Eagle Dynamics and Heatblur Simulations have dropped a ton of new details off today with their plans for the DCS:F-14B(U) add-on that is coming soon to DCS World. There’s a pre-order, pricing, and feature list for both this new version of the F-14 as well as updates to the F-14A/B that we already have. Let’s have a look at what is on offer.
Upgrade to the F-14B(U)?
Let’s do the upgrade route and pricing first and then talk about what is included. F-14B(U) is a “new module” in the sense that it is not part of the included updates for the previously released DCS: F-14A/B module. This is an add-on pack that is being sold either as an upgrade for pre-existing users at $49.99 USD on pre-order and $56.99 USD after release.
The F-14B(U) is, I would suggest, a response to community desire to see an F-14D module added to DCS World. While that even more modernized version of the F-14 was apparently out of reach, the modernized F-14B(U) was and it comes packing many of the same features.
The B(U) has new instrumentation in the cockpit with new VDIG-R and PTID displays, a much more modern HUD, and a new digital stabilization system to replace the analogue system. The F-14 is still reportedly a very hands on airplane but the digital stabilization system should make it a little easier to fly in some flight regimes. The upgrade gives the jet enhanced precision strike capabilities with the ability to deploy JDAM bombs including the heavy hitting GBU-31. It’s also got a new mission data loader and navigation system among other features added.
Updated cockpit and exterior art, new pilot models and helmets, JESTER improvements, pop-up manual and explain-me features help round out some of the enhancements. Heatblur weren’t specific today about those last few items but I wouldn’t be surprised if at least a few of those filter back to the A/B model.
Finally, Heatblur are including two new campaigns: Operation Reforger III using DCS: Cold War Germany and a new tailor-made campaign by Baltic Dragon to be added after release.
You can get it as the DCS: F-14 Ultimate Edition which bundles F-14A/B and F-14B(U) together if you haven’t previously bought the module. If you have then an upgrade edition is available. So, you can do the upgrade for $49.99 USD or $98.99 USD for the Ultimate Edition. If you’re new to the F-14 Tomcat in DCS, the ultimate edition is actually cheaper overall.
So, that’s a whole bunch of new systems and features, visual updates, JESTER updates, and two campaigns. $49.99 USD does feel steep for an upgrade but you can’t fault Heatblur for making sure that the feature list is reasonably packed. Does the upgrade pricing dissuade you or are you a hardcore Tomcat-junkie who wants to fly the modernized jet with all of the new systems and capabilities? Let me know in the comments.
Oh… and watch the trailer and check out everything visualized. You’ll see nearly everything that the new jet is capable of here.
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