DCS: Black Shark

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    94
    Replay value is off the map. Steep learning curve, though.
  2. IGN AU
    92
    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.
  3. Impulsegamer
    90
    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.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    Nov 22, 2011
    85
    The DCS Ka-50 Black Shark 2 reaffirms the ability of Eagle Dynamics to create deep and complex simulations. Better graphics, scalable difficulty levels and the anticipated compatibility with the form A-10, makes it a great buy for new and old fans.
  6. Gameplayer
    85
    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.
  7. PC Gamer UK
    82
    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]
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  8. Gamers.at
    82
    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.
  9. IGN
    80
    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.
  10. PALGN
    80
    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.
  11. GameStar
    72
    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.
  12. Total PC Gaming
    70
    An excellent flight combat sim, with a lack of polish in key areas.
  13. Absolute Games
    70
    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.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best PC Game of 2009
63
#63 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 62
  3. Negative: 6 out of 62
  1. Kestrel
    Dec 27, 2010
    10
    I do not normally write reviews for anything but DCS Black Shark was so good I have to tell someone. Eagle Dynamics have gone all out inI do not normally write reviews for anything but DCS Black Shark was so good I have to tell someone. Eagle Dynamics have gone all out in simulating the Russian attack helicopter the KA-50. Black Shark is aimed specifically at the people who are hardcore flight simmers as it is simulating a single seat gunship where you do the job of both the pilot and gunner. The game allows for the level of realism to be played down but if you buy this game you clearly aren't in the mood easy street-although i do recommend starting there. However, due to a slight problem with the game not being able to un-pause for me on easy mode, I had to have it set to hardcore simulation. After several tutorials and many pages from the instructional pdf I was finally firing my first missiles at an LAV 25-with success. The game gets more and more enjoyable as you play it. Black Shark's graphics are well done but the true beauty of Black Shark is in the intense flight model and attention to detail when it comes to making this flight sim. I love this game and I fully recommend this game to anyone who is interested in a true gunship simulator.… Full Review »
  2. [anonymous]
    Jan 5, 2010
    10
    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 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.… Full Review »
  3. njhuiz
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    In my opinion still the best helicopter simulator today (2012). Even if you do not like combat, the detailed systems and damage model allowsIn my opinion still the best helicopter simulator today (2012). Even if you do not like combat, the detailed systems and damage model allows for a much more realistic experience than any civil simulator I know of. The current version is "Black Shark 2", which is not available on some platforms like Steam. The update costs roughly 20 bucks, so in most cases you should avoid to buy the old version.… Full Review »
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