Do A/S beta test properly?

[Ben Hartmann]

I would prefer a good looking basic model that flies well (for 10 quid).

A UKMIL Club Membership then

Just pulling your leg

Rgds

Ben

[Tweek]

Thinking back, I think we (the users of MSFS) are to blame here!

Nowadays (and in FSX in particular) we want everything, maxed out, full whistles and bells, 3D this, self shadowing that and loose track of the basics. Does it look and fly like the real thing?

I would prefer a good looking basic model that flies well (for 10 quid) than one with all the time consuming eye candy for 30 quid.

Self-shadowing IS one of the basics in FSX! It's not an FSX model if it doesn't contain the bells and whistles that FSX provides over FS9.

But, even though standards may have gone up, AlphaSim are still where they were before, with regards to the rest of the market (ie fairly basic aircraft - nicely modelled, but no real functionality), yet their prices have caught up with, and in some cases surpassed, other developers who are creating the more detailed aircraft. I still haven't heard a reasonable explaination for this!

[jonesey2k]

I rather like the self shadow effect, watching my RealAir Spit aerobatic display from the recorder module with all of the sun glinting off the panel lines and shadows of the exhaust stacks playing down the side of the cowling really makes me smile

[Chris Sykes]

Hi Michael, MickyD... understood re the pricing policy - this does not surprise me.

I strongly suspect that the high price suggests use of expensive third party products/developers (as confirmed by Ben H)

Sorry to drop in on this again Gents

Can anyone confirm that Alphasim have converted "Payware" 3DSMax models for use within FS?

Is this just spin or is their some truth in it, I know these models don't come cheap......a bit like Iris did with their F-14, and virtually cornered the market with it..........

Rgds

Ben

Yes were talking Milviz if im correct, thats where most of their good looking models have come from, to name a few; AH-64, AH-1, SR-71, Mil-29, Typhoon, and the Jaguar :-(, but thats also where our (IRIS) Vulcan is from... ;-)

On the topic of pricing, take for instance AS' Tornado base pack is £22 for 5 models, texture sets and the TSS sound set...
IRIS' PC-9 Pro pack you get 12 textures, realisting modeling or systems and model loadouts that change and a TSS sound pack for £19...
The pricing doesnt compair for what you get out of it... (this is by no means a slagging at AS vs IRIS at all, just an easy price comparison)

However i am waiting upon the AS Typhoon for FSX...

[Michael davies]

Chris, just to clarify.

SR-71 is Davids model, not a bought in payware.
AH-64 is not Milviz
Typhoon is not Milviz
Jaguar is not Milviz but another lone ranger modeller and FSDS, Milviz is Max only.
Mil 29 ?, not sure which model your refering too ?, there is no Mig 29 or Mi 29, as far as I know Milviz didnt supply any Soviet stuff, though Milviz did and does have a Mig-29 I cleaned it up for FS9 for Alphasim before that partnership went south and the model with it so I've no idea where it ended up ?.

Not all of Alphasims payware is from Milviz, they have / had other 'professional' suppliers as well as a once vast back room of lone rangers who production rate is much lower, though I have to say, sometimes better quality in the long run.

Many Milviz models got slammed when released, it'll be interesting if the same attitudes prevail when the're released via other outlets or whether it was just general Alphasim bashing.

Best

Michael

[Quixoticish]

Many Milviz models got slammed when released, it'll be interesting if the same attitudes prevail when the're released via other outlets or whether it was just general Alphasim bashing.

I personally couldn't care less where the developers get their models as long as the final quality of the finished product is of a quality that suits the price. If Alphasim or IRIS or the Acme Payware Company and anyone else want to use Milviz that's fine by me as long as they take the time to correct any errors in the model before release. If they don't correct the model errors then they deserve bashing. In fact perhaps bashing is the wrong word as it implies criticism for the sake of criticism, but the errors should certainly be pointed out in reviews, to be honest I'd expect nothing less so I can make an informed decision before parting with my hard earned pennies.

[PushinPolys]

Chris, an important point to bear in mind is that until a couple of years ago 90% of Alpha models were home made but various changes in direction by "the management" and borrowing from Peter to pay Paul when Peter got sod all out of it is a reason why some have left of were kicked out for having an opinion.
Beware the trap of purchasing something that does not sell as well as you hoped thus starving you of funds to pay the suppliers of stuff that does and did not cost you sod all. With pre-purchased models whoever they are from you take a big gamble and if another version comes out you’re sunk.
There was a beta forum at Alpha when I was there but I do not know if it is still in place but some releases were as much as a surprise to many there as the customer. Seems to me if you can't trust your team you are rapidly going to be a one man side or paranoia sets in.

[PushinPolys]

The abouve post was in responce to Chris Sykes not Chris H as he jumped in with a reply while I was editing

[Quixoticish]

Sorry. ;-)

[Ben Hartmann]

I personally couldn't care less where the developers get their models as long as the final quality of the finished product is of a quality that suits the price

Chris if the developers do buy a 3DS model in (These are not cheap), then coverting the model & animations to work as they should within FS, and then getting TSS to put in a custom soundpack specifically for that model, then obviously the need to (a) recouperate their cost spent and (b) make a profit...... regardless of the quality or cost to the consumer.....
..........but then again when the product doesn't work as it should do.....thats where the trouble is

Rgds

Ben