So there's a massive sale going on for the IL-2 franchise on Steam and I'm debating on picking it up but would like to hear from some how it plays. I'd say I'm looking for something that's loads of fun to play, shoot 'em up but also semi-realistic. I'm not looking for something with a steep learning curve, but definitely have to learn a few things at least. Are there options in-game to do a few things for you, if one likes? (Similar to MSFS assists, although the only thing I turn on is the taxi ribbon and gyro drift, whatever that is).

DCS was on my radar too (sorry, not sorry for the pun), but the add-on planes and campaigns are so expensive! Besides, I think I probably would favor the props over the jets as dogfighting in those would be more fun and intense and props on DCS are far and few in between.

I bought it and few DLC at sale, and quite happy with it. I'm also not a very serious into combat flight, but it's fun to have some heavy maneuver every now and then on these.

I can't quite remenber if there are option for more automatic engine opeartion, or it's the option to tune down heat/stress damage on it then. eitherway it helps you to focuse on flight and fight, also the navigation is quite simplified and you can have pop-up moving map.

Edited October 25, 20214 yr by C2615

On 10/23/2021 at 2:01 PM, CLE_AA-5B_GrummanTiger said:

So there's a massive sale going on for the IL-2 franchise on Steam and I'm debating on picking it up but would like to hear from some how it plays.

It's a blast  

It's scaleable but if you know the basics of piston engined flight then it should present no problems.  Actual game performance is very, very good and VR is a joy. The Kuban map is the nicest but the Bodenplatte module gives you most well known planes.  

If you're used to FS/FSX then the flight model is going to be a bit of an eye-opener.

 

 

Edited October 28, 20214 yr by DD_Arthur

Well, I snapped it up. $12 for the deluxe version seemed to be too good to pass up on what looks like a very fun sim. I'll probably dial down the realism a bit so I can blast the baddies out of the sky!

Now if only they re-make Crimson Skies! I don't care how stupidly unrealistic that game was, it was a whole lotta fun!

The Flying Circus add-on for IL-2 is combat for WWI. An older but richer and deeper sim from what is now the same company is Rise of Flight. Then there's Over Flanders Fields whose antiquated graphics are just a spruced up Microsoft Combat Flight Sim 3. All of these feature WWI slowpoke scouts (fighters). All are still supported and have their fans.

The best reviews are on Youtube!