First impression of BoS

[6./ZG26_Loke]

Been flying online flight combat simulators since 1999 when MS CFS1 and Red Baron 3D came out.

Since flown CFS2 & 3, later all the Il2 series except CoD.

 

So it was with high expectations I bought and installed BoS boxed version. Like to have it as a DVD. Sadly it still have to install via Steam, which I'm not a fan of.

 

After installations and configuration of the controls, still have a little issue though but hope to fix that soon.

 

I then took a tour around in this new universe, and got quickly disappointed. Because it turns out to be more a game than a sim .
I have to unlock things along the way to use them ??. I paid for this! It is not War Thunder which you can download for free and to me is a game and not a sim.

 

Next thing I notice, is the lack of option to use custom skins and aircraft codes, which is used a lot in online squadrons.

Then where is the host option? Squadrons and groups like to be able to host their own sessions, where they control how, what, where and when. That brings me to the lack of a mission builder. Again necessary to make it appeal to the online squadrons.

 

Noticed that the flaps settings can either be off or activated. Again something which makes it a game and not a sim. I've not tried all ac's yet, but the 109 had several flaps positions and not only on or off.

 

The graphic is awesome and so is the landscape and aircraft models.
The FM I'm not sure about. The Russian planes flies like bricks. Tried to hunt down a He-111 in a LaGG-3, but he out-turned me?? Yeah right!

 

It is my hope that these things will be improved and changed in the near future. If not, then I doubt it will have much future within the online squadrons.

And that will make the original Il2 a better sim despite the improved graphic in BoS.

 

Cheers

[Finkeren]

You're not wrong in most of your critique (except for the FM part, if your LaGG got out turned by a He 111 then that was pilot error on your part - the Soviet birds are inferior yes, but by no means 'bricks')

 

Where I think you're mistanken is in the statement that's 'this is more a game than a sim'. The correct thing would be to say, that BoS is a great sim with a rather poorly designed game wrapped around it.

[SYN_Jedders]

As above with also the knowledge that skins, dserver for hosting, fmb are to be released in the coming months. Limited development budget etc etc

[Matt]

The flaps are working correctly for all planes. The 109 doesn't have a on/off setting.

[pilotpierre]

The following a/c have adjustable flaps, LaGG3, LA5, PE2, 109F, 109G, HE111. I assume the remainder operate as they do on the actual a/c.

Custom skins and FMB are coming.

Admittedly the unlocks are a pain in the arse and the cause of a lot of discontent. However, you can fly online without any of the unlocks. If you search the forums you will see how some (or a lot) of players dealt with them.

There is already one map in BoS by a third party that is currently producing another map.

There have been constant updates pre and post release date that will no doubt continue.

If you have RoF you will appreciate the massive difference between release and now, I am confident BoS will evolve in the same way.

[1./JG42Nephris]

That is basically the same review I receive from olf fellows who bought the game recently.

The comparison to WarThunder is cloder than to a simulation.

And still and again I hear that  "the game has potential" ... which I heard of so much games ending in the middle of nowwhere.

2 Months ago the game was supposed to be turning out a decent piece, the forums were fullfilled of discussion around the game.

At that time I asked myself the question "would I buy the game again right now" and two months ago, I answered the question by "yes".

Right now and after some serious stupid development decisions (imho only) like unlocks, not to release a fmb, not to release a DServer, not being able to customize the game to own desires, I cant answer the question again positive.

 

Maybe someone can give me a decent argument ,why someone should buy the game, besides nice grafix.

I cant find some anymore to tell my m8s to get the game.

[Brano]

That is everybodies personal decision where to invest their money.Why there should be some persuation done for those who still hasitate after one year of early access? Flightsims are hobby,not some telemarketing BS universal cooker stuff you need to be talked to buy.Either you are in or you are not.As master Yoda says: Do,or do not.There is no try

[Dakpilot]

Generally agree with most of the above, except to say that the current lack of FMB and Dserver are not really bad Dev decisions simply lack of budget/staff and a result of a small team

 

I am certain if you asked any of the team responsible for BoS if they would have preferred to have these features fully functioning at release, you know what the answer would be

 

How much would it have hurt the project to delay another 3 months? that is only something we can speculate about

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[1./JG42Nephris]

Well, still missing a decent argument. Wherever I ask, noone is able to give me an example of a decent argument to get the game at this moment.

