DCS: Black Shark - PC

First off, let's get one thing straight: this "game" requires a LOT dedication to get the most out of it. If you are one who likes to immediately jump into a game, power it up, and see all it has to offer in the first few hours, you will be sorely disappointed with DCS Black Shark. However, if you are the type of person that finds gaming a lot more satisfying when it's required to put some serious effort into it to get the most out of it, you may want to give Black Shark a second look.But understand this....you will need to STUDY. I cannot emphasize this fact enough. You'll be going to school. The game comes with a 600+ page manual (this is not including the GUI manual which is fairly thick in itself), both of which are in .pdf files though you can buy a manual off this site as well. It is luckily very comprehensive and covers a lot of material, from the history of winged flight, the development of the KA-50, the dynamics of helicopter flight, then on to each individual system onboard, how they function and relate to one another, etc. If sitting down to study for hours while taking notes before you can even play doesn't sound enjoyable to you then I'd say right now not to even bother. If you're planning on opening the box and starting this bird up on sim mode and taking it for a spin think again. It took me a good 5-10 hours of learning before I could even cold start the heli and take off. Let me give you an example of the ABBREVIATED start-up procedure:-Turn on battery 1 & 2.-Turn on radio and intercomm.-Turn on power to electric, hydraulics, and Enkram (warning) system, turn off master warning light.-Turn on INU (inertial navagation unit) power.-Turn on K-041 power switch to suppy power to the targeting and navigation systems, and boot up the ABRIS.-Turn on standby ADI, fire suppression system, and fuel gauge.-Set the Auxillery Power Unit shut off valve to open, turn on forward and aft fuel pumps, start APU.-Release rotor brake, close cockpit door.-Turn on left Engine Electronic Governor (EEG) switch, open left engine fuel valve, switch to left engine, start, open left engine cut off valve.-Once rpms reach certain level, repeat above for right engine.-Shut down APU, close APU valve, uncage stand-by ADI.-Lower collective and set engine RPM levers to auto, and turn on generators and dust protection system.-Power up nav and comm systems, autopilot, countermeasure systems, laser warning receiver system.-Turn on rotor lights and other minor systems as desired.'Course it doesn't need to be done in that order, but that's to help give you an idea. Watch a Youtube video to see it. Many of those steps I shorterned as well (such as comms, autopilot, and nav start-ups). Remember, this is the quick version as it does not include running tests for all systems before start-up. Needless to say this took a while to learn. And this is not even taking into account the time it took to learn things like entering a hover and maintaining it properly (sounds easy, it's not initially and requires practice), how to land, how trim works, to somewhat learn the onboard computer ABRIS (this could easily be a course in itself), to navigate, use comms and assign targets, and use countermeasure and targeting systems. You are basically learning to fly a real helicopter, not only the characteristics of flight which is a task in itself, but at the same time have to be able to juggle numerous systems. There is a TON of material here to cover and it's very, VERY intimidating at the start.The presentation is very well done but you will need a semi decent rig to run this at good settings. I own a Quadcore 2.4 Ghz, 4 gigs, 285 GTX running Windows 7 and am only able to run it on medium/high settings. Although I've heard of lesser computers running it on high so maybe something in my system is making it occasionally lag. The visuals and sounds are all there and look great, I've no complaints. I have to mention how much I love the interface. Almost every switch in the cockpit is mouse clickable aside from a few for safety's sake (ejection....one of the few helis that have it) and those that have application in RL but that are really of no use in a sim (cockpit heating, for example).It is possible to play this on "game" mode where many of the technicalities are not taken into consideration in order to give a more arcadey experience, but honestly, when you buy a game like this who really wants that? The meat and potatoes of this product lay in its simulation model and I can't tell you how satisfying it is to power up the APU then start the left engine and start to see the rotor blades move and the engine start to whine up for the first time. Killing your first tank will probably be a monumental accomplishment. It was for me and the feeling of payoff was incredible. It's all immensely satisfying when the fruits of your labor pay off and it's exactly why I'm a sim genre junkie. Seldom do other genres come close to matching it.I don't mean to scare people away from this great sim but I just want to warn you what to expect. Rest assured, this WILL require commitment on your part. Trust me on this one. So if you're up for a challenge give this a go.....just be prepared for what you're getting into. For what it takes it gives back in spades. However, if you're looking for something more casual this is definitely not for you, so don't say I didn't warn you.EDIT: I highly recommend investing in Track IR or some other head-tracking hardware if you're going to put your time into becoming proficient at DCS: Black Shark. It helps a lot with situational awareness, convenience, and vastly increases the enjoyment and playability. I just purchased one and it feels like I've had shackles removed. I'd advise at least looking into it.

Ok,I am going to be very brief here and say Blackshark is an awesome simulator.It teaches you how to operate the subsystems of the helicopter. There are videos that explain its various subsystems. There is one that shows you the steps to take in starting the helicopter up from a cold and dark configuration.The model is also highly detailed.You will have fun with it flying missions and blowing things up.There is one thing you should be aware of (and this is what I didn't like). This software must be activated before you fly.I activated my copy through the Internet. After activation the software notified me that I have SEVEN activations left! I shouldn't have to explain the consequences of what that means.Software activation is a means to control obsolescence. All the company has to do is shut down the activation server sometime in the future and you can't fly any more.There are other methods for protecting software from being copied that does not impede on consumer rights. Possession is nine tenths of the law.Control is closely linked to TYRANNY.t/y,Roger

It was not what i expected it to be ,It is not like a flight sim ,which i love superb graphics, guess i am spoiled by that. Bob

I am a combat flight sim addict. I have a bunch from the heyday of the genre in the 90's that I can no longer run on my Gateway gamer with Windows 7. I understand that CFSs in general are no longer popular and as such there's no incentive to develop more or upgrade the oldies but goodies for today's OS. None the less, I have been in mourning for many years as my all time favorites are helicopters that started with Gunship! and ran through Long Bow and Long Bow II. When I got wind of DCS: Black Shark, it sounded too good to be true but I figured why not give it a shot...Well, if you loved the Long Bow sims, you'll wet yourself over Black Shark! Black Shark is flat out the best gunship sim I have ever played and the most fun I've had with a PC game in years. When I say best, BTW, I mean on all levels; realism, graphics, gameplay, this sim has it all.Installation was straight forward. I've encountered no bugs to date. Play is excellent using a Saitek X52 FCS.With all realism turned on, only an actual HA-50 pilot could jump in & fly this thing. Even if your familiar with sims, It'll probably take you a month to learn to start the engines and take off to a hover. That's cool for real hardcore gamers. For guys like me who are past that stage and just want some arcade type post workday blow sh-- stuff up stress relief, Black Shark is right on the money. In arcade mode it only takes a couple fun filled hours to learn, then it's Angel Of Death time!Can't recommend this more to a hardcore sim pilot or casual gamer alike.