Dear Pilots,
Within a few minutes you can download version 1.027 of Rise of Flight to your PCs.
With the release of 1.027, work on the next huge update to the project begins, which includes seaplane technology and the new Channel map. Immediately after the release our big 1.026 update with weapon mods that greatly changed in-game combat, we began to focus on the new map and the new aspects of the physical world. Work on the map recently went into the alpha testing stage. It should be said that we are not just changing the shape of the coast, the map will include many innovations, which previously did not exist in our project and some will be made for the first time in our genre. Now we are in the process of building the road network on both coasts. The next step is placement of cities, including coastal ones, which will include new buildings, piers, lighthouses, harbor cranes and docks. We continue to work on new water and on other non-trivial tasks, such as graphics technology for the connection of rivers and the sea. Despite the fact that nature is very organic and everywhere in the real-world, it's not an easy task to depict on a computer screen. However, we are very pleased with the result we have gotten so far.
In our work on our first seaplane, we passed the most important stage – the first takeoff and landing on water. The result exceeded our expectations and is very similar to what we see in the video. Of course, a lot of work still needs to be done in the aviation aspect of the update and double-check and update our work several times, but it was very important to convey the feeling of landing on water and not to simply make "another kind of landing." We hope to soon please you with some test videos.
We have already showed you a picture of new water rendering techniques that we created specifically for sea maps. Judging by the reaction on the forums, you liked our work, even at this early stage. It inspires and helps us to solve such complex problems, but the image does not convey the dynamic part of the concept of "sea". And today we show a short video in which a familiar ROF barge is put in the new water. This video will help you form an impression about the technology itself. Of course, you will have many questions and we will prepare a separate more detailed story for a blog with answers, videos and pictures in the future. Until then we answer the most important question - yes, we were able to make this technology work on the mid-range PCs. Current tests by our core test team prove this is true. We really wanted to do this to not only be revolutionary and beautiful, but above all, make it accessible to most users with average personal computers.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M_yn6M8 ... r_embedded[/youtube]
And now let’s discuss version 1.027. We are worried that you're constantly waiting for new items and it can get pretty boring to wait. To brighten up this expectation in the last summer months we have prepared the update with Personal Package 2 for you.
We see that you liked the idea of playing a shooter in the simulator and the first pilot personal package is very popular among ROF users. So we decided to increase the number of pistols. This content diversifies the game and will restore some historical accuracy as well. Pilots from different countries may prefer different guns. Here are some pictures of our reconstituted samples:
Mauser C96
Luger P08 pistol (Pistole Parabellum 1908)
Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver
Lebel Revolver (Model 1892 Revolver)
Each of them has unique features. Of course, we are still have to deal with some limitations, so there are some simplifications, but in general, as always, we have tried to create the most realistic models of weapons.
We’ve also included some new streamers with a checkerboard pattern in this new personalization pack. Streamers have proven a popular way to distinguish yourself on the battlefield and compliment squadron skins. The Pilot Personalization Pack 2 can be purchased in the ROF Store for $7.99.
Also in this version we fixed some bugs and added some features. For example, now there is a new logic for balloons. Now the ground crew will try to lower the balloon to the ground as soon they see a threat to the lives of observers and raise it as soon as the threat has passed. This is entirely consistent with history. This tactic is well documented on both sides of the front, to save the lives of courageous observers and to deprive the pilot of a kill. Info about this new balloon logic and all the changes in version 1.027 you can read on our forum as usual.
We go back to work on the next update. We wish you continued success in your air battles!
