Blog about simulation games

• 7Jun 08

  Red Bull Istanbul

  Today in Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Acceleration I attempted the Red Bull Istanbul course. It was extremely challenging! I found that managing the engine was not nearly as difficult as the Reno Air Race in the Mustang, but in the Extra 300 the problem I encountered most was keeping enough power on to keep from stalling or going into a spin. After numerous attempts at the course and going into the drink nearly every time, I finally made several runs in which I was able to get through most of the course. On the final attempt I finally finished all 8 laps in one piece, although I was a full minute behind the race leader. I guess I need a little more practice!

  • Posted Jun 7, 2008 6:52 am GMT
  • Category: Games
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• 31May 08

  Carrier Ops

  Flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Acceleration the other day, I realized something: this is pretty good! Two of my favorite flying games in years past were Microprose Fleet Defender and Jane's F/A-18. Both of those were aircraft carrier-based simulations that required some skill to land back on a pitching and rolling deck. The new add-on pack for FSX does the same thing, and does it pretty well. I had a heck of a time trying to land back on the ship at first in FSX, but I finally nailed it. It sure is nice to have carrier operations in the default simulation, instead of having to rely on someone's poorly done attempt at a mod. What would be really cool is if you could add realistic weapons to the F/A-18 in FSX for some good dogfights. But, I have to keep reminding myself that this is primarily a civilian flight simulator, and I get just as much, if not more, enjoyment out of flying planeloads of passengers from here to there.

  • Posted May 31, 2008 10:42 pm GMT
  • Category: Games
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• 9Feb 08

  Back to the Sea

  Recently I have gotten back into the playing of maritime simulations! I had Lighthouse Interactive Ship Simulator 2008 on pre-order since October, and it was finally released in January (although I actually received in December). When I first installed it, I judged it as dismal. You certainly could drive a boat/ship around the water, but that was about it. That was version 1.0. Now, there have been patches released to make it version 1.3, and it is much improved! There are new controls, missions, online play, and an overall enjoyable experience!

  I've also taken the plunge back in Ubisoft Silent Hunter 3, in which players play the part of German U-Boat commanders in World War 2. There is nothing wrong with Silent Hunter 4 (in which the player is an American in the Pacific) but it seems to me there is much more diversity and excitement in SH3. In addition, several mods were released to make it much more realistic than the original game.

  • Posted Feb 9, 2008 4:29 am GMT
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