MadTommy
16-03-10, 12:05
THE FIGHTER COLLECTION AND EAGLE DYNAMICS TO RELEASE LOCK ON: FLAMING CLIFFS 2.0 UPGRADE
DUXFORD, UK, November 17, 2009 – The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics will release Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 in early 2010. This will be an upgrade to the unofficial Lock On: Flaming Cliffs add-on. Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will feature all the flyable aircraft of Lock On: Flaming Cliffs and include several fan-requested upgrades to aircraft, sensor, and weapon systems. Lock On: Flaming Cliffs combines a large stable of modern U.S. and Russian aircraft to fly over Russia and Georgia with game play for both casual and hardcore flight simulation enthusiasts.
Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will feature the same world environment and game functionality as the Digital Combat Simulation (DCS) series and will be online compatible with the Ka-50 attack helicopter simulation DCS: Black Shark www.digitalcombatsimulator.com. Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will allow Lock On pilots and Black Shark pilots to now fly online together in both cooperative and head-to-head online play.
The Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade for owners of Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 1.12 will be available for sale as a download from the Eagle Dynamics Lock On web site. http://lockon.co.uk/. The upgrade will first be released in English and Russian with French, German, and Spanish versions to follow.
By using the DCS environment, Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 users will have improved terrain, mission editor, AI flight models, 3D objects, artificial intelligence (AI), and multiplayer. The aircraft of Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will include:
• Su-25 (new 3D model)
• Su-25T
• A-10A
• Su-27
• Su-33
• MiG-29A
• MiG-29C
• F-15C
Several new missions and campaigns will be included in Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0.
Q&A
Q: What new features does the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade add?
A: The following features are added:
- Runs under DirectX 9C
- Improved Mission Editor with trigger system
- New terrain area to include much of Georgia. This will be same map as used in DCS: Blacks Shark. As such the Crimea has been replaced with the addition of Georgia.
- More detailed terrain to include more ground objects, larger forests, and higher resolution elevation data
- Improved clouds
- High resolution airfield textures
- Improved multiplayer system with embedded game browser
- More robust online cheating prevention
- New and improved menu system
- Numerous new, highly detailed ground units including infantry
- More accurate flight data that controls flight performance of player-controlled aircraft. This is true for both Russian and U.S. aircraft.
- Improved flight models for all artificial intelligence (AI) controlled aircraft
- New, more realistic G-tolerance modeling
- Limited 6 DOF cockpits that move up, down and sideways according to maneuvering
- Heads Up Dispay (HUD) now modeled as collimated and focused to infinity for all player-controlled aircraft.
- New and highly-detailed Su-25 model
- Advanced ballistics are implemented for all flyable aircraft, including ricochets of AP rounds
- F-15C locked target IFF indication
- More realistic ranges, seeker guidance and fuzes for air-to-air missiles
- More realistic electronic countermeasure operation and performance
- New and improved sound engine
- New radio message voice-overs
Q: Will my Flaming Cliffs 1.12 missions work with Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Due to a change in the world location and mission editor, they will not. However, when installing the upgrade you have the option to create both Flaming Cliffs 1.12 and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 parallel installs. Flaming Cliffs 1.12 and the upgraded Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will not be online compatible.
Q: Will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 and DCS: Black Shark be online compatible?
A: Yes! You will now be able to fly head-to-head and cooperatively with players flying the Ka-50.
Q: Is a player flyable Ka-50 included in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: No. To fly the Ka-50 you must own DCS: Black Shark. However, AI-controlled Ka-50 helicopters are included in Flaming Cliffs 2.0.
Q: What mission content will be included in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Each aircraft will have several new single missions and new Su-25 and A-10A campaigns will be included.
Q: Will new documents be provided?
A: Yes. A new Flaming Cliffs manual will be provided as well as a new Install Guide.
Q: Will 3rd party modifications created for Flaming Cliffs 1.12 work in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Yes, in most cases. However, some minor modifications made need to be made for 3rd party-created aircraft.
Q: What operating systems will be supported?
A: Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Q: What copy protection will be used?
A: StarForce online activation (only) will be used. Based on the success of DCS: Black Shark protection, we feel this provides the best compromise of user-friendliness and protection of property. Unlike the reported hardware problems reported with an earlier version of StarForce applied to the original Flaming Cliffs, no such issues have been reported with the current online activation method that does not install any drivers to the user’s computer.
Q: When will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be available?
A: We plan to make the upgrade available for download from the Eagle Dynamics website in early 2010. http://lockon.co.uk/
Q: How much will this upgrade cost?
