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#3427070 - 11/06/11 02:29 AM Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements ***  
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EvilBivol-1 Offline
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LA
In response to requests for a more comprehensive list of features in Black Shark-2, here is a compilation of primary changes relative to A-10C v.1.1.0.9 and Black Shark v.1.0.2. Please note this isn't an actual changelog, as that would take pages upon pages of bug fixes and new features. We hope this provides users with a better overview of some of the work completed since the last update to Black Shark, as well as the changes introduced to the engine since the last update of DCS: A-10C Warthog.

Quote:
Black Shark 2 List of Improved Features

List of primary changes between Black Shark 2 and A-10C v.1.1.0.9:

- Player controlled Ka-50
- Ka-50 cockpit in improved and more efficient EDM format
- Dynamic cockpit shadows
- Adjusted rotor effects for the Ka-50 flight model
- Network compatibility with DCS: A-10C Warthog
- Improved helicopter AI (HAI):
----- When analyzing a tactical situation, the HAI will take in account all threats, not only the target that the HAI is engaging.
----- If it's possible to engage targets from a safe distance, the HAI will not fly close to threats.
----- If it appears that the HAI is not at a safe position, for example too close to enemy air defenses, the HAI will fly away from the threat(s) and then start engaging targets from safe a distance.
----- If it appears impossible to engage targets from safe distance, the HAI will make only one short attack (one missile launch / rocket salvo or cannon burst per run) from maximum range of that weapon and then break away to make a new attack if required. This reduces fire effectiveness, but greatly increases HAI survival when engaging targets with cannon or rockets.
----- HAI will not hover in an unsafe location.
----- If high-priority targets are screened by low-priority targets that make it impossible to attack high-priority targets from safe distance, the HAI will attack low-priority targets first to break the screen. In other words, if you have line of enemy APCs and tanks at 4 km and enemy AAA and SAMs at 12 km, the HAI will engage those APCs and tanks first. No more flying over the enemies' heads.
----- Jinking defensive maneuvering has been added. When flying in the WEZ of AAA, tanks, and APCs, the HAI will fly at high speed and jink. Of course, HAI will not jink when aiming at a target.
- New, 15-mission Ka-50 campaign "Medved-2"
- Updated and improved Georgian Oil War campaign
- New voiceovers for Russian radio entities
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia factions to the ME
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia borders to the ME map
- A number of unit skins for Abkhazia and South Ossetia
- Flag Equals, Flag Equals Flag, and Flag Less Than Flag trigger conditions
- Group MSG (message), Group SND (sound) trigger actions
- Animated cirrus cloud layer
- Higher resolution textures for a number of ground objects
- Improved smoke effects
- Improved FARP texture
- Updated GUI manual

List of changes between Black Shark 2 and Black Shark v.1.0.2:

Improved graphics:

- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Cockpit dynamic shadows
- Soft self-shadows
- Tree shadows
- Normal maps
- Animated cirrus cloud layer
- 3D and transparent water
- Low altitude clutter
- Improved airbases
- Improved FARP texture

Improved sound

- Implemented surround sound support.
- Many new and revised sound samples provide a more rich and accurate audio environment.

Improved gameplay

- Network compatibility with DCS: A-10C Warthog.
- Ability to take-off from ships (ships pitch and roll depending on wind strength (sea state)).
- AI radio traffic can be heard when tuned to the correct radio frequency.
- Mission Briefing and Debriefing available in-flight.

Expanded theater of operations

- The map now covers terrain further east to include the region of South Ossetia, center of the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia, as well as additional Russian and Georgian territory. The newly covered area provides a variety of terrain types, 5 new airbases, highly detailed cities, and a number of radio navigation beacons.

