Combat-Helo

[+Alphadelta]

Evening Gents   

 

I'm sure most of you know by now, but just in-case the news hasn't spread over here I thought I'd post a bit of info about our new Chopper sim, Combat-Helo. The sim has been in development for the last 8 months and we've come quite a long way in that time. Hopefully the initial longbow simulator will be ready for 2011. Following that, we plan to develop additional choppers that we can retail individually as a means to fund a sequel.

 

Here's the usual feature list:

• Co-operative multi-player, fly as pilot and gunner in the same helicopter.
• Detailed avionics and authentic weapons that are easy to learn but difficult to master.
• Walk-around mode; explore your base, board your helicopter. Get out and roam, no longer are you stuck in your vehicle.
• Build your own missions in the command HQ tent.
• Full 3D cockpit supporting 6dof TrackIR head tracking device that also works as a look-down, shoot down weapon system.
• Use terrain, buildings and trees as cover, stand-off weapons, helpful AI gunner and pilot modes to assist you.
• Fly though the dry valleys and lush green zones of Afghanistan.
• Rescue downed comrades.
• Two campaigns; counter-insurgency and armoured invasion.
• Realistic helicopter start-up or “assist me” auto start.

If you're interested in monitoring the development you can visit the development blog here:

 

http://combathelo.blogspot.com

 

Or you can follow us on Facebook.

 

http://www.facebook....123465131010078

 

Our longbow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a couple of screenshots of our terrain, Herat Afghanistan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers! And apologies for the self-promotion!!

Edited May 24, 2010 by Alphadelta

[+Julhelm]

Looking good. Is that DOF on the horizon?

[+Alphadelta]

Looking good. Is that DOF on the horizon?

Well spotted. :) 'Depth of Field' helps to blend the far terrain into the horizon.

 

Cheers

 

 

[+Dave]

We are in need of a good helo sim.

[+JediMaster]

A good Apache sim, yes! I think Black Shark is a good enough Russian helo sim, I just miss the stuff that is Army Aviation!

[Slartibartfast]

Now that looks sure pretty and makes me all warm and fuzzy inside...

[+Old Diego]

We are in need of a good helo sim.

 

In the worst way. Looking very promising, AD.

[serverandenforcer]

I have a few questions... First, will this sim be open sourced enough so that it can be easily moddable? Will the sim support bump mapping? Also, how do you plan on marketing and distributing it? Is there a production company that you will be using (such as Strategy First, Atari, Activision, etc...)? Will this be something that can be found at a Best Buy or Game Stop, or can it be purchased online and downloaded to the customer's system? What kind of customer support can we expect incase of any unforseen issues or maybe ideas for future development to the product?

[+Erik]

We should have a forum dedicated to this and start supporting this community addition, should we?

[serverandenforcer]

We should have a forum dedicated to this and start supporting this community addition, should we?

 

 

I agree!

[+Ruggbutt]

Alphadelta, you have my attention!

[+Dave]

We should have a forum dedicated to this and start supporting this community addition, should we?

 

I agree 100%. This looks great.

[+Erik]

Well then we need to speak with the main rotar head and get this done.

 

E

[+Alphadelta]

A good Apache sim, yes! I think Black Shark is a good enough Russian helo sim, I just miss the stuff that is Army Aviation!

As big fans of Black Shark we are flattered by any comparison! However, we'd like to avoid disappointment by making everyone aware that Combat Helo won't be constructed to the same MilSim spec as the DCS series is. We're aiming at a level somewhere in the region of Longbow 2++. The same functionality and gameplay as LB2, but with much improved graphics and support for all the latest hardware such as SLI and TrackIR. 

 

I have a few questions... First, will this sim be open sourced enough so that it can be easily moddable?  Will the sim support bump mapping?  Also, how do you plan on marketing and distributing it?  Is there a production company that you will be using (such as Strategy First, Atari, Activision, etc...)?  Will this be something that can be found at a Best Buy or Game Stop, or can it be purchased online and downloaded to the customer's system?  What kind of customer support can we expect incase of any unforseen issues or maybe ideas for future development to the product?

 

Modability isn't something we are pushing towards at this point. While some elements will be changeable, the possibility for 3rd party addons is unlikely.

 

The sim supports bump mapping and many other 'modern' graphics features that many other sims understandably lack, such as object instancing, HDR, Bloom, 'God rays' and SSAO. 

 

Although not definite, it's likely distribution will be handled online at first with boxed copies later. More on that when we've got a product worthy enough to sell! :)

 

Customer support will be handled via email, forum and we should have a semi-automatic patching system to keep everyone up-to-date with the latest build.