A: $14.99 USD
Q: Will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 use the same "engine" as Black Shark?
A: It would be more accurate to say that both Flaming Cliffs 2.0 and Black Shark use the same generation of The Fighter Collection Simulation Engine (TFCSE). This was done not only to improve the Flaming Cliffs series in many key areas, but to also allow multi-player compatibility between the two brand series. Given this, they share many things in common, including:
• Map and airbases
• Multiplayer and network code (sorry, no dedicated server yet)
• Log Book
• Encyclopedia
• AI units and AI actions
• Track file system
• Options
• Mission Editor
• Campaign Editor
• Modding openness
• World lighting and shadowing
• TripleHead2Go support
• Force feedback implementation
• Monitor resolution support
Q: What are the system specifications for Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: The same as for Black Shark. For most users, the game will run faster than Flaming Cliffs 1.12 due to TFCSE optimizations.
Minimum system requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7; CPU P4 2 GHz; RAM 2 GB; video card 256 MB RAM, compatible with DirectX 9; 5 GB HDD space; sound card; keyboard and mouse.
Recommended system requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7, CPU Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD X2; RAM 3 GB; video card with 512 MB RAM (ATI Radeon HD4850+ or nVidia GF8800+), compatible with DirectX 9; 5 GB of HDD space; sound card; keyboard and mouse; and joystick.
Q: If I install the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade to an existing copy of Flaming Cliffs, will I still need the original Flaming Cliffs CD to launch it and still go through activation?
A: No, only the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 protection system would be used.
Q: Will the upcoming DCS: A-10C Warthog be online compatible with Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: We do not know yet as DCS: A-10C Warthog is still in development.
Q: Can I port Flaming Cliffs missions into Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: No, due to significant changes in the map and Mission Editor.
Q: Will a combined package of Lock On and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be released?
A: This is possible and something that is under investigation with Ubisoft (owners of intellectual property rights of Lock On).
Q: Will it be possible to build missions in both Black Shark and Flaming Cliffs FC 2.0 and use them interchangeably?
A: For the most part yes, but some mission modification would probably be needed due to a different set of flyable aircraft.
Q: Will all Flaming Cliffs 2.0 flyable aircraft now have the Advance Flight Model (AFM) system?
A: The Su-25 and Su-25T most certainly will and will have some performance tweaks. The other aircraft will have the Standard Flight Model (SFM) but will see more realistic performance in regards to such items as climb rates, acceleration, and top speeds.
Q: What if I do not have a copy of Flaming Cliffs to upgrade to Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Likely in the Spring of 2010 we will release Flaming Cliffs 2.0 of DVD. This version will be a complete Flaming Cliffs 2.0 install but will still require Lock On to be first installed. You can purchase Lock On at: http://www.kengray.co.uk/lockonbuy.htm
Q: What about including 3rd party models, textures, etc.?
A: While 3rd party developers are certainly free to add these to Flaming Cliffs 2.0 after release, they will not be integrated due to past issues attempting to use 3rd party content and legal issues.
Q: Will the released terrain tools be compatible with Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Yes.
Q: Will Black Shark and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be run from the same executable?
A: No, they are two separate programs. They only link together in regards to online compatibility.
Q: Has the performance of air-to-air missiles been improved?
A: Yes in regards to range, speed, fuze ranges, and counter-counter measure effectiveness. This includes both Russian, American, French, etc. missiles across the board. This is true for Active Radar Homing (ARH), Semi Active Radar Homing (SARH) and Infrared (IR) guided missiles for all sides. Additionally, to be more realistic, the R-27T/TE must be seeker locked before launch and have very limited "mad-dog" capability... just as the real systems. In a related manner, ECM burn-through ranges have been moved significantly out (based on aircraft type) and a 15 second ECM warm-up time has been added to address ECM blinking online.
Q: What are the payment options for Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Most major credit cards will be accepted through: http://lockon.co.uk/index.php?end_po...g=en&cat_sid=0
Q: Will the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 aircraft receive the same level of detail regarding navigation systems, lights, and radios as the Ka-50 in DCS: Black Shark?
A: No, that level of detail is reserved for the DCS series. Except for when indicted in this FAQ, Flaming Cliffs 2.0 aircraft will be as they are in Flaming Cliffs.
Q: Will multi-player aerial refueling be supported in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: As in Flaming Cliffs 1.12, the answer is no.
Q: Why are the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 limited 6 DOF and not full 6 DOF?
