Black Shark 2 is out!

[Spike88]

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1317706#post1317706

Balls to having to pay $20 dollars for it. But woohoo none the less.

[Dowly]

I've tried to come up with an appropriate reply to best show my utter
disappointment, but I can't come up with anything. :nope:

Will I buy it? Yes.

Do I think ED should have a bit of sexy time with a horny gorilla on viagra? Yes.

[Spike88]

Aye, bit dissappointed on the fact that it's $20. As I don't have the money, I'll have to wait to even pay the $20. If the A-10 patch requires money, I'm screwed.

[Raptor1]

I'm fairly certain the A-10C patch will be free, as I don't think it requires an extensive engine update.

I'll buy this, of course. I don't like paying for a patch, but there seem to be some pretty big improvement over a normal patch that can justify this somewhat.

[Dowly]

Yeah, the A-10C is definitely free. And according to Wags, it should come next week. :up:

BS2 = bought :yep:

[Arclight]

That is bloody shameless... it's... well;

I've tried to come up with an appropriate reply to best show my utter
disappointment, but I can't come up with anything. :nope:


Will I buy it? Yes.


Do I think ED should have a bit of sexy time with a horny gorilla on viagra? Yes.

That. To the letter.


So when DCS:next rolls around... BS 3 and A-10 2?

Guess now we know why they didn't do modular plugins.


All that said: development of sims like this is time consuming and therefore expensive. If it keeps them in business, it is the right aproach. A lot of people, including me, have always stated they would happily pay more for products of this caliber. Apparently it's time to put those claims to the test.

Just wish they would charge a bit more up front to account for things like this, rather than have us pay for a patch. :hmmm:

[Herr-Berbunch]

And it is just a patch! :nope:

I think ED products are greatly detailed - showing time and effort, and are quite fun when I'm not plummeting to earth, but aside from getting us to pay for a patch I wish they'd update their website (and TFC's site too - Black Shark (not 2) 'will be the flagship title of the new "DCS" series...') - Really? Three years later that is still the flagship?

And back to the patch -


***8226; Updated Mission Editor with many new features
***8226; New air, land, and sea AI units at incredible levels of detail
***8226; Improved AI for a smarter, more realistic behavior
***8226; Expanded map area to the east to include Tbilisi and location of the 2008 Georgian War
***8226; Dynamic weather with variable weather fronts, winds, and precipitation
***8226; Improved graphics effects like HDR
***8226; Improved low level terrain graphics like grass, bushes, tree shadows and high resolution textures provide a better sense of speed when hugging the Earth
***8226; New campaign based on a follow-on to the 2008 Georgian War
***8226; Network compatibility with "DCS: A-10C Warthog"
***8226; Dynamic shadows in cockpit
***8226; Improved 3D model of Ka-50 cockpit
***8226; Fast mission generator to easily and quickly generate missions
***8226; Takeoff and landings from pitching and rolling ships according to wind speed and direction
***8226; Radio messages from all other friendly flights helps makes the battlefield come to life
***8226; Improved FARP textures

Network compatibility with A-10C, so we do have to get this? :nope:

I'll stick with my Hog. Thanks, but not for me. Does this mean the next 'new' game (I'm still hoping for Harrier!) will be A-10C 2 VSTOL? :doh::stare:

Disappointed, unless the items in the list above are better than they sound! I'll find out from Dowly. :hmmm:

Edit: PS - I'm still happy to pay for new maps, i.e. Nevada

[Dowly]

It's DCS:A-10C except you're flying the KA-50.

[Herr-Berbunch]

It's DCS:A-10C except you're crashing the KA-50.

Fixed :yep:

Is it really worth it though? And still waiting to find if the 'upgrade' is available with the D2D download. :hmmm:

[Arclight]

It is more than listed, but... well jeesh, the idea was always to create these highly detailed aircraft and have it all mesh together. Now we're paying extra to get the compatability. We kinda payed for that by buying a DCS product in the first place.

That said, development needs funding, so... again, if the initial price had been $80,- I would still have bought it, the extra cost just comes as a bit of a shock at this point, completely unexpected.


It's nice though. Haven't tested it yet, but the AI improvements alone would mean wingman, any AI unit, can actually be usefull now. And it does look rather nice.

