IL-2 1946 Questions

[Sigurd]

After finding my old Combat Flight Sim CD, I've decided to check out IL-2 since CFS feels... shallow somehow. On the other hand, I was a huge Aces over the Pacific player back in the day (still use my old Sidewinder Pro believe it or not), so maybe dropping bombs over Europe isnt my prefrence *shrugs*

Anyway, on to the questions.
-I was drawn to the 1946 collection because it contains all the expansions and such, so there is a great value for my money. That being said, can I opt out of flying certain campaigns? I dont have much interest in the '46 campaigns as I do in the game in general, so if I dont have to play it, it'd be nice.

-Given what I said earlier about CFS (I think its the first one. It advertised Flight Sim 98 during the install), would I even enjoy IL-2? Unfortunately the demo left me with mixed feelings*.

-I gather that the campaign is dynamic to a degree, but how much freedeom do I have as a pilot? In Aces, I recall getting varing missions as a fighter pilot from basic patrols, to eliminating air presences and escorting bombers. These missions would get even more variable based on if I was flying for the Navy, Marines, or the Air Force with different planes and destinations. Also, am I free to switch from... say a Corsair to a Dauntless mid-campaign if I so choose?

Like I said, I'm a bit of an Aces of the Pacific nut, but I wonder if maybe that was just the game addiction of my childhood, or the CFS version I have is just crap. Realsim isnt important, as I usually end up flying with most of the options turned off anyhow


*I'm very much a fighter, and getting objectives like bombing convoys over land isnt entertaining to me. I enjoyed the missions that asked me to shoot down bombers, and dogfight, but unfortunately those are starting to get repetative in location and general predictability.

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by Sigurd

-I was drawn to the 1946 collection because it contains all the expansions and such, so there is a great value for my money. That being said, can I opt out of flying certain campaigns? I dont have much interest in the '46 campaigns as I do in the game in general, so if I dont have to play it, it'd be nice.

Yep, you have multiple campaings to choose from for most of the countries.

-Given what I said earlier about CFS (I think its the first one. It advertised Flight Sim 98 during the install), would I even enjoy IL-2? Unfortunately the demo left me with mixed feelings*.

*I'm very much a fighter, and getting objectives like bombing convoys over land isnt entertaining to me. I enjoyed the missions that asked me to shoot down bombers, and dogfight, but unfortunately those are starting to get repetative in location and general predictability.

If the plane was used only as fighter, you only get air-to-air missions. If it was used for bombing or as jabo, you might get ground pounding missions.

-I gather that the campaign is dynamic to a degree, but how much freedeom do I have as a pilot? In Aces, I recall getting varing missions as a fighter pilot from basic patrols, to eliminating air presences and escorting bombers. These missions would get even more variable based on if I was flying for the Navy, Marines, or the Air Force with different planes and destinations. Also, am I free to switch from... say a Corsair to a Dauntless mid-campaign if I so choose?

You choose the plane when you start the campaign, only way to get a new plane type is if the game gives you one. Usually upgraded variant of the one you have atm.

As for mission types, there isnt that much variation. It's the usual, escort, fighter sweep, ground attack, patrol.

Like I said, I'm a bit of an Aces of the Pacific nut, but I wonder if maybe that was just the game addiction of my childhood, or the CFS version I have is just crap. Realsim isnt important, as I usually end up flying with most of the options turned off anyhow

You can play IL2 even if you dont care about realism, I recommend you to get it.

[PeriscopeDepth]

Anybody who is a combat flightsimmer should own IL-2. Especially if you're into the online thing.

PD

[Sigurd]

Great, thanks for the responses guys. Although I'm still wondering why I dont really care for CFS, but still loved Aces

Unfortunately, multiplayer isnt an option, as my computer doesnt have regular internet access. Also complicating matters is the fact that I really need to cut down on my gaming time (baby on the way and all, so money is better spent elsewhere).

In any case, I probably will buy it, but it might be a while.

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by Sigurd

Great, thanks for the responses guys. Although I'm still wondering why I dont really care for CFS, but still loved Aces

Unfortunately, multiplayer isnt an option, as my computer doesnt have regular internet access. Also complicating matters is the fact that I really need to cut down on my gaming time (baby on the way and all, so money is better spent elsewhere).

In any case, I probably will buy it, but it might be a while.

First of all, congrats for the upcoming "Pilot trainee" (You are going to teach him/her how to fly IL2, right? :p) and second, IL2 is a very very very good game for multiplay, BUT it isnt necessary. I've been flying IL2 since the release (6-7 years?), never uninstalled it. I only started active MP gaming ~1½ years ago with HunterICX and Danlisa from here at SubSim.

And there are programs like DCG (Dynamic Campaign Generator) that gives you tons of new single- and multiplay campaigns with the ability to have ALOT more planes in the air during the missions (with the setup wizard, 50 per side on an mission is the max) and it also makes the ground activity mean more for the progress of the campaign.

