[PC] DCS Black Shark (Helicopter flight sim)

[target]

Anyone played this? Flight sims (especially helicopters) seem few and far between these days. This has got good reviews and has me seriously interested. I used to love playing Gunship 2000 all those years ago on the Amiga. Even though it's technically correct, I didn't like the fact that you were either pilot or gunner in the newer Gunship! The helicopter this one models is single seat so shouldn't have that downside at least!

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=950

It can be bought now as digital download or pre-ordered from Amazon (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001UE7N8C/thedvdforums-21)

[target]

Well if anyone's interested (which it looks like no-one is lol) I got it from Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8) and the first impressions are good. In 'game' mode it does seem very similar to Gunship 2000.

True there are a billion keyboard shortcuts if you want to play it ultra realistic but I've been flying around shooting stuff down and blowing up tanks using only 5 buttons on a joystick! Namely: fire, change weapon, change ground target, change air target, launch flare. I do really need to look up the key for lowering the under carriage though :D

You do need a joystick and I'm finding it really hard to keep the thing straight because the power adapter for mine has gone and as it's a force feedback it needs power to centre the stick. :(

[shteve]

Sounds good to me - give me an excuse to get the trackir out :thumbs:

[mr_woo]

This brings back memories of playing the Comanche games on the PC years ago!

What decent flight sticks are available on the PC ?

[swanny]

Does it have a dynamic campaign?

Excellent FAQ here: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=33527

[target]

What decent flight sticks are available on the PC ?

The Saitek X52 seems to be the one everyone swears by on the Sim forums I've been reading. I'm looking at the Saitek Cyborg Evo Force as a cheaper option if Logitech can't help me with a replacement ac adapter for my current one. All the logitech ones seem to have a reputation for poor long term reliability.

My understanding is that it doesn't have a truly dynamic campaign Falcon 4 style but the campaigns themselves can play out in a varied manner. There's info about it here: http://samlaunch.com/2008/07/upcoming-dcsblackshark-campaign-engine/