Only gripes at this point are that they ditched the BS menu music and I'm stuck with English betty, but seems that can be modded. :hmmm:

[Gerald]

Fixed :yep:

Is it really worth it though? And still waiting to find if the 'upgrade' is available with the D2D download. :hmmm: Can you fly Tony? :hmmm:

[Herr-Berbunch]

Only gripes at this point are that they ditched the BS menu music and I'm stuck with English betty, but seems that can be modded. :hmmm:

I have mod for 1.02 to convert Betty to English rather than me have to guess which problem I had that caused her to shout at me, it really could've been anything - I'm sure you know.

Any music is better than the title music to IL2: Cliffs of Dover - awards for the (insert expletive of your choice) music ever.

And Vendor - really fly, like a bird, or pilot an aeroplane, real or PC?

I have flown several real a/c, many flights in Chipmunks and Grob Vikings, a couple in Grob Vigilants, once in a PA28 Warrior, one in a Grob Tutor, one in a VC10 somewhere over the North Sea, one in a Tristar over the Adriatic/Albania (Operational mission - never been so nervous of cocking-up), and once in a Herc (K model). Only ever landed once (unofficially) in a Chipmonk (and yes, I walked away with the a/c unscathed). Lots of aeros in the smaller stuff.

PC wise - anything in MSFS from 98 onwards, plus a couple of combat sims, ooh - an Airbus on the Amiga. And DCS Ka-50 and A-10C.

Flying like a bird? Closest I've been is skydiving, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLKHtBQm2yk&feature=channel_video_title :rock:

[Gerald]

I have mod for 1.02 to convert Betty to English rather than me have to guess which problem I had that caused her to shout at me, it really could've been anything - I'm sure you know.

Any music is better than the title music to IL2: Cliffs of Dover - awards for the (insert expletive of your choice) music ever.

And Vendor - really fly, like a bird, or pilot an aeroplane, real or PC?

I have flown several real a/c, many flights in Chipmunks and Grob Vikings, a couple in Grob Vigilants, once in a PA28 Warrior, one in a Grob Tutor, one in a VC10 somewhere over the North Sea, one in a Tristar over the Adriatic/Albania (Operational mission - never been so nervous of cocking-up), and once in a Herc (K model). Only ever landed once (unofficially) in a Chipmonk (and yes, I walked away with the a/c unscathed). Lots of aeros in the smaller stuff.

PC wise - anything in MSFS from 98 onwards, plus a couple of combat sims, ooh - an Airbus on the Amiga. And DCS Ka-50 and A-10C.

Flying like a bird? Closest I've been is skydiving, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLKHtBQm2yk&feature=channel_video_title :rock: Fly like an eagle,on a PC, perhaps most easily :DL

[Arclight]

Right, few things that aren't in that list;

- completely redone sounds for the rotor. Sounds far more authentic, especially in-cockpit. Everything at that, not just rotors.
- revamped sound-engine. Seems the positioning of sources is better, nice for those surround sound lovers.
- revamped flight model. Needing a lot more rudder, and collective is more sluggish with a heavy bird.
- wind seems to have far more impact on flight, so I'm guessing the overal physics were tweaked as well.
- avionics have been tweaked. For example, the standby SAI centers a lot quicker and the gearbox takes considerably longer to heat up, making doing a warmup before take-off a good idea.
- Shkval display is "different"... my usual settings for brightness and contrast are completely useless.

It's all very familiar but still I need to get used to it all over again. More than copy-paste a Shark into the A-10 engine.

* oh right;
- authorisation is more forgiving. Didn't need to line up a Vikhr as precisely as normally.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Will this mean no A-10C tonight? :hmmm:

[Dowly]

Will this mean no A-10C tonight? :hmmm:

No. :DL


Right? Arc? :cry:

[Arclight]

Of course not, don't be silly. :O:


New campaign seems nice though, only played first 2 missions but feels like that first campaign.

[Arclight]

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/DCS%20Ka-50/Screen_111103_172631.jpg
Yay!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/DCS%20Ka-50/Screen_111103_193633.jpg
Ow... that explains a few things.

[Nate--IRL--]

Seems I've been slow off the mark ...

This update to the original Black Shark brings the Ka-50 up to the standard of DCS:- A-10 Warthog and provides for Multiplayer compatibility between the two.

