08-07-2005, 09:02 AM
I definetely think the ol' 2D panels should be abandoned in FS10. Racing simulations used to have just 2D sprite panels but now
virtually all have 3D equivalents of "virtual cockpits" which have the slight motion and really add a sense of realism if they are well made.
The main problem with VCs at the moment in Flightsim is that they are not really that great quality, even on the defaut models and some
addons have appauling or no VCs. Even in some of the standard aircraft there are sections with bad textures, with controls on them that
are required to fly properly - like in a situation running FsP. Therefore what I am saying is that many lack functionality of a 2D panel. Some
people may argue that 3D panels would be too complicated for large airliners with many buttons to recreate accurately with working
instruments, however some addon developers have actually created VCs providing similar frame rates to 2D panels and even more
functionality. Also in VCs all of the controls are in the real places, so using trackIR or just by looking round using the mouse you can use
all controls (without opening up new windows all the time and look around for other aircraft more realistically. I think if this was done as
the only panel option, people would put time and effort into virtual cockpits so they would be as good in functionality and have all the other
advantages over 2D panels.
Anyway, thats my 2cents
virtually all have 3D equivalents of "virtual cockpits" which have the slight motion and really add a sense of realism if they are well made.
The main problem with VCs at the moment in Flightsim is that they are not really that great quality, even on the defaut models and some
addons have appauling or no VCs. Even in some of the standard aircraft there are sections with bad textures, with controls on them that
are required to fly properly - like in a situation running FsP. Therefore what I am saying is that many lack functionality of a 2D panel. Some
people may argue that 3D panels would be too complicated for large airliners with many buttons to recreate accurately with working
instruments, however some addon developers have actually created VCs providing similar frame rates to 2D panels and even more
functionality. Also in VCs all of the controls are in the real places, so using trackIR or just by looking round using the mouse you can use
all controls (without opening up new windows all the time and look around for other aircraft more realistically. I think if this was done as
the only panel option, people would put time and effort into virtual cockpits so they would be as good in functionality and have all the other
advantages over 2D panels.
Anyway, thats my 2cents