I dont want to spread negative opinions about the game. But the direction it took since a few weeks is not mine and I am a kind of disappointed tbh.

The singleplayer is ...well for those who like it. In mp you got to take a number for being able to join a decent administrated server as those are limited to 32 player. I cant play in a coop envirenment and neither create own scenarios, I am not able to adapt the skill levels to my meanings and have to unlock stuff first before I am able to check out all features of a game I paid for.

The game has great grafix and acceptable FM and is no bugfestival, which is a major plus in these days.However this few points dont make me able to enjoy a game for hours.

[Yakdriver]

shallow review with no time invested.
i understand what yous ay, but the FMB, the host option and the skins are on their way, which takes away half of your critique.

so you didnt even care to invest an hour to get some info after you paid a lot of cash.

i am sorry and a bit disappointed, because i know your name from way back in the days.
I thought you would not form an opinion that fast.

i hope you get a refund and can go back to... 1946+mods?
bye!

ah! and the spitfire in 1946 could have a slider assigned for the flaps, so that argument too is invalid.
disappointed even further.

Edited November 13, 2014 by Hawker_Typhoon

[Dakpilot]

@ 1./JG42Nephris Well it is fortunate that all of your above points are being worked on at present (unlocks not included)

 

When they are implemented we shall see how things change, it would take me a few months to understand all the aircraft systems/features and flight characteristics fully, that is enough to keep me immersed until the other planned features pan out...(or not  ) however with what RoF has become and offers I do at this time have faith in that happening and a small amount of sympathy in what is trying to be achieved, on what is probably a tiny budget for such a project

 

Cheers Dakpilot

Edited November 13, 2014 by Dakpilot

[Sokol1]

"I cant find some anymore to tell my m8s to get the game."

 

Well, realistic is say to wait until the release of Skin Viewer, DServer, FMB.

 

What lead to "chicken & egg paradox". To receive better content the game need sell more, to sell more need better content.   

[SYN_Mike77]

No other WWII game gives you a more believable feeling of flight than does BoS. For me that's worth the money. When you get on line with some mates and fly with them this game is second to none.

[6./ZG26_Loke]

 

the FMB, the host option and the skins are on their way.

I find that very reassuring . Any notes about aircraft codes then?

 

Need to test more about the flaps thing. Reason why I questioned it, was because it the setup, flaps was only assigned to one key = flaps fully out or flaps fully up.

 

Cheers

[Sokol1]

You can't assing flaps on axis - if is this the question - only in keys or joy buttons.

But flaps work like in real planes, some have progressive, some only Up/Down, not a generic flaps for all.

 

One can say that are a compromisse in Bf 109 flaps, since the real one iscontroled by a wheel, but the real pilot only can turn this wheel in ~ 1/4 turn, taking around 15 seconds for the pilot get full flaps, and if the game allow set flaps in axis, ours smart "virpilot" will be abble to command full flaps in 1 second (despite the time for flaps get down is ~15 seconds), but since he need press and hold a button* for 15 seconds, so his hand getting busy by the same time of RL pilot.  

 

* Since dont exist a "perfect world", ours smart "virpilot" equipped with high end HOTAS can set a macro do do this for him in just 1s press button.

Edited November 13, 2014 by Sokol1

[Yakdriver]

I find that very reassuring . Any notes about aircraft codes then?

 

Need to test more about the flaps thing. Reason why I questioned it, was because it the setup, flaps was only assigned to one key = flaps fully out or flaps fully up.

 

Cheers

not off the top of my head - afaik the hosting thing comes first in december [probably ASAP], after that the FMB and the skinning thing.

They knowwe want it, and they know the game need this.

 

Give BoS a shot and grab some info. they even had a full manual engine startuip procedure once during testing- that was a blast. almost accusim spitfire like.

