Paidin

Thanks for posting this, amazing and terrifying footage. I can't believe they had to hunker down for backup that long. It's amazing they made it out.

Next week would be amazing, but highly unlikely as it hasn't even hit the PTU yet... Maybe by the end of the month given past history and the approaching Gamescom.

A lot of good stuff in this one. Procedural planets seems to be far enough along that QA has had it for a month. Its likely to be rock-solid by Gamescom in August. I'd be very surprised if we see any major features before then. Multi-factor authentication also seems to be important for security of our accounts, though I'm Leary of the idea. I am very disappointed with steam guard and the phone app they have you use so lets hope that CIG does a better job of it. They seem to be really cranking on the ships now - perhaps due to employee ramp-up as much as anything. Sounds like the Idris is getting damage states soon - maybe for the gamescom demo to go along with their bridge simulation booth? The preview of the Bengal on ATV really restored my faith -- I was beginning to feel like they were in some huge rut spinning their wheels. It appears that it was just their shows causing me to think that...

... because they make more money by creating artificial scarcity in resources to drive up the desire to "buy now" when the sale hits? They've been doing it for years. It seemed like they could have gotten off that train at various points, but certain rabid fans decry the loss of their uniqueness whenever a limited sale ship goes up for sale again. I'm afraid we're stuck with the current marketing system until the game formally launches.

Somehow I missed this too - thanks for sharing it! I too am a long time warhammer fantasy & total war fan -- about time that it's getting the same treatment as 40k has for years.

Hey Everyone, I was very excited to log onto the VKB/Stratojet website to find that they are starting pre-orders for the gladiator line of joysticks set to deliver in June (or maybe six months later, as per VKB norms): Press Release: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2185 Gladiator Pro with metal gimbles and MARS sensors $249 (http://www.gostratojet.com/Gladiator_Pro/index.html) Gladiator (budget?) with MARS sensors $100 (http://www.gostratojet.com/Gladiator/index.html) T-Rudder Pedals Mk. IV $249 (http://www.gostratojet.com/TRudder4Pedals/index.html) I contacted Jason from Stratojet with a few questions and I've included the questions/answers here (notes in italics): 1Q. You had previously indicated that the gunfighter (top end stick using the same metal gimble http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1947) would be a couple hundred. The Gladiator pro is pretty close to that description. Are you envisioning the Gunfighter as being significantly more than the Gladiator Pro? 1A: The Gunfighter will be more like $300+. 2Q. Will either of the above models be available for purchase at the same time or is it better to commit to one now and forgo the possibility of the other later? 2A. The Gunfighter will be available later this year along side the Glad Pro. 3Q. I just wanted to confirm that the Gladiator pro can still accommodate the metal stick (and future replacement sticks offered by VKB - this was an early promise)? 3A: It may be possible, but maybe not because we anticipate changing the connection to a different type on future grips and then there are other software/firmware concerns that I don't have the answer to quite yet. 4Q. Does the pro come with the various extra cams and springs to adjust the tension or will these be sold separately? 4A. The Glad Pro does come with the different springs and cams. Bonus Answer: If I were you, I'd grab a Gladiator basic ($99) to get a feel for what we are up to and have some fun, but wait to see how the Gunfighter turns out. I know you are a serious simmer, so if I were in your shoes I'd wait a little bit before making a final decision on the big purchase. Aside from the obvious attempt to flatter me with the 'serious simmer' talk (I'm not), I'm on the fence. I was hugely excited for this stick but am strangely weary after Question #3. Part of the early appeal of the Pro/Gunfighter was the ability to change out sticks to future (and possibly space inspired) sticks. I was also very keen on the T-rudder pedals but am now looking at the new Thrustmaster TFRP pedals, with their much better price point of $89 (http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Flight-Rudder-Pedals-Playstation-4/dp/B015PII6YI).

It seems highly unlikely to bear any resemblance to actual WWI combat -- which is probably a good thing because it was absolutely a horrible situation made worse by some very poor command decisions. An "actual" world war I experience would involve taking shelter from a sustained (read: hours to days long) artillery barrage only to repel your opponents advance by cutting them down with machine guns and rifle fire as they charged head long into your guns --- only to try the same exact tactic against your enemy leading to many of your companions being senselessly wounded or killed to potentially gain a couple hundred feet of ground. It may not sound it, but I'm actually pretty excited to see how they turn this into an action game. It's a fascinating historical time period to play in.

Sadly I haven't been able to find one. There is a guy live on twitter: https://twitter.com/476th_vFG

Lets turn this thing around!

While I have absolutely zero interest in purchasing the various VD ships to date, I don't mind that they are up for sale. The proceeds go toward the cause and my wallet is free from temptation. That's a win-win for me anyway. The Corvette may be a different story however when it comes around...

This my friend sums up my star citizen addiction perfectly. This particular insanity that has gripped us is very strong indeed -- but without it we might not get the BDSEE we are all hoping for! Keep up the fight good friends.

Good flyin' with your crew last night. Keep up the good work!

Great point, I've been wondering about this lately. I can't think of too many times in Arena Commander when I've been shocked to find an enemy in range of me. Usually they show up on radar long before a firing solution can be had.

Thanks for posting these components. The level of detail probably isn't necessary (but is certainly amazing). I guess I'll have to practice changing out the parts regularly to admire their details as it seems unlikely I'm going to look closely at them when my ship is bursting into flames around me.

Something about this conversation reminded me of this: Another one I mocked up for fun...

Always a good one. Darth is ripe for memes.

Paidin checkin' in. Glad to see a lot of the 9th folks found a good home, and many of them in one unit too! I understand there is a waiting period before joining a unit, but did want to show the flag and start flyin' with you all when the opportunity presents itself. I've included the requested information for later reference: Forum Handle: Paidin Playtime: 8:00 - 11:00 PM EST, 2-3 nights a week. Primary interest: Escort, Skirmishing, etc. I also have a Star-G for refueling. I have updated my fleet on the portal for reference.

I'm not sure the 'budget' Star Citizen hotas is really going to be anything more than a rebranded Saitek stick -- that's okay if you liked the original but I was hoping for something more like what VKB is offering (without breaking the bank). When I contacted Stratojet (http://www.gostratojet.com/) VKB's North American distributor for some additional details they provided me the following information on the Gunfighter (premium WWII stick): " The Gunfighter will come with the plastic grip from our Gladiator stick. It looks like a cheaper KG12. The KG12 grip we intent to make will be all-metal according to VKB and an additional purchase. I don't have prices yet, but you're probably looking at a few hundred for each like our other higher end stuff. And I don't have an ETA yet. VKB has lots of plans, but short on firm dates. I'm trying to keep them on the straight path to production of already announced products. " - February 3rd, 2016 As for the Gladiator (which I'm leaning to now), here was the last available info I had on that one (No price known as of Feb 16th, 2016): http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/19229-vkb-stratojet-gladiator-update-and-fat-black-mamba-mkiii/ I'm still pretty interested in VKB's offerings but have never seen (or known anyone whose seen) one of these sticks and had a chance to try it out. Anyone here get the Black Mamba Mark III? The new metal gimble sounds promising but seams to be getting mixed reviews on-line over the last month. It's a hard decision to make with the pre-order for VKB and Star Citizen coming up at different times from each other and the general lack of info on either unit.