0.9.3.1 "RED REPUBLIC" UPDATE IS LIVE -- CHINESE AND RUSSIAN VOICES PLUS NEW FIGHTER AIRCRAFT P-51D, I-16 AND KI-84 "FRANK"
Today's update adds Chinese and Russian voices to free flight, multiplayer and dogfight modes, plus new aircraft such as the P-51D "Six-Shooter" Mustang and its natural adversary the Ki-84 "Frank". Also in is the Russian I-16 Polikarpov (surely obsolete by 1940s standards, but decidedly fun to fly!).
New voices and radio comms implemented for Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) and Soviet (SSSR) skins/pilots. Oh, we've added Australian VO too, for the RAAF. Hear them out in mission 5, INVASION OF MALAYA.
We've had the kind assistance from the ROCAF (Taiwanese Air Force) to get us (hopefully) accurate Chinese takes to represent Chinese WW2 pilots that flew with the AVG/USAAF throughout 1942-1945. So thank you, ROCAF pilots advisors and gentlemen, Hsu Han and Lee Sung Yue! (The ROCAF's primary mission is the defense of the airspace over and around Taiwan, descendants of the Kuomintang -- not be confused with the People's Liberation Army Air Force of the People's Republic of China).
New aircraft: American P-51D "Six-Shooter" fighter with multiple skins for USAAF and Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF).
New aircraft: Russian I-16 Type 10 fighter with SSSR/Nomonhan and ROCAF skins.
New aircraft: Japanese Ki-84-Ic Hayate "Frank" which in the opinion of many was the top fighter of Imperial Japan, plus ROCAF flew them too (captured) after the end of WW2, hence the Chinese skin.
Added support for captured aircraft. Check out the "Allied" Ki-84 in FREE FLIGHT.
Fixed a whole bunch of minor glitches in the campaign mode, mainly mission 1 through 7, edits too numerous to spell out in full.
Following the recent Friday 0.9.2 update, we've fixed some minor glitches that came along and we've also upgraded the engine ignition procedure so now the spinner/propeller looks more realistic during take-off, engine-off, and ignition.
Oh, almost forgot -- here's a video showing off an improved Hurricane Mk. IIB model with a bunch of multiplayer skins, including RAF, China and Soviet Russia insignia. Got some RAF shouts in it too ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLWpDsl6qKA
In Freedom,
Ace Maddox
0.9.2 "ROCKET LIGHTNING" UPDATE; P-38L ETC AVAILABLE
Rockets by night, for lightning we fight!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aec5PcGTWM
Took awhile to get this update out since we've kept more than a little busy re-hauling many of the game's back-end systems including the HUD and GUI for improved icon-supported hint and instructional messages, rocket-capable weapons support (P-38L equipped with HVAR rockets via the new CHALLENGE MODE), plus lots of other improvements not the least for input/controls so PITCH/ROLL (and YAW) should be better balanced for flightsticks and gamepads.
All in all, we're steadily approaching the final version. Here's the rundown for today’s update:
Improved flightstick support. For example, Saitek's "dual device" X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. system is now fully configurable.
“HVAR” rocket weapons system implemented via P-38L Lightning, try the new ROCKET LIGHTNING Single Player Challenge for some explosive fun (P-38L with rockets also available in FREE FLIGHT/DOGFIGHT modes).
Added “city light” rendering feature; take-off for a test-flight over Akyab or Rangoon in the middle of the night to sample a myriad of shiny, digital light-bulbs.
HUD/GUI updated so controls and hint messages are now more visual, dynamic icons for improved gamepad, keyboard and flight stick control instructions.
Adjusted the Campaign mode’s difficulty so that it (should) take more skill and less luck to complete missions (note: work in progress).
New aircraft: C-46A “Commando” replaces the DC-2 transport for FREE FLIGHT and “OVER THE HUMP” Campaign mission.
New aircraft: Upgraded the Hurricane Mk. II fighter so it looks a little sleeker, now comes with five selectable skins — including the famous England-China “Nightflyer”!
New aircraft: P-38L Lightning fighter aircraft added with HVAR weapons system for firing rockets. Four skins available including a ROCAF (Nationalist China) camouflage.
