I was away from my computer for a couple of days and that is inevitably when all of the interesting stuff happens.
Yesterday, 1CGS announced the pre-order store for the Yak-1B and Ju 52 had opened up – and they came with a special discounted price.
Where do we go from here?
If you want to pre-order either (or both!) aircraft then head on over to the il2sturmovik.com store and plug in your payment information. Right now the Yak-1B Series 127 comes at a special discount of $14.99 (regular $19.99) and the Ju 52/3m is available for $19.99 (regular $24.99).
The regular prices are roughly in line with the pricing of the other Collector Aircraft starting with the original two: the La-5 Series 8 and the FW190A-3. The Ju 52/3m is priced slightly higher but this is likely due to the additional effort involved in creating the larger aircraft and its two (or more?) stations.
Too rich for your blood?
Neither aircraft should cause you serious anxiety – the Yak-1B does represent the best of the Yak-1 line but extensive discussions in the forum leads me to believe that the performance of this aircraft will be better but not so much so that having only the Yak-1 Series 69 will leave you feeling left behind. I’ll do a write-up on this later.
The Ju 52/3m is a totally different type of combat aircraft. As a combat transport its role is still a little unclear to me in the sim. I’m not sure what campaign missions will look like for this aircraft for example. That said, I know the community has been vocal about making it a flyable and 1CGS has delivered.
Remember, periodically there are sales that have cropped up for all of the aircraft. Usually 50% off sales around various holidays make aircraft like the FW190A-3 or La-5 Series 8 so popular. If you don’t feel like paying full price and you can wait… Then wait for an eventual sale. If you can’t wait… then don’t!
Do the sales of these Collector Planes matter?
They do. The flight sim market is a small one and every sale goes to supporting the hobby moreso than it does in say the first person shooter game market. Call of Duty and Battlefield sales are counted in the many millions whereas flight sim sales are only in the thousands.
Buying these new Collector Planes is not charity, however, support of the product goes a long way to convincing the powers that be that there is a market enough to support continued development.
That isn’t all
Although the news isn’t imminent just yet, Jason Williams let us know that they are still finalizing the budget before the new theater gets announced.
New theater will not be (ed. emphasis) announced tomorrow. I’m hoping soon, but budget and included items is still not approved.
Excitement is running high in the community and we can be rest assured that further news is likely just around the corner.
Does the pre-order for these two Collectors Aircraft represent the before the end of the month news that Jason was talking about before? I’m guessing yes but it may have been guarded optimism that a new theater would be announced by now as well. Regardless, there will be a short wait before the next chapter truly gets announced.
Until then, we have a couple of new planes to look forward to. And that Odessa map…
Stormbirds 