Which to get?

[Scottler]

I'm thinking of getting something CFS-esque, but I'm not sure which one to get.

I know the CFS series is popular here, but there were problems with 3 (I think it was 3)...

Here's what I'm looking to do.  Maybe someone can guide me in the right direction based on my needs:

1.  Online missions.  I'd love to fly with other pilots on coordinated strikes.

2.  Semi-realism.  I'm sure nothing is going to match the realism of F$, but I'd like to come close.  I want something that isn't too "gamey".

Any suggestions?

[HawkerTempest5]

I shouldn't pass negative comment on CFS3 because I never got it to run on my system. Some folk love it, some hate it. It does have some bugs but a patch is available from M$. For me, it has a few issues that are really putting me off (apart from it not running) and these includ those awful non-standard coloured bands and wingtips on the stock planes and the load out on some types (the Spit for one) is not historically correct.
CFS2 has a a vast amount of addons available but it is getting on a bit now. For me, it's still the best, but I'm sure everyone else will tell you different
I don't play on line much so can't really comment on weather CFS2 is better than 3 online.

[Hagar]

I would suggest CFS2. I don't play online myself but understand there's a great multiplayer community out there. I'm not sure about playing actual missions online.

As for realism, there seem to be a lot of misconceptions about CFS among the FS community. I remember my old friend Bill Potvin saying there's only one M$ Flight Simulator, just different versions of it. The mould was broken with the completely new CFS3 which I still think was a bad mistake. I believe I'm right in saying that FS98 = FS 6.0, CFS1 = FS 6.1, FS2000 = FS 7.0, CFS2 = FS 7.5 & FS2002 = FS 8.0.

The coverage is limited to the different theatres but the CFS1 default scenery was a vast improvement over FS98. (Unfortunately they didn't take full advantage of this & went off at a tangent with FS2000.)

[Scottler]

I'm getting the impression that CFS2 is the preferred game 'round these parts...and you're all very highly trusted and respected by me, so I'll listen to any suggestions you make.  ;)

I think I've played CFS2 at a friend's house.  Is that the one that has the comic book like splash screens?  I enjoyed that game.  lol


At another friend's house I played one that wasn't in the F$ series, but I can't remember the name of it.  Unfortunately, not being in the F$ series, there probably aren't too many add ons available.

So I shall take a looksie around and see what I find.

Thanks!

PS...CFS2 is able to play online, right?  (All games are better online, IMO, can ya tell?  haha)

[Hagar]

[quote]I'm getting the impression that CFS2 is the preferred game 'round these parts...and you're all very highly trusted and respected by me, so I'll listen to any suggestions you make.

[BFMF]

Well, all I know about it is that the guys used to hold a regular SimV combat session online. Think it was every Friday night, GMT. This sorta petered out after CFS3 was released.

Yep, it was a lot of fun

[ozzy72]

Scott, its a tough call. I've got 1 and 3, and love them both. But for 3 you do need a high end system, and the patience to tweak it.
I've not got CFS2 yet, but I'm working on it. Just gotta find it at a reasonable price. Most people really rate 2 for online combat. I haven't tried 3 for this yet.
However as you can pick up 1 for about $10 these days, why not give the classic a go, its the same price as two Starbucks coffees

Mark

[Scottler]

I picked up CFS2....pretty reasonably priced at $20 USD.  

Thanks for all your help guys, as always!  Now look for my newbie questions in the CFS2 boards!

[Woodlouse2002]

CFS2 is good. With a mediocre system you can still happily blast Zero's out the clear blue skys and say "Wow. Love the graphics".