Battle of Britain 2 "Wings of Victory"

[GlobalExplorer]

I am not seeing a hell of a lot of posts about this game, which has turned into the best simulation of the Battle of Britain ever created.

First of all, I know the checkered unique history about this game, as in 2001 I have bought the original BoB by Rowan. I didnt like at is it was unstable and the graphics were lame compared to contemporary flightsims (IL2).

In 2003 I downloaded an improved version made by the BDG. The BDG then was an independent developer group created after the source code was released -in an unprecedented move- by Empire. It had better graphics but it still crashed all the time so I quickly forgot about that one as well.

In 2005 there appeared reviews about Battle of Britain 2 which was a even more improved version by the BDG re-released by shockwaveproductions. The reviewers really liked it but they all said it was still unstable. So again, I still saw no reason to get this game.

Only a short while ago there I heard rumors that the current version is now a very stable and amazing game, actually surpassing IL2 in a lot of ways, possibly even the best flight sim when it comes to the single player experience.

So I finally started looking in the various fora about the game and the more I read, the more I got convinced that this was a game to get. I am so glad I did.

On all fronts the game has been improved now so many times that is an absolutely up to date flightsim, and the stability is very good now. Graphics, sound, flight models, I couldnt think of a single area where I wasnt blown away. That is of course, only with all new updates installed, i.e the 2.06 and 2.0.6.1 patches and the new summer terrain.

This is not just a flightsim but also a strategy game about the Battle of Britain. There are a lot of people who enjoy the strategy part so much they never ever go into the cockpit. With its deep, involving campaign this should be an absolutely ideal game for subsim players.

So, if you are looking for a really great flightsim head over to

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob (http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob)

Moreover, the game has one of the best communities on the planet, with developers constantly releasing updates and discussing with their fanbase:

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/forum/index.php (http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/forum/index.php)

Just a suggestion form an excited user :) You might not want to miss out in this one!

[Dowly]

I have it and love it. But what puts me off is the sometimes jerky AI planes. At times, they just warp to a turn, like in a huge lag in an online game. But that's the only complain about the game. :up:

[Ilpalazzo]

Thanks for the info! I've been wanting to play something other than IL2, but most ww2 flight sims don't seem very good.

I hope the physics in Battle of Britain 2 are good. IL2 has the best physics in a ww2 flight sim imo.

edit. Lol, I just went ahead and bought it. First time I ever did a download purchase. Now I need to make a profile for x52. You wouldn't happen to know if there's a good one for me to download would ya?

[GlobalExplorer]

I have a X52 myself, but I dont use profiles, I only assign the buttons/axis. But if you ask at the shockwave forums, I am sure someone will help you there. I have never seen such a responsive community before.

As a new player, dont forget to download all major updates from there as well, i.e. the 2.06 and multiskin patch, as well as the new summer terrain graphics (the new version appeared just a couple of hours ago).

And its also quite important that if you have some problem, ask at the forums. There are some small issues with installing the game o.o.b., but there are also always solutions. You will probably even get a reply by one of the programmers, and possibly the will make a small fix to the program right away.

[SeaVee]

Here is some info with pics, video preview links, etc. on the new terrain:
http://www.simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2353360#Post2353360

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob_dev/PaulPics/!shot_093.jpg

[GlobalExplorer]

Hi SeeVee! I didn't know you were into subsims as well.

I think the new terrain update has brought the sim even closer to the competition in respect to low altitude. Of course, very low altitude flying is one of the weakest points of this game, despite the constant improvement. (Personally I think CFS3 with Over Flanders Fields is the champion here.)

But eye candy aside, at altitudes of 3000 feet and onwards it beats everything out there, and that is very important because those were the service/combat altitudes of these planes.

I found that it helps me if I play OFF for a while when I am more interested in spectacular low level flying, and FS2004 if I want to fly at some particular place (in a Tiger Moth of course). Afterwards if I return to BoB2 it doesnt bother me very much to fly over the somewhat less spectacular terrain, and instead have superior AI / campaign / cockpits etc ..

[GlobalExplorer]

Because pictures say more than words I have taken the liberty of linking some more screens of the new summer terrain update:

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob_dev/PaulPics/shot_101a.jpg

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob_dev/PaulPics/%21shot_505.jpg

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob_dev/PaulPics/shot_064a.jpg


(http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/bob_dev/PaulPics/%21shot_505.jpg)

[Ilpalazzo]

I am loving this game. It's awesome seeing a multitude of planes in the same area. I find myself overwhelmed at times.

So far the AI seems really good. I'm coming from CFS3 and IL2. The AI in those games can be bad. In CFS3 I recall that in most dogfights the enemy would just fly around in circles. The AI in IL2 is pretty good. However, sometimes they are so hell bent on trying to shake me that they often wind up plowing themselves into the ground. Robbing me of a good fight. The AI in those games does other dumb stuff too but those things always stood out to me. I have no complaints about the AI in BOB2 yet.

