Are the beta modules worth getting?

Hi, I have the A-10C, Ka-50 and Uh-1H modules.

I'm interested in getting more but was disappointed in the A-10 beta; I found it un-optimised and buggy until the release version was out.

The talk now though seems to be about when each module's beta is released rather than the 'release' version so I wonder if it's different now?

Everyone seems to like the Mig21: Is it fully functional, feature-complete with missions, campaign and documentation?

What about the other betas?

Thanks,

James

Totally worth getting, beta means nothing in DCS in my opinion.

products improve constantly even after not being called beta.

and most people would not even pick up on the bugs there might still be in them.

:thumbup:

Hi, I have the A-10C, Ka-50 and Uh-1H modules.

 

was disappointed in the A-10 beta; I found it un-optimised and buggy until the release version was out.

 

James

Based on your own statement above I highly recommend that you NOT go the beta route... Too many people buy the BETA and then when their own specific pet option is not available or not perfect they want it fixed right now and that is not how things work.. If bugs are not your thing then don't sign up for that kind of pain and just wait for the final release..

And I am not being mean or anything else with this response, I am simply pointing out that you have already stated a distatse for bugs and un-optimized software and that is EXACTLY what a BETA is.. It is designed to flush out those very bugs you don't like and by definition the code CANNOT be optimized.. Now some devs handle betas differently than others and this also adds confusion.. And is all the more reason that someone with ZERO appetite for bugs and waiting for completion should look at themselves realistically and wait for the full product..

:thumbup:

 

Based on your own statement above I highly recommend that you NOT go the beta route... Too many people buy the BETA and then when their own specific pet option is not available or not perfect they want it fixed right now and that is not how things work.. If bugs are not your thing then don't sign up for that kind of pain and just wait for the final release..

 

And I am not being mean or anything else with this response, I am simply pointing out that you have already stated a distatse for bugs and un-optimized software and that is EXACTLY what a BETA is.. It is designed to flush out those very bugs you don't like and by definition the code CANNOT be optimized.. Now some devs handle betas differently than others and this also adds confusion.. And is all the more reason that someone with ZERO appetite for bugs and waiting for completion should look at themselves realistically and wait for the full product..

:thumbup:

:thumbup:

 

Based on your own statement above I highly recommend that you NOT go the beta route...

:thumbup:

Agreed.

Absolutely worth it. Since joining DCS 2 months ago, I've experienced the best flight simming and tons of joy at learning the systems of each module. Beta or not, these modules are the real deal and fantastic!

Cheers.

What is called "Beta" in DCS would be called "Brand new release version with never before seen features" when published by one of the majors (UbiSoft, EA etc.)

Yes, there are bugs, sometimes they tweak a little on the flight models during beta, but still, beta or not you can have loads of fun flying the modules months or better years before release...

And as others said before, all DCS modules go through a constant iteration process and getting "updates" (for free) even long after "release".

I bought the P51 read the manual, take her off, flied and was very impressed, and i am every time i fly her, mostly Online.

Than i bought the Dora,read the manual, learned to start and land and fly her Online too. It´s flyable and not bad but the P51 is a class of it´s own,imho.

What is called "Beta" in DCS would be called "Brand new release version with never before seen features" when published by one of the majors (UbiSoft, EA etc.)

 

Yes, there are bugs, sometimes they tweak a little on the flight models during beta, but still, beta or not you can have loads of fun flying the modules months or better years before release...

And as others said before, all DCS modules go through a constant iteration process and getting "updates" (for free) even long after "release".

THAT, is true too !

I love my Mi-8, despite some not finished things it's still a blast and worth every penny but it's usefulness is limited in combat as a nature of the platform. Some AC are more beta in a way that there is a lack of scenarios and missions that include them in a way that just fits. Some servers do have nice missions, some totally lack support for Huey or Mi. The Sabre lacks a counterpart, once the Mig-15 is here, that will be great, but lacks a decent map, like N.Korea...small steps.

It's a constant iteration as said before, update follows update and the puzzle gets more and more finished.

