But is BMS as stable as AF? Not starting an argument. Really just curious. AF was always very stable for me, especially in MP. How far has BMS come in this regard?

IMO, it's as stable as AF. Alot of VFWs think so too as there are some that are now transitioning from AF to BMS as their main MP vehicle. You don't see that with FF.

OK, I'm ready to drink the BMS koolaid.

Just checking to make sure I can still have AF in the HD without any problems.
Slow learner here and I'd like backup for a while.

You can run AF and BMS on the same PC - they are totally separate sims.


BMS needs the original Falcon 4.0 disk for install (no need to actually install it though)

I have been playing various versions of F4 on and off since it was released, although I have been using AF exclusively since 2005. You can't beat F4AF for rock solid stability in the campaigns, especially compared to earlier versions.

But I digress. I installed BMS 4.32 to see what the fuss is about. First of all, congratulations to the team, BMS 4.32 looks very professional, installs easily and the configuration options are easy to figure out. I was up and flying in a few minutes. It is nice to see the F4 adventure is still going strong 12 years after it was released.....plus you can't beat the price.

However, I have a few questions. I saw all the enclosed documentation, but have not had a chance to plow through it.

1. graphics: it does not look that different from AF and the water and 3d pit does not look like the screenshots on the BMS site. Are there certain config options that have to be turned on to achieve that look? The HDR box is checked in the config options, but I left HDR bloom at the default 7 position in the in game menu.

2. radio frequency: I see I now have to tune in to a particular UHF radio frequency to contact the Tower. Question is, how do I find said frequency? is it available in game or do is there a list we can print up?

I have seen many people saying the graphics are not like in the pictures, but since noone has ever posted a pic of their own for comparison, I never understood if something was wrong with their settings or.. with their eyes :p anyway, there are quite a few options in the config editor you need to turn on, most important are the ones under shader rendering. A screenshot from the game running on your PC and of your settings would be useful.

Now that I think about it... many here have reported that the cockpit doesn't look like in the pics, doesn't look that good and generally the graphics are not that improved from AF. I'm starting to think there is an alternate hacked BMS version with crappy graphics floating around, lol.



Red Dog's site has everything you need: http://users.skynet.be/bs999158/F4download_navigation.htm

So... does it not look like this, or do you not think this is much different from AF? I have HDR off btw.

That is exactly what I am seeing, but the water looks flat. In the screenshots I have seen, you could see dynamic light reflections off the water.



Since my post, I realized you could zoom in and move around the cockpit. I will have to play around with that.

Again, not trying to criticize, I just want to make sure I have the game setup properly to maximise the graphics.

Reflections are there, you can see them in my pics. Maybe I don't exactly understand what you mean? If you could link the screenshots you are talking about it could be made more clear perhaps. It depends on the viewing angle and distance probably, also objects are reflected as well though there is nothing to reflect in my pic (like clouds etc).

The effect is more pronounced here, do you mean something like this?






That's my goal too, I just read what I wrote again, I hope I didn't sound sarcastic at some point

yes, exactly, guess I have to spend more time with it.

After spending some time now with BMS 4.32, I have to say I am very impressed. The graphics: dynamic water reflections, clouds, Hi-res 3d cockpit, dynamic lighting/shadows are impressive and comparable to more recent sims like RoF or SF2. The graphics remind a lot of Flanker/Lomac. I have been doing many instrument landings in inclement weather just to admire the new fog, rain and runway lighting effects.

I also love the other innovations: being able to use TIR in 6DOF in the pit, the "sticky" area around the button/switches (very handy), the Data Transfer Cartridge to set everything up to your liking, working "TWS RAID" mode with the AIM-120 to name a few.

Of course, this being F4, I have had to go back to school, re-reading my F4 manual, looking up the new BMS procedures and trying to implement them with the training missions, all of which I see have been remade.

I was recently caught in a close in dogfight with a MIG-29 feeling part dread since the AI is a killer, part stupidity for letting him get so close. We were both flying loops close to the ground. I was frantically trying to keep my eyes on him and maintain SA so I would not plow into the ground. I kept being distracted by the water reflections, the way shadows played in the 3d cockpit, how good the MIG model looked everytime he passed by....man, it has been a long time since I was so enthusiastic about getting back into F4.

congrats to the whole BMS team.

Been playing AF for long, and still happy with it. Just recently heard about these FF5 and DBS, though. I'm afraid both are no go for me. I have all receipe for disaster for FF5 (Win7 64 and GeForce 210 vga). And I don't have original F4 to required to install BMS. Too bad, since I heard FF5 boasts carrier ops as one of its features.. Probably anyone knows about any carrier ops mod for AF? Thanks.

I just got my copy of Falcon 4.0 in the mail! Will be switching over from AF soon.

I'm a long time AF flyer as well, in fact I'm still finishing my current campaign before completing the switch to BMS. I've not heard of working carrier ops in AF I'm afraid, but they work great in BMS.

I think you'll want to get a copy of the original F4 for BMS - look what's being worked on for BMS:






http://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?7248-BMS-F18-A-and-C-upgrade-community-involvement

I see.. Getting F4 is the only way, then. Gotta wait until 2012, though. My gaming budget is already expended for Arma2 CO, Skyrim and Deus Ex, LOL. But I'll get it for sure. Those screenies are impossible for mere mortals to resist!
Thanks.

I don't see how you guys can play so many different games. I guess it depends on if your single or not.

You kinda hurt me there, LOL. But maybe it's true. Being a man and not married sure feels like I have so much free times for my hobby.

Didn't mean to magic, just wondering. I know some wives and girlfriends are nice. I just can't play to many games cause it's too many buttons and commands to try to remember.

Is there manual for the multiple target engagement for BMS?
If not, would you kindly teach us about it?