I was interested in getting this sim, but what is the difference between the downloadble Free to Play vs the retail packaged one? Is the retail one a better deal, do you get everything? Or are you just paying for the same as the free one?

$$$

Free one is the same game with just 2 flyables. Or is it 4? I think just 2. Other than that, all other game features are present.

If you like it enough, you can pay to "upgrade" to the ICE version, which is to say you'll unlock like 7 more planes. Beyond that, each plane is a la carte, but I think the stock ICE gives a great overview of the setup. The free "1 plane per side" version is too limited for me personally, but then I have all the planes.



The Jedi Master

I dunno, free to play with Alb DII and DIII will give you a very nice campaign experience and get you in most servers online for very little outlay

I think you get the DVa and Spad 13 for free play. Originally if you purchased the pre-ICE game you also got the DVII and N28. It's a good game. You can do well in the DVa or Spad if they are flown well but that is true of most of the planes.

Thanks. So it sounds like it is a wash. Start with free version and buy extra planes if desired, but cost will probably end up about the same in the end?

There are discounts when you buy more than one plane at a time.

There are also occasional sales on the older planes. So if you time it right, you can get them cheap.



The Jedi Master