TPU's Space Sims Appreciation Thread

[Kursah]

Well if I hadn't already backed Infinity: Battlescape, this video might have convinced me. This title is definitely making waves, I'm hoping there is more that they have to offer once we get past this "prototype showoff" phase. I'm looking very forward to seeing this title come into fruition.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Well if I hadn't already backed Infinity: Battlescape, this video might have convinced me. This title is definitely making waves, I'm hoping there is more that they have to offer once we get past this "prototype showoff" phase. I'm looking very forward to seeing this title come into fruition.

Ok, you got me hooked to watch the Infinity progress of that the next couple years!

 

[Kursah]

Played some Tie Fighter with my boy since we're watching the SW series in prep for the new movie, being this was one of my favorite games of all time, and most played games of all time, I'm pretty happy I'm still able to play it!

I saw some Youtube videos where folks had the game stretched to fit their widescreens, and honestly it didn't look half bad with that scale stretch. I found a couple mods to allow 3d acceleration w/o crashing (just smooths things over, adds some AA it seems too) and resolve any texture blank issues, runs like a dream.

I have my HOTAS setup too... though I'm debating picking up a Steam Controller and trying my luck with that. Going to borrow a friend's and see if its something I could use... my boys took and destroyed my 360 controllers...so I'm in the market for a controller so I can at least race again (when I feel the need). I don't expect any controller to beat the feel of my HOTAS...but I've heard great things about the Steam Controller.

Back to Tie Fighter...wow is it challenging. I forget that TF's had no shields until I get blown up by a couple blaster hits lol. Beyond that, dogfighting is as fun as it ever was, and the game is just as I remember. Sure it ain't pretty, but it's pretty damn decent for being 20+ years old and playing on my Windows 10 PC! And being able to play it full screen is sure a nice touch, even on my 1080p 32" TV.

Applied mods and tried XWA, and the graphics are MUCH better there in comparison, but there are some control issues I need to sort out...stuck in a roll I can't control atm. But I haven't actually taken the time to do that yet. But I'm excited for that game as well..but TF has much more value to me since I invested so much time into it. Between this, C&C (Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert and Sole Survivor), and Tanarus, my 90's gaming experience was pretty epic, albeit limited to a tight budget.

 

[xvi]

Elite: Dangerous is on sale for ~$15. Sounds like it's worth it?

 

[Kursah]

Yep damn good deal!!! I've gotten back into this again and reworked my control scheme even further. Will share more later.

 

[Flogger23m]

I'm interested but it sounds like you'll miss out on a lot of features without having to buy Horizons at a later date.

I am looking forward to Everspace. Not too keen on the "rogue-like" concept, but it looks nice:
https://everspace-game.com/

 

[Kursah]

I've looked at Everspace a couple of times, and it looks good...but I'm not 100% onboard with it yet. I will say it looks amazing and they have a lot going for it in that respect, I also like that they're not trying to be the next most accurate space sim but trying to be more action oriented.

For now though, I am more interested in Infinity: Battlescape for another future game with more action and combat orientation. Though the more I look at Everspace, the more it sticks in my mind as an interesting title...I'll probably wait to see how it pans out on release though. The second GIF you list makes me think of Red Faction in space.

I have totally reconfigured my Elite controls..and am still fine tuning things...it's been a challenge to relearn.

I have decided that my primary stick should be Pitch/Yaw instead of Pitch/Roll WW2 style. The thumb joystick on my throttle controls fore/aft thrust (which has proven super useful) and roll. I then use the POV behind that for lateral thrust. So far it works really well...but sometimes in the heat of the action I go back to my old ways and then screw up because my controls are different lol. Though with this new control scheme I feel I have gained a little more piloting ability in combat situations, and have been hitting up a lotta conflict zones. I still suck at combat in Elite, I struggle with Anaconda's and the like in my pretty well equipped Cobra MKIII. I try to manage my shields and minimize my reliance on the shield cells I bring with.