We’re working on a new multiplayer rocket mode too, once we have a few more rocket-bearing aircraft implemented, such as the Mizuno Shinryū “Divine Dragon” and quite possibly also a Japanese Me-262 -- Germany actually sold five of them to Japan for evaluation -- you’ll be the first to know!
Until next time,
Ace Maddox
0.9.2 "ROCKET LIGHTNING" UPDATE; P-38L ETC AVAILABLE
Rockets by night, for lightning we fight!
Took awhile to get this update out since we've kept more than a little busy re-hauling many of the game's back-end systems including the HUD and GUI for improved icon-supported hint and instructional messages, rocket-capable weapons support (P-38L equipped with HVAR rockets via the new CHALLENGE MODE), plus lots of other improvements not the least for input/controls so PITCH/ROLL (and YAW) should be better balanced for flightsticks and gamepads.
All in all, we're steadily approaching the final version. Here's the rundown for today’s update:
Improved flightstick support. For example, Saitek's "dual device" X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. system is now fully configurable.
“HVAR” rocket weapons system implemented via P-38L Lightning, try the new ROCKET LIGHTNING Single Player Challenge for some explosive fun (P-38L with rockets also available in FREE FLIGHT/DOGFIGHT modes).
Added “city light” rendering feature; take-off for a test-flight over Akyab or Rangoon in the middle of the night to sample a myriad of shiny, digital light-bulbs.
HUD/GUI updated so controls and hint messages are now more visual, dynamic icons for improved gamepad, keyboard and flight stick control instructions.
Adjusted the Campaign mode’s difficulty so that it (should) take more skill and less luck to complete missions (note: work in progress).
New aircraft: C-46A “Commando” replaces the DC-2 transport for FREE FLIGHT and “OVER THE HUMP” Campaign mission.
New aircraft: Upgraded the Hurricane Mk. II fighter so it looks a little sleeker, now comes with five selectable skins — including the famous England-China “Nightflyer”!
New aircraft: P-38L Lightning fighter aircraft added with HVAR weapons system for firing rockets. Four skins available including a ROCAF (Nationalist China) camouflage.
We’re working on a new multiplayer rocket mode too, once we have a few more rocket-bearing aircraft implemented, such as the Mizuno Shinryū “Divine Dragon” and quite possibly also a Japanese Me-262 -- Germany actually sold five of them to Japan for evaluation -- you’ll be the first to know!
Until next time,
Ace Maddox
0.9.2 "ROCKET LIGHTNING" UPDATE; P-38L ETC AVAILABLE
Rockets by night, for lightning we fight!
Took awhile to get this update out since we've kept more than a little busy re-hauling many of the game's back-end systems including the HUD and GUI for improved icon-supported hint and instructional messages, rocket-capable weapons support (P-38L equipped with HVAR rockets via the new CHALLENGE MODE), plus lots of other improvements not the least for input/controls so PITCH/ROLL (and YAW) should be better balanced for flightsticks and gamepads.
All in all, we're steadily approaching the final version. Here's the rundown for today’s update:
Improved flightstick support. For example, Saitek's "dual device" X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S. system is now fully configurable.
“HVAR” rocket weapons system implemented via P-38L Lightning, try the new ROCKET LIGHTNING Single Player Challenge for some explosive fun (P-38L with rockets also available in FREE FLIGHT/DOGFIGHT modes).
Added “city light” rendering feature; take-off for a test-flight over Akyab or Rangoon in the middle of the night to sample a myriad of shiny, digital light-bulbs.
HUD/GUI updated so controls and hint messages are now more visual, dynamic icons for improved keyboard and flight stick control instructions.
Adjusted the Campaign mode’s difficulty so that it (should) take more skill and less luck to complete missions (note: work in progress).
New aircraft: C-46A “Commando” replaces the DC-2 transport for FREE FLIGHT and “OVER THE HUMP” Campaign mission.
New aircraft: Upgraded the Hurricane Mk. II fighter so it looks a little sleeker, now comes with five selectable skins — including the famous England-China “Nightflyer”!
New aircraft: P-38L Lightning fighter aircraft added with HVAR weapons system for firing rockets. Four skins available including a ROCAF (Nationalist China) camouflage.
We’re working on a new multiplayer rocket mode too, once we have a few more rocket-bearing aircraft implemented, such as the Mizuno Shinryū “Divine Dragon” and quite possibly also a Japanese Me-262 -- Germany actually sold five of them to Japan for evaluation -- you’ll be the first to know!
Until next time,
Ace Maddox
STEAM TRADING CARDS RELEASED, AVIATION ART WALLPAPERS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
Today we've made Steam Trading Cards available for everyone!
In addition, three high-end aviation art wallpapers have been released on the game's official website, motifs include the American-built P-51D (flying nationalist China insignia) and the Japanese amphibious fighter A6M2-N "Rufe". Grab them from: www.AirCombatAction.com
Trading cards and wallpaper teaser video, after the jump:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pFTrESYXak
0.9.1 "ICARUS" PRELIMINARY CONTROLS UPDATE
We are happy to announce that FTSOC's control-system has been overhauled and upgraded! Meet the ICARUS patch. Many new options, including sim-style PITCH, ROLL and YAW controls have been implemented. In addition, we've added a few more features such horizontal and vertical "auto-stabilizators" to further improve the original ARCADE flying style. A free-roaming "Panoramic Camera" feature has also been implemented, so if you play on mouse you can simply hold MMB to look around (and if you're playing on KEYBOARD, just move the mouse to activate the Panoramic Camera).
Please note that ICARUS may still have some issues, mainly with Saitek flightsticks on Windows 10. We're working on it though, and are planning to release the full controls update shortly.
Here's the shortlist:
Implemented optional PITCH/ROLL and rudder (YAW) controls.
Added "Panoramic Camera" feature that lets players look around freely.
Rebuilt the SETTINGS/SETUP CONTROLS GUI for better overview and improved navigation.
New gameplay cameras. Press "V" to toggle NORMAL/FAR/NEAR.
Game Balancing: Made several adjustments to difficulty and AI.
Back to work, and oh, we've got Trading Cards nearly done too, they should release in less than a week.
0.9.0 "CANTON" UPDATE
We're approaching FTSOC's full release! Today's update sees the 12th (and final) single player campaign mission implemented, namely Final Flight, while introducing the seminal B-25 bomber and a few other nifty additions (that you'll have to discover for yourself).
Here's the shortlist:
Added FINAL FLIGHT, the 12th campaign mission.
B-25 bomber implemented. Available via campaign and FREE FLIGHT mode.
Fixed a couple of achievement issues (no longer prevented from unlocking).
Soundtrack developing and updated for improved audial variation.
Enhanced weather effects for soft in-battle transition, i.e. clear day --> sunset.
Miscellaneous GUI/HUD adjustments.
Up next? Rocket capable multiplayer action and a few new aircraft, game balancing... stay tuned, pilot!
0.8.9 "MARTABAN" UPDATE
Happy to inform you all that a new campaign mission, East of Martaban, has been released!
East of Martaban takes place near the Thai-Burma border in February 1942 and has the Flying Tigers flying escort for RAF 45 Squadron in an attempt to disturb the build-up of the Japanese invasion of Burma. As per usual, expect action-prepped explosions, tanks, jeeps, dogfighting and more!
Here's the rundown:
Added EAST OF MARTABAN, the 11th campaign mission.
Made several GUI improvements. For example, plane names are now rendered on top of thumb images in the aircraft selector screen, which should make it easier to identify your favorite fighter when hooking up for multiplayer etc.
Added enemy tanks ready to be blown up, namely Japan's Type 97 Chi-Ha.
Tons of miscellaneous fixes.
More content updates to follow soon!
0.8.8.2 "PHI PHI ISLAND" UPDATE
As some of you have already seen, we've recently pre-released the PARADISE ISLAND DLC (automatically installed if you own the Deluxe version). The DLC now includes;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-721pkMr9w
Phi Phi Island (Thailand) map with custom sunset weather setting.
MMA - Multiplayer Map Availability. Players who don't own the map/DLC can play it by joining an MP host who does.
A6M2-N "Rufe" amphibious Zero fighter.
Water-landing functionality.
Aquatic creatures observable once water-landed (such as dolphins and killer whales).
http://store.steampowered.com/app/414360/
We'll be adding a USAAF amphibious fighter aircraft to this DLC shortly, plus a few tweaks etc.