 

 

back when you switched from CFS to IL-2 you probably had the impression to step into another world where a lot of the same stuff was done in a completely new, weird and incomprehensible way.

BoS will make you feel the same. It is confusing, and leads to many "WTF" moments.

I recommend you keep your cool and familiarize yourself with it. it's like going from a Spit Ia to a Seafang or a seafury.

 

take the graphics as an appetizer only, and slowly immerse yourself in the physics... teh weather... wind... CEM...

mainly give it time, to get something for your buck.

 

if, as a RAF flier you still do not like the subject or the support or the community, then later on you can still shelve it and wait for a Hurricane or a beaufighter or an anson.

[BraveSirRobin]

Well, still missing a decent argument. Wherever I ask, noone is able to give me an example of a decent argument to get the game at this moment.

 

This might be a good time to move on with your life and find something else to do with your time.

[150GCT_Veltro]

No other WWII game gives you a more believable feeling of flight than does BoS. For me that's worth the money. When you get on line with some mates and fly with them this game is second to none.

 

100% agree, this is BoS and it worth the money as it is now, waiting for updates, improvements ecc. ecc..

[[KWN]T-oddball]

The FMB and DServer are absent because of management decisions not budget restrictions. They chose to work on XP-unlocks over core essentials.

The issue with skins is unfortunately tied in with ulocks, even if they gave us the templates they have we have no way of loading them into the Gim.

 

Loke I believe. The DServer will be here by the end of the year and FMB will be early next year, I suggest you enjoy. What you have now or shelf it till the it has matured to your liking.

[Vaxxtx]

Well, still missing a decent argument. Wherever I ask, noone is able to give me an example of a decent argument to get the game at this moment.

For what you are lookign for, you will not find a good argument. You will hear "its coming" and things like "later on" and maybe even "if the game sells enough".

 

For now, a sterile, lifeless, small scale campaign, and small scale limited MP, all on top of decent graphics and FM is what BoS has to offer you. Wait, just like many people are, for something more solid is the best advice I can give you if you want coop, custom skins, your own server, and to make your own campaigns.

[SYN_Mike77]

No, the argument for buying this title is that it gives the best feeling of flying on the market today. The FMB, skin templates and larger on line numbers are coming relatively soon. Get it now and learn the way planes handle, get experience on line and off and watch the game grow around you. Or wait till its done and be the new kid learning to fly amoungst pros. Your choice.

[Blooddawn1942]

Any specific reason why my posts are beeing deleted without further comment in this thread? Really wondering what the problem with my post was???!

[PatrickShiva]

No other WWII game gives you a more believable feeling of flight than does BoS. For me that's worth the money. When you get on line with some mates and fly with them this game is second to none.

+ 1000. to me , flight physics are the most important aspect of a flight sim. Bos offers the best physics by far

[Rama]

Any specific reason why my posts are beeing deleted without further comment in this thread? Really wondering what the problem with my post was???!

Read your PMs

[Vaxxtx]

No, the argument for buying this title is that it gives the best feeling of flying on the market today. The FMB, skin templates and larger on line numbers are coming relatively soon. Get it now and learn the way planes handle, get experience on line and off and watch the game grow around you. Or wait till its done and be the new kid learning to fly amoungst pros. Your choice.

If you re-read the OP and the person I was quoting, you will see they are looking for more than "feeling of flying". Also, its an opnion about which sim does it the best.

 

What is not an opinion is lack of options for squads to fly together (especially large ones), make their own missions, coop, custom skins, etc. Right now that stuff they are used to in other sims in not available now in BoS. Until its in the game it can only be speculated on when and if those options will be done.

Edited November 13, 2014 by Vaxxtx

[SYN_Per]

Most of the things op was missing is in the pipeline and that has to be a good thing right? Don't you think Vaxxtx?

[Dakpilot]

No he is still speculating IF they will be done regardless of information from devs that they are being worked on at the moment

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[SYN_Per]

Ah, I see.

[SKG51_robtek]

A announcement doesn't say anything, BoM was announced also and never seen.

