Which CFS is best?

[RichieB16]

I personally prefer CFS2.  I remember when CFS3 first came out, it seemed somewhat unpopular (maybe disappointing is a better word) at the time (comparing to CFS2 when it came out).  But, once it had been out for a little while and people began to work with the new engine it really took off.  I really like CFS3, but I perfer CFS2.  

[IndioBlack]

On the plus side, the average standered of 3rd party is far higher for CFS3 than CFS2.

I take issue on that wild claim.
Whilst it is true that CFS3 requires a different set of skills, and a whole new learning curve, to create 3D Cockpits; compared to the more accessible 2D Cockpits of CFS2; it is extremely insulting to suggest that the end result of a 3D cockpit is of a much higher standard creatively than a 2D cockpit.  Friends of mine who design CFS2 aircraft would also be highly insulted to be told that CFS3 aircraft are on average better than what they create. So I'm sure you really didn't mean to imply that.

What I personally dislike about CFS3, is the fact that it comes with 3D cockpits, all of which, native or third party, I consider to be extremely ugly and lacking in detail when compared with most 2D Cockpits for CFS2.
And if you compare the 3D Cockpits of CFS3 with those of IL-2 and/or LOCK-ON, I would suggest that CFS3 is completely in the mud. Although,  this is probably down to the Microsoft Engine rather than the creative talent of third-party modders.

What I do like about CFS3 is that it gives me the chance to fly multi-engine Heavy Bombers, which CFS2, even with third-party add-ons, cannot quite do as well. And again, I believe that is down to the limitations of the Microsoft Engine.

[Woodlouse2002]

What I meant was that CFS3 3rd party models are only made in gmax and only a select few of the most talented designers actually build 3rd party aircraft. This is in comparason to CFS2 where you do get some extraordinary aircraft but you still have a lot that are built by people inexperienced with gmax or built in FSDS1 which doesn't offer the quality avaliable. Whats more a CFS3 aircraft download will seldom go above 4 mb for a fully functional plane with virtual cockpit and the full works. With CFS2 to get that sort of quality you need to really look at files that are 5mb or more.

It's not a jibe at the CFS2 modellers. It's just that CFS3 demands as standered aircraft that are almost par with some of the better CFS2 models.

As for the cockpits, well thats just M$ being slack. If you see some of the finished Groundcrew cockpit's you'd see that they hold their own with the best of IL2/PF.

[IndioBlack]

That's what I hoped you meant: that it's more difficult to make CFS3 models than CFS2.

I will have to disagree that CFS3 cockpits can match IL2/PF & LOMAC, but I agree that this is down to the M$ engine that designers are limited.

[bzhyoyo]

It has nothing to do with the engine : actually, we should have better looking cockpits in cfs3 because the engine allows for a more important poly count than in FB and the use of specular maps allow modelers to create dynamic lighting effects that should put FB pre-painted lighted effects to shame.  

So it's all down to the amount of detail and time that modellers want to put in their VCs.  

What's coming soon to cfs3:






taken from this thread about VCs in cfs3 :
http://www.cfcforums.com/showthread.php?t=16683

[AvHistory]

CFS3 Me-110 by Mathias

[IndioBlack]

Oh yes, now those are beginning to look good. The Me110 is certainly equal to PF standard. It's unfair to compare with LOMAC, because that's just a whole generation ahead.

Do you get big frame-rate hits when the cockpits are as detailed as this?

[AvHistory]

No.


FRAPS independent frame rate counter upper left corner runs
33-38fps with this cockpit.

System - Home Made
AMD XP2400 runs @ 2.0G
Memory 1 GB PC2100
FX-5600/128MB - 43.51 NV Driver dated 4/2/2003
SBlive 5.1 - 5.12.2.252 SB Driver dated 7/24/2002
XP-Pro
DX-9.0c

Game Settings
1280X1024X16
Overall slider @ 5
Aircraft slider @ 5
Terrain slider @ 5
Scenery slider @ 5
Effects slider @ 5
Clouds slider @ 1
Shadows Button ON
Reflections Button ON
T&SL Button ON
Sound Full ON

Winding Man's scenery & Max clouds.

All AvHistory release pictures & movies are made on this machine.

BEAR - AvHistory

[IndioBlack]

Then that is absolutely fantastic.  8)

[Flt.Lt.Andrew]

I think that CFS 3 attempted to be all the good that CFS 1 and 2 had, it went to far.
Giving players (flyers) the task of running the war in the air (and on the ground to an extent) was unfair and too challenging.
I thought that the air combat in 2 was better than 1 but 1 had a more realistic feel than 2...CFS 3 could have been optimised by using a standard FS engine....mmmm...WWII ATC.........

A.

[Stratobat]

WWII ATC.........

Now that could be cool

Regards,
Stratobat

[Felix/FFDS]

The more I look into CFS3, the more I'm appreciating its improvements.

As I stated before I *think* that CFS3 can still surprise us.

[james007]

Gentelmen I beleive CFS3 was never intended to replace CFS2. CFS3 is a total different type of game with a different concept in mind.

Its like comparing Oranges to Apples.

Its almost ridiculous to compare them on equal terms. One if base on the Pacific and the other on Europe.

One has carriers and sea battles to content with and other the one is the best ground attack is Simulator in the business.

In my opinion their both good Simiulators. It all depend on what your looking for on a Simulator.

One cannot replace the other. Between the two you might enjoy the whole spectrum of World war two Aviation history.

Now if you like CFS2 better thats fine. But do not come in here and try to rub in.

Thats like like going to some one elses dinner party, and you tell them their dinner taste bad when no invited you in first place.

Their is a lot to be done to improve to CFS2. So join the CFS2 community and help out.

I own both Simulators and I enjoy them both. I recommend you do the same.

James007

[marick626]

the aircraft in cfs 3 are horrible I prefer cfs2

[bzhyoyo]

Thanks for this most precise and argumented post... Don't know why, but I'm really convinced now.