 

 

Cheers for the support!

Edited May 25, 2010 by Alphadelta

[UK_Widowmaker]

Looks really good...Never been into Whirlybirds, but may be tempted by this

[+Julhelm]

Are you only doing the Afghanistan scenario or will you do a Fulda Gap-style scenario too?

[+JediMaster]

I think they're focusing on A-stan first as map building is very labor-intensive! Flex and AD are good guys, though, so my only worry isn't quality, it's if the thing gets finished or not.

[+SkippyBing]

How realistic is the flight model? i.e. can/does it model flap back, vortex ring, loss of tail rotor authority etc?

[+Crusader]

following this game on simhy since a couple of months

its looking great

[+Alphadelta]

 

Looks really good...Never been into Whirlybirds, but may be tempted by this

My knowledge of flight dynamics is basically non-existant, but I have heard that at higher speeds the Apache has a feeling of flight that is similar to that of a conventional aircraft. And with the planned multiplayer capabilities including the possibility for a human CP/G, you may feel at home in the pilots seat.

 

Are you only doing the Afghanistan scenario or will you do a Fulda Gap-style scenario too?

Just Herat to begin with. As JediMaster mentions, map building is very labour intensive and we're a small team. Map building is one area that may prove to be open to modders so we could possibly see some community made terrains.

 

I think they're focusing on A-stan first as map building is very labor-intensive! Flex and AD are good guys, though, so my only worry isn't quality, it's if the thing gets finished or not.

Things are different this time. The original Combat-Helo was doomed to failure 'cos I wasn't on board.    Flex has learned his lesson. 

 

 

How realistic is the flight model? i.e. can/does it model flap back, vortex ring, loss of tail rotor authority etc?

We are in the process of implementing a modular Helicopter flight system developed by a member of the FSX community. Once it's implemented we should have a good idea of what it can do within the sim.

 

 

following this game on simhy since a couple of months

its looking great

Thanks!

There's a handful of new screenshots over on Facebook page so dont forget to check those on and click on 'Like'! 

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/CombatHelo

 

 

Cheers

Edited May 25, 2010 by Alphadelta

[Rodster]

As big fans of Black Shark we are flattered by any comparison! However, we'd like to avoid disappointment by making everyone aware that Combat Helo won't be constructed to the same MilSim spec as the DCS series is. We're aiming at a level somewhere in the region of Longbow 2++. The same functionality and gameplay as LB2, but with much improved graphics and support for all the latest hardware such as SLI and TrackIR.

PERFECT !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Day one purchase for me and i'll sign up for the Blog updates. I don't want to steer this discussion in the wrong direction but please don't use intrusive DRM. That's why I love and buy Thirdwire's stuff. Eagle Dynamics DRM is a nuisance and the reason why I won't be buying anymore of their products. DCS Black Shark left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Nesher]

i think the terrain need a little bit more work

but looks good.. and a good helo sim is really needed :)

[+Alphadelta]

PERFECT !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Day one purchase for me and i'll sign up for the Blog updates. I don't want to steer this discussion in the wrong direction but please don't use intrusive DRM. That's why I love and buy Thirdwire's stuff. Eagle Dynamics DRM is a nuisance and the reason why I won't be buying anymore of their products. DCS Black Shark left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

It's unlikely we could find the funds to implement a DRM scheme but honestly neither Flex nor I are fans of DRM.. That said, distribution is still up in the air and there is the potential for using Steam. No guarantees yet, but DRM is unlikely.

 

 

i think the terrain need a little bit more work

but looks good.. and a good helo sim is really needed :)

 

I agree, terrain is our weakest aspect. The engine is designed for first person shooters and so the terrain system is very basic, everything must be placed by hand (yep every tree!). It tends to look nice from very low altitude, very detailed from high alt, but a bit bland from medium alt.

 

 

What would you specifically like to see changed in regards to the terrain?

 

Cheers

 

 

[+Erik]

So we don't loose this thread in the masses, I've gone ahead and started a Combat-Helo section of the site. I made two forums, developer news, and general discussion. Of course this can be modified depending on needs. I also promoted Alphadelta to moderate those forums so he can post in the developer news section since members can't.

 

I hope Combat-Helo uses the forums here to their full benefit and we can support their venture full-fold.

 

Erik

[+Alphadelta]

Thanks Erik and Combat Ace. We'll do our best to keep the forum updated with the latest new and previews!

 

Cheers