Pips 5 Posted June 11, 2011 It's funny how different Forums develop, the tone that gets set. Here, the pleasure of the game, the fun of flying, the quest for more information, the ability to respect opposing views and the overiding urge to improve things dominate. Rarely does one see a barney - and often that can be put down to misunderstanding. This Forum is civilised and fun. :) And just what brought his home to me I hear you ask? Well I'll tell you anyway. Out of interest I have kept an eye on ROF developments because I like WWI sims. But what has always stuck in my craw (and stopped me from buying said game) is the business model Studio 777 took with the product. It's a personal thing, but I do object to buying just a base game, and then having to pay for extra aeroplanes - which is the core of any sim. Buy new versions of a sim? Fine. But pay for just one plane? Sheesh. Anyways now that the demo is free I thought I would d/load it and give it a try. And if I was impressed with the 2 flyable aircraft and the game play I would buy more and go online. But after reading the various posts on the ROF SimHQ Forum I am just soooo disappointed with the tone of it's members. I've seen people literally crucified in threads who cast dispersion of the game. There's a hardcore of puffed-up sanctimonious bully fan-boys policing that Forum, acting like a pack of rabid dogs tearing into anyone who doesn't worship at the alter of Studio 777. So sad to see. Not surprising I've decided to give even the (new)free demo a miss. And come back to some civilised banter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markl 1 Posted June 11, 2011 It's funny how different Forums develop, the tone that gets set. So sad to see. Not surprising I've decided to give even the (new)free demo a miss. And come back to some civilised banter. I would have to agree with your post. I have also thought about that sim, but I do not like their sales model as well. Activation then purchase all the extras. It has been proven by Matrix games that serial numbers that block future patches if you have a uploaded serial work very well to counter piracy, so there is no need for activation. I have recently purchased Third Wires WWI sim to support them when I found out they do not use protection. I even purchased the witcher 2 from GoG for the same reason and I am not really into that sort of game. But I feek it necessary to support developers who have good business models. That's one reason I also support OFF, no DRM, especially if you have the UBISoft version of CFS3. Regards MarkL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flyby PC 23 Posted June 11, 2011 Forum doesn't make the Sim Pips. I don't fly RoF, but Sirgisbod's videos on YouTube make me want to. I have it, but my rig is borderline for flying it and it wasn't great fun as a consequence. I could never get it up to speed to really see if I liked it or not. I don't really like the way it's sold plane by plane, but business is business. Aeroplane Heaven and all the other add-on specialists build bolt on models for money, and I don't object to that. I've bought my share, some good, some rubbish, - buyer beware and all that. It's always frustrating when something is more expensive than it should be, but that's life. You want ripped off? - try buying petrol in the UK. At least with RoF you have a 'to buy or not to buy' choice to make. My attitude is that if the games creator is content to release his product in that way, then that's his perogative whether I like it or not. It's no different from a music artist and his record label. They might have 'creative differences' and hate their producers, but how long do they last when they split with their record label? OK, one or two thrive, but a lot more plunge into obscurity. I'm not saying Studio 777 is right or wrong, but nothing you say will change it, they only have eyes for the profit margin. Your most effective communication is keeping your money in your pocket. I was next going to say that aggressive forums have nothing to do with the sim itself, but I know that isn't always the case. But if you get burned a little unfairly at a forum, its an issue for the forum. In my experience, and I'm guessing yours, regular unpleasantness drives people away in their droves, boredom ensues, and every second post comes from the same person. Here we have good moderators who nip things in the bud before the water gets tainted, and we have a healthy cross section of contributers as a result. My personal opinion is that I back our moderators 110%, but I still harbour a little frustration that comparison of sims is pretty much a no go area. It doesn't matter though, not their fault, and I'm not actually losing out, because any such discussion invariably get hijacked by bad blood anyway. The moderators here have got it just right I reckon. Everybody is welcome, but misbehave, and you'll be shown to the door with whatever politeness or firmness it takes. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeDixonUK 5 Posted June 11, 2011 To be honest there are always die hard fans in every game forum, even OFF has them to a certain extent, it's just the way of things. Personally I have both Over Flanders Fields and Rise of Flight, I play them both, enjoy them both and will continue to support them both as much as possible, there was much rejoicing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+elephant 36 Posted June 11, 2011 What Mike wrote... I'm fond of this forum too but It's a matter of taste and what suits you best...anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) From the beginning on, I heard from various OFF forum members, who had been in other forums before, that the OFF Forum was unique and special in the ways you mentioned, Pips. And although I haven't been in any other before, my "social wavelength detector" says, that it is true. It may have something to do with the way "Over Flanders Fields" was born and created step by step by WW1 aviation enthusiasts, who worked long times and real hard to achieve the goal of presenting a most "true" simulation of that aerial warfare; instead of just making up a business on a field yet quite unploughed. A lot of knowledge, and a lot of love have flown into it, and that is noticable everywhere. A project like OFF is perhaps more likely to find such a special and well civilised community. I know from several forum members here, that they have both sims, and one explained it so nicely saying: "I love pizza, but some days I like to eat something Chinese" (or similar). For real WW1 aviation enthusiasts it is no problem to have both sims, and to like each one for what it offers. Everyone who can afford buying two, or even more of them, will and should do that - why not? I intend to buy it, when they have sorted out more problems, and I hope, they will stop that online-business. That is something I don't want to be forced to. And an online-competition, that is giving you a rank number ranking you compared to all others, makes it a competition between members - not so good for the spirit in a community IMHO. But whenever I buy it - I would never let down "Over Flanders Fields". OFF has given me, what I had been searching for a long time. OFF has the real depths, which the others are still far, far away from, as I heard. And here at the OFF Forum I found a community I wouldn't want to miss again. Edited June 11, 2011 by Olham Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted June 11, 2011 "Mmuahahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Von Paulus 8 Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) The problem with aggressive forums usually lies with the number of the forum users. The bigger is the number, bigger is the aggressiveness. I'm a user of a lot of forums and that's usually the pattern. Unfortunately for our dear devs, we don't have many users in this forum, but for us users, and thinking only in our peace and tranquility, this forum is like to be in heaven. The last time I touched OFF (or any kind of simulator) was 8 months ago. But what keeps me coming, almost daily, is the guys over here. I really care for all of you, and I feel privileged to be part of this community. Of course I wouldn't mind if OBD would release phase 4 tomorrow. I'd break definitely my 8 month of flight sims fast, something that a recent launch of a career mode in another WWI flight sim, wasn't able to break. Edited June 11, 2011 by Von Paulus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted June 11, 2011 A "flight sim fast" ? What cruel crime did you commit to deserve this hard verdict ??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Von Paulus 8 Posted June 11, 2011 A "flight sim fast" ? What cruel crime did you commit to deserve this hard verdict ??? Playing other type of games, namely ArmA2 and Baldur's Gate. Yesterday, I was invited to beta test Panzer Corps. So Olham, today I'll be really von Paulus. Well thinking better, I think that I'll prefer to be Guderian. Achtung Panzer! "Mmuahahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hasse Wind 46 Posted June 11, 2011 A flight sim fast! Now that's a cruel and unusual punishment if there ever was one! Agreed about the OFF community. Definitely a rare collection of gentlemen we have here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Parky 8 Posted June 11, 2011 I know from several forum members here, that they have both sims, and one explained it so nicely saying: "I love pizza, but some days I like to eat something Chinese" (or similar). And here at the OFF Forum I found a community I wouldn't want to miss again. Olham.......I'm not sure if you also like to eat something Chinese every once in a while, but if you do, and mostly because of where you live, be damned sure to stay away from anything that has bean sprouts in it. And btw....yes, this is a great forum. Cheers, Parky Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carrick58 23 Posted June 11, 2011 I have both games and I agree with Mike Olham and Hasse Wind.. As for Forums, OFF is a special one because of the people involved and the promotion of interest in this area. In fact, it is the only one that I contribute to regularly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lewie 7 Posted June 11, 2011 I don't frequent the OT forum here at CA but I can say that you bunch, (the OFF forum group in particular.) are an intelligent and gracious group. I tend to find that this is true of a lot of small, 'geekish' if I can broach the term, interest group forums. I've watched too much tribe mentality take over other discussion forums and I have left because of it. My only gripe right now is with Sim Outhouse and it's only because they don't allow new membership with yahoo accounts. But that's another story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lewie 7 Posted June 11, 2011 Olham.......I'm not sure if you also like to eat something Chinese every once in a while, but if you do, and mostly because of where you live, be damned sure to stay away from anything that has bean sprouts in it. And btw....yes, this is a great forum. Cheers, Parky Having grown adzuki and alfalfa sprouts for over 20 years I have to scratch my head over how the contamination happened, it's just so completely off the wall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) Olham.......I'm not sure if you also like to eat something Chinese every once in a while, but if you do, and mostly because of where you live, be damned sure to stay away from anything that has bean sprouts in it. Oh yeah, I followed all of that in the news, thanks, Parky! I never like bean sprouts or any other of those sprouts. They are quite in fashion here among those who live from bio-organic food, and I read, they are supposed to be healthy - but that exactly was now proven wrong. In short: I don't like the taste anyway! Edited June 11, 2011 by Olham Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
