECH to work on Win 7; I get some graphics anomalies. 

However, I will concur with the suggestion to give ARMA 3 helos a try.  They are a ton of fun to fly around in.

I love the concept behind EECH; big war going on, with support missions all over. I had some issues getting it to work on Win7, and couldnt get my joystick to work (well) either. Had to de-install it.

Not a fan of the Take on Helicopters flight model. ArmA 3, on the other hand, is much more fun/easier to use. Find some random missions by RobJ and you'll have a good time.

[DoctorQuest]

I guess I'm just lucky. I've never had any issues running EECH on Win 7. EEAH is another matter but I just do a merged install and I can enjoy both.