DCS Blackshark, give me your opinions.

I'm old school simmer and still fly falcon 4 so this one looks like a pickup but I would like opinions from like minded types on how it plays out as a serious sim. Also how is it running? I have read contradictory information on how well it plays on a laptop. I'm using a W90 which has xfire 4870s and a quad core. Does the game support 16:9? Last is the controls. I don't have the ability to use a hotas setup up north so I need to be able to affectively fly it with my old sidewinder. Comments on that appreciated. TIA

 

Might want to join in on this thread here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=382987

But I have tried to play with a Sidewinder, and what little I did, it's possible. Just need to know all the keyboard shortcuts. I plan on using my Sidewinder as well, maybe even my Wingman Rumblepad (original) with throttle slider. Don't know how well it'll work when things get hectic, but I'll eventually give it a try.

 

My questions have nothing to do with DRM which is the subject of that thread. Might have to do that though, probably not enough of us around anymore to support two threads on a study sim. Then you end up going off topic though so you cant really win. At any rate can you comment on the game supporting 16:9 or my other questions? Thanks.

 

Yes the game supports 16:9.

As to your other questions:

I've no idea about crossfire support, but a single 4870 is more than adequate.

The game supports dual/quad threads/cores, but is setup by default to only use a single thread.

Using only a single joystick is a huge drawback. It's not "unplayable", but you really need a full HOTAS setup to get the most out of it.

Kind of like playing a racing sim without a wheel---it can be done, but you lose 1/2 the immersion.

 

edit--double post

 

Yeah, I have the cougar at home but its not exactly a carry friendly setup. I also don't have the room to set up on the boat so I have to make do with such tools as are available to me. As long as the keyboard shortcuts are available I should be able to muddle by. I had read that the upcoming patch will have it multi threaded by default. I believe I am going to go ahead pick this one up.

 

I think the Sidewinder is your best bet. Best single twist stick you could ever want, really. If you want a dedicated throttle, which is a good idea for a heli sim, there's always the Saitek X52 / X52 Pro system. It's inexpensive but a great value, and not real heavy like the Cougar.