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[Alex Connolly]

Boeing.com

The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of the warfighter today and in the future.

From the makers of Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, 2009's stunning World War 2 dogfighter, comes Apache: Air Assault - the first dedicated helicopter gunship game for console and offers a great alternative to DCS Blackshark on PC. Featuring stunning attention to detail and a variety of modes and settings, Apache: Air Assault is set to take the genre by storm.

The player takes on the role of three distinct Apache crews that each deal with what at first appears to be localized enemy activity, but eventually reveals itself to be part of the larger plan. The gameplay intercuts back and forth between the three crews as the action and stakes escalate.

Players take part in a 16-level campaign; including local splitscreen single-heli co-op (pilot/co-pilot) and a 13-level dedicated online co-op missions for up to 4 players, with each player piloting their own helicopter. (Thanks Llyranor!)

Available on:



AND PC

Release Date:

NA - November 16th
EU - November 19th

Price:

$49.99USD / Amazon $47.99

PC Digital Download from Yuplay - $49.95USD

PC System Requirements:

Minimum

* Processor: Intel Pentium 4 3200 MHz (or analogous)
* RAM: 2048 MB
* Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 256 MB or ATI Radeon X1950 256 MB
* Hard disk space: 10 GB free disk space for game files
* Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3, DirectX 9.0c
* Sound card: DirectX compatible (AC'97 or analogous)
* Internet connection: 56 kbits/sec
* Keyboard, mouse

Recommended

*Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2400 MHz (or analogous)
*RAM: 4096 MB
*Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 512 MB or ATI Radeon 4850 512 MB
*Hard disk space: 10 GB free disk space for game files
*Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 with DirectX 9.0c
*Microsoft Windows Vista SP2 / Microsoft Windows 7
*Sound card: DirectX compatible (AC'97 or analogous) with 5.1 channel support
*Internet connection: 512 kbits/sec
*Keyboard, mouse, joystick

ATI Radeon X2100 and older graphic cards are not supported by the producer when used with Windows 7.

Peripheral Support

Xbox 360 - Ace Edge Flight Stick, Madcatz Cyborg F.L.Y. 9
PS3 - Unofficially supports Saitek X52, Sixaxis Motion Control

Apache: Air Assault Playable Aircraft

Campaign Missions

*Agusta Westland AH Mk 1 Apache
*Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache

Free Flight

*Agusta Westland AH Mk 1 Apache
*Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache
*Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout
*Mil Mi-35 Hind

Apache: Air Assault Featured Aircraft - Player and NPC

Apache AH-1 (playable)

The Apache AH-1 is a British variant of the Apache AH-64D Longbow.

Apache AH-64D Longbow (playable)

The Apache AH-64D Longbow is a multi-mission attack helicopter. It has twin turboshaft engines, and a four blade configuration. It is operated by two pilots who sit in a tandem cockpit arrangement with the pilot seated in the rear slightly higher than the co-pilot/gunner. The Apache’s Target Acquisition Designation Sights and Pilot Night Vision System are mounted on the nose. This system can be slaved to the pilots’ helmets allowing them to track targets with their head movements.

MQ-8B (playable)

The MQ-8B is a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle capable of operating in land and shipboard environments. It fulfills a number of operational tasks including real time battle damage assessment, over-the-horizon targeting, and provision of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strikes. Onboard avionics including electro-optical/infrared sensors and a laser designator allow it to find, track and designate targets.

MQ-9 Reaper

The MQ-9 Reaper is the first hunter-killer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle designed for high altitude, long endurance surveillance activities. The Reaper has a maximum ceiling of 50,000 feet and an average cruising speed of 150-170 knots. It is capable of surveying large areas in diverse weather conditions. The Reaper can carry up to 3,000 lbs of external stores and can be equipped with up to four Hellfire II missiles, and two laser-guided bombs, and 500lb of joint direct attack munitions.

A-10 Thunderbolt II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is designed primarily for the purpose of providing close air support for ground troops. It is powered by two General Electric TF-34-100/A turbo-fan engines which generate approximately 9,000 pounds of thrust each. The A-10 is highly survivable in modern combat environments with a titanium armor plated cockpit, foam filled fuel tanks and avionics features that allow the aircraft to maintain flight even after taking significant damage.

Mi-26 Halo

The Mi-26’s is one of the world’s heaviest and most powerful helicopters and was designed primarily as a heavy lifter of military freight and cargo such as armored personnel carriers and ballistic missiles. It is capable of lifting up to 20 metric tons (44,000lb) and is the first helicopter with an eight blade main rotor. The Mi-26 carries no armament.

Mi-35 Hind (playable)

The Mi-35 Hind is the export version of the Mi-24. Its primary role is as a helicopter gunship but it also has limited capacity for troop transport. It entered service in the former Soviet Union in the 1970s and has been deployed in a number of conflicts around the world including in Afghanistan and Chechnya.

UH-60 Black Hawk

The UH-60 is a utility tactical transport helicopter capable of moving an entire 11-person, fully-equipped infantry squad through most weather conditions. Its primary mission roles are in aero-medical evacuation, air cavalry and air assault but it can also be configured for executive transport, search and rescue, armed escort, and electronic warfare. The Black Hawk’s airframe is designed to progressively crush on impact to protect its crew and passengers. If equipped with External Stores Support System the Black Hawk is capable of carrying up to 16 Hellfire missiles and can mount two M60 7.62mm machine guns in its windows.

Previews:

Gaming Lives In-depth Preview

I left the talks having changed my preconceptions about the game and ended up being incredibly impressed by what I’d seen of it alone, but I was worried that when it then came to playing the game I’d be let down or find it incredibly difficult to play and not enjoy the experience. As the earlier spoiler hinted, it’s a game I had to leave my preconceptions at the door for, because I ended up really enjoying the game despite my reservations.

Games Radar Preview

What we saw of the game wasn’t super good-looking, but then it makes sense considering all of the buildings, trees, vehicles and troops the engine has to render along with some serious draw distances. Besides, simulation enthusiasts don’t care about perfect graphics – they want realistic physics and details, and Apache seems to be bursting with them.

The Average Gamer Hands-on Preview

Have you been waiting for someone to do for combat helicopter sims what Gran Turismo did for racing games? Yeah, us neither but it looks like Gaijin Entertainment have done just that, with Apache Air Assault coming out next month.

G4TV Video Preview
Gametrailers Developer Walkthrough Part 1 / Part 2
Apache: Air Assault Trailer

Reviews:

The Game Fanatics