DCS: Black Shark

 PC
DCS: Black Shark Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

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  • 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 moreDCS: 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]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  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.… Expand
  2. 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.… Expand
  4. [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.… Expand
  5. IliasS
    Jan 7, 2010
    9
    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 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.… Expand
  6. autul
    Jun 20, 2011
    9
    A military-grade flight simulator available for you! That's not a marketing gimmick. It's a fact!

    A military grade, historical (important    A military-grade flight simulator available for you! That's not a marketing gimmick. It's a fact!

    A military grade, historical (important milestone for hardcore simulation genre) flight simulator. As a trivia I'll add that DCS Black Shark allows difficulty and realism settings customization using which user can virtually change it to an arcade game. So what it so special about DCS Black Shark?
    DCS Black Shark by Eagle Dynamics (ED) is a part of ED's planned policy of developing simulators for military and commercial (private) customers in parallel giving the private customers an opportunity to lay their hands on a product of practically the same quality as military customers. Apart from providing flight modeling, physics/damage modeling, systems modeling and replication of performance of real machines as realistically as it gets it also guarantees that ED's DCS series features only those aircrafts which the company have access to full documentation and people who professionally work around chosen aircrafts. No wild guesses and no aircrafts not actually in service. I do realize the text is not easy to read without formatting but it may be worth it. So, a 'military grade' description should said it all but here's a few additional thoughts about DCS Black Shark:

    - get to know DCS BS by starting from viewing these
    features and official site: http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?scr=default&end_pos=950&lang=en
    video demonstrations:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyctBKipmCI
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3PDnloKbs4
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q_XNf4elAI
    FAQ: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=33527

    - people who don't like helicopters or who flown Falcon 4.0 series exclusively enjoy DCS Black Shark, started tempted by all mentioned above

    - there are videos, tracks (in-game replays) and articles presenting how some un-cut missions look like and what is to be done

    - multiplayer missions for DCS Black Shark are often populated by ongoing air battles between human controlled fighter jets due to DCS BS multiplayer compatibility with Lock On Flaming Cliffs 2

    - a system with 3.2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 3 GB of RAM and GF9600GT graphics card allows to play DCS Black Shark with FPS (frames per second) in 35-70 FPS range (!), when properly configured (medium to high settings)

    - DCS BS runs better on dual core processors under Windows 7 and Vista and also features a special implementation of Vertical synchronization (Vsync) which allows higher frame rates when vsync is enabled

    - DCS BS supports multi-monitor setups

    - AI controlled helicopters seem to fly almost like they were human controlled rather than being thrown around the sky by an invisible 'hand' like in most other games

    Believe me, there's a lot more! I just don't feel like writing essays :) Issues:
    The most serious one I've found during over a year of playing is wingmen AI. They have to be commanded in a really strict and involving manner to keep them alive with us.    … Expand
  7. Mastiff
    Jan 19, 2015
    0
    Worst customer service. Do not fix bugs that have been around for over 2 years now.

    Forum etiquette is by far Nazi regime style bans, when    Worst customer service. Do not fix bugs that have been around for over 2 years now.

    Forum etiquette is by far Nazi regime style bans, when ask or state questions they ban you.    … Expand
  8. KarlL
    Aug 9, 2009
    0
    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 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.… Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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