I see pre-orders are getting access to multiplayer beta:

http://worthplaying.com/article/2009/11/16/news/70239/

It's also on the yuPlay site where you can pre-order. I'm guessing it'll be a download. The beta should start sometime this week.

Great!

The P51 cockpits they put up are stunning IMHO. http://www.airwargame.com/eng/planes/usa/23/

Do I assume correctly that in full sim mode your only point of view is from the pilots seat and that the cockpit can not be made 'see through'?

Correct.

This kinda reminds me of one of my old favorites Janes WW2.

If it's HALF as good as that was, I'll be happy with it. Got JWW2 when it first came out and was hooked on it, for years. Took me a long time to quit it and move over to IL-2.

JWW2 had a great immersion level. I hope Wings of Prey has this as well because IL-2 just never struck me that way.

Immersion is so important. WWII Fighters and European Air War were both packed with immersion. For some reason, perhaps cultural, some developers focus more on technical accuracy/proficiency. They don't understand that some cultures love an environment filled with immersion as much as technical brilliance. IL2 is an amazing sim. It is technically excellent, but it lacks immersion. I don't think Oleg and 1C really understand what that means from a flight sim perspective.

The easiest way I can explain what I mean by immersion (Others may feel differently) is this: technical brilliance is like going to bed with the most genetically perfect and beautiful female you've ever seen. But she just lays there. She doesn't move; she doesn't make a sound. She has no personality, makes no interesting conversation (no sexy talk). But she's great to look at and her physical dimensions are perfect. Despite her beauty, one night with her is about all it takes before the fascination begins to wane. Eventually, her perfect looks no longer motivate you. You might as well make love to an inflatable doll.

Immersion would go like this: she's very attractive but not "technically" perfect. But she's a hot tamale. Smiling, writhing, wrestling, talking a blue streak. Nails across your back. Ride 'em cowboy. She's exciting! You can't get enough. You come back over and over again. Her few physical flaws don't matter. In fact, a flaw or two gives her character. She's interesting. A keeper.

IL2 is the first kind of lady. WW2 and EAW represent the second kind. If they're the same age, it's no contest which I'm going to prefer.