Tactical Aero Squadron
1997 will be THE year of the flight simulation, and the Internet is one
of the main vehicles that will make this true. There are TWO incredible pieces of simulation
in the works for all those WB and AW fans, and for others who have avoided that particular
pursuit because "suspension of disbelief" in the form of great graphics had not yet arrived.
TAS is one, and Confirmed Kill by Eidos International will be the other....
Pro-Line Software is preparing to introduce its first multi-player air
sim for the internet: Tactical Aero Squadron. The �eta version of their Battle
of Britain module will be available for download soon. Tactical Aero Squadron will
encompass the entire European Theater of Operations from the B.O.B. to Berlin - 1945.
They has photo-realism and flight so real you'll puke!
Pro-Line is headed by Paul "Voss" Hinds. Paul is a former USAF F16 Viper pilot who also happens
to own and fly his own P-51 Mustang! It also happens that he has flown a Spitfire and the
only flying Me-109 in the world.
Ah-hem! Yes, you got that right, there is NO ONE better qualified to develop a new internet
based multi-player WWII Battle of Britian scenario. It also helps that since his stint in
the USAF, Paul has acquired a couple of PhDs...
Pro Line is based in Austin, Texas. Paul "Voss" Hinds is the main programmer for TAS and
the driving force behind the project (along with co-developer Michael "Amok" Hobuss).
Paul and Michael seem determined to put together the ultimate WarBirds and Air Warrior killer,
and they are well poised to succeed! They intend to feature the entire European W.W.II
conflict, from the Battle of Britain to Berlin '45.
As you will see by the screen shots, photo-realism is close to the truth! According to Pro-Line,
there will be an intense and target rich environment, including trains to shoot at, German rockets
to deal with, and fields being captured. Other features include the most realistic
flight models yet, voice communications (hardware dependent),
editable artwork for Aces, and gun cameras with editable viewpoints. Theres more, but some
features remain under wraps til the release.
TAS will evolve from the BOB into TAS - FEW, meaning "Full European War," which will
require MULTIPLE CD-ROMs and which only registered users will acquire. TAS- FEW will cover
an enormous area, comprising all of Europe and North Africa. Pro-Line will allow hundreds
of players into this huge world, with a greater variety of aircraft than either Warbirds, AW or
CK.
Eventually Pro Line will offer BOB as a limited ten thousand sq. mile arena, giving W.W.II
fans a chance to get into the world of TAS, but BOB will then be available as freeware.
At this point entry into the TAS arena will be on a fee basis.
TAS will achieve a number of firsts in its foray into simming. Simultaneous voice ability
will be present, as well as text macros for sending messages. The realism of the cockpit
environment, with the pilot needing to pay attention to carb heat, fuel mixtures, etc. will
also be unprecedented. Allied radar will be modelled. Attention to detail in the dynamic
environment will include the need to fly recon patrols, effect of fog on radar, modelling
of ground damage with realistic repair and replacement times, and other details that remain
secret.
In AW and WB The "revolving credit" of continual life renewal has its disadvantages. Ever kill enemy planes
one by one, only to have a constant wave of the same pilots engage you until finally succumbing?
TAS will change that by virtue of a "death penalty." Fail to bring your body back (death
or capture), and pilots
will be flying a cargo plane or rear escort duty for a day until being "restored". The penalties
are not final as yet and like the entire project will evolve through the testing phase. Any
personal aircraft adornment will also have to be earned after death.
As for hardware requirements, the engine is optimized to allow a fast 486 to join the fray,
though not at high resolutions.
3d hardware will also be supported, allowing high resolutions with high color depth AND
fast frame rates.
For a play by play diary from the perspective of a new Luftwaffe pilot, go to
Screen shots, you want to see screen shots??
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