Mission Editor improvements

- Group properties interface that allows for in-depth AI scripting of a variety of behavior options, such as waypoint or trigger-based task execution, rules of engagement settings, readiness states, attack conditions, orbiting and holding points, etc.
- Ability to lock either arrival times or travel speeds for AI routes.
- Ability to copy and paste groups
- New ground group formation options
- Improved trigger menu interface includes cloning, trigger re-ordering, and OR rules.
- 32 new trigger conditions and 19 new triggers actions.
- Ability to set AI aircraft to spawn at mission start, but delay start-up.
- Added Abkhazia and South Ossetia factions.
- New active ground units:
----- 9B11 Mortar
----- Variety of armed stationary objects (house, barracks, blockpost, tower)

Mission Generator

- The mission generator utilizes a wide collection of force templates placed throughout the map to generate a randomized mission based on the player's desired mission location and options. Force templates can be edited and created within the Mission Editor.

Improved AI

- Helicopter AI (HAI)

----- When analyzing a tactical situation, the HAI will take in account all threats, not only the target that the HAI is engaging.
----- If it's possible to engage targets from a safe distance, the HAI will not fly close to threats.
----- If it appears that the HAI is not at a safe position, for example too close to enemy air defenses, the HAI will fly away from the threat(s) and then start engaging targets from safe a distance.
----- If it appears impossible to engage targets from safe distance, the HAI will make only one short attack (one missile launch / rocket salvo or cannon burst per run) from maximum range of that weapon and then break away to make a new attack if required. This reduces fire effectiveness, but greatly increases HAI survival when engaging targets with cannon or rockets.
----- HAI will not hover in an unsafe location.
----- If high-priority targets are screened by low-priority targets that make it impossible to attack high-priority targets from safe distance, the HAI will attack low-priority targets first to break the screen. In other words, if you have line of enemy APCs and tanks at 4 km and enemy AAA and SAMs at 12 km, the HAI will engage those APCs and tanks first. No more flying over the enemies' heads.
----- Jinking defensive maneuvering has been added. When flying in the WEZ of AAA, tanks, and APCs, the HAI will fly at high speed and jink. Of course, HAI will not jink when aiming at a target.

- Plane AI (PAI)

----- AI-fighters will now always try to launch AA missile when the target has entered into its no-escape zone. However, AI-fighters will fire missile immediately if it appears the fighter is losing first-launch superiority.

- Ground Unit AI

----- Ground units are able to cross streams.
----- Ground units will by-pass destroyed bridges and seek alternate routes.
----- Ground groups will disperse when attacked.
----- Some ground groups will pop smoke when attacked.
----- NVG capability was removed from MANPAD SAMs.

Dynamic weather

- Dynamic weather conditions can be set for the mission based on a number of weather fronts and pressure differentials. Winds and cloud formations are calculated dynamically during the mission based on the fronts settings. This makes it possible, for example, to see precipitation in one part of the map and relatively clear skies in another.

New or improved 3D models:

- Air units
----- A-10A
----- A-10C
----- An-26
----- An-30
----- C-130
----- E-2
----- E-3
----- F-15C
----- F-15E
----- KC-135
----- L-39
----- Mi-8
----- Mi-26

- Ground units

----- 9S80 radar vehicle
----- HEMTT TFFT fire-fighting truck
----- LVTP-7
----- Patriot SAM site units
----- SA-11 SAM site units
----- SA-3 SAM site units
----- Russian infantryman

- Naval units

----- Pr. 1241.1 Molniya
----- Ticonderoga-class cruiser
------ Oliver H. Perry-class frigate

- Other

----- Fuel tank depot

Active Pause

- The active pause feature allows you to pause the simulation, while continuing to work with cockpit controls.

Campaigns

- A new 15-mission campaign features a variety of missions with some randomization elements and voice-over messages. The campaign takes places in the South Ossetia region and is very loosely based on the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia.
- Updated and improved Georgian Oil War campaign.

GUI

- Added sliders to control tree and ground clutter draw distances.
- Added software Multisample Anti-aliasing (MSAA) settings.
- Added an exporting function to the Input Options menu to export all mapped command to a text file.
- Added Misc. tab with various game options, including view restriction options for multiplayer.


EB
Belsimtek/TFC Associate
http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com
Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#3427080 - 11/06/11 02:36 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
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Unix Offline
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Unix  Offline
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Good list of changes; definitely a lot of work went into this update (well worth the $20.00). Any news on the fixed installer so people that are having issues with the installer not detecting their Black Shark version 1.0.0 and Steam installations can play the title?


Home Built PC: Windows 7 Professional x64, AMD Phenom II 920, 4GB Ram,2x Western Digital 320GB HD, GTX 480, Creative Sound Blaster Audigy, Saitek X-52 Pro, 2x Acer 20" monitor.
#3427085 - 11/06/11 02:43 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
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EvilBivol-1 Offline
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LA
Unfortunately no definitive news. We are working to resolve the problem ASAP. I do apologize, obviously nobody wants to buy a product they cannot use and we understand this.


EB
Belsimtek/TFC Associate
http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com
#3427096 - 11/06/11 03:00 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
Joined: Sep 2000
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citizen guod Offline
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citizen guod  Offline
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Posts: 22,095
Thanks EvilBivol.


Wisdom is knowing what's enough
#3427196 - 11/06/11 06:54 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
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teeps Offline
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Norfolk, UK
Originally Posted By: EvilBivol-1
Unfortunately no definitive news. We are working to resolve the problem ASAP. I do apologize, obviously nobody wants to buy a product they cannot use and we understand this.


I'm sure this won't be a popular idea with ED, but if the new installer is proving troublesome how about giving people who have already paid for the patch edition a serial for the full installer? That would be a great gesture and end the frustration for those of us who cannot install BS2. Obviously if we're a matter of hours away from the new installer this won't be necessary, but I'm beginning to wonder if this is going to take a while longer than first expected.

#3427432 - 11/06/11 04:33 PM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
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PedroF Offline
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PedroF  Offline
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I've compared the new manual with the previous extended/paper manual, and compiled the following errata with the changes I found. Very little changed besides the order of the comms menu.

Paper Manual Errata.docx

There is a new Airdromes data table at section 15-02 that I've not copied over...

Also the training videos are the same (.ogv with equal sizes to the byte) so all the training material from BS1 should apply to BS2.

#3434231 - 11/15/11 03:53 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
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flyboy77 Offline
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So in a sense BS2 is just a patched up BS1.


NXZT Phantom case,core i7-975 oc 4.2,6gbcrucal ballistics ram at 1900 mhz,radeon HD5850 windows 7




#3434578 - 11/15/11 06:02 PM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: flyboy77]  
Joined: Dec 2002
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enigma6584 Offline
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enigma6584  Offline
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Originally Posted By: flyboy77
So in a sense BS2 is just a patched up BS1.


No...it's not.

#3437293 - 11/19/11 02:41 PM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: flyboy77]  
Joined: Nov 2011
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shadowze Offline
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shadowze  Offline
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The Emerald Isle
Originally Posted By: flyboy77
So in a sense BS2 is just a patched up BS1.


Pretty Much
When BS1 was originally released it was supposed to be a modular software
design so that other aircraft could be added easily , as time went on
this became quote "An ambition"

They took all the changes and graphics engine updates that
went into DCS A10-C (which you might have already bought)
and they decided not to call it a patch but an "upgrade" and
to charge for it again even tho you might already own all
these changes already with A-10C

Though they did fix some of the bugs they seems to have not
looked at some of the more important ones eg
you have a helicopter "sim" that you can fly through trees .....
But that is not a realism breaking problem ... is it ?

But Iam sure a new paid for patch will fix the outstanding ones


I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
Voltaire
Customer feedback (how not to) * 1 Closed * 2 Closed * 3 Closed * 4 Closed
#3437331 - 11/19/11 04:12 PM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: shadowze]  
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,429
enigma6584 Offline
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enigma6584  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,429
Wisconsin, USA
Originally Posted By: shadowze
Originally Posted By: flyboy77
So in a sense BS2 is just a patched up BS1.


Pretty Much
When BS1 was originally released it was supposed to be a modular software
design so that other aircraft could be added easily , as time went on
this became quote "An ambition"

They took all the changes and graphics engine updates that
went into DCS A10-C (which you might have already bought)
and they decided not to call it a patch but an "upgrade" and
to charge for it again even tho you might already own all
these changes already with A-10C

Though they did fix some of the bugs they seems to have not
looked at some of the more important ones eg
you have a helicopter "sim" that you can fly through trees .....
But that is not a realism breaking problem ... is it ?