I am having trouble getting a hang of the campaign. I was trying to figure it out as I went along, but I'm going to have to read the instructions ;) The campaign seems very impersonal since you aren't really a pilot but just take control of whatever flight you want. I hope I can look past that and enjoy it more as a strategical campaign.

I've been spending most my time mapping controls the way I like it and finding a good balance in fx settings. Turns out the weather on high kills performance for me when there are lots of clouds. Kinda disappointing, but I would rather play on the medium setting for weather and crank everything else up for smooth performance and great visuals.

Anyway, still messing around. Just thought I'd share some first impressions.

[JScones]

Hey, do the guys over at shockwave know that JSGME works quite fine and well with BOBII (it was mentioned in the 2.06 review)? Might make it easier to provide options for players. ;)

BTW, is the SPC still going ahead?

[Tikigod]

The sounds are the best feature of this game: flybys, engines, sputtering, damage....wish all of the sound effects were in IL2.

The overall air battles are amazing. They look alot more like the stories you read from first hand accounts when it comes to the vast numbers of aircraft involved and the chaos that ensues.

Another feature that is neat is the orientation of pilots when they break from groups during combat....you either see large massive formations (where they stay in formation on course), single lone fighters (injured, dogfighting, or regrouping), or fighters pairing up with others or with multiple wingmen (in order to regroup and attack threats). These various flocking behaviors are really impressive when flights are breaking apart and regrouping)

The AI are a bit strange. Wingmen in your group usually don't attack when you want them to (this usually happens when you manaully take over a flight and fly them to an enemy position..) and you can never really turn friendly collisions "on" because of the wacky AI are constantly clipping your plane and each other. Also, clouds are only good for hiding before and after engagements....during combat, the AI seem to be able to see through clouds and shoot you, even when you can't see them.

User interface and loading screens have alot to be desired.

[porphy]

BOB2 has come a long way and is very good now.

The sounds are the best feature of this game: flybys, engines, sputtering, damage....wish all of the sound effects were in IL2.

Well, Il2 has better sounds now... ehm.. but it is not sanctioned from 1C and Oleg, rather the opposite I would guess. Someone managed to open the code and made a sound mod (which is pretty good), but that also means people have access to Flight model data, (which seems to be a disaster building up for online games... Anyway, better single player sounds can be had for Il2 at the moment.

Cheers Porphy

[Tikigod]

Like in 1:41-2:06:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx5VTJhmq5I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx5VTJhmq5I)

I am loving this game. It's awesome seeing a multitude of planes in the same area. I find myself overwhelmed at times.

[GlobalExplorer]

I am having trouble getting a hang of the campaign. I was trying to figure it out as I went along, but I'm going to have to read the instructions ;) The campaign seems very impersonal since you aren't really a pilot but just take control of whatever flight you want. I hope I can look past that and enjoy it more as a strategical campaign.

I agree with you that it is unaccessible. I generally found that its best not to assign any planes through directives and rather directly select the targets (by clicking on them and then on "Authorize"). Then I go the the "Missions" panel and adjust the force composition etc. If you play the Luftwaffe, you will still have the problem of synchronizing you escorts with the bombers, but I am hopeful this can be learned, and in reality there was a lot of confusion and as a result, unescorted formations got slaughtered.

For the LW I actually had most problems going into the flightsim part because the sheer size of formations, I am usually just messing up the raid. Therefore I am planning to switch sides and fly the single player RAF campaign, where you usually just fly with a single squadron (at least if the game does not enforce Leigh Mallory's "big wing" strategy). Maybe that will teach me to survive and to command a few planes before I can take over the massive formations of the Germans.

Hey, do the guys over at shockwave know that JSGME works quite fine and well with BOBII (it was mentioned in the 2.06 review)? Might make it easier to provide options for players. ;)

I have heard JSGME mentioned several times on these boards.

BTW, is the SPC still going ahead?

It's in the 2.07 beta patch, which is not official yet, but I had no problems. You probably know it's a bit different because you are playing it from the campaign screen. So it's basically the campaign game without the chore of having to manage everything, unfortunately it comes without medals and such. And it seems it only works for the RAF, not LW.

[XabbaRus]

So BOBII is stble and worth getting then.

What spec PC do you need? I have a P4 3.2 Ghz with 512 MB Ram and X300 GFX.

[TarJak]

I've had this game on my shelf for a while. Tried it once or twice but found that the stability still seemed to be a problem. I hadn't installed any of the updates though. Do these make a difference to the stability?

[JScones]

I've had this game on my shelf for a while. Tried it once or twice but found that the stability still seemed to be a problem. I hadn't installed any of the updates though. Do these make a difference to the stability?
Absolutely! Until a few days ago I was running 2.06.1 and the difference in stability between it and stock is quite noticable (never had a crash with it actually). The latest Summer Terrain update referred above includes a 2.07 beta exe, and so far I haven't noticed any problems (albeit I haven't played it that much lately).

The beta exe included adds a single player campaign (thanks for clarifying GE) which suits me perfectly, although according to the devs it really only works well if you play the RAF side. The SPC means you set yourself up in a squadron and spend the whole career flying the campaign, rather than plotting the campaign.

