12.12.2009, 18:51
I'd like to start off, first, by saying that these views are mine and my own. You may disagree with me or my findings, after all, in the grand scheme of things, my opinion really doesn't matter. But I thought, since I have been playing this game for a very long time, my thoughts would be, if not appreciated, at least interesting to a few people.
The download process of HSFX 4.1 is considerably easier (normally) than it has been in the past for the UI from AAA. The torrents are a wonderful way for our community to help each other, and further emphasizes just how communally based these mods really are. It is no small feat that we have managed to join together some of the largest modding communities, all of which with different philosophies and followers, and created this thing we call HSFX 4.1. It is truly a unified install. That said, let me describe my experience.
Unfortunately, the net address where I live is tied into a college connection, which means blocked ports for torrents. Therefore I had a little bit longer of a download process than I'm used to. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Certainly my internet connection is better than quite a few of our members. I still know people running internet through a phone line. We are a diverse community. Once everything was downloaded I took my fresh copy of 4.08m, added 4.09, and began the installation. There was a little bit of a hiccup, as something had gone wrong in my 4.09 install, but with bit of jury-rigging I restarted the process and the rest went off without a hitch. After two minutes of figuring out how to use the mod-enabler and choosing my options, there I was, sitting in a Fairey Fulmar, waiting to scramble in the middle of Slovakia. Thank you new QMB!
I had not previously installed the 4.09 aircraft and so spent a good deal of time getting used to them and having fun with the new features, but ultimately, something felt missing. True, not all of the aircraft available on AAA have been put into HSFX 4.1, they probably are beta and not ready. I missed the UI 1.2 loading screen, HG&P's Uranium effects, and some of the other mods I had thrown in. When it came down to it, I missed my 1.2 install. It was built how I wanted it, after several months of experimenting with this and that and making it right.
My UI 1.2 install was customized for me, by me. HSFX 4.1 is a new system. It will take time to get right. Ultimately, it will take those same months of customization to get my 4.1 install to where I feel it should be. And that's okay. We are still in control of our mods. We can still choose what goes in and what stays out.
Everything in HSFX 4.1 is top notch. While I'm still having a few teething issues, I'm glad I can finally enjoy a sim with the community at large again. Please accept a round of applause from me for your continued efforts in both producing a quality modification, and continuing to compromise so that we don't fracture the community you worked so hard to bring together.
The download process of HSFX 4.1 is considerably easier (normally) than it has been in the past for the UI from AAA. The torrents are a wonderful way for our community to help each other, and further emphasizes just how communally based these mods really are. It is no small feat that we have managed to join together some of the largest modding communities, all of which with different philosophies and followers, and created this thing we call HSFX 4.1. It is truly a unified install. That said, let me describe my experience.
Unfortunately, the net address where I live is tied into a college connection, which means blocked ports for torrents. Therefore I had a little bit longer of a download process than I'm used to. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Certainly my internet connection is better than quite a few of our members. I still know people running internet through a phone line. We are a diverse community. Once everything was downloaded I took my fresh copy of 4.08m, added 4.09, and began the installation. There was a little bit of a hiccup, as something had gone wrong in my 4.09 install, but with bit of jury-rigging I restarted the process and the rest went off without a hitch. After two minutes of figuring out how to use the mod-enabler and choosing my options, there I was, sitting in a Fairey Fulmar, waiting to scramble in the middle of Slovakia. Thank you new QMB!
I had not previously installed the 4.09 aircraft and so spent a good deal of time getting used to them and having fun with the new features, but ultimately, something felt missing. True, not all of the aircraft available on AAA have been put into HSFX 4.1, they probably are beta and not ready. I missed the UI 1.2 loading screen, HG&P's Uranium effects, and some of the other mods I had thrown in. When it came down to it, I missed my 1.2 install. It was built how I wanted it, after several months of experimenting with this and that and making it right.
My UI 1.2 install was customized for me, by me. HSFX 4.1 is a new system. It will take time to get right. Ultimately, it will take those same months of customization to get my 4.1 install to where I feel it should be. And that's okay. We are still in control of our mods. We can still choose what goes in and what stays out.
Everything in HSFX 4.1 is top notch. While I'm still having a few teething issues, I'm glad I can finally enjoy a sim with the community at large again. Please accept a round of applause from me for your continued efforts in both producing a quality modification, and continuing to compromise so that we don't fracture the community you worked so hard to bring together.