Just over a week ago, Eagle Dynamics released the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer module on to their store while simultaneously offering an upgrade to everyone who already owned the original A-10C. Two weeks left on the promotion that makes the new module a cheap upgrade. Is the $9.99 USD price worth the upgrade for current owners? Let’s have a look.
From version to version
The A-10C module came out, according to the details I was able to dig up, back in April of 2011. Now, 9-years later, Eagle Dynamics most complete and most in-depth module is getting some upgrades. I think you’ll find very few could argue with just how good the original version was. Most hail DCS: A-10C as the gold standard of DCS World modules being both high quality and most complete. It has had some issues with angle of attack performance, engine power or drag related issues, and notably with the dispersion of the 30mm Avenger cannon that Eagle Dynamics’ programmers finally acknowledged was a bug in the programming. Most of those issues have now been resolved as well although according to various discussions around the community, the issue of speed is still there. It may yet get a fix too.
Training on the jet
I’ve had DCS: A-10C for over a year now. I’m admittedly late to a party that started a long time ago but, as they say, better late than never. I really should have gotten into this jet a while ago as the A-10 was the subject matter of another flight sim and the sim that kicked things off for me – the original A-10 Tank Killer from Dynamix. Although the complexity has changed, the basic role of the jet has not and so flying the A-10 in the ground attack capacity is joy with the jet being almost unrivaled in its ability to provide battlefield support.
So over the last couple of weeks, despite limited flying time, I’ve been studying up on the new jet thanks to a few different videos and tutorials. One of the most valuable to me is a series that has just started as the new module has arrived – it’s Ralfidude’s From 0 to HERO A-10C tutorial series.
Of course Ralfi’s tutorials aren’t the only ones out there with literally dozens of videos from different content creators. One other video series that I should mention is the original and the classic series from Bunyap Sim which covers a lot of different functions in the A-10 from A-10A to A-10C. With over 50 tutorials the materials covered are in-depth and they are useful from both tactics and procedures perspective and despite being 5-years old they are still relevant for 95% of the jet.
Not covered in these segments is the new features that have come with the module and for that I turn to the series produced by Eagle Dynamics own Matt Wagner. Each video in the series, like the one listed below, covers a specific new feature.
Finally, RedKite’s Scorpion HMCS Helmet Sight Tutorial is yet another good feature. RedKite tweeted that the helmet was so good that it was almost “Ace Combat” and despite my limited knowledge and time with it, I can wholeheartedly agree already.
I’ve been using all of these tutorials to get up to speed with the A-10C finally and it’s been satisfying to do. My current training has me at the level of doing a cold and dark start from memory, loading up unguided munitions, navigating my way to target, and putting a few munitions on that target.
Despite all of the new types available over the years, the A-10C has maintained a core following with the type constantly showing up in online scenarios. On any given day on the Hoggit servers that I normally fly on, you could always expect to see at least a few A-10’s flying around. It didn’t matter if it was the launch weekend for the F/A-18 or F-16 or some other jet… you could always find them.
Yes, just do it
Weighing the options and looking at value for money with all things flight sim is certainly one of the things that I’m conscious of. DCS: A-10C II is everything that the original is with some extra features on top. The new weapons such as the laser guided APKWS rocket and GBU-54 laser-guided JDAM are great to have. The Scorpion HMD that I mentioned earlier adds plenty of capability and new features to the mix and the updated cockpit and exterior model are well worth $9.99 USD to upgrade.
If you’re new to the jet and don’t have the A-10C already, the regular price is much steeper. At $79.99 USD, the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer is a full fidelity and full priced module. It certainly has the depth of systems modeling and capabilities to justify the initial price, however, if you’re uncertain about flying this complex jet, you may want to wait for a sale.
How do you get the discount?
If you already have the jet, sign-in to your Steam or DCS World E-Store account and then begin the purchase process. On Steam a separate entry is available for previous owners, meanwhile on the DCS E-Store the discount price will be applied during the purchasing process. Plus, if you have a few extra Bonus Miles available from past purchases, this might end up being free as it was for many long time DCS World owners. Not bad at all!
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