Black Shark 2 Released

DUXFORD, UK, November 2nd, 2011 – The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics have released the new benchmark in PC air combat simulation with the release of “Digital Combat Simulator: Black Shark 2”. “DCS: Black Shark 2” is a simulation of the Russian Ka-50 attack helicopter and the next entry in the Digital Combat Simulator combat series. "DCS: Black Shark 2" is a greatly improved version of the original "DCS: Black Shark" that brings many new features.

The Ka-50 "Black Shark" is a unique and deadly single-seat, Russian attack helicopter that has seen combat in the Northern Caucasus. It combines a high performance dual rotor system with a deadly weapons payload of guided missiles, rockets, bombs, and a 30mm cannon. The Ka-50 is also unique in that it has an ejection seat.

The "DCS: Black Shark 2" upgrade requires "DCS: Black Shark" and is available for $19.99. "DCS: Black Shark 2" is also available as a full product at $39.99. Both versions can be purchased online at:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=1322&scr=shop&lang=en

“DCS: Black Shark 2” is internally developed by Eagle Dynamics for The Fighter Collection. Further information can be found at http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ9RZeD9pUE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtGb57qaKD4&feature=player_embedded

Thankfully ED has gotten around to providing a fuller list of changes to BS2.

Black Shark 2 List of Improved Features

List of primary changes between Black Shark 2 and A-10C v.1.1.0.9:

- Player controlled Ka-50
- Ka-50 cockpit in improved and more efficient EDM format
- Dynamic cockpit shadows
- Adjusted rotor effects for the Ka-50 flight model
- Network compatibility with DCS: A-10C Warthog
- Improved helicopter AI (HAI):
----- When analyzing a tactical situation, the HAI will take in account all threats, not only the target that the HAI is engaging.
----- If it's possible to engage targets from a safe distance, the HAI will not fly close to threats.
----- If it appears that the HAI is not at a safe position, for example too close to enemy air defenses, the HAI will fly away from the threat(s) and then start engaging targets from safe a distance.
----- If it appears impossible to engage targets from safe distance, the HAI will make only one short attack (one missile launch / rocket salvo or cannon burst per run) from maximum range of that weapon and then break away to make a new attack if required. This reduces fire effectiveness, but greatly increases HAI survival when engaging targets with cannon or rockets.
----- HAI will not hover in an unsafe location.
----- If high-priority targets are screened by low-priority targets that make it impossible to attack high-priority targets from safe distance, the HAI will attack low-priority targets first to break the screen. In other words, if you have line of enemy APCs and tanks at 4 km and enemy AAA and SAMs at 12 km, the HAI will engage those APCs and tanks first. No more flying over the enemies' heads.
----- Jinking defensive maneuvering has been added. When flying in the WEZ of AAA, tanks, and APCs, the HAI will fly at high speed and jink. Of course, HAI will not jink when aiming at a target.
- New, 15-mission Ka-50 campaign "Medved-2"
- Updated and improved Georgian Oil War campaign
- New voiceovers for Russian radio entities
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia factions to the ME
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia borders to the ME map
- A number of unit skins for Abkhazia and South Ossetia
- Flag Equals, Flag Equals Flag, and Flag Less Than Flag trigger conditions
- Group MSG (message), Group SND (sound) trigger actions
- Animated cirrus cloud layer
- Higher resolution textures for a number of ground objects
- Improved smoke effects
- Improved FARP texture
- Updated GUI manual

List of changes between Black Shark 2 and Black Shark v.1.0.2:

Improved graphics:

- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Cockpit dynamic shadows
- Soft self-shadows
- Tree shadows
- Normal maps
- Animated cirrus cloud layer
- 3D and transparent water
- Low altitude clutter
- Improved airbases
- Improved FARP texture

Improved sound

- Implemented surround sound support.
- Many new and revised sound samples provide a more rich and accurate audio environment.

Improved gameplay

- Network compatibility with DCS: A-10C Warthog.
- Ability to take-off from ships (ships pitch and roll depending on wind strength (sea state)).
- AI radio traffic can be heard when tuned to the correct radio frequency.
- Mission Briefing and Debriefing available in-flight.

Expanded theater of operations

- The map now covers terrain further east to include the region of South Ossetia, center of the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia, as well as additional Russian and Georgian territory. The newly covered area provides a variety of terrain types, 5 new airbases, highly detailed cities, and a number of radio navigation beacons.

