Digital Fight Simulator World, often known as DCS World, is the reigning champion of fight flight simulation software program. From the P-51 Mustang to the beloved A-10 Warthog, the platform is full to bursting with top-tier interpretations of well-known airframes — many who merely can’t be flown elsewhere digitally. And whereas developer Eagle Dynamics’ consideration to element has gotten them in scorching water earlier than, its first- and third-party builders routinely ship the products. Its newest, DCS: F-4E Phantom II by companions Heatblur Simulations, seems completely wonderful — particularly contemplating it performs finest as a two-player cooperative expertise.
I’ll admit that I’m a little bit of a fanboy of the F-4. I also have a classic Take away Earlier than Flight tag from a United States Air Drive Phantom hanging right here in my workplace. However I’ve by no means really flown the airplane earlier than on PC. Wanting over the preliminary launch video, which formally got here out on Could 22, I used to be completely intimidated. Not given that you’re most likely pondering of — I’m fairly certain I may get it off the bottom and make it carry out. However it’s a two-seater airplane. Meaning I’d be flying with the sport’s AI sitting within the again seat, and be compelled to speak with them by way of the sport’s interface. That added complexity — on prime of studying to start-up and fly a Chilly Warfare-era jet — was a bridge too far for me.
Nicely, it seems you may cross management of that second seat to a different human participant. YouTuber OperatorDrewski exhibits how in a video printed late final week. Collectively, he and a buddy grapple with the weird airplane and truly log just a few kills… earlier than beginning a conga line of enemy MIGs that chases all of them the way in which again to a pleasant airbase for refueling.
Even when you’re not means into flight simulation, the video is action-packed and charming. The pair have nice chemistry within the cockpit, and by the top it feels extra like an outtake from an aborted Iron Eagle-style comedy then a let’s-play video.
DCS World is free to obtain, which you are able to do from Eagle Dynamics’ personal web site or on Steam. DCS: F-4E Phantom II, nonetheless, will set you again $79.99.