[Sigurd]

Originally Posted by Dowly

First of all, congrats for the upcoming "Pilot trainee"

Thanks

Originally Posted by Dowly

You are going to teach him/her how to fly IL2, right? :p

Of course. He shall also learn how to stalk convoys in SH3, and how to be a fan of European Metal

But I digress.

Originally Posted by Dowly

IL2 is a very very very good game for multiplay, BUT it isnt necessary. I've been flying IL2 since the release (6-7 years?), never uninstalled it. I only started active MP gaming ~1½ years ago with HunterICX and Danlisa from here at SubSim.

Hmm, so regardless I'll have fun. Sounds good to me. Once I get internet capabilities, I'll have to join you guys.

Originally Posted by Dowly

And there are programs like DCG (Dynamic Campaign Generator) that gives you tons of new single- and multiplay campaigns with the ability to have ALOT more planes in the air during the missions (with the setup wizard, 50 per side on an mission is the max) and it also makes the ground activity mean more for the progress of the campaign.

I've gathered that the DCG is the GWX of IL-2, so I was going to get it anyway. I dont think I read about the ground activity though. Sounds interesting.

So if I fly as Germany, and start bombing convoys belonging to Russia, I'll push further and further into the heart of the Soviet Union, and help the Germans win at Stalingrad for example?

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by Sigurd

So if I fly as Germany, and start bombing convoys belonging to Russia, I'll push further and further into the heart of the Soviet Union, and help the Germans win at Stalingrad for example?

The system works basically like this:

You have few key spots on the map, villages or something like that, where both sides have defensive emplacements. Those are where the action is, and usually where most of the early campaign bombing missions will be targeted to. After few missions, you or the enemy side will try to attack with tanks on that area. If the earlier bombing missions have been successfull and there's no enemy AT guns intact, there is a high rate of success for the attacker to capture that area and push the frontline further to the enemy side. The supply convoys play a keyrole aswell, if for example your defences on some are damaged or destroyed, a supply convoy is tasked to that are in the next mission. If it gets there, the defences are repaired. Same goes for bridges, airfields etc.

The forntlines are moved by the groundforces, you as a pilot take the role of supporting them, just like it should be.

Here's few things from the DCG's website to give you the idea what it exactly does.
http://lowengrin.com/news.php

Over time, the front lines will shift, airfields may be captured and recaptured and objects appear and disappear. Squadrons will transfer closer to the front as friendly ground forces advance or bug-out should the enemy break-through. Armor, truck columns, and trains will also move from city to city during missions and ships from harbor to harbor, starting the next mission at the city or harbor moved to in the previous mission. Build ups of guns and armor will also appear at the "front" and captured locations will have new defences generated.

IL-2 DCG will also track plane losses, pilot deaths, and the replacement of both, awards and promotions, as well as the destruction and replacements of moving vehicle and tank columns, trains, and ships, and static ground defenses. All in all, DCG offers IL-2 players a dynamic world in which to fly.

Q2. Is IL2DCG's campaign system really dynamic?

Yes, to the extent that events that occur in one mission have a direct influence on future missions. Plane losses to the player and AI flights will result in fewer planes in subsequent missions (although if plane losses stay down, the flight will eventually be returned to full strength). All AI pilots are tracked and their skill levels will improve over time...assuming they live long enough. Those killed will be replaced with new pilots at their "base" skill level.


Q3. So IL2DCG air war is dynamic. But is the ground war?

Yes, DCG's ground war is dynamic as well. DCG ground war is, however, portrayed at only a tactical level. Tanks move across the map and seize the territory they cross. If destroyed, they are removed and return as reinforcements (in the rear zone). Truck columns and trains act as supply units "fixing" stationary units when they end the mission near those units. Like tanks, if destroyed, they later return in the rear zone as reinforcements.


Q4. How does the air war contribute to the ground war?

Every squad mission can directly or indirectly contribute to the ground war. For example, destroying a tank unit near the front will make it impossible for the enemy to push into your territory. Destroying artillery guns will prevent their use against your tanks until a truck column arrives at the location to resupply it. And finally destroying a truck column or train will limit the enemies ability to rebuild static defenses.

[danlisa]

So here's a IL2 1946 question.....

Has anyone ever watched the bonus DVD on the deluxe edition? Not something I usually bother with, glad I did though.

P.S That's right I've just reinstalled 1946.:p

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by danlisa

P.S That's right I've just reinstalled 1946.:p

Oh and no, havent never arsed to watch the vid.

[Kratos]

Yea I've watched the bonus dvd its quite good ..and Dowly thats a good summary of the DCG


So does that mean Dan's gonna dip his toes in again?

[Dowly]

Certainly wouldnt mind having him back.

[HunterICX]

Originally Posted by danlisa

P.S That's right I've just reinstalled 1946.:p

Wha?
did ya PS3 burn out or something?:p

Hope to see you soon and more often in the skies mate

HunterICX

[Sigurd]

Hmm, well thanks for the info everyone. And I also bring good news. It appears a friend of mine is giving me his copy of 1946 until I get my own, or he wants it back. Looks like I'll be in the air sooner then expected.

With any luck, I'll get a day or two to hook my computer up to my parents internet connection, and I'll see you guys in the air