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DCS: Black Shark

EMAIL PRINT pc

8.0 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 11 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 15 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Flying Legends

Developer: Eagle Dynamics

Genre(s): Flight Combat Simulation

Players: 64

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: April 7, 2009

Summary

DCS: Black Shark is a PC game of the Russian Ka-50 attack helicopter and is the first title in a new Eagle Dynamics and The Fighter Collection simulation series: Digital Combat Simulator (DCS). Following Eagle Dynamics' tradition of excellence, "DCS: Black Shark" will bring an even more realistic simulation experience than its predecessor "Flaming Cliffs". DCS: Black Shark will offer an unprecedented level of realism in regards to flight dynamics, instruments modeling, avionics systems, and weapon systems. The artificial Intelligence of ground vehicles and helicopters has been improved dramatically as well as weapon modeling. A new Mission Editor includes a powerful electronic mapping system that allows user to easily create missions and campaigns. A new campaign system allows the front line of the battlefield to move back and fourth according to your mission success or failure. [Eagle Dynamics]

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Cheat Code Central

Replay value is off the map. Steep learning curve, though.

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IGN AU

We’re confident in saying that the flight simming genre has been given a second lease of life almost singlehandedly by this one developer. Kudos to Eagle Dynamics and its beautiful rendition of Kamov’s deadliest chopper.

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ImpulseGamer

There are plenty of air combat games and simulations out there, but the list of them that are truly spectacular is short, Black Shark can I feel be proudly counted as one of them.

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Gameplayer

As is to be expected with such a realistically-driven simulator, the learning curve is huge and if you don’t regularly frequent the genre, be prepared to invest large quantities of time before determining whether it’s for you.

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PC Gamer UK

I could walk away in disgust, but that would be madness. In between the bouts of befuddlement and frustration, I'm having too much fun. [Mar 2009, p.74]

Gamers.at

Black Shark is the perfect game for anyone who isn't scared by a thick manual and a steep learning curve. Recommended for everyone who always wanted to learn how to fly for real.

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IGN

If you're willing to log the necessary hours, train like a real pilot, and memorize the daunting complexities of one of the most difficult war machines every concocted, the rewards are many and the sense of authenticity will blow you away.

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PALGN

It desperately needs a more interactive in-game tutorial system to lessen the near-vertical learning curve, but there's currently nothing else that can challenge Black Shark in the hardcore heli-sim arena.

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GameStar

DSC: Black Shark is full of technical details and you should read the 488 pages of the PDF manual, because the tutorials only show a handful of the functions. It's a tough and realistic simulation with 130 missions and a mission editor and especially fun in co-op missions over LAN or the internet.

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Absolute Games

Each new product from Eagle Dynamics is one step closer to full-fledged training software, but game simulators are judged not only by their degree of realism. Eye appeal and diversity never hurt anyone.

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Total PC Gaming

An excellent flight combat sim, with a lack of polish in key areas.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 15 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Ilias S gave it a9:
This is one of the best sims in the market. Great graphics, great level of realism! A Combat Flight Sim fun would appreciate it 100%. It intergrates a mission/campaign editor and the community is always up to something. Starforce is a necessary evil but it caused me no problem at all! The game was at a very friendly price (28euros) given its quality. If you are a sim fun its a must buy! and if you aren't keep away since you 'll quit before even launching your first missile.

[anonymous] gave it a10:
The best helicopter sim since Longbow 2 and the best overall sim of 2009. Yes, it does use Starforce, but not the version that installs malware on your PC. It simply uses online activation which seems to be the norm these days. The learning curve is brutal, but if you stick with it it's highly rewarding.

Karl L gave it a0:
Paid $80 for this. Starforce wont accept my cd key. I cant play the game, And the store wont accept returns. I'd advise against buying this game, because there is a good chance your just going to be ripped off.

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DCS: Black Shark

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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