Help please, coming back to IL 2 after 15 years !

[Chas-wild]

Help please, coming back to IL 2 after 15 years !

 

Where do I start guys ?   I guess it's changed a lot in 15 years?

 

I have a hi spec PC so no worries there hopefully

 

Which version should I start with ?

 

Any advice welcome

 

Thanks

[SYN_Mike77]

Good timing there is a great sale going on right now!  I think it is best to start with Stalingrad unless you are a World War I person, then get Flying Circus.  Right now Stalingrad Moscow and Kuban are $20 each.  You can literally pick up all 3 for the price of one!  

[Chas-wild]

Thanks

[cardboard_killer]

On 4/24/2020 at 9:11 AM, Chas-wild said:

Which version should I start with ?

 

So,  a few quick things. The current sim are produced in modules, all called IL-2: Battle of 'Something'. They were released in the following order:

1. Battle of Stalingrad (aka BoS--focused on 1942 a/c involved in that battle)
2. Battle of Moscow (aka BoM--focused on 1941 a/c involved in that battle)
3. Battle of Kuban (aka BoK--focused on 1943 a/c involved in that battle)
4. Battle of Bodenplatte (aka BoBp--focused on 1944 a/c involved in that battle)
5. Battle of Normandy (in development currently, aka BoN)

The module share a common engine, meaning that, for example, updates to BoS also updates BoK. So, buying any of the modules will get you the current flight sim engine. It also means that buying any of the modules allows you to fly on any of the other modules' maps. You can buy BoM and still fly a loop over the Rhine (from BoBp), but only in a plane from the BoM module.

 

The current version is focused on tactical battles, so you won't have any four engine bombers. Also, the game engine has limits due to the complexity of the sim so that very large formations are not workable. Finally, due to many factors, the Pacific battles/planes are on the backburner.

 

I like Mike77's advice to buy the first three modules as they are 75% off. But, if you are very focused on high performance a/c then BoBp would be better. Also, there are a number of "collector" planes that are on sale for about $5 each that are not part of the modules.

 

IMO, the advantages of each are:

1. Battle of Stalingrad -- best mix of planes and most famous battle.
2. Battle of Moscow -- lower performance a/c with an Italian fighter and first US fighter.
3. Battle of Kuban -- good mix of planes and most beautiful map
4. Battle of Bodenplatte -- high performance fighters and first west European map
5. Battle of Normandy (in development currently, aka BoN)

[JimTM]

On 4/24/2020 at 9:11 AM, Chas-wild said:

Help please, coming back to IL 2 after 15 years !

 

Where do I start guys ?   I guess it's changed a lot in 15 years?

 

...

 

Aside from the advice from the others above, be sure to check out the help on many subjects in the IL-2 Resources post.