Quick Review: DCS World Steam Edition (Free Version)

Game Title: DCS World Steam Edition
Game Type: Hardcore Flight Simulation
Platform: Steam
My Game Time: 157.4 hours

Hey all! Welcome to my quick look series looking at games that I'm currently playing and providing a verdict on whether these games are worth your time. The format of the series is an introduction to the game with a brief summary of what to expect. The game is given a verdict out of 5 stars. A full review may follow (Scored out of 100).

Game Description
Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) 2.5 is a free-to-play digital battlefield game and simulation environment. Our dream is to offer the most authentic and realistic simulation of military aircraft, tanks, ground vehicles and ships possible. This free download includes a vast mission area of the Caucasus region and Black Sea that encompasses much of Georgia. It also includes a flyable Russian Sukhoi Su-25T ground attack aircraft and the famous WWII North American TF-51D fighter. An additional 25 aircraft are available for purchase.

My Summary
One of the most addictive games I have every played and an incredible simulation. Important to remember that this is still a game! The game does suffer from a variety of bugs and is a very expensive hobby to break into past the free version of the game. However this remains one of the most rewarding games you can play on any platform.

Review
The game comes with a variety of missions types including a Campaign mode , Instant Action and training missions. The free version includes two planes: a low fidelity (non clickable cockpit) Su 25T and a high fidelity (clickable cockpit) TF-51. Both can be used to understand and learn the flight mechanics of the game, though are somewhat limited in the long run. The game also comes with one free map based on the Georgina Caucuses, which is an excellent introduction to the capabilities of the game world.

The graphics of the game are some of the best I have ever witnessed once you take to the sky. On the runway they can sometimes be a little blocky on the free map provided. However as most of your time is spent in the sky they are extremely impressive once flying which really helps with the immersion factor of the game. This is where the game shines. The immersion you experience is some of the best in any game and cannot be rivalled by other games. This all comes with a steep learning curve as you need to learn all the button mapping for the planes throughout a number of training missions for each plane. The systems of the plane then have to be learnt separately such as launching guided missiles or attacking with unguided rockets. All this requires some serious effort on the players behalf! This is all well worth it in my opinion as the game rewards the user with an experience like no other. I'm almost too addicted!

The game also has a multiplayer mode where you can take part in PVE or PVP skirmishes online. This is all available free on steam where if you choose you can add to the game with other modules. This is an expensive route to take as the FA-18C Hornet for example currently costs 73.99 standalone. You can buy older lower fidelity modules for around 13.99 and that is all I have done so far. I have added to my collection with the Mig-29 and SU-33. I also splashed out on a Thrustmaster H.O.T.A.S costing 150 euro! This has improved my enjoyment of the game immensely. I plan to purchase a full fidelity module and map in the near future.

Quick Verdict: ***** 5/5 Stars
An expensive hobby to get into but ultimately one of the best games I have ever played on any platform.

Have a good one!

Lrev