themightysrc 5 Posted June 11, 2011 I've long grown accustomed to the polished manners of CA posters (apart from Uncle Al ,of course! - BTW, that's a joke, Al), and I've learned enormous amounts of invaluable information on these boards, and, I hope, forged a few friendships. I also bob over to SimhQ and whilst it may be controversial to say it, I'm very disappointed with their attitude. One RoF thread was started recently by somebody wanting to flog his copy, and was then jumped on by various posters who simply expressed bile. A few more reasonable posters pointed out that that wasn't a reasonable attitude, but the nail in the coffin came when one of the moderators - no, really, one of the people charged with keeping the forum as evenhanded as possible - steamed in, posted something which insulted (to my mind) the original poster, and then locked the thread to disable any more input. How s**tty is that? I mailed the OP expressing support for his stance, and I'm hoping that others did too. To be insulted and written off simply because they didn't buy the sizzle is appalling. If someone bought OFF and decided - for whatever reasons - to sell it on, I'd simply say to them 'thanks for trying, and having the faith in the first place'. I certainly wouldn't be slagging them off in public, and neither would I expect the hosting site to join in. Obviously standards are different elsewhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellshade 110 Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) A "flight sim fast" ? What cruel crime did you commit to deserve this hard verdict ??? I can't say anything. I've been addicted to Rift the past few months. And now, since the new Skyrim interviews and videos have been coming out I am all but frothing at the mouth over the realism, immerison, variety and intensity that fantasy RPG looks like it is going to offer. 11.11.11 (the release date for Skyrim) If you haven't seen any of the videos for Skyrim and enjoy fantasy RPGs, it's worth a view. I've never seen dragons behave so "realistically" before in a game. Here's a link to an IGN video interview with Todd Howard, the Lead Designer of Skyrim. It starts showing some gameplay footage about 2 minutes into the video. Around 5:20 into the interview you get to see what the dragons look like and how they behave. Being a total fantasy RPG freak who played D&D all the time as a kid, I must admit this game is #1 on my Must Have list for 2011. http://pc.ign.com/ar.../1175190p1.html As far as the OFF Forum is concerned, I am one of those people who enjoys multiple sims. That said, I simply prefer the community here for a number of reasons. I scan the forums here every day, even when I'm addicted to Rift. :P Hellshade Edited June 11, 2011 by Hellshade Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UK_Widowmaker 571 Posted June 11, 2011 Nice to have you back in the fold Pips!...yup, my views on the unmentionable sim are well known I'm sure (not that I in any way wish to dampen others opinions..each to their own)...But yes...this is a very civilised forum...very well moderated, by a great team...and frequented by nice people. The odd squabble occurs...as it does in all families...there are many different people here, from all over the world...but, I rate my friends here, as I would my face to face friends..indeed, I have been lucky enough to meet a couple. It's just a nice place to hang out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Von Paulus 8 Posted June 11, 2011 I mailed the OP expressing support for his stance, and I'm hoping that others did too. +1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UK_Widowmaker 571 Posted June 11, 2011 I would +1 too (If I was a member...which thankfully...I'm not) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
almccoyjr 7 Posted June 11, 2011 Yesterday, I was invited to beta test Panzer Corps. Achtung Panzer! "Mmuahahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!" Oh man...PLEASE update when you can. T-34 v Tiger w/early Zeewolf mod and Panzer Elite "P3" are really long in the tooth. plug_nickel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pips 5 Posted June 12, 2011 What I find really surprising is the the membership of the 'rats' group at SimHQ. I've been an active member there since 2000, back in the glory days of RB3D, EAW and Rowans BOB. Many of the said bully's I've known and shared comments with since that time. It's only been the advent of ROF that seems to have drawn this surly behaviour to the surface. Rave about the sim (ROF) all you like - but thuggery? It's really sad to see. Where's the fun to be found in playing a sim if you can't share your thoughts and feelings? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Von Paulus 8 Posted June 12, 2011 Oh man...PLEASE update when you can. T-34 v Tiger w/early Zeewolf mod and Panzer Elite "P3" are really long in the tooth. plug_nickel almccoyjr, Panzer Corps it's a wargame like the old Panzer General, not a Panzer simulator. For those who liked PG, Panzer Corps its indeed the second coming of PG on Earth. Tonight I'm happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UK_Widowmaker 571 Posted June 12, 2011 yes,,,WOLF3D...Doom...even rise of the triad brings back great memories,,,I wonder what the new Duke Nukem will be like Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