I want to get into making more credits in Elite, but haven't decided to get back into trading yet...I was stuck in that a year ago...and while I made the most profit doing that, I haven't touched trading in a loooooooong time and would rather not get stuck in long trade runs. I enjoy combat far more.

Looking forward to 1.5 launching soon and Horizon's after that.

 

[Flogger23m]

I would love to give Elite a try. Not too sure if it is for me though. It is only $15 but I don't have much to spend so I may have to pass. I am wondering how Horizons will pan out to. Will people who just own Dangerous be able to play with those who have Horizons?

 

[Kursah]

Not sure on that...I would assume yes though within the boundaries you'd be allowed to go. Horizons main intent is to add landing and exploration/combat/missions on planet surfaces. I believe planets w/o atmospheres to start.

The main game is getting a rather large update soon called 1.5. Adds ships and other things to do. I've been entertained.for dozens of hours in the main game and quite a few hours in CQC. I'd say the main game is easily worth $15 all day long if you like space sims that focus on the pilot experience.

 

[erocker]

Elite Dangerous Horizons beta got released today! Downloading that now... Star Citizen PTU Alpha 2.0F should drop today too. Hopefully that patch is good progress and they can open it up to more people tomorrow.

 

[Kursah]

Just got my SC PTU 2.0 invite!

Also, I noticed they added (32-bit) to the standard Elite: Dangerous launch option, and (64-bit) to the 1.5 Beta. Downloading the Horizons 2.0 beta now too!

 

[Scrizz]

Just got my SC PTU 2.0 invite!

Also, I noticed they added (32-bit) to the standard Elite: Dangerous launch option, and (64-bit) to the 1.5 Beta. Downloading the Horizons 2.0 beta now too!

you got invite?
congrats...
>_> lol jk

 

[erocker]

I kept crashing in the ED beta. Wasn't sure what to do. I managed to make it to a base in an SRV and not sure if I'm supposed to do anything in there or what? I did manage to play for 2 hours straight in the Star Citizen PTU. It was pretty awesome. Restarted some comm relays, fought pirates (pretty easily), answered a few distress calls (they were okay... just find distress beacon, listen to screaming) and had a couple good dogfights with other players as well as some FPS on one of the security stations. Pretty fun!

 

[Scrizz]

listen to screaming... Pretty fun!

lol, were you torturing someone who airlock blocked you? lol

 

[Ahhzz]

For those waiting to "appreciate" Elite, and even have (or don't have) Star Citizen....

Buy an X52 or X52 Pro from Saitek, and get a free copy of Elite: Dangerous! Now until Dec 15. Now's the time for those on the fence to get a solid package *cheers*

 

[Kursah]

That's awesome! If I didn't already have some CH kit, I'd be all over this!

 

[Flogger23m]

I already have an X52Pro. It is a solid HOTAS if you don't abuse it. Been using mine for a few years now. If anyone picks up a X52/Pro and already has ED feel free to gift it to me.

Does anyone know if the Star Citizen PTU is up for everyone yet or is it still invite based?

 

[Scrizz]

I already have an X52Pro. It is a solid HOTAS if you don't abuse it. Been using mine for a few years now. If anyone picks up a X52/Pro and already has ED feel free to gift it to me.

Does anyone know if the Star Citizen PTU is up for everyone yet or is it still invite based?

it's still limited atm. they're still working on that GIM

 

[Kursah]

Well hope all of you folks are having a great holiday season (those that celebrate that is )!

I figured I'd add an update here rather than the dedicated threads so I can do my thoughts in a single post.

Star Citizen Alpha 2.0

I've been playing the hell out of Star Citizen Alpha 2.0. And even now, its allure is still a little stronger than Elite Dangerous: Horizons.

In all of its bugged and CTD glory, Star Citizen is a riot to play now...and convinced me to go mouse + KB. I'm still adjusting, but while some immersion is removed with my HOTAS off my desk..it's nice to be able to jump in and go with mouse + KB. Plus there is still some piloting immersion..really the flight model and tuning they've done has made the game feel great with HOTAS or other means (haven't tried game controller yet...). The ships handle great, the AC action is smoother but still fast paced. Its still got a chaos to it that Elite does not...but SC has tuned things well enough that I can find what I call a "combat rythm".