Mission Editor improvements

- Group properties interface that allows for in-depth AI scripting of a variety of behavior options, such as waypoint or trigger-based task execution, rules of engagement settings, readiness states, attack conditions, orbiting and holding points, etc.
- Ability to lock either arrival times or travel speeds for AI routes.
- Ability to copy and paste groups
- New ground group formation options
- Improved trigger menu interface includes cloning, trigger re-ordering, and OR rules.
- 32 new trigger conditions and 19 new triggers actions.
- Ability to set AI aircraft to spawn at mission start, but delay start-up.
- Added Abkhazia and South Ossetia factions.
- New active ground units:
----- 9B11 Mortar
----- Variety of armed stationary objects (house, barracks, blockpost, tower)

Mission Generator

- The mission generator utilizes a wide collection of force templates placed throughout the map to generate a randomized mission based on the player's desired mission location and options. Force templates can be edited and created within the Mission Editor.

Improved AI

- Helicopter AI (HAI)

----- When analyzing a tactical situation, the HAI will take in account all threats, not only the target that the HAI is engaging.
----- If it's possible to engage targets from a safe distance, the HAI will not fly close to threats.
----- If it appears that the HAI is not at a safe position, for example too close to enemy air defenses, the HAI will fly away from the threat(s) and then start engaging targets from safe a distance.
----- If it appears impossible to engage targets from safe distance, the HAI will make only one short attack (one missile launch / rocket salvo or cannon burst per run) from maximum range of that weapon and then break away to make a new attack if required. This reduces fire effectiveness, but greatly increases HAI survival when engaging targets with cannon or rockets.
----- HAI will not hover in an unsafe location.
----- If high-priority targets are screened by low-priority targets that make it impossible to attack high-priority targets from safe distance, the HAI will attack low-priority targets first to break the screen. In other words, if you have line of enemy APCs and tanks at 4 km and enemy AAA and SAMs at 12 km, the HAI will engage those APCs and tanks first. No more flying over the enemies' heads.
----- Jinking defensive maneuvering has been added. When flying in the WEZ of AAA, tanks, and APCs, the HAI will fly at high speed and jink. Of course, HAI will not jink when aiming at a target.

- Plane AI (PAI)

----- AI-fighters will now always try to launch AA missile when the target has entered into its no-escape zone. However, AI-fighters will fire missile immediately if it appears the fighter is losing first-launch superiority.

- Ground Unit AI

----- Ground units are able to cross streams.
----- Ground units will by-pass destroyed bridges and seek alternate routes.
----- Ground groups will disperse when attacked.
----- Some ground groups will pop smoke when attacked.
----- NVG capability was removed from MANPAD SAMs.

Dynamic weather

- Dynamic weather conditions can be set for the mission based on a number of weather fronts and pressure differentials. Winds and cloud formations are calculated dynamically during the mission based on the fronts settings. This makes it possible, for example, to see precipitation in one part of the map and relatively clear skies in another.

New or improved 3D models:

- Air units
----- A-10A
----- A-10C
----- An-26
----- An-30
----- C-130
----- E-2
----- E-3
----- F-15C
----- F-15E
----- KC-135
----- L-39
----- Mi-8
----- Mi-26

- Ground units

----- 9S80 radar vehicle
----- HEMTT TFFT fire-fighting truck
----- LVTP-7
----- Patriot SAM site units
----- SA-11 SAM site units
----- SA-3 SAM site units
----- Russian infantryman

- Naval units

----- Pr. 1241.1 Molniya
----- Ticonderoga-class cruiser
------ Oliver H. Perry-class frigate

- Other

----- Fuel tank depot

Active Pause

- The active pause feature allows you to pause the simulation, while continuing to work with cockpit controls.

Campaigns

- A new 15-mission campaign features a variety of missions with some randomization elements and voice-over messages. The campaign takes places in the South Ossetia region and is very loosely based on the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia.
- Updated and improved Georgian Oil War campaign.

GUI

- Added sliders to control tree and ground clutter draw distances.
- Added software Multisample Anti-aliasing (MSAA) settings.
- Added an exporting function to the Input Options menu to export all mapped command to a text file.
- Added Misc. tab with various game options, including view restriction options for multiplayer.

Here's a few images I found on SimHQ (http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3424393/BlackShark2.html#Post3424393)

http://i41.tinypic.com/2885vee.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/286wetl.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/nbzz9e.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/vmqgc2.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/svtljs.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/1or8nd.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/ldsp2.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/155324j.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/5f0w1k.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2i6cojl.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/10zbrc7.jpg

Nate

[Herr-Berbunch]

Thanks Nate, now I'll have to go back on my word and be even more skint! :stare:

Oh, and I don't have to worry if it works with d2d download as that's my A-10, BS is on disk.

