Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

[LimaDelta]

andycambo said:

Came across this. Looks like great fun but I was feeling a bit sick just watching it!

I don't get it, it just looks like a simple version of DCS with all the textures removed?

[OriginalFDM]

Is there any detail yet about how good (or not) the default aircraft will be? It’s been a long time but I remember them being terrible in FSX.

Not expecting PMDG level simulation but you’d hope for a decent middle ground.

[The_Jackal]

Hasnt this technology been around long enough for them to start using acceptable graphics for the 2020s?
We get the screen moves as you move your head, but why the st graphics?
It does feel like 3D films, a technology looking for a consumer use, so they can fund the ridiculous costs.

[bloomen]

LimaDelta said:

I don't get it, it just looks like a simple version of DCS with all the textures removed?

That game's a one man operation.

[kowalski655]

It's more of a fun,semi realistic,thing,the main draw being (imaginary) war planes, dogfights & bombing runs. The main point,as fort FlyInsides game,is using controls to hold the planes stick, flip switches etc

[red_slr]

The_Jackal said:

Hasnt this technology been around long enough for them to start using acceptable graphics for the 2020s?
We get the screen moves as you move your head, but why the st graphics?
It does feel like 3D films, a technology looking for a consumer use, so they can fund the ridiculous costs.

Money mostly. Plus being able to get decent frame rates.

To make an AAA game in VR would cost tens of millions. Most VR developers are doing this in their bedrooms. Anton Hand who designs and runs H3 is literally doing this from his bedroom.

The other issue is unless you have even the highest spec machine that cost £4k+ you would struggle to run games with this level of play space if the graphics were really good. The devs want to keep the games accessable to as many people as they can till tech catches up.

Then lastly IMHO you dont need amazing graphics to get a good VR experiance. Bit like when the Nintendo console came out with Wii.

[LimaDelta]

The_Jackal said:

Hasnt this technology been around long enough for them to start using acceptable graphics for the 2020s?
We get the screen moves as you move your head, but why the st graphics?
It does feel like 3D films, a technology looking for a consumer use, so they can fund the ridiculous costs.

I'm sorry but that's not the case. The video posted above is not representative of what is possible in VR with modest equipment.

See these as examples of how it can be done

F/A-18 cold start & carrier landing in VR

A-10 over Normandy

I run DCS on a sub £2k laptop with a £400 Rift S and the performance is good enough for me. Of course it is possible to spend more but the poster who mentioned the £4k PC as a necessity is a bit out of touch IMHO.

But what a youtube video can never convey is the immersion of VR. The improvements in situational awareness and depth perception take flight sims to a whole other level which until you have tried it you can't really appreciate. I've been PC-flying since the late 80's and the current generation of VR has been well worth the wait, and it will only get better from here on.

[red_slr]

LimaDelta said:

Of course it is possible to spend more but the poster who mentioned the £4k PC as a necessity is a bit out of touch IMHO.

Is that me? If so you might want to re-read my post as I think you have misunderstood what I was saying.

[andycambo]

LimaDelta said:

I don't get it, it just looks like a simple version of DCS with all the textures removed?

Just thought it looked fun and simple to pick up.

I don't have VR yet so I am just day dreaming. DCS in VR would probably be a nightmare for me with so many controls to press.

Do the graphics have to be realistic to enjoy VR though?

[red_slr]

andycambo said:

LimaDelta said:

I don't get it, it just looks like a simple version of DCS with all the textures removed?

Just thought it looked fun and simple to pick up.

I don't have VR yet so I am just day dreaming. DCS in VR would probably be a nightmare for me with so many controls to press.

Do the graphics have to be realistic to enjoy VR though?

Just flying around it does not matter. But as soon as you bring in things to do like bomb small objects or other aircraft you do need decent gfx. The biggest issue I have with DCS is spotting ground units. I am considering an upgrade on my HMD so hopefully that will improve things.

[LimaDelta]

red_slr said:

Is that me? If so you might want to re-read my post as I think you have misunderstood what I was saying.