Still, I can enjoy every module I have purchased and as money and time allows I will get all others too. I don't mind beta in DCS for the above mentioned reasons and if there is a severe bug, well, I got plenty other modules to play until certain others get fixed ;)

Bit

DCS is continuously Evolving...

There's likely never to be a build that doesn't have a fix or adjustment of some sort.

DCS is continuously Evolving...

There's likely never to be a build that doesn't have a fix or adjustment of some sort.

This is a very important thing to understand.

Good point, I agree totally.

Everyone seems to like the Mig21: Is it fully functional, feature-complete with missions, campaign and documentation?

I only spent a few hours in the MiG-21 and as far as I can tell, in its current Beta state this is by far the most complete DCS module as compared to any other module when they were/as they are in Beta.

The MiG-21 module includes a complete manual, interactive training missions, instant action missions, single missions and a campaign. AFAIK the module is pretty much feature complete and, again AFAIK, there are no major bugs.

IMO you can go ahead and get the module without hesitation. :thumbup:

As for other modules, the Beta ones aren't typically in a bad state, but in some cases there have been no updates in a while and long awaited features are still missing. Since there were never any promises regarding the timetable I don't have a problem with that, but it shows that there are no guarantees when buying a Beta.

Are the beta modules worth getting?

... if you want it bad enough ...

do you want it?

do you need it?

do you got to got to got to have it?

(only one has to be true)

WC

Are Beta releases worth getting?

I would say definitely yes, from DCS.

As has been said, other simulation software makers release so called finished versions, only to be "beta tested" by us folks who buy their "finished versions". You are left with the unknown factor of if the bugs, we find, will ever be addressed?

With the DCS Betas, they are under development and we can be more certain there is a finished version as the goal.

Also we are demonstrating support to the devs.

And the "Do you want it" factor is real as well. I for one would like a European theatre........:thumbup:

Cheers

David

Totally worth getting, beta means nothing in DCS in my opinion.

products improve constantly even after not being called beta.

and most people would not even pick up on the bugs there might still be in them.

There are a lot of bugs in BETA versions that are very obvious.

Thanks for the advice guys.

It sounds like the betas are better than the A-10C, but that it's best to wait until a beta gets a patch or two (so basically wait for a sale!).

I picked up the P-51D to tide me over - I think just learning aerial gunnery will take me a while based on my current performance!

Hey, there is not much of anything better than a new DCS Beta! (well, there are a couple of things) but they don't have wings.

(so basically wait for a sale!).

Can't go wrong with that. :)

Barring another flash sale, the next sale is probably going to come sometime around X-mas.

Regardless of beta or release status, almost all of the modules have their fair share of bugs. Because of the constant updating and upgrading, things that once worked perfectly are liable to be broken in any given update. Beta has more to do with certain things not being implemented yet, like the Fw-190 not having rockets right now.

Bottom line, if you like the aircraft and would enjoy flying it, buy it. If you wait until the "release version" you're just getting the same thing you would have gotten if you got it in beta, except you haven't gone through the hours of learning and trial and error to do something like land the MiG-21 without flipping it and skidding down the runway in a ball of fire.

The concept of beta in DCS is quite unique. First of all you can consider DCS itself a beta, there have been times when it was unplayable, broken, full of crashes. This might well happen again, so just accept it.

Then, belsimtek only produces betas, in that case it's a business model to release a product and label it a beta so they can never be liable of major bugs, because it's a beta. The truth is, even if they are beta, these modules are still better than 99% of what you will find anywhere else, so if you like the aircraft, get it ,)

The answer, what is a backhanded compliment?

:thumbup: :rotflmao:

I haven't regretted purchasing any beta thus far, but some have had moments where I've needed to remember that I'm not using the finished product. The enjoyment outweighs the frustration at a factor of approximately 100 to 1.

Also during flash sales when modules are 70% off you know it will never be cheaper so might as well get them all...

Well, the steam sale was good timing; I've picked up the complete set :-)

Lots of learning to do now, but they look good so far