[Nate--IRL--]

The installer for the upgrade version is fixed now, it will recognise All steam and non steam versions correctly.

Download it here.
http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?scr=product&ProductId=13&end_pos=135&lang=en

Nate

[Oberon]

I'm guessing that BS2 needs a 64bit OS?

[Nate--IRL--]

I'm guessing that BS2 needs a 64bit OS?

It is the same as Warthog in this regard. It will run on a 32bit system, with a bit of tweaking. But to get the most out of BS2 you'll want a 64bit OS.

Nate

[hawk2495]

Great, looks like I'm going to have to try the shark out again. Now she looks ugl... I mean prettier than ever. Curse you ED!!!!!:damn:

[Oberon]

It is the same as Warthog in this regard. It will run on a 32bit system, with a bit of tweaking. But to get the most out of BS2 you'll want a 64bit OS.

Nate

Yeah, thought as much...ah well...

[smithcorp]

It took me two days of fiddling with my existing Black Shark install (I had to uninstall and reinstall Ka50 twice before i could get BS2 to take), but I got it running. Looks beautiful, but I can only run it in Low settings (Q9505, GTX260 1Gb, 4GB ram, 32-bit Vista). Most of the models still look great though.

Incidentally, installing BS2 has got me playing BS1 again. It runs and looks great on my system, so I'm actually flying that more now!

[Egan]

It was on Steam for £12.99 a few days ago. Wish I'd bought it now. :cry:

[Nate--IRL--]

Patch 1.1.1.1 is out .......

17 December 2011

The Black Shark 2 1.1.1.1 patch provides improvements and fixes to the DCS series of products. In parallel with this patch, improvements have been made to the master multiplayer server to improve stability. Download the 1.1.1.1 patch from:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=135&scr=products&lang=en

This patch applies to the English version only.


Black Shark 2 1.1.1.1 Patch Changes

GENERAL
•Crash with South Ossetia in Fast Mission Generator is corrected.
• Added option to turn tree shadows off and on. Setting tree shadows off will result in better frame rates.

GRAPHICS
•HDR effect on sun corrected.
•Dust and smoke grenade effects at night no longer appear as if day.
•Fixed building errors at Sukhumi airbase
•Visibility range of rocket smoke marker has been increased.
•Contrail duration time is reduced.
•Corrupted NVG image after long use is corrected.
•Tree shadow rendering improved.

AI
•SEAD flights use anti-radiation missiles correctly again.
•Crash with more than one aerial tanker in a mission is corrected.
•Orbit trigger action has been corrected.
•FARP and airbase ATC now respond correctly after landing.
•Ground unit logic of driving over bridges adjusted.
•Repeating wingman rejoin messages fixed.

AIRCRAFT AND WEAPONS
•Landing gear door animation for Ka-50 is fixed.
•Trim with force feedback joysticks has been fixed.
•NVG effects re-done.
•Turning down Shkval contrast, produced Negative light in cockpit, making HUD completely dark at night, effect of this problem has been reduced.

Note: v1.1.1.1 will break any joystick or keyboard config that uses custom modifier keys - It is a simple fix to re-add the Custom Modifier Key to the Modifier list.

INSTALLATION
Double-click to patch_setup.exe file to start the installer.
It is recommended to turn off anti-virus and security software because they can slow the installation process considerably.
If you have problems after installing the patch (like slow frame rate or crashes), please do a full re-installation. To do so:
1- Uninstall DCS product.
2- For Windows 7 users, look in your /Users/(name)/Saved Games/ and delete their respective ‘DCS’ folder.
3- Reboot.
4- Install full version.
5- Reboot.
Make sure you are up to date with your graphics card drivers.
Turn UAC in Windows off and then reboot before installing DCS, afterwards turn it back on and reboot again.
Also, make sure you have the latest DirectX and C++ versions installed:
DirectX (June 2010):
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en...ang=en&id=8109
Microsoft Visual C++:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en...ang=en&id=5582
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x64)
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en...ang=en&id=2092
The Fighter Collection, Eagle Dynamics (c) 2011. All rights reserved.
News and updates available on the following links:
http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com
http://forums.eagle.ru

Nate