Apologies, it seems I did.

[red_slr]

[The_Jackal]

LimaDelta said:

See these as examples of how it can be done

F/A-18 cold start & carrier landing in VR

A-10 over Normandy

Thats more like it. That looks like it adds to the experience rather than VR for VR's sake.

[anxious_ant]

The_Jackal said:

LimaDelta said:

See these as examples of how it can be done

F/A-18 cold start & carrier landing in VR

A-10 over Normandy

Thats more like it. That looks like it adds to the experience rather than VR for VR's sake.

Graphics look good and liking the experience in VR.
However how would you "press" the buttons in the aircraft?
I'm guessing instead of joystick you'd be using the VR hand controllers.

edit: got minor motion sickness watching the VR clip so I suspect VR is probably not for me ...

Edited by anxious_ant on Wednesday 22 July 22:32

[kowalski655]

The more advanced DCS planes have clickable spots to flick or turn a knob. HOTAS buttons can be assigned to the most common,and Voice Attack helps too.

[LimaDelta]

anxious_ant said:

The_Jackal said:

LimaDelta said:

See these as examples of how it can be done

F/A-18 cold start & carrier landing in VR

A-10 over Normandy

Thats more like it. That looks like it adds to the experience rather than VR for VR's sake.

Graphics look good and liking the experience in VR.
However how would you "press" the buttons in the aircraft?
I'm guessing instead of joystick you'd be using the VR hand controllers.

edit: got minor motion sickness watching the VR clip so I suspect VR is probably not for me ...

You can use the VR controllers which is fine for larger low-fidelity controls (i.e. landing gear), but useless for the small fiddly controls (like HOTAS functions).

I do it in two main ways (which kind of reflect how it's done for real). Firstly, I mapped four controller buttons to reflect left/right mouse buttons, and mouse scroll up/down. Then you simply look straight at the control you want to manipulate. This is fine for startup and initial aircraft configuration and the non-combat phases of flight. For RADAR/weapon employment/etc. then the buttons are mapped to the HOTAS, which allows a faster and more intuitive manipulation. Most modern aircraft are designed so that once configured, the majority of things the pilot needs/wants to do to be combat effective can be done without letting go of the throttle and stick.

Obviously other people will have different setups but I find that works pretty well. I think the Captoglove will move things along and feel more natural. With the gloves you will fly as normal using your HOTAS, but then let go and reach with your hand (not another controller) and 'touch' the cockpit controls.

When I first started VR I found there was a little motion sickenss (though I was never actualy sick), but by keeping those inital flights short and avoiding looking around at unusual attitudes the feeling quickly passed. I can now do hour+ flights without any issues at all.

[J4CKO]

Just ordered a couple of 24 inch gaming monitors to go with my existing one and a 3 monitor bracket, should be enough screen for it.

[OriginalFDM]

Was really hoping there'd be some Xbox Series X info for FS2020 at the games showcase last night. Surely this would be a console selling title and one that could have huge sway on those who aren't already tied to either Sony or Microsoft.

[anonymous-user]

OriginalFDM said:

Was really hoping there'd be some Xbox Series X info for FS2020 at the games showcase last night. Surely this would be a console selling title and one that could have huge sway on those who aren't already tied to either Sony or Microsoft.

There’s been a total lack of info about the Xbox version. I’ve been following it too but I’ve seen nothing at all about it except that there will be one released after the pc version.

[OriginalFDM]

El stovey said:

There’s been a total lack of info about the Xbox version. I’ve been following it too but I’ve seen nothing at all about it except that there will be one released after the pc version.

I'm hoping the complete radio silence is an indicator that they're going to make a big song and dance of it in it's own event at some point to drive hype for the new console.

I really think it could be a huge console-seller, it's 14 years since FSX and I'd imagine there's a lot of people in my camp who were into it years ago on PC but life has gotten in the way of an expensive and dedicated PC simming setup, or who have never been into it but will look at it and say 'wow', as there really is nothing else remotely comparable in the console arena.