Flaming Cliff or Modules?

[Copet Gabut]

Is flaming cliff 3 worth to buy? since i dont have any maps and pure Free DCS game. Or just buy one module like F-18/F-14?

[fikmeinshizer]

FC3 is easier to learn than a full module but lacks certain realism touches like the interactive cockpit. The aircraft share a lot of similar controls making it easy to learn more than one at a time.

That said there is no reason why you couldn't jump straight in, I did. It'll just take longer to learn.

All boils down to how much work you want to put in before you see results

[ROK-Lonewolf]

It depends. If you want to go deep in to one aircraft in detail, go for modules. If you want to fly the several aircraft with basic detail, go for the FC. It doesn't mean that FC is bad. Just the level of detail that is simulated in the game is different. Honestly, I enjoy both of them at the same time.

[Darcaem]

Also note that you can buy the FC3 separately.

I bought FC3 when I started and I don't regret it, even though I've never used them again since a long time ago, they made me learn the basics before starting with the hardcore sims. But unless you want to try both russian and NATO planes, you could save some money for your next purchase buying only the FC3 plane you are interested in.

[acdcdave1387]

I was in the same predicament when I first got into DCS recently. I ended up buying both Flaming Cliffs and the MiG-15bis module.
In the end, I think it is worth having Cliffs since, as the previous dude already said, they are largely similar in that once you learn one it won't be that hard to learn the next one and each one has some differences you can enjoy.

Overall, it boils down to what is it you are looking for, ya know? I chose the MiG-15 because I specifically wanted to learn a post WW2 early jet aircraft.

[Highstriker]

That's becoming the question of the ages for DCS. Weigh two things:
1. if you buy an advanced module, you will be stuck with -one plane- until you can buy FC3.
2. if your excitement is really high for an F-18 or F-14 you probably won't mind.

If I had to choose between F-18 and FC3, I'd get FC3 (but would hurry to get F-18 later.)
But if they had like a MiG29 advanced module (one I'd really like) vs FC3, I'd get the MiG29 and never look back and fly it until my friends had an intervention.

Do you want to have lots of planes, or do you think you can stick with one you really like?

And whichever you choose, you can always get the other later. You could splurge for the expensive modules now. The F-14 and F-18 are hugely popular.

[Copet Gabut]

So if i get F-18 modules, do i have to get FC3 for enemy/friendly AI? or is it all included free?

[Highstriker]

All of the enemy/friendly AI planes and units are all included in DCS. To the best of my knowledge, no modules add or modify any planes.

[Copet Gabut]

Does Jester AI F-14 module very helpfull?

[dan]

Use fc3 to learn game. Buy big modules later. It will be easier that way.

[Cyber_Chupacabra]

Originally posted by Adolf_Stalin:

Does Jester AI F-14 module very helpfull?

I find it pretty amazing, its not with out limitations but it does help a lot.

[fikmeinshizer]

I enjoy flying with Jester. So long as you remember it's AI without any common sense then you can do everything you need to apart from LANTIRN bombing.

[-OrLoK- Слава Україн]

id personally go for a less complex module first.

but I'd also avoid the fc3 aircraft. not having click pits imho make one's workload higher.

ymmv

[Copet Gabut]

Originally posted by -OrLoK-:

id personally go for a less complex module first.

but I'd also avoid the fc3 aircraft. not having click pits imho make one's workload higher.

ymmv

F-14 vs F-18 , whats the most complex your opinion?

[BigMongostyler]

better start with FC3, get yourself a nice joystick a headtracker and THAN you can buy a full clickable cockpit.. ;)

[Emme]

It really depends on how deep you want to dig into a flight sim. I would not say FC3 planes are much easier to learn just because their cockpits are not clickable. In general if you're complete new to a flight sim, you have to learn a lot basics anyways. And so it's with DCS modules. Getting a plane up in the air is the easiest thing and you'll achieve that goal with every module in a short period of time. But when it comes to combat it needs you to take your knowledge and skills to another level, also with FC3 planes. You need to learn how a radar is working and how your arsenal of weapons perform. So it's hard to answer your question what module to choose as beginner. You really gotta ask yourself what you want to do in the game and what planes fulfill that role. If you're really interested into flight sim buy the plane that you'd ever wanted to fly, 'because you'll only like things that you'll have fun with. Only thing that makes FC3 module more interesting is that you'll get much more different planes for the cost.

Personally I began DCS with the F15 plane 'cause I'm only interested in A2A combat and only wanted to fly an U.S. plane. But there's been no F-18 and F-14 module back then so I did not have much of a choise. Later I felt like I want to do something different than intercept enemy planes only so I bought the A10 full simmed module. At this point I already knew a lot of fundamental things about air combat. Yet I bought the F-14 module and I can tell you I wish I had that module back when I was new to DCS. Jester A.I. is so very helpful with engagements. But thanks to the F15 module today I know how to use a radar which I wouldn't if I had the F14 back then, 'cause Jester A.I. is doing the major stuff for you it needs to find and lock on targets. So imo F14 module is less skill dependend as the F15. You'll learn how to fly a plane and where the limits are anyways during the time you play.

Right now I don't see a reason why I should hop back into a FC3 cockpit. You gotta learn a lot of fundamental things anyways even with FC3 planes so if you're new I'd suggest to go with a module that you think you'll have most fun with!