Update 0.003 released for IL-2 Series two days ago and it comes with some extensive updates for the Korean War focused Career mode as well as additional mission types for Task Editor and fixes and additions to many different items. Let’s have a look at what has changed and been added.

A big step forward

Early access for IL-2 Series Korea continues with the new standout feature being the new Career mode. A video, embedded above, offers a 6-minute overview of the new feature and how it works. Its clearly based on the previous Career modes from Great Battles and Rise of Flight before it but with many changes as well.

The new system is much more involved at the Commander level with pilots, aircraft, and supplies all part of the tracking. You also get to make some determinations on which missions are flown, and by which pilots.

There are currently the following mission types:

• Intercept Bombers (two subtypes—daytime and nighttime interception)
• Airfield Defense
• Intercept Heavy Bombers (two subtypes—daytime and nighttime interception)
• Patrol of a Designated Area
• Combat Air Patrol
• Escort Transports
• Escort Heavy Bombers
• Attack Vehicle Column
• Attack Armored Column
• Attack Artillery
• Attack Frontline
• Attack Railway Junction
• Attack Airfield
• Attack Troops
• Traffic Interdiction
• Close Air Support
• Transfer to a New Airfield

The development update says that these will be increased by double the current amount as development continues. Indeed, we’ve seen Great Battles add to mission types substantially over the last couple of years, and it looks like IL-2 Series will be doing the same thing. They also mention that aircraft types will increase the mission variety too and that missions against naval targets will be added.

1CGS say that persistent damage to the map environment will be added this fall with damage from one mission persisting to the next. Bridges and other structures will be gradually repaired over time. This is fascinating and it does feel like 1CGS is gradually working towards a more complete dynamic campaign system than before. It may not fully qualify for the definition but they do seem to quietly be working in that direction.

We’ve heard some commentary about AI before but I’m glad to see it again.

Although the AI has been significantly upgraded and gained many new functions that make this mode possible, much remains to be done to make AI-controlled aircraft behave more realistically in aerial combat. Our next steps will therefore focus specifically on further refining and improving the artificial intelligence. All of these improvements are based, among other things, on feedback we receive from you, our users.

Let’s hope that additional work on AI makes it into something truly enjoyable.

Read more on the latest developer diary!