[Vaxxtx]

Most of the things op was missing is in the pipeline and that has to be a good thing right? Don't you think Vaxxtx?

Yes, I do. And thats why I suggested to wait and see what comes.

 

No he is still speculating IF they will be done regardless of information from devs that they are being worked on at the moment

 

Cheers Dakpilot

Dont answer for me. Be as mad as you want that I am not in love with BoS, but stop trying to instigate shit with me.

 

A announcement doesn't say anything, BoM was announced also and never seen.

This. Like I said, I have seen a number of features, content, games that never get to the release phase. Whats wrong with wanting to see it with my own eyes IN the game? Nothing.

[BraveSirRobin]

Dont answer for me. 

 

He's not answering for you, he's providing a pretty accurate description of your behavior.

[DD_bongodriver]

 

 

He's not answering for you, he's providing a pretty accurate description of your behavior.

 

So is he.

 

 

 

Dont answer for me. Be as mad as you want that I am not in love with BoS, but stop trying to instigate shit with me.

[Rama]

Ok, enough.... take the personal stuff private.

Another personal reply there, and I'll switch on the ban machine.

[PantsPilot]

Really cant understand why posters keep comparing BOS to il-2 1946, nor why they don't give BOS a fair trial. IL-2 is waaay past its sell-by date now; the graphics are starting to look ancient by comparison, in fact I'm reminded of when il-2 first came out (and what a game it was) when I used to play cfs2 all the time, well after a while playing il-2 then cfs2 (even modded) looked so dated that I deleted it from my hard drive. Well il-2 has now reached that same stage in comparison with ROF, COD and BOS, even a modded version. It looks horrible and gamey by comparison, even though like cfs2 it's actually a good game underneath. Progress I guess. 

 

I also found many of the guns in il-2 under modelled, trying to knock down a German medium bomber in a Hurricane 1 was nigh impossible for example, and I always got the impression that it was purely a computerised bean count as to whether I could achieve enough hits on the bomber before he sniped me. I don't feel this at all in BOS.

 

I'm enjoying BOS and I'm only a single player, I'm not that bothered about the unlocks as most planes come with adequate and historical weapon load-outs anyway. I quite like the unlocks as it adds a bit of spice to the campaign, I rarely finished a campaign in il-2 as I found them slightly repetitive and dull. The unlocks in BOS give me a bit more incentive than some virtual medal.

 

The poster admits that the scenery and aircraft are much better than il-2, well surely this is the most important thing? Further improvements will come, just be patient. He-111 out-turning a LaGG-3; I've never experienced that!

Edited November 14, 2014 by PantsPilot

[theOden]

Really cant understand why posters keep comparing BOS to il-2 1946

 

...

 

I also found many of the guns in il-2 under modelled, trying to knock down a German medium bomber in a Hurricane 1 was nigh impossible for example, and I always got the impression that it was purely a computerised bean count as to whether I could achieve enough hits on the bomber before he sniped me. I don't feel this at all in BOS.

 

...

 

 

Friday, stay sharp.

[PantsPilot]

Friday, stay sharp.

 

Eh? But that would be like comparing il-2 with cfs2; different era's.

Edited November 14, 2014 by PantsPilot

[Yakdriver]

i can give you the reason, and it's a simple one.
 

I compare BoS to 1946 for a variety of reasons,
A) it carries the IL-2 name. It can therefor be compared to other IL-2 titles. Like the different kinds of Mario Karts.

B) 1946 started its path as IL-2. The very first title that only treated the eastern front. BoS treats a similar subject, although it trades Content for Complexity.

C) the Men that are behind BoS are aware of its heritage, and aim to Bring the name to a new, higher, better level. They claim to be IL-2 fliers, they claim the same roots.

I was reminded of this every time i started the Beta. And still today, as i fire up the simulator, i do not forget their mission statement.

 

I was impressed by how serious the dev team is that i snapshotted it.

