Longbow Combat-Helo, a secret no more.



After many stops and starts, time off for good behaviour and months of hard work we thought you'd like a sneak-peek at where we're at.

The team started on a fresh project, planed and budgeted in September of last year. There have been a few problems along the way but we're picking up the pace once more. The first flight test took place early December ( YouTube video ).

We have a lot of "gravy" to add, but it's all very exciting. I love it when a plan comes together.

Longbow CH features the ETADS Longbow in a modern setting and assuming we can claw back the investment somehow we hope to make more aircraft and theatres available.

You can follow updates on the combat-helo indie group progress at http://combathelo.blogspot.com/

I've read (and subscribed) your blog, and I'm really impressed with all things you did.

I believe LCH will include Afghanistan map, right? Do you plan mission editor (maybe as external application - like in Thirdwire simulators), or additional map support?

I wish you best luck with your project!

Mike

This is good news, thanks for posting. love the "Explore on Foot" part shown in the video, i can see a lot of potential for SFs missions etc.

@empeck It's a team effort and I'm really happy with everyone's efforts. The map is the north west region of Afghanistan around the city of Herat ( Wiki link )

The nature of the way we've designed and built LCH is that we can add any number of new maps (each being 40x40km).

Not decided on the nature of editing just yet. What I wanted and what we can deliver in an acceptable time-frame are not compatible. We have plans beyond this title. Players will be able to edit missions, the real-time factional nature of the campaign is such that your assignments will greatly shape the progression.

And I love Tachikomas too

@HawkI

On foot is how you start and navigate your base options. If crews have to perform an emergency landing they may exit their aircraft and await rescue. We will ensure all pilots are equipped with flares and standard issue automatics.

These situations allow us to leverage the fly/walk capability and the impressive lighting system offered by the differed rendering 3D engine. We intend to play to our strengths.

Wow, is this a totally new project or is it a major re-write of Janes LB2? Either way it looks impressive, looking forward to flying it.

Ripcord

It is a totally new project, utilizing the Leadwerks 3D engine.

Very cool! I thought this project had been abandoned long ago. I'm glad to see it's still in the works.

I was just curious how did your team designed everything around the game engine. In Whirlwind over Vietnam everything including missions was hardcoded, and that's biggest problem with this title.

I believe everyone loves Tachikomas

It's safe to say we won't be going down that road.

Cheers

Too right (AD is the projects lean mean model machine).



Missions and maps are data driven, simple as that. LUA scripting lets us do interesting things without having to hit a compiler. You *will* be able to edit your own missions. I want to include a seamless edit system in-game but will *probably* be externalised due to time constraints.

I was a proud owner of a "Reset the World" button coffee mug till it broke. It was handmade by my wife. *sniff* Always brought a smile to my face.