Here's a review of 2.06 to give you an idea of the differences... http://simhq.com/_air10/air_293a.html

[GlobalExplorer]

It was written somewhere that the incremental improvements added by the 2.06 patch did as much to 2.0 as BoB2 did to BoB. I think it was in the same simhq review that JScones linked to.

My personal experience with 2.06 and higher is that this might not be the stablest game I have ever seen, but I can not remember more than 2 or 3 major crashes since I had it, which imo is absolutely ok for such a complex program.

XabbaRus (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=210080) I am (still) playing on a 3200XP, 1 GB, GF6800, everything somewhat overclocked, with most on high and the only time I get slowdowns is when there are hundreds of planes in the air.

It was written somewhere that you should not set horizon detail higher than medium with such a machine, because it is a very costly option.

[SUBMAN1]

You guys are getting me excited to play this game. MiG Alley was a fav of mine, dodging ground fire on in my P-80 at times, and this is the same engine, so.... :up:

-S

[AFRIKAKORPS]

The one thing I like about BoBII are the sounds. They are far superior to IL-2 and I would play it just for those. The only problem for me is that none of the aircraft seem very responsive. Maybe I'm too used to IL-2 but it seems like I'm always struggling to my plane into place.

Is it my settings perhaps? Because I want to love this game but the planes just don't seem to move how they're supposed to(at least to me).

[JScones]

The Merlin engine sound as the plane wizzes past your cockpit is amazing. Never heard anything like it in any other flight sim I've ever played.

Re the FM, others will know more, but I think there are FM mod packs that may help. :up:

[AFRIKAKORPS]

I think it just has a more realistic FM, so I have to play for a while until I get the hang of it. Its interesting to see how different IL-2 and BoB are, almost night and day IMO.

[TarJak]

Absolutely! Until a few days ago I was running 2.06.1 and the difference in stability between it and stock is quite noticable (never had a crash with it actually). The latest Summer Terrain update referred above includes a 2.07 beta exe, and so far I haven't noticed any problems (albeit I haven't played it that much lately).

The beta exe included adds a single player campaign (thanks for clarifying GE) which suits me perfectly, although according to the devs it really only works well if you play the RAF side. The SPC means you set yourself up in a squadron and spend the whole career flying the campaign, rather than plotting the campaign.

Here's a review of 2.06 to give you an idea of the differences... http://simhq.com/_air10/air_293a.html:hmm: Sounds like I might have to dust off the disk and give it a spin. It certainly looks like it is much improved based on what I've read so far. I used to play EAW a lot a few years ago and it had some great mods for the pacific and med theatres but my favourite was the BoB mod which let you choose from a selection of sqadrons and limited the aircraft to those available in Summer of 1940.

Thanks for this. :up:

EDIT: Did just that tonight. I'm actually reasonably impressed. The new mod certainly gives things a more stable feeling. IIRC I was lucky to get half an hour out of it before it CTD, but played around in both instant action and campaign for about 3 hours without any major problems. I get a similar stuttering to what Dowly reported when there are lots of planes in the sky but not very pronounced.

I like the terrain upgrade and the graphics are quite outstanding. One thing I was disappointed in though was the damage graphics. I think IL2 has done a better job with holes actually becoming see through rather than the flat "holes" textures shown in Bob2. Was quite disappointed when using an external view, the alpha channel showed a reflection through the damage. My verdict, Not perfect but still far better than the original. I'll probably play it again soon.

[GlobalExplorer]

It appears that with all the new patches most people seem to be extremely positively surprised that they have missed out on the game, so may I ask that everyone who likes the game tries to make some propaganda at other, similarly inclined forums because these guys are still struggling with a catastrophic rep - they unfortunately got it from the initial release two years ago, which seems to have been very unstable.

There is also a new thread with some information about the next patches:

http://www.shockwaveproductions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9079&start=0

I really like the fact that BoB2 has more or less become a community effort with slow but constant improvement and imo thats why it does some things so well - the guys enjoy working on it.

The question of FMs was raised, I am not the right person to judge myself but some people who appear to be have praised it in very high tones.

The damage modelling is primitive compared to IL-2, but it didnt bother me very much because I am happy if I just hit anywhere. But if your used to IL-2 it might be disappointing. The pyrotechnic effects are however, much better than in any other sim I know, and generally more realistic.

[TarJak]

I've got to say I'm pretty happy with it although I'm a little overwhelmed with the "campaign" management thing. I'd prefer to see a pilot career mode rather than the strategic management of the battle.

[SUBMAN1]

I've got to say I'm pretty happy with it although I'm a little overwhelmed with the "campaign" management thing. I'd prefer to see a pilot career mode rather than the strategic management of the battle.That might be nice, but you'd loose the ability to 'hurt' the Germans. In Rowan's campaign engine, pilots will get skittish if they take a beating and be reluctant to mix it up on subsequent flights. WIth control of the campaign, you have the ability to hit them extremely hard at one specific point. Then that airfield will be reluctant to battle you in the future for a long while.

-S