 

 

 

Same name, same subject, same men.
These are the reasons why i personally dare to compare BoS to the old series, and the very first Versions especially.
because i want the same results in accuracy, immersion and content - at the very least. (mwaahahahahah)

 

 

[unreasonable]

Really cant understand why posters keep comparing BOS to il-2 1946

 

The poster admits that the scenery and aircraft are much better than il-2, well surely this is the most important thing?

 

Further improvements will come, just be patient.

 

Just selected three points from your post where I felt the overpowering urge to comment:

 

1) They make these comparisons to 1946 because it is disconcerting to see that undoubted improvements in some areas have come at the expense of deterioration in other areas. For many  consumer products these days this would be unacceptable. We expect the next generation of products to be at least as good as the previous generation in every respect, and better in some respects. Why should a flight sim not be held to these standards, especially if it bears the same brand?

 

2) Scenery and aircraft are important of course, but so is the ability to simulate real military operations. With 1946 you can do this better than with BoS. This is important to many people.

 

3) Future improvements may be made, assuming sufficient commercial success, but will they be in areas that the dissatisfied customers want? Perhaps, but what can be done seems to be limited by the underlying game engine as well as by strange developer decisions and resource constraints, so assuming that the game will get better is a big act of faith.  I have no doubt that it will get bigger if funds allow - more planes, more maps - but whether it will get much better is another matter altogether.

[Bearcat]

Well, still missing a decent argument. Wherever I ask, noone is able to give me an example of a decent argument to get the game at this moment.

I dont want to spread negative opinions about the game. But the direction it took since a few weeks is not mine and I am a kind of disappointed tbh.

The singleplayer is ...well for those who like it. In mp you got to take a number for being able to join a decent administrated server as those are limited to 32 player. I cant play in a coop envirenment and neither create own scenarios, I am not able to adapt the skill levels to my meanings and have to unlock stuff first before I am able to check out all features of a game I paid for.

The game has great grafix and acceptable FM and is no bugfestival, which is a major plus in these days.However this few points dont make me able to enjoy a game for hours.

 

If anyone has to give you an argument to get this sim then ... You should not have to be convinced. Everything you need to know can be found right here on this website. Everything. Whether or not you choose to accept what you read and makle a decision based on that is up to you .. but any "arguments" you need can be found right here and in your own post. Considering that there is already a gold bar under your name .. the entire premise of your post is confusing to me. Why should you try to enjoy the sim? Or give it more time? ... Well.. because you bought it... and because the sim is obviously very much a work in progress.

 

No, the argument for buying this title is that it gives the best feeling of flying on the market today. The FMB, skin templates and larger on line numbers are coming relatively soon. Get it now and learn the way planes handle, get experience on line and off and watch the game grow around you. Or wait till its done and be the new kid learning to fly amoungst pros. Your choice.

 

 

A announcement doesn't say anything, BoM was announced also and never seen.

 

Why are you even going there?

 

Just selected three points from your post where I felt the overpowering urge to comment:

 

1) They make these comparisons to 1946 because it is disconcerting to see that undoubted improvements in some areas have come at the expense of deterioration in other areas. For many  consumer products these days this would be unacceptable. We expect the next generation of products to be at least as good as the previous generation in every respect, and better in some respects. Why should a flight sim not be held to these standards, especially if it bears the same brand?

 

2) Scenery and aircraft are important of course, but so is the ability to simulate real military operations. With 1946 you can do this better than with BoS. This is important to many people.

 

3) Future improvements may be made, assuming sufficient commercial success, but will they be in areas that the dissatisfied customers want? Perhaps, but what can be done seems to be limited by the underlying game engine as well as by strange developer decisions and resource constraints, so assuming that the game will get better is a big act of faith.  I have no doubt that it will get bigger if funds allow - more planes, more maps - but whether it will get much better is another matter altogether.

 

 

I believe that even if this sim does not have the initial commercial success that it should have it will still progress from where it is.. Many improvements are already in the pipeline...

[BFsSmurfy]

 

 

f anyone has to give you an argument to get this sim then ... You should not have to be convinced. Everything you need to know can be found right here on this website.

 

Sry Bearcat, not everything, you post anything they don`t like and It`s gone in a flash. The more people they alienate the less will buy into any future pre-orders.