A: Unlike the Ka-50 cockpit in DCS: Black Shark, the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 cockpits are not full 3D in every aspect that allows unlimited 6 DOF movement around the cockpit. Yaw, pitch, and Z-axis are as they were in Flaming Cliffs, but X, Y, and roll are limited.
Q: Will the training tracks be updated?
A: Yes.
Q: Where will the boxed version of Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be available?
A: Outside of TFC website (http://www.kengray.co.uk/lockonbuy.htm), that has yet to be determined.
Q: If there are future Black Shark patches, will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 still be online compatible?
A: We will make every effort to retain this compatibility.
Q: What will be the activation limits for Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: 8 activations and 10 deactivations. Note that just reinstalling the game does NOT use an activation! An activation or deactivation is only used when there is a significant hardware or OS change. Even if the user has exhausted all of their activations and deactivations, more are provided with proof of purchase. If in the unfortunate circumstance Eagle Dynamics were to go out of business, our intent would be to release a final patch to remove copy protection.
Q: What would be the Flaming Cliffs upgrade paths be?
A: Either Lock On + Flaming Cliffs unofficial add-on (you would not have to activate) + Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade or Lock On + Flaming Cliffs 2.0 DVD.
Q: Is it true that bird ingestion has been added?
A: Yes, but it can be set on or off with .LUA setting.
Dear all,
As most of you are aware, the development of Flaming Cliffs 2 has taken much longer than expected. What was originally planned as a two month development cycle has turned into a nine month development cycle. This was primarily due to including much more new content than we had originally planned and an extended beta test period to clean up the product. We wanted to address as many community concerns about Flaming Cliffs as possible.
Unfortunately, time is money and the cost of development has far exceeded what was budgeted. As such, in order for us to at least break even on Flaming Cliffs 2 we have had to increase the sales price to $29.99 USD. This software will both upgrade Lock On to Flaming Cliffs 2 and Upgrade Flaming Cliffs to Flaming Cliffs 2.
We understand that some of you will be upset given the earlier sales price announcement and we apologize for having to make this alteration of our original plan. We do believe though that Flaming Cliffs 2 will be a great product and well worth the cost of admission.
Thanks,
Matt
__________________
Matt Wagner
Producer, TFC/Eagle Dynamics
I hope i'm not alone being excited by this release... (possible release later this week, 17th i think, tomorrow.)
I look forward to taking to the air in FC 2.0 :pilotfly:
DUXFORD, UK, November 17, 2009 – The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics will release Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 in early 2010. This will be an upgrade to the unofficial Lock On: Flaming Cliffs add-on. Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will feature all the flyable aircraft of Lock On: Flaming Cliffs and include several fan-requested upgrades to aircraft, sensor, and weapon systems. Lock On: Flaming Cliffs combines a large stable of modern U.S. and Russian aircraft to fly over Russia and Georgia with game play for both casual and hardcore flight simulation enthusiasts.
Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will feature the same world environment and game functionality as the Digital Combat Simulation (DCS) series and will be online compatible with the Ka-50 attack helicopter simulation DCS: Black Shark www.digitalcombatsimulator.com. Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will allow Lock On pilots and Black Shark pilots to now fly online together in both cooperative and head-to-head online play.
The Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade for owners of Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 1.12 will be available for sale as a download from the Eagle Dynamics Lock On web site. http://lockon.co.uk/. The upgrade will first be released in English and Russian with French, German, and Spanish versions to follow.
By using the DCS environment, Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 users will have improved terrain, mission editor, AI flight models, 3D objects, artificial intelligence (AI), and multiplayer. The aircraft of Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will include:
• Su-25 (new 3D model)
• Su-25T
• A-10A
• Su-27
• Su-33
• MiG-29A
• MiG-29C
• F-15C
Several new missions and campaigns will be included in Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2.0.
Q&A
Q: What new features does the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade add?
A: The following features are added:
- Runs under DirectX 9C
- Improved Mission Editor with trigger system
- New terrain area to include much of Georgia. This will be same map as used in DCS: Blacks Shark. As such the Crimea has been replaced with the addition of Georgia.
- More detailed terrain to include more ground objects, larger forests, and higher resolution elevation data
- Improved clouds
- High resolution airfield textures
- Improved multiplayer system with embedded game browser
- More robust online cheating prevention
- New and improved menu system
- Numerous new, highly detailed ground units including infantry
- More accurate flight data that controls flight performance of player-controlled aircraft. This is true for both Russian and U.S. aircraft.
