maybe it's time for a "shoot-em-up".Feeling a bit bored last night , I installed a demo of a "shoot em up" type flying game - based in WW1. It was pretty basic really and not that well done at all. But I kind of enjoyed it for a while -- I would have enjoyed it even more if it was a bit better.Then I had a go at the "Lock-on" demo -- much more advanced of course -- but I don't think I would like the modern jets in this one -- and maybe a bit too complicated for me!! The trouble is that after learning all the keyboard assignments for FS2004, I don't really want to relearn them for another Sim.I have to admit to getting a little bored with Fs2004 commercial a/c and even GA-- the takeoffs and landings are fun as is the navigation aspects -- but the HOURS and HOURS of in between transits are boring!! :) Have tried VATSIM -- but after putting much effort into the learning curve , I don't think it's for me. A flight takes just too much time. I bought my first payware addon -- the Dreamfleet Cessna 310 -- took quite a while to get to know it -- but now it has become a bit mundane as well.Any ideas for an old fella?Barry

Try helicopters ,or naval ops from a carrier.Either of these are garaunteed to require 100% of your attention.Dave

Hi Barry...I'm going on 63...and I think the answer is www.dc3airways. There's lots to do, and flying one of the goonies on a dc3 route is always a challange. take a look around and maybe you'll join us and sign on. As I recall there are some Aussie routes and a pretty good tour of New Zealand, as well as lots more.ShermDCA 662

That made me think of the old WW1 combat sim that was part of one of my much older versions of FS (5 maybe? or even earlier?). I have been taking a break from the commercial airliners and doing some bush flying in Alaska and elsewhere. Flying vfr in some rather unforgiving weather and mountainous terrain can create quite a bit of excitement.

That old WWI add on inclusion in FS4 was a hoot, wasn't it. Just think, flying on a grid which passed for terrain, except for the jaggy mountains at scenery's edge. When you flew past the mountains, you were in some sort of twilight zone that would loop you back into the world war one terrain. Your plane did battle against a swarm of AI bogies, and it was really a challenge to get them before they got you. If you wanted more thrills, there was always trying to fly through the hanger....Sherm

Hi,Buy IL-2, its a fantastic game, with flight dynamics to put FS in the shade.You can pick up the first IL-2 for a shade under

Was going to recommend IL-2 as well. It's great fun. I haven't played it mucn myself, but I have checked it out. I still enjoy FS2004, X-Plane and FU3. I get annoyed when I get shot down and have to start all over again. It just adds an element of frustration to the flight :-lol

Hi Sherman,Thanks afor the tip. I think I will have a look too.

You can find a budget copy of Red Baron II at your local general store. There is a whole team of folks who have made a huge upgrade to the whole world including an amazing looking new graphics upgrade. I saw a full story in the laterest Computer Pilot (or was it PC Pilot). If you like WW1 you might check out this low cost, high performance option.

I absolutely agree... the IL2 series is hands-down the best of WWII aerial combat at the moment. You can get the original "IL2 Sturmovik" (the first of the series) dirt cheap now, but I'd highly recommend getting the next and newest in the series "IL2 Forgotten Battles". It's got the same aircraft as the original, and some new ones too. Also, they produce a copious amount of patches and upgrades to their product, unlike (ahem) some developers. You can find out all about it at http://www.il2sturmovik.com/. Be careful, though. It's addictive!Personally I love the WWII era as far as combat flying goes. The planes were real hot-rods and could seriously haul ###, but the fighting was still pretty low-tech and involved getting right up on someone's butt before shooting. No stand-off weapons here! It's real seat-of-the-pants flying.thanks,

sorry, posted twice

Hi Barry,At 57 also, but still consumed with FS. The difference now is the time (lots of it) is invested in designing, testing, and project management. This challenge has been huge, learning is never-ending, and you get to enjoy it with other great people struggling through the same learning curves. :-)I must say that the friendship of Scott Thomas, Joao Paz, and Andr

Hi Barry,I'm 52, and also have the same thoughts :). Flying RW aircraft also adds to the feeling :). What I used to love was "ATP", an old FS4 styled sim with a score at the end of how well one did. It simulated airline operations with some interesting weather, a basic ATC, etc. I still have yet to see anything of the quality of that old DOS sim in 1993, for providing a challenge and hours of enjoyment. The entire world of aviation consisted of 20 (as I recall) major airports in the US.I believe there is a successor called "Airline Simulator" to ATP. But, it's an old DOS format program, albeit with better visuals than ATP had. Might make a winner if the author was ever to upgrade it to Windows and include good scenery- even better migrate it into FS.Let me know if you find the magic bullet!Bruce.

Hi Barry,As you will see in my sig I am from Brisbane also.I just got home at 2:00am this morning from playing network computer games (VietCong, Call of Duty, Medal of Honour) with my 54 year old real pilot mate and another friend.I am 47.We do this a couple of times a month (sometimes all Friday night). A great way to end a busy week :-)You are never too old to have some fun :-)

Hi Barry.If you want some real "shoot-em-up" fun, consider getting an XBOX.I use FS9,FS2002,X-Plane, and others all the time, but when I want a change, I like to play Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge on my XBOX.Crimson Skies is a great flight game and has received many excellent reviews. The graphics are great and the game has a very good story line. The other up side is the frame rates on the XBOX are very good. Since I have a slower PC, it is a nice break to play a simulation game that is very smooth.You can check it out at XBOX.com and at the tech TV's XPLAY website.This is an excellent flight game that will keep even the most demanding gamer / simmer from getting board.I have been a PC gamer/flight simmer for years, but I have to say that I have been pretty impressed with the XBOX since I got mine last November.Happy Simming!Scott :-)ATP/CFII - KCOS, in the real aviation world