Ok, so about to buy IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 and...

[Pursuivant]

With mods, the graphics can be better, but IL2 focuses more on the simulation of flying WW2 aircraft, while the PS3 version focuses more on the "eye candy."

You'll find IL2:1946 to be a much tougher game than the IL2:BOP.

If you're just intending to play offline, I'd suggest starting out with just the stock game to start. Even with a relatively solid mod-pack like HSFX, there are still more things to go wrong.

Also, the computer AI on IL2: 1946 4.11 is outstanding; that alone made me go from mostly mod to mostly stock.

I'd suggest that regardless of which way you go, you start with "Realistic Gunnery." If you get into the sim, you'll need to learn deflection shooting, so there's no reason to teach yourself bad habits.

Maybe fly in "Invulnerable" mode until you get the hang of taking off and landing.

A good plane of a newbie (especially in invulnerable mode) is the A6M2 Zero. It's relatively easy to take off and land, it's got decent speed, excellent armament and outstanding maneuverability. Other fun planes to fly are the Brewster B239, the Hurricane and the Spitfire. The Fw190 and Bf-109 are a bit more challenging.

A joystick is a good investment for any flight sim. While you might be very good with a 360 controller, a joystick allows you to smoothly and simultaneously coordinate pitch and roll - allowing you to tilt the plane's nose up and down or rotate along the plane's long axis as you fly. If you have a "twist stick" (or even better, rudder pedals) you can also to control yaw - the ability to slew your plane around along its horizontal axis.

[jameson]

If he's new to this game, he'll have a bit more to worry about than scenery, lol! His mickey mouse controller will be a big help, I'm sure, but then it's rumoured some still play this game with a keyboard. (Still saving for that joystick after 10 years!).
Tarzan, do yourself a favour and buy yourself a stick, then rudder pedals, then headset with mike and then that track ir thingy as well, Then there's the books, Black Cross Red Star vol 1, only £600 on ebay....... Anyways, welcome to the nuthouse! Gaston may be along shortly, so i'm off...

[jameson]

Almost forgot, Robert shaw's Fighter Combat must be learnt by heart as well, it's an epic tome dedicated to insomnia I think, at least it helps mine...

[IceFire]

Originally Posted by jameson

Almost forgot, Robert shaw's Fighter Combat must be learnt by heart as well, it's an epic tome dedicated to insomnia I think, at least it helps mine...

LOL... yes that sounds about right

It's surprising how many players haven't bothered to have a quick look at some basic tactics when jumping into a sim. They really do work and can be valuable.

You don't have to read any of all of this but a few snippets might be useful in here: http://www.simhq.com/_air/acc_library.html#briefing