I upgraded/replaced ships. I upgraded my Aurora MR to an LN in favor of more weapons...and that was a great move IMHO. This is a beast of a little ship...slower handling than other ships...but feels like a little tank. The LN made up for the MR being disappointing for so long. I was able to get kills and earn REC with the LN.

I melted my 325a, and a buddy hooked me up with an F7C-M upgrade for a price I couldn't pass up...so know I have one of the best small combat ships around...and its a friggin monster in AC. Folks are using and abusing this ship to death. I've been limiting which turrets I use, and seeing how I can stand up against folks using these ships. I've been able to have a positive K/D ratio with this ship...and I love it's handling. Not as fast or snappy as the 325a, which I'm fine with....that ship isn't as fun w/o a HOTAS...where the F7C is great with mouse + KB and HOTAS.

Plenty of bugs to be had in 2.0, especially when you are supposed to respawn in AC, but end up in some sort of texture orb....your ship 5000+ meters away, or the obligatory crash after most rounds are over. I seem to experience more crashes on my main gaming rig which is Intel + NV than my laptop which is Intel + AMD. But not by much. And while in PTU, I was able to run the game pretty smoothly, AC does lag even at 1600X900/1280x720 and low. I will say the graphics in low still look amazing...so maybe there's scaling issues yet...

On my main rig, I notice a substantial decrease in GPU utilization compared to previous versions. Sometimes my GPU is loading at 2/3 3D clocks. Even in very high @ 1080. The frames stay pretty damn smooth most of the time...so I'm not going to complain! 2.0 loads fairly fast from my SSD, but the Universe section does take a while...and is almost ridiculous to wait for loading from the SSHD on my lappy....minutes it seems. I guess good for smokers or coffee drinkers to take a break...I do neither.

Last but not least, it seems the SC devs have been working on seamless planetary landings and procedural terrain generation...check out this video they show that is all rendered in-game:

Elite Dangerous: Horizons (64-bit)

Now..onto Elite Dangerous: Horizons. I did a fresh x64 install on both my main PC and lappy. The x64 version allows them to utilize more memory and they stated the game has always been x64, and they had to migrate to that as a new system requirement for Horizons and all expansions afterwards. I'm fine with that and I imagine most of you will be as well. I believe my total install size is around 6.6GB vs. Star Citizen's 34GB....load times are quick, graphics are crisp and clean. This game is a stunner and sounds amazing still...I miss my HE-400 headphones as they were made for this game...but I digress...my AKG 553's deliver quite amazingly.

They speak on the x64 requirement, their charging model for Horizon's and further expansions/seasons and how they plan to treat them, what is planned this year for Horizons, and more here: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dcbf6b86b4b0c7d1c21b73b1e&id=ca113de1db&e=67e7ba100c

Haven't tried it on the lappy yet...but I will say the rendering and detail on planets is pretty...but is very taxing. This game really increased its load on my GPU...big time. Elite is more taxing on my GPU than Star Citizen at this point...impressive and kinda scary. I'm hoping to someday snag a good deal on a 980/980 ti...until then...the 770 just needs to keep on going.

But regardless, I have also converted to mouse + KB in Elite...and it does require some changes... like changing out Roll for Yaw on the mouse....makes live much easier. My Cobra MKIII flies great and handles better than I remember Mouse + KB handling before 1.5/Horizons...but it had been a while since I last played as well...

I haven't found my "complementary" Cobra MK IV yet...but haven't really looked at the map to see where it might be. I've been finding combat areas to get paid in...to test and re-calibrate my skills for the new control choice.

I haven't done much on the planet surface yet...but the transition and loading isn't all that bad...wish it was seamless but know due to game design that's not possible here. They've done a lot of work to make it load smoothly and most of the time it does now...better than pre-1.5 for me.

