Newtonian Physics is <3 Still, some ?'s

Starshatter: The Gathering Storm extends the classic space sim by combining fighter and starship combat in a single dynamic campaign game.
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Eggplant
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Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:39 am

Newtonian Physics is <3 Still, some ?'s

Post by Eggplant »

Hey everyone. um. I'm Eggplant.

I work at a game store and i was so happy to see an (apparrently) lauded flightsim, as the genre is sadly underrepresented.

However, i've been burned by a few in the past, as i'm not completely gung-ho sim to the exclusion of all else.

Having a choice of physics encouraged me, but i'm still concerned so i'm hoping to get some feedback from old Starshatter players.

As my favorite flightsims/combat sims to date were Crimson Skies and X-wing/TIE Fighter, i was worried about extreme accuracy (like IL, or Pacific Fighters) making combat more work than fun (for me, keep in mind. I know several who love the accuracy in those types of games and more power to 'em, just not my cup of joe)

also, how's the campaign story-wise? immersive?

any insight would be mightily appreciated :)


PS: did anyone see this game, see the physics options, see the modding capabilities, and immediately geek-splooge over a BSG-type mod? (The current series, as thats how fighter combat has been portrayed) Just curious. cause i did :)

Hope to see you in the black!
"You act as a man who wants to die?"
"To die? Or simply to no longer live?"
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Dragonlead
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RE: Newtonian Physics is <3 Still, some ?'s

Post by Dragonlead »

EP,

I don't think you'll find the physics in realistic mode overbearing. Just don't plan on turning on a dime if you're screaming along in AB. In fact, being able to use that "slide" can help keep you alive if done well.

I have found the storyline to be well constructed and quite immersive. Some might disagree, and I know several have posted their disappointment that the latest release did not rework the existing campaigns or bring in more, but if you have not played before, that is not a concern for you.

Hope this helps.

V/R

USAF Ret.
Kuokkanen
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RE: Newtonian Physics is <3 Still, some ?'s

Post by Kuokkanen »

Game models Newtonian physics, but it's not really overkill. Anyways if fighter or ship travels hundreds of meters per second and makes fast turn, it goes sideways some time before flight computer can compensate. Or if flight computer is turned off (can do), craft can be turned around without it effecting to movement trajectory if other thrust isn't applied.

However faster it goes, slower it accelerates. And slowing down with thrusters can be faster than accelerating with more powerful main engines. This is only exception to Newtonian physics to balance gameplay. In addition fighters and missiles are oversized so it would be easier to see and hit them.

There are two commercial versions of Starshatter: old 4 serie (patches update to 4.5) with extended name Ultimate Space Combat. New 5 serie with extended name The Gathering Storm includes improved graphics, virtual cockpits (which really isn't new thing to game) for several fighters, more audio (radio chatter) and some new fighters and starships. But campaigns are same as in 4 serie and that is insufficient for some of us old players.

If you want taste of REALLY realistic space combat, give a try for I've Found Her. It's available for free [;)]
You know what they say, don't you? About how us MechWarriors are the modern knights, how warfare has become civilized now that we have to abide by conventions and rules of war. Don't believe it.

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Eggplant
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RE: Newtonian Physics is <3 Still, some ?'s

Post by Eggplant »

Thanks so much to both of you.

Muy helpful!
"You act as a man who wants to die?"
"To die? Or simply to no longer live?"
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