- Improved flight models for all artificial intelligence (AI) controlled aircraft
- New, more realistic G-tolerance modeling
- Limited 6 DOF cockpits that move up, down and sideways according to maneuvering
- Heads Up Dispay (HUD) now modeled as collimated and focused to infinity for all player-controlled aircraft.
- New and highly-detailed Su-25 model
- Advanced ballistics are implemented for all flyable aircraft, including ricochets of AP rounds
- F-15C locked target IFF indication
- More realistic ranges, seeker guidance and fuzes for air-to-air missiles
- More realistic electronic countermeasure operation and performance
- New and improved sound engine
- New radio message voice-overs
Q: Will my Flaming Cliffs 1.12 missions work with Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Due to a change in the world location and mission editor, they will not. However, when installing the upgrade you have the option to create both Flaming Cliffs 1.12 and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 parallel installs. Flaming Cliffs 1.12 and the upgraded Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will not be online compatible.
Q: Will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 and DCS: Black Shark be online compatible?
A: Yes! You will now be able to fly head-to-head and cooperatively with players flying the Ka-50.
Q: Is a player flyable Ka-50 included in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: No. To fly the Ka-50 you must own DCS: Black Shark. However, AI-controlled Ka-50 helicopters are included in Flaming Cliffs 2.0.
Q: What mission content will be included in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Each aircraft will have several new single missions and new Su-25 and A-10A campaigns will be included.
Q: Will new documents be provided?
A: Yes. A new Flaming Cliffs manual will be provided as well as a new Install Guide.
Q: Will 3rd party modifications created for Flaming Cliffs 1.12 work in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Yes, in most cases. However, some minor modifications made need to be made for 3rd party-created aircraft.
Q: What operating systems will be supported?
A: Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Q: What copy protection will be used?
A: StarForce online activation (only) will be used. Based on the success of DCS: Black Shark protection, we feel this provides the best compromise of user-friendliness and protection of property. Unlike the reported hardware problems reported with an earlier version of StarForce applied to the original Flaming Cliffs, no such issues have been reported with the current online activation method that does not install any drivers to the user’s computer.
Q: When will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be available?
A: We plan to make the upgrade available for download from the Eagle Dynamics website in early 2010. http://lockon.co.uk/
Q: How much will this upgrade cost?
A: $14.99 USD
Q: Will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 use the same "engine" as Black Shark?
A: It would be more accurate to say that both Flaming Cliffs 2.0 and Black Shark use the same generation of The Fighter Collection Simulation Engine (TFCSE). This was done not only to improve the Flaming Cliffs series in many key areas, but to also allow multi-player compatibility between the two brand series. Given this, they share many things in common, including:
• Map and airbases
• Multiplayer and network code (sorry, no dedicated server yet)
• Log Book
• Encyclopedia
• AI units and AI actions
• Track file system
• Options
• Mission Editor
• Campaign Editor
• Modding openness
• World lighting and shadowing
• TripleHead2Go support
• Force feedback implementation
• Monitor resolution support
Q: What are the system specifications for Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: The same as for Black Shark. For most users, the game will run faster than Flaming Cliffs 1.12 due to TFCSE optimizations.
Minimum system requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7; CPU P4 2 GHz; RAM 2 GB; video card 256 MB RAM, compatible with DirectX 9; 5 GB HDD space; sound card; keyboard and mouse.
Recommended system requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7, CPU Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD X2; RAM 3 GB; video card with 512 MB RAM (ATI Radeon HD4850+ or nVidia GF8800+), compatible with DirectX 9; 5 GB of HDD space; sound card; keyboard and mouse; and joystick.
Q: If I install the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade to an existing copy of Flaming Cliffs, will I still need the original Flaming Cliffs CD to launch it and still go through activation?
A: No, only the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 protection system would be used.
Q: Will the upcoming DCS: A-10C Warthog be online compatible with Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: We do not know yet as DCS: A-10C Warthog is still in development.
Q: Can I port Flaming Cliffs missions into Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: No, due to significant changes in the map and Mission Editor.
Q: Will a combined package of Lock On and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be released?
A: This is possible and something that is under investigation with Ubisoft (owners of intellectual property rights of Lock On).
Q: Will it be possible to build missions in both Black Shark and Flaming Cliffs FC 2.0 and use them interchangeably?
A: For the most part yes, but some mission modification would probably be needed due to a different set of flyable aircraft.
Q: Will all Flaming Cliffs 2.0 flyable aircraft now have the Advance Flight Model (AFM) system?
A: The Su-25 and Su-25T most certainly will and will have some performance tweaks. The other aircraft will have the Standard Flight Model (SFM) but will see more realistic performance in regards to such items as climb rates, acceleration, and top speeds.
