Thanks for the input guys!

I had a quick look at the Third Wire forums to explore the issues you mentioned. It seems the author is now focusing more on making a "game" that can be beaten rather than a "sim". I guess that's fine as long as I approach the games the right way.

I was initially thinking of grabbing SF-I, because I love the F-16, F-15 and the middle east scenario. However, I used to play Janes IAF years ago to death and I feel the setting will probably feel similar. Then I thought SF-E but it seemed a bit similar to the selection of fighters and setting in LockOn:Flaming Cliffs (Which I've just picked up too).

I think I will buy SF-vietnam. I've never flown a sim in Vietnam war and haven't really flown many 4th Generation fighters before. (Except in Janes IAF)

One question before I buy, What are the campaigns for these games like? Its a bit hard to find concrete info. Are they static? Dynamic? Does your pilot improve rank etc.?

SF2:V is good. I pretty much play that one stock + the latest Green Hell terrain mod.

The campaigns are limited dynamic. Basically, the campaign runs itself like a simple strategy game while giving you generated missions from 9 different types (depending on what plane you use). The missions will always be different, with different targets, enemies, friendlies and other missions going on at the same time. But, they do tend to feel very similar sometimes. Don't expect anything near as elaborate as Falcon 4.0 . Your success or failure will have an effect on the campaign, but with the historical campaigns in SF2:V, you're not going to change the overall outcome.

...and your pilot will progress in rank, get medals etc.

Thanks arthur, that sounds pretty good. I guess I'll try SF2:V and see how I like it.

So no more (player) weapons packs?


Either TK is gearing up for a multiplayer mode or he's lost it.

I don't know to what extent 3rd party weapons packs are affected by TK's decision, I haven't had the game installed since...well, I guess it was May.

PMIK, I would recommend downloading the AGXP Gold add-on from Combat Ace, for SF2V - makes it a lot better than stock.

I have to admit, I did find a lot of the missions very 'samey' in SF2V Rolling Thunder campaign (in my A-4), but once in the air the challenges were fun, especially trying to get back home alive being chased by MiGs etc.

Well, I've got 2E installed, but I rarely play it.The codebase from backintheday is dead, dead, dead. The odd times I've fired it up, I haven't noticed any difference though.

I actually think the "funnest" SF2 game is SF2: I. There's good variety in aircraft you can fly and the air seems more busy since everything is crammed into a smaller map.

I've been trying out SF2: NA and I've been a bit underwhelmed although I haven't given it much of a chance.

I picked up SF2:Europe over the weekend (and a couple of mods installed using GME) and am really enjoying it. Any recommendations for the other parts of the series to tack on?

Depends what you like - you could get expansion pack 2 for SF2E for more 50/60s stuff - or I would recommend SF2I and get Starys Israel Terrain mod from Combatace.com