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?