But Iam sure a new paid for patch will fix the outstanding ones


bs_sign

#3463054 - 11/27/11 04:18 PM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: shadowze]  
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 36
Kondor999 Offline
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Kondor999  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 36
Oh, Please. Tell me, how are they supposed to pay for all this wonderful development? With your massive endowment of $50 all those years ago? These guys are still upgrading a 4 year old sim, and - let's see - you're complaining.

1. No one is forcing you to upgrade. As it is, Ka-50 is still the *best* heli sim ever made, and not by a small margin. They just made it even better for $20.

2. I am incredibly appreciative that ED continues to upgrade and polish this amazing simulator, which remains the only one of its type.

3. If it weren't for KA-50, LOFC2 and A-10C, this hobby would still be making do with old, ugly, buggy Falcon4 mods and drivel like HAWX.

4. I am happy to continue to finance, for a very small price, the continued survival of the only decent flight sim developer left on the planet. So far, every single product they have made has been absolutely outstanding.

Originally Posted By: shadowze
Originally Posted By: flyboy77
So in a sense BS2 is just a patched up BS1.


Pretty Much
When BS1 was originally released it was supposed to be a modular software
design so that other aircraft could be added easily , as time went on
this became quote "An ambition"

They took all the changes and graphics engine updates that
went into DCS A10-C (which you might have already bought)
and they decided not to call it a patch but an "upgrade" and
to charge for it again even tho you might already own all
these changes already with A-10C

Though they did fix some of the bugs they seems to have not
looked at some of the more important ones eg
you have a helicopter "sim" that you can fly through trees .....
But that is not a realism breaking problem ... is it ?

But Iam sure a new paid for patch will fix the outstanding ones

#3498759 - 01/20/12 01:07 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: PedroF]  
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 20
Vampyre Offline
Junior Member
Vampyre  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 20
North Wales uk
Originally Posted By: PedroF
I've compared the new manual with the previous extended/paper manual, and compiled the following errata with the changes I found. Very little changed besides the order of the comms menu.

Paper Manual Errata.docx

There is a new Airdromes data table at section 15-02 that I've not copied over...

Also the training videos are the same (.ogv with equal sizes to the byte) so all the training material from BS1 should apply to BS2.

this link not working
V

#3499030 - 01/20/12 08:29 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: Kondor999]  
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,235
tagTaken2 Offline
Member
tagTaken2  Offline
Member

Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,235
Gone
Originally Posted By: Kondor999
Oh, Please. Tell me, how are they supposed to pay for all this wonderful development? With your massive endowment of $50 all those years ago? These guys are still upgrading a 4 year old sim, and - let's see - you're complaining.

1. No one is forcing you to upgrade. As it is, Ka-50 is still the *best* heli sim ever made, and not by a small margin. They just made it even better for $20.

2. I am incredibly appreciative that ED continues to upgrade and polish this amazing simulator, which remains the only one of its type.

3. If it weren't for KA-50, LOFC2 and A-10C, this hobby would still be making do with old, ugly, buggy Falcon4 mods and drivel like HAWX.

4. I am happy to continue to finance, for a very small price, the continued survival of the only decent flight sim developer left on the planet. So far, every single product they have made has been absolutely outstanding.


Please form an orderly queue to sign up for access to subscription-based DCS products!

(1.) is the only accurate comment here.

And calling DCS the only decent flight sim developer left on the planet is insulting and hysterical.

#3885620 - 12/29/13 08:39 AM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 103
whukid Offline
Member
whukid  Offline
Member

Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 103
If anyone is wondering, the easiest (and cheapest) way I've found to get DCS products to work with steam is to buy them on the DCS site and copy the serial code to the Steam product key thing.

#3885728 - 12/29/13 04:55 PM Re: Black Shark 2 - List of Improvements [Re: EvilBivol-1]  
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Frederf Offline
Member
Frederf  Offline
Member

Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
I absolutely recommend that if you get and DCS product through Steam that you simply record the key and don't actually use Steam to get the data. You can get the patches immediately, can use torrents which are often faster than Steam, can decided where to install, one less layer of DRM to worry about, etc.


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