The American release while delayed will still be an improvement over the GMX offering. Not only because some of the bugs, CTD's will have been resolved, just as a matter of course as with any new release. But more importantly they will be getting a full manual (god I hate PDF's) but, and this is my real gripe, some bean counter at GMX obviously thought that printing a smaller map and key card would save money. However, the expresion cutting noses and spitfull faces spings to mind, because the map at 10"x 8" loses a lot of it's function and the text on the key card is miniscule to the point of absurdity. The end result is akin to a plane with no wings, it won't fly, so a total waste of ink, a good idea that went bad in it's execution because the person making the call's didn't understand it's function.
So in the end I think the American's will win out because they will be getting a full sized map that may actualy prove usefull and a key card that is of similar size with legable text (Oh! and did I mention the manual ?).
I really wish the developers a lot of success with this sim, but so far I can't but help think the European publishers have let them down, even if I appreciate them bankrolling the development.

Mowgali

Well said Mowgali. 100% agreed.

WB.

Why there are twoi different versions of the game is beyond me. But that also shows that Shockwave somehow has lost control how their game is beeing distributed. It's their game and they decide what features are in the package, so GMX can't simply change everything, drop the manual and make everything smaler. That's a bit fishy.

As I've understood it - GMX has the rights to BoB, Shockwave are the developers. Right?

But why will the American version have the printed manual and maybe even a larger map? And if Mowgali is right, even an already patched version.

It really is a pity - but I guess it somewhat explains why the European version seems to be cheaper than the American one.

VF-2, the "English text error" may not even be an issue for the American version, but by the time they recieve thier copies a fix will probably have been found, which is not to say that the initial release in the States, unless it is withheld, will be a patched version. Shockwave is not GMX and obviously have gone down a different route with regards to what they consider important to selling a game. It is just my opinion that GMX (more flash less substance) have lost something in the translation between, a great idea and the cost/execution of that idea. I can understand GMX not wanting to produce a manual versus price point in the shops, however they were possiably less than frank with the differences from the Shockwave product with regards to the map and a less than ideal keycard, all for the want of a few penny's.

I think it might be a stretch to suggest that the Americans might get an already patched version, because the fix would have already been posted and ready for download, if indeed one exists at this time. I do agree, that someone dropped the ball on pointing out the differences between the final product, or maybe it was done in a very subtle way. A shame, for sure.

It s a bitter truth, but you hit the nail, Mowgali.

SW held the rights to ship what they wanted (within price points of course) in North America. Outside of that GMX held the rights and could choose what ever they wanted to go or not go with the game. The developers of course love the game and wanted everyone to have the best that they could offer. GMX, well they lean more to the bigger profit side (which is what business is generally about).

Lest we get ahead of ourselves, we in North America have yet to see the final product. :p
Here's hoping that the key cards are, at the very least, useable and that the area map is the promised 19 X 14. I won't even mention the manual...I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Ow my eyes hurt from squinting at the keycard, i give up and move on to random button pressing. Doh which key to bail out arrggg Boom!

lol
PS I need a new computer before i can run this game or is everyone having crashes?

I was under the impression that the US version was ready to go for the 26th, but the map wasn't ready? How can anything be fixed if the CD's are already made? I doubt they'll make new ones for some fixes when a patch would be cheaper.

First they have got to come up with a fix, before they can even dream of a patch. From everything I'v seen they are working hard on fixing things. If things look bigger and more clearer in the american version, I will make a point of scanning and setting up a download location. Still not as good as having the original, but at least something.

I'm not suggesting that new CD's will have to be made, just that a quick fix patch might be out by the time of the American release probably around the 2nd or 3rd, but as I said it may not even be an issue for the US version. Of course I,m refering to English text CTD's and poorframe rates on otherwise good computer systems. However if a major bug was discovered it is not unheard of for a delayed and patched release. Strike Fighter anyone !!!

I was going to offer to do the same thing JagdNeum. Ironically, I remember that I didn't get a key-card with the Rowan BOB and somebody in England sent me a scan copy of theirs. BTW, what part of Virginia are you from?

Payback for the Il2 poster europeans recieved in PF and americans didn't

Raz, I'm from Winchester, Virginia, upper Shenandoah Valley.

Hello all,

I'm a NA customer of SW product's and do look forward to BoB WoV in my mail box. I'm saddened to hear that the Euro box had no manual and other short comings. IMO, you need it.
Months ago, on a SW forum, Scott announced a detailed, printed manual would be provided. I was extremely happy with this news because I can't stand PDF manuals and with the game's increased capabilities and complexity, one would need a manual, detailed and easily accessible, to the game's many features.
It's evident in the various threads across different forums SW has some troubled customers. Many of these issues (like GFX and TIR set up) are addressed in the manual. Thus, without a "printed" manual, many people won't read the documentation and just start to fly and smack a tree. BTW, I do this too often.
I feel confident SW will resolve the bugs and, together with the community, evolve this sim into a very satisfying experience. They have a proven track record.
Snip

I spent some time in Norfolk/VA Beach area for a couple of years myself JagdNeum. Never made it in that part of the state though.

What IL2 poster Leadspitter? Someone have a link of pic?