Something was wrong with AI tonight...there were several in a conflict zone that would just stop for several seconds and do nothing...I took advantage of that but it's kind of annoying. I will say other AI seemed to be on ace pilot mode and were badasses that made me run....so it was a mixed bag. I played mostly Solo to get my grips on the new mechanics.

So far I feel pretty good about Horizons, but would have been expecting more if I had just laid down $45-60 for it....the other stuff they promise better be coming in soon and I really hope FDEV doesn't leave the original game owners hanging on anything.

I haven't tried CQC in some time, it was fun for a bit...but finding a match become cumbersome or a "waiting game" of its own, and it just feels like there's sooo much potential not being used here. CQC could literally become its own game build around combat, teamwork, goals, upgrades, arenas both on and off planet, BYOS (bring your own ship)...on and on. I am sure they share these ideas too..and I really haven't looked into it..but CQC grew disappointing as AC has started growing with recent stability issues.

At least CQC is stable, but when you cannot find a match...with a feature and game this new, that is kind of disheartening and I hope to blame the matching technology rather than folks not playing it...we shall see.

Here's a video of the Horizons launch:

Alright, that's all folks! Good night and share your thoughts as well please!

 

[R-T-B]

I've noticed ED: Horizons planets use compute shaders to generate the terrain. By the looks of it, single precision ones. That's why it runs so much better on Maxwell than Kepler cards. Maxwell basically doubled single precision compute by killing off the double precision compute. So Maxwell has a natural edge on this kind of compute.

Don't know how AMD will fair on that, but I have a feeling GCN will fair well.

That's just a performance anaylsis I kinda did adhoc on my hardware (780 vs 980). I don't know it to be fact, and haven't played enough to make a fair review yet, but Horizons is "so far so good" for me.

 

[bubbleawsome]

Horizons runs great for me everywhere except planets. Maxed out at 1080p (except supersampling) I get 60+ fps but on planets I get <20. I think it has something to do with either how the shaders work now or the actual terrain generation. Not sure.

Can you guys reccomended a HOTAS <$50? I'm looking at a thrustmaster, but would like other reccomendations.

 

[Kursah]

I don't think there's really any other options in that price range barring something used. My CH pieces were each more than $50.

ATM I'm using mouse + KB... No bueno in CQC but I'm doing fine in the main Horizons section. I need to find out how to get my Cobra MK IV...I don't see it listed.

 

[Scrizz]

Horizons runs great for me everywhere except planets. Maxed out at 1080p (except supersampling) I get 60+ fps but on planets I get <20. I think it has something to do with either how the shaders work now or the actual terrain generation. Not sure.

Can you guys reccomended a HOTAS <$50? I'm looking at a thrustmaster, but would like other reccomendations.

these would be your best options at that price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16879337003

or

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001S0RTU0/?tag=tec06d-20

I do recommend the t16000m

 

[Kursah]

You don't need a full HOTAS setup (but I recommend trying one!), I ran stick + KB for a while... using 1-5 as 0-25-50-75-100% throttle, migrating 1-4 menu items to F1-F4 (I feel it should be that way by default anyways...).

Then I ran stick + Logitech G13...which was awesome as well. I really enjoyed that, but took some getting used to initially.

Then I went HOTAS w/o pedals...loved it, but much more complex and time consuming to setup.

Now I'm back to Mouse + KB for the sake if simplicity and experience with how these sims all handle it. I'm also planning on trying out a Steam Controller soon...hoping next paycheck is nice enough that I can order one.

In the end I'll likely go back to HOTAS since I paid for that gear, but mouse + KB has been really good, except in Elite CQC which is likely my crappy skills with the smaller ships and different flight models that part of the game seems to utilize. I do quite well in AC and the PTU in SC along with Elite's main game.

The t16000m is a good way to go, hall-effect sensors keep it accurate. Some folks use two of them as a HOTAS setup too. They are good sticks, not the best build quality, but most folks love em that buy em.

 

[bubbleawsome]

Thanks for the opinions guys! I really appreciate it, but sadly I've got really bad impulse control and already ordered the Thrustmaster t.flight HOTAS X. Sounds like it's not a bad option though, and I think I'll enjoy it!