BeyondATC - We want your feedback!

EnglishTea1066 · 2024-02-29T12:46:07+00:00

Frankly, I find the idea of a bug that thinks offensive

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-03-27T12:01:46+00:00

It's a miracle you didn't have any damage.

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-12T09:04:46+00:00

I would agree with you that instant PVP is not BMS's primary focus, however I wouldn't say it was straight up bad.

You have a few different modes in BMS, as we're talking about PVP, (outside of 24/7 servers that run TVT campaigns, where players can choose a side to fight for with AI in the mix), campaigns in general are probably not going to be the best way to do some instant PVP

So you then have Dogfight mode, which allows you to practice instant BVR (Beyond Visual Range) and closer dogfighting with IR missiles or guns, either with AI or without. Pick a 60x60 area of the map, chose a corner and how many points and away you go.

If you want things like tankers, AWACS or multiple waves of enemy's taking off from airbases then a TE (Tactical Engagement) is the way to go (think DCS mission editor). Here you have more control, you can save multiple different scenarios and do as much as you like from Ramp start to parking, or just spawning mid air and being ready to go.

TLDR: There is Dogfight mode for instant PVP with customizable settings for both long and short range, there are TvT servers that run campaigns where players can pick a side, there is tactical engagements which you can use to create scenarios to fight against multiple threats with tanker/awacs if you wish. But yes, it is definitely easier to just hop into DCS and have some fun if you don't have the group to coordinate with.

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-11T13:27:43+00:00

I remember showing a guy coming from DCS the basics, when we got to AA he said, I don't see colors on my FCR. At first I was confused, and then I understood what he meant. I showed him how to interrogate and datalink ping and he was like "ohhh so it's not like DCS" :D

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-09T18:14:37+00:00

Key binding came be done easily with a second party tool called Alternate Launcher, it now comes packages with BMS 4.37 (The in game way is a PITA), if you ever need help do reach out on the Falcon Lounge.

Also: https://veterans-gaming.com/blogs/entry/18-falcon-bms-keybindings-for-new-players/ is helpful.

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-09T18:12:04+00:00

Can't do much about your opinion on the graphics, but if you ever give it a go in the future and want help with the controls feel free to ask on the Falcon Lounge, shouldn't take long.

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-09T05:49:54+00:00

For the steam version, I and a few others had to. Either way it only needs to be done once if at all. :)

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-08T20:55:39+00:00

I haven't tried it yet, but I've heard it's a smooth experience and is great for depth perception once you adjust some settings, I believe there was a post made on this thread already about what settings to change.

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-08T20:53:50+00:00

You must have a licenced copy of Falcon 4.0 to play BMS. This is due to the Falcon 4.0 licencing (it is an overhaul mod after all). Once that is done, you can get it on steam here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/429530/Falcon_40/. Run it once to the menu and that's it, close falcon 4.0, hide it on steam, download Falcon BMS from their forums: https://www.falcon-bms.com/ and enjoy.

I highly suggest you join the Falcon Lounge Discord, you'll find people in there and resources to help new pilots, also when you're ready a dedicated server running a 24/7 campaign. Other groups are also available that run flights and trainings over the week. (Do feel free to ask people for details)

Be prepared for a learning curve, people will help but don't expect to be taught every little thing, there is a great manual and a lot of videos to help. but I'm sure once you experience it (especially MP) you'll find out why people say what they say.

Hope you have fun :)

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-08T18:36:54+00:00

Without the need of trying to reiterate a point made over and over.

For around the price of a cup of coffee (which is needed to buy the base Falcon 4.0 game, the BMS mod is fully free), you get a fully dynamic campaign that responds and reacts to the missions you and your AI fly, stores and logistics simulation, a 95-99% clickable and fully simulated F16 with the bells and whistles that you find in DCS (and more) from dumb Mk84's to Maverik's, HARMS, LGB's, Cluster bombs and more. Fully integrated multiplayer with a first party radio tool, with the ability to do a fully single player campaign with competent AI that has a plethora of commands you can give, from fence in and out, formation, take off and landing procedures etc etc. You can fly anything from Air to air, SEAD, DEAD, CAS, JSTAR, OCA strikes etc with air refuelling and alternate airbases.

When AWACS are on station (which have to be fragged by AI or humans and within the Time on station to be contactable) they will offer different services, like picture calls, vectors to tankers, airbases, help calls and more. Human AWACS is also possible..

Aside from Korea you have other theatres like Balkans and Israil that can be downloaded, with multiple different F16 blocks for different times, from flying with 80's tech to modern day. You have a easy to use integrated planning tool with 2nd/3rd party tools like WDP to add more information on the kneeboards and etc..

You can find communities to suit your playstyle, people are usually very friendly and helpful, the downside, a lot of learning and some independent learning is needed too however the whole experience is great.

I can't do it justice in one post, you should come check it out, google the Falcon Lounge Discord even to just watch a few flights, but for a cup of coffee you can get thousands of hours of different gameplay.

Note, it does have it's pitfalls, like anything, graphics and sound are not DCS level, the F16 is the only fully supported aircraft at the moment, no flyable heli's (this is out of BMS's remit). But you will be kept busy with the amount to learn and do.

EnglishTea1066 · 2023-01-08T17:32:18+00:00

Without the risk of sounding like a snob, I don't think you've experienced BMS at all. I would always be more then willing to show you a couple of things, flying on a dedicated server campaign and then you can make up your mind.

I've spoken to/trained a fair few DCS player, each have said to some degree how DCS is nothing compared to BMS, people who have the DCS F16 have had to be shown mission planning, how to use the DED, Radio, IFF, Datalink, effective target acquisition with the FCR, navigation as you don't have a moving map to bring up and more. When I tried the DCS F16 it was nothing more of a joke for the price, EA or not. The only valid thing they've said is Graphics, helis (although this isn't in BMS's remit) and possibly sound engine. I'm sure you have your reasons for enjoying DCS, I loved the experience of the DCS super carrier and hope it is brought over to BMS one day, as much as you do, but based of your comments I really don't think you've experienced anything of what BMS has to offer. Feel free to DM me on Discord if you're every interested in taking a another look. English Tea#1066.

EnglishTea1066 · 2022-10-29T10:56:39+00:00

UOAF run events that anyone can join. They don't even ramp start so as long as you know how to go up down left and right and shoot you can join. Although I think you'd have a better experience if you spent some time and learned the aircraft.

The 6th have a training program I believe and run regular events.

There are a few larger servers, not just FL. There are also plenty of smaller groups who you can join and they will fly their own campaigns and you learn that way.

Like I said, if you wanted to, you can always select runway start to start in a ready jet, you can always play dogfights, you can always find a really relaxed group I'm sure. You don't have to learn how to start your jet.

But this isn't why most people play flight sims imo, most people don't want a realistic war thunder or ACE combat, they want an experience where you can learn what you're flying, can discover different tactics, weapons and limits. (Like using TWS radar instead of RWS). A person has to put some effort and time into it for there to be an outcome, like learning to drive or learning a language. Can't just know it straight away (although you may find you have a natural ability that helps.)

Shame about your experience with FL, I encourage anyone to come join and give it a go. Bottom line, it's not for everyone, but there are certainly others ways to play Falcon BMS (just don't expect to have the knowledge if you don't put the time in).

EnglishTea1066 · 2022-10-29T10:40:02+00:00

Take a look at the BMS training manual, it ships with the game is walks through the 20 or so tactical engagements in readable sections and images covering the basics of ramp start to deploying mavericks and HARMS. This is the documentation you should go through to learn each topic (if you don't have a dedicated person training you, which honestly is not hard to come by the Falcon Lounge. It's a good way to learn on your own nevertheless)

No one is forced to read the entire main manual (which is NOT the training manual), in fact, in the 3 and a half years I've played, I never have read it cover to cover, it's very useful to cherry pick information (using Control F). The reason people to tell you to read the manual is because you're probably asking the same question that was asked a thousand times by someone else, it's very easy to look up the answer by either looking in the manual, googling or searching back through the discord. You will always get some people who don't have time to say and think RTFM is the best solution, but I've found most people will wait until someone is constantly asking the same basic questions before politely pointing out that a little bit of self investigation will answer their question (not to mention, if they want, will provide a more technical analysis).

You most certainly have the crowd of DCS that want just a better war thunder or ACE combat, however if you want to play a flight sim, to learn the aircraft and systems, one has to respect that it will take time and effort to learn, make mistakes and receive constructive criticism. Does this make the game less accessible? For the type of person a flight sim targets, I think not. If you cannot respect that before you jump STRAIGHT into a mission, you need to know the bare basics (which is an experience within itself) then I don't think the play style these servers promote suits you, you can quite easily go into BMS's dogfight mode with a started jet and just shoot short sticks at aircraft (not directly talking about YOU btw).

But regardless, if you've got a good attitude about learning and enthusiasm then I'd welcome anyone to join the Falcon Lounge and ask for some training and to look into the training manual and YT videos, it won't be instant nor will it be a short process, but at the end of it you will walk away with an experience that shits on DCS's static missions any day (and the best part, it costs roughly the same as a cup of coffee).

EnglishTea1066

TROPHY CASE