Thinking about buying this game..

[Derk]

Hello

 

 I am a huge fan of WW2 games like these, and for a while I've watched the IL-2 series progress over the years but I've never really gotten the chance to play them.

 

 I would like to buy this game, but the thing is this seems like one of those games where you need all this fancy, expensive equipment like 'IR Tracking', Joysticks, Flight Pedals, Throttle sticks, and so on otherwise you'll be at a major disadvantage..As much as I would love to be able to have these things, I simply can't afford them, so I'm stuck with my Mouse, Keyboard, and controllers.

 

 So basically what I'm asking is..Can you play this game and still stand a chance against enemies with a Mouse/Keyboard/Controller (provided the game supports them)? If so, what would you recommend I use (Mouse/Keyboard or Controller)?

 

 

 Thank you very much for your help

[Panzerlang]

Absolutely not with a keyboard. But you'll be able to enjoy single-player with just a cheap joystick.

[BeastyBaiter]

A PS3/Xbox controller should work. It is not optimal, but from a technical standpoint there shouldn't be any issues (it's just buttons and analog sticks, just like a joystick/throttle/pedals). Keyboard and mouse are a no go however, I think you can techincally play with a keyboard, but you wouldn't enjoy it.

 

For SP, a controller should be fine. For MP I think you would be at a small disadvantage due to smaller stick travels and likely less precise sticks but it isn't something skill couldn't compensate for. You do not need TIR either, I played CFS's such as RoF and the original IL2 series using hatswitches and the mouse for many years. I have a TIR now, but the vast majority of my experience is with a hatswitch. It works fine and no you are not at a disadvantage. It adds a level of comfort and immersion that you can't get using a hatswitch or a mouse, but it does not grant an advantage.

 

As for pedals, I do not have them. Been using twist sticks for 20 years and see absolutely no reason to change that. Many here will swear you need them, I consider them of no value beyond immersion (and for me even that's questionable).

[Conveen]

Well right now it is in Alpha and it got many bugs. It is more testing then playing with fun. If you are a really flightsimfreak, yes buy it A Joysticks is a must have here

[TheBlackPenguin]

Just a cheap joystick for now will suffice, I would definitely try to get one with the a throttle and hatswitch though, and a twist handle to use for the rudder This way you spend 100's on something you may end up not enjoying and you can freely add over the years if you end up addicted .

 

I think most started out this way and ended up adding to their setups with pedals, HOTAS, TrackIR etc, or simply bought a new package.

[pixelshader]

Joystick + keyboard is enough to compete, not on even footing, but more than close enough.

 

I don't know how sensitive controllers are or if they are well supported, but in theory if you are practiced with one it would be enough to play. One stick for looking, one for flying + some buttons is surely enough. I never got used to using a controller but I know it is second nature for many people.

Edited March 22, 2014 by pixelshader

[Schmalzfaust]

As always I recommend the cheap and awesome Thrustmaster T16000m.

[Bearcat]

What he said..and if you get a decent stick with rudder control you will be able to enjoy the sim .. There are other viewing options available that cost less than TIR and have worked very well for some folks.

[ACG_Kraut]

As always I recommend the cheap and awesome Thrustmaster T16000m.

 

Don't forget the Logitech extreme 3d pro! Also a very nice entry level stick. 

Both of these sticks cost less than an xbox controller (and the price of the game!) so it's a very nice and affordable starting point.

 

All I would say is important is a nice 3 axis stick with a throttle and a hat for view. These can be had for $30-50 these days.

 

TrackIR, pedals, switchboards, etc are very nice to have, but not required by any means.

Edited March 23, 2014 by 4./JG26_Kraut

[MikeDitka]

As always I recommend the cheap and awesome Thrustmaster T16000m.

 

Thirded. This is the best joystick for the money bar-none. $41.99USD on Amazon last I saw.

 

I do just fine in MP without pedals, TIR, etc. I just use mouse view in a furball and twist rudder.

[ShamrockOneFive]

Extreme_One is right. Give Rise of Flight a shot for free to see how the game functions on your system and how the control inputs work for you. WWI is a bit different than WWII but its worth a quick spin just to dip your toe in and see how it is.

 

I do agree with everyone that a joystick is a pretty essential requirement... but it doesn't have to be a fancy one. It's nice to have a HOTAS and Track IR and pedals and all of that stuff but a basic joystick with a twist axis (for rudder) works well enough.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

The main issue your going to have with the controller is the short throw distance on the analog thumb stick, it will be a little harder to make very fine adjustments, but on the plus side you have access to a lot of buttons right at your finger tips.

 

As a few other posters have mentioned the T16000m is a great entry level stick and more accurate then some of the higher priced sticks. If the $40.00 dollar price tag of the T16000m is just a but out of price range you can also go with the Logitech 3D extreme pro, this is also an excellent stick and the one I started out with before moving to a hotas system, the 3D extreme sells for around $25 USD and has everything you need in the stick (hat, twist rudder, throttle) the only issue is durability, don't drop it!

 

As for trackIr, as long as you take the time to set up your view controls to look around the cockpit you should be fine, when and if you ever are ready to get into head tracking there are many other much cheaper options to TrackIr out there that work just as well for a fraction of the price.

[Bussard_x]

As always I recommend the cheap and awesome Thrustmaster T16000m.

Confirmed this one is the best under the cheap ones, and I have tried a lot.

[Nigel_H]

S!

 

First post.  Very excited about the title and just plopped down the cash for my fix!  

 

This might pertain to the OP's concerns and may help anyone on the fence about buying a decent stick.  Microcenter right now is selling the Thrustmaster T 1600M for $25.00 and at that price it is a no brainer.  If you like flight sims enough to preorder this, you are doing yourself a disservice sticking with a gamepad or the mouse and keyboard routine.  I bought a backup.  They are that good.  I have 4 sticks from the MS FF2, CH Flight stick Pro to some monstrosity from a company I have forgotten.  I prefer the TM T1600M.  You will like it.