Q: What if I do not have a copy of Flaming Cliffs to upgrade to Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Likely in the Spring of 2010 we will release Flaming Cliffs 2.0 of DVD. This version will be a complete Flaming Cliffs 2.0 install but will still require Lock On to be first installed. You can purchase Lock On at: http://www.kengray.co.uk/lockonbuy.htm
Q: What about including 3rd party models, textures, etc.?
A: While 3rd party developers are certainly free to add these to Flaming Cliffs 2.0 after release, they will not be integrated due to past issues attempting to use 3rd party content and legal issues.
Q: Will the released terrain tools be compatible with Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Yes.
Q: Will Black Shark and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be run from the same executable?
A: No, they are two separate programs. They only link together in regards to online compatibility.
Q: Has the performance of air-to-air missiles been improved?
A: Yes in regards to range, speed, fuze ranges, and counter-counter measure effectiveness. This includes both Russian, American, French, etc. missiles across the board. This is true for Active Radar Homing (ARH), Semi Active Radar Homing (SARH) and Infrared (IR) guided missiles for all sides. Additionally, to be more realistic, the R-27T/TE must be seeker locked before launch and have very limited "mad-dog" capability... just as the real systems. In a related manner, ECM burn-through ranges have been moved significantly out (based on aircraft type) and a 15 second ECM warm-up time has been added to address ECM blinking online.
Q: What are the payment options for Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Most major credit cards will be accepted through: http://lockon.co.uk/index.php?end_po...g=en&cat_sid=0
Q: Will the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 aircraft receive the same level of detail regarding navigation systems, lights, and radios as the Ka-50 in DCS: Black Shark?
A: No, that level of detail is reserved for the DCS series. Except for when indicted in this FAQ, Flaming Cliffs 2.0 aircraft will be as they are in Flaming Cliffs.
Q: Will multi-player aerial refueling be supported in Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: As in Flaming Cliffs 1.12, the answer is no.
Q: Why are the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 limited 6 DOF and not full 6 DOF?
A: Unlike the Ka-50 cockpit in DCS: Black Shark, the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 cockpits are not full 3D in every aspect that allows unlimited 6 DOF movement around the cockpit. Yaw, pitch, and Z-axis are as they were in Flaming Cliffs, but X, Y, and roll are limited.
Q: Will the training tracks be updated?
A: Yes.
Q: Where will the boxed version of Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be available?
A: Outside of TFC website (http://www.kengray.co.uk/lockonbuy.htm), that has yet to be determined.
Q: If there are future Black Shark patches, will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 still be online compatible?
A: We will make every effort to retain this compatibility.
Q: What will be the activation limits for Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: 8 activations and 10 deactivations. Note that just reinstalling the game does NOT use an activation! An activation or deactivation is only used when there is a significant hardware or OS change. Even if the user has exhausted all of their activations and deactivations, more are provided with proof of purchase. If in the unfortunate circumstance Eagle Dynamics were to go out of business, our intent would be to release a final patch to remove copy protection.
Q: What would be the Flaming Cliffs upgrade paths be?
A: Either Lock On + Flaming Cliffs unofficial add-on (you would not have to activate) + Flaming Cliffs 2.0 upgrade or Lock On + Flaming Cliffs 2.0 DVD.
Q: Is it true that bird ingestion has been added?
A: Yes, but it can be set on or off with .LUA setting.
Dear all,
As most of you are aware, the development of Flaming Cliffs 2 has taken much longer than expected. What was originally planned as a two month development cycle has turned into a nine month development cycle. This was primarily due to including much more new content than we had originally planned and an extended beta test period to clean up the product. We wanted to address as many community concerns about Flaming Cliffs as possible.
Unfortunately, time is money and the cost of development has far exceeded what was budgeted. As such, in order for us to at least break even on Flaming Cliffs 2 we have had to increase the sales price to $29.99 USD. This software will both upgrade Lock On to Flaming Cliffs 2 and Upgrade Flaming Cliffs to Flaming Cliffs 2.
We understand that some of you will be upset given the earlier sales price announcement and we apologize for having to make this alteration of our original plan. We do believe though that Flaming Cliffs 2 will be a great product and well worth the cost of admission.
Thanks,
Matt
__________________
Matt Wagner
Producer, TFC/Eagle Dynamics
I hope i'm not alone being excited by this release... (possible release later this week, 17th i think, tomorrow.)
I look forward to taking to the air in FC 2.0 :pilotfly: