I just finished a couple of sorties on the full real (i can actually ID planes without icons in this game), syndicate server. i can truthfully say i had a great time, even though i didnt actually shoot anyone down.
there were over 40 people on when i started my 1st sortie in my 109, i tangled with a spit over the channel starting at about 3km. he must of been a vet because he really knew how to handle that spitty. we had a classic enery fight, lots of spiral climbing and jocking for position. we never could a clean shot at each other and when i finally succeeded it getting the advantage, he did the smart thing and dove away. i lost him when he crossed the coast.
shortly after that i spotted a hurri. this guy wasnt so good and i had a got a good bead on him, but i muffed it and bumped into him, shearing off my left aeleron. now it was my turn to make a break for it. he must of lost me or was damaged also, because he didnt follow.
on my 2nd sortie i got the jump on a hurri who didnt spot me till to late and i got good hits on him. i must of hit his rad or something because he started trailing white smoke. he put up a good fight even after being damaged, but i thought to myself he's a goner for sure. after a few passes on him i caught him out and lined up for a blast to his engine at close range. of course i muff the shot and then nearly gave him a shot at me. i started to be a little more cautious, maybe to cautious. because shortly after that, i banked left when i shoulda went right and lost track of him, i bet he was relieved when that happened.
i gotta say its pretty nerve racking being in a dogfight, trying to get the max performance from your engine(especially when fighting in the vertical) and having to watch your rpms and temps so you dont blow your engine. i was exhausted after just 2 sorties and had to take a break. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies...smiley-sad.gif
i know this game had a rocky start, and its still in need of quite a bit of work. but i gotta say that its really starting to come together now and i dont think i'll ever be playing IL2 1946 again.

