Well here are some tips or thoughts both technical and philosophical:
- While there can be an Ace even with a poor setup, often the better sim pilots have good machines and accessories. Playing with solid frame rates and broadband Internet connection is critical for the greatest success. Those without these hardware benefits have a real challenge ahead of them.
- SA is paramount, but only if you know what to do with this information. That takes time. Play at 1024x768 and fly most times in Wide view, using Gunsight for ID and spotting ground targets, but resist the temptation to stay in Gunsight mode too long, especially when approaching a bandit. Otherwise you risk the real potential of collision. Also toggle your seat position to better expose your rear view.
- With regard to SA and views, and in light of the hardware comment, TrackIR is nearly indispensable.
While I see some folks using a "snap" effect with their TIR profiles, I personally feel a constant speed (flat curve profile) is better and more realistic. This is because you can better track bandits and ascertain their direction and speed. When using a "snap" profile, while you might jump quickly back to your 6 position, you lose some of this tracking ability. Even with a constant speed curve you can make it so that you can check you 6 position quickly enough in any event.
- If you can, put your flaps on a dial so planes like the Spitfire can engage combat flaps in dogfights. Too cheesy?
- I see no point in mentioning all the basic stuff that we all know and can read about. What I would say is that the poorer pilots lack one thing - confidence in themselves. I have always believed that the better gamers are always the ones who believe they are the best. A self-doubting pilot is a target and always will be until the day they discover they no longer have to accept this fate.
TS!
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