Actually I have an idea how this type of sim can appeal to even the most fervant ignoramus. We flight simmers tend to be a little vain about our sophistication but we must descend from our lofty perches and dwell amongest the land lubbers at least to continue a progressive approach to these sims.
An RPG (roleplaying game) being a diguise for a true WW1 flight sim may work. We have the Cpu the graphical engines and the experience of 6yrs of flight sims at least since windows 95 to hash out such a project(of course money is an issue).
PILOT CREATION SCREEN
I envision our recruit being constructed with an allocation of character points say 50 -100 pts. for a body frame ala (Madden 2000) Big, skinny, tall, short, stocky etc. Of course in the pilot creation screen the real meat will be the intelligence points which must be counterbalanced with strength,agility,background--(grunt or calvary)noble or peasant and finally intangibles.Depending on how you allocate out each category will influence many aspects after reaching the aerodrome.
Next of course you must pick a uniform Entente or Central (please don't say Axis, no such thing in 1918!)And a face your own if you wish (NHL EA sports)or pick from a bank of mustacioed Huns or English,French or eve a few recognized aces.No medals will be on the uniform until you earn them of course.(well maybe just a pilot badge don't need to go to flying school.)
THE VIRTUAL AERODROME
Of course your character which we will name Herr loetmann Bruno Stachel (for lack of originality) will arrive at the virtual aerodrome
(yes I know the frame rates will plunge) there he will walk through (ala Quake or Half Life)a living airbase complete with a Co,mess,sleeping qtrs (EAW) flags, working mechanics repairing and patching the birds plenty of noise,trophies hanging on the walls and a tough one landing and departing flights etc.. I think you get the picture. The buildings can be just like (Seadogs a naval 18th cent combat game or Half life whatever). This virtual world will be visible in several personages you can see your guy or you can look through his eyes whatever.Hmmm----this of course is only the disguise for what lies beyond A real blood and guts World War one flight simulation only in this one you actually have to walk to up to & climb into the cockpit (for you Half Life fans).You can even do a visual inspection of your crate (did Joe mechanic patch those bullet holes on the Starboard?) or you can skip this step (you take a your chances). In anycase there will be a flight board posted just like all the other sims only here you better remember which building it was in Don't want to walk in on your CO and disturb his nap or you'll be flying another outdated PLAZ. I envision this and more happening in the very near future--then and only then the likes of suits such as Sierra Dynamix will redon their Pilot Goggles--sigh.
THE VIEW KEYS
We had or have radar in RB3d with the "E" key etc. Gone is the element of surprise, so often used in this style of combat,boom & zoomers at a loss No Hun out of the Sun hes been spotted-- Spads reduced to turn-fighting in swirling dogfights at a disadvantage to use their speed--Yes this was clearly aimed at the uninformed the non flight simmer---but it should have had on off button in the preferences---It was smart to include ,not so smart to be able to switch off. Stalking prey is part of the fun in this type of sim.
RPG CROSSOVER
After creating your character,you of course want to see him walk around the virtual world in his uniform---just to observe if hes picked up the iron cross you were told he was awarded or if you're really good the Blue Max.(this is still assuming you've picked to be a Hun.) One optional six view would be in the cockpit his head between the guns blue sky behind him just to observe the grin as his Spandaus are blazing.
Could he land near a French town & frequent a virtual saloon? Yes, but he would run the risk of capture,or (acoording to intangible points) drunkeness which meant a hangover the next day either grounded (discipled) or less effective gunfire (fatigue factor).
Of course if you last more than 17 hours after this you may go on to become an Ace.
These are rather lofty ideas at the moment but feel free to use them---I would love nothing more than to see them materialize in some form.
In conclusion combing an RPG type game as a disguise for mass appeal for a true flight sim--with plenty of easy options for the less gifted---but certainly all the realistic Hard options too--especially the cheat keys.
