Hello! I'm A Newbie!

O

OldSimmer

Guest
Hello All:

I'm new to this forum, having just re-discovered Over Flanders Fields via YouTube. I am a long time flight simmer (off and on). I think my first WW1 flight sim was "Wings Of Glory"... on DOS no less! Guess I have been simming (flight, racing, even trains) since 1994?

All I can say is that OFF appears fantastic looking! I'm very interested in learning more. From what I understand, I will need the core program "Microsoft Combat Simulator 3", correct? Will the "Battle Over Europe" version be okay?

My current system is:

AMD Barton 3200
GeForce FX 5700 vid card
1 Gb RAM

Think this will handle CFS3/OFF?

Any input will be appreciated.

Andre Ming
Eastern OK
 
Welcome:wavey:

OldSimmer said:
From what I understand, I will need the core program "Microsoft Combat Simulator 3", correct? Will the "Battle Over Europe" version be okay?
Click to expand...

Correct, and yes (I believe Battle Over Europe is just the name given to CSF3, so there are no other 'versions').

Regarding your system, I would venture that it will handle OFF but probably only on lowered detail settings. Maybe someone with a similar system will chime in with more input.
 
Welcome

Yes, you need cfs3 Battle Over Europe.

My system is a Presario R3210
Ge Force 4 420 32 Mg
1.25 Gb RAM

Phase 2 will work on it but you would need some tweaking to get better graphics. PM me if you want some tips.
Adding more RAM should help a lot.

For Phase 3 I think we would need newer computers. Maybe it will work but we would have to run it without any eye candy and the AI would probably be really dumb.
 
Looks like the specs to my old rig. You will have to set your display options lower to keep everything working smooth. Keep your clouds, terrain and scenery down to 2 and aircraft details to 3. You won't be able to run with 4 and 5 settings.
 
Howdy: To eliminate any possible confusion, lets stick to CFS3, because the ancient cfs1 was also Europe, although that is mostly a collectors item now. You should have no problem running Phase 2, at the lower settings. You might encounter a bit of a slide show over airfields, but don't be afraid to lower your detail level in workshop. As installed it will be in normal, there's 2 steps below if need be.

To be followed: Without deviation. Patch CFS3 to version 3.1 ( microsoft website ) Run CFS3 once, fly the P47 once, then and only then, install Phase 2

If you encounter any problems, consult:http://www.polovski.com/OFFFAQ.htm

Also I'd suggest you read the STICKY OFF Tips & Cheats . . Lots of good intel :ernae:
 
Hi, and welcome.:wavey:

I am not in any way qualified to give computer advice. But welcome to the forum.
 
Thanks for the welcome. I really don't NEED another diversion in regards to my limited discretionary time... but OFF looks SOOOOO good and SOOOOO fun.

The TrackIR product looks like an excellent device: Very intuitive (and authentic) to move your head around to "look" for the "enemy".

As for OFF Ph3 going payware: I can COMPLETELY understand that. I have a small side-line commercial business that develops/retails commercial content for "MS Train Simulator". A fellow developer friend tried the donation approach, and the downloads FAR exceeded the offset by donations. He had to go to the payware business model... or close his doors. Sometimes the choices are made for you.

I guess now I'll do what you guys are doing and stand by and watch the development of OFF... and in the meantime make a decision as to whether to take the plunge or not. These blasted computers are simply TOO addictive!

Thanks for the input. Feel free to continue injecting thoughts!

Andre Ming
Been Simming WAAAY Too Long
 
Hello,
you will need the original CFS3 CDs, or DVD - the latter one is a bit better in regard that it will not have to be in your tray when you play OFF phase 3.
I have been playing phase 2 with an old ATI 9600 AGP graphic card and a 3000+ AMD with 1 Gbyte alright. Against public belief a second 1 Gb ram bar did not better things at all on my system.
You have to tweak the graphic settings anyway with every system, and it should work with yours. Clouds can and should be set to 1, there is no gain by higher settings. Effects and detail etc. can all be set to 5, without terrain detail - 4's enough here. Only problem you will get without PCIexpress graphics (guess you have AGP?) do not turn on AA (anti aliasing) for which you will need a better graphic card. The only thing you gain is some "shimmering", which is nice but unreal, and does not really look like the real thing.

Greetings,
Catfish
 
Hello Old Simmer... welcome to the OFF Forum.

I've got you beat... ;) I've been WWI simming since 'The Blue Max' and 'Wings' were out on the Amiga 500 back in the very early 90's. Seemed like yesterday.

As far as OFF Phase 3, it will run on your rig, again downsized, but it will not effect the level of the AI. I am running it on a similar system, and having great success. The AI is ferocious regarless of your PC settings, and the graphics will amaze you even at a lower setting.

I get very good FPS in a furball, and don't see much of a drop until heavy smoke from a balloon blast, or sometimes over a drome.

We've really worked hard on this version to give you the best chance to run it on every machine that's 3 years old or newer.

In the meantime, post on the DVD request, and get yourself a copy of Phase 2. I can say with confidence, that Phase 3 will not dissapoint even the toughest of WWI simmers. I simply cannot stay alive long enough to get a damn medal, let alone think about the 17hr limit. ;)

See you in the skies,

OvS
'OFF Dev Team Member'
 
Catfish n' OvS:

Wow! Thanks for the geniune welcome, fella's (all of you). :wavey: Much appreciated.

I think I'll start looking for a CFS3 DVD version. This is just too good. Even Ph2 ought to be a dandy. Ph 3 has GOTTA' be a ton of fun.

OvS:

Wow, early 90's huh? You're longer in (virtual) tooth than I am! However, I'll bet I've got you beat in actual years. I think my first entrance to WW1 simming was either Red Baron or Wings Of Glory... had both. Tried to do the Red Baron 3D upgraded, but my previous machine didn't like it too well. Also did "Wings of War". It was novel for a short spell, but very arcadish. Soon the shallow gameplay became silly.

When it comes to simming, I'm not as hardcore as I'm sure many of you are. I do it as a solo indulgence, mostly. (OOooo... that didn't sound right! :redf: ) I have yet to try any sim experience online. I'll bet that is addictive in its own way!

BTW OFF team: The YouTube postings are working! That's why I came here!

Welp... I'm off to either:

A. Browse eBay for CFS3.
B. Fly my R/C plane.

Of course, eBay will be there later this evening if I choose B. :jump:

Andre Ming
The Old Simmer

P.S. Oh yeah... I'd better go put in a request for the Ph2 DVD. Where is the "Donation" click button?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top