Page 3
Game Play
The sim does a pretty nice job of putting enough different units in the game, all with nice models. They have a nicely done armor set-up so that you have to pick both your weapons and your shots before you let loose. There are a fair number of units from each of the following categories. Heavy armor (8 units), armored vehicles (6 units), artillery systems (7 units) and air defense units (8 units). The only problem with these units is that at times you feel like it is a bunch of drunks at the controls of them. They will shoot like mad in your general direction but they miss a lot. Seeing footage from the gulf war you get the feeling this might be realistic but coupled with the serious amounts of damage you can take, it leaves you feeling safer in the air then you should. I will often decide to run through the enemy air defenses instead of going around them because I am pretty sure that I will make it without major problems.
Multiplayer
Fig. 6. My wolfpack ready to attack.
The multiplay was only tested briefly because we were having limited success with slow Internet connections. On a LAN play was fine and includes the single missions for co-op play and head to head action. It was a huge disappointment to see the campaigns removed from the multiplayer options. This is where having no mission builder will really hurt in KA-52 TA. Co-op is what will keep people playing for a long time but not with such a limited selection of missions.
Conclusion
Fig. 7. My wingman moves out.
Final thoughts and overview, while I enjoy this sim a fair amount I am not sure that I can recommend it to everyone. It is a medium difficulty sim that could be great if it is patched up. With some of the control and flight model issues that are there at the moment some people might find it hard to fly. The graphics are very nice and the feeling of speed is fantastic, this is done while leaving very nice frame rates. The gameplay is set up well and even though the enemy misses and you can take more then your share of damage you will find that the mission will not be too easy to beat for now. This leaves some question as to the long-term playability you will get for your money. Mind you for the $29.99 USD price tag it is very hard to go wrong.
Fig. 8. I run for cover, look close you will see the tracers.While keeping in touch with SIMIS they are still waiting for word from GT Interactive/ Infogrames as to what will happen patch wise. If I knew a patch was coming I would say go out and get it now. As it sits I will say that if you can put up with some bugs and if you can get used to the odd controls/FM you will be rewarded with a cool single-player gaming experience. It is one of those games that adds up to more then its problems but it will require a few hours of getting used to. If nothing more then the control issues were fixed I would say that any medium level sim player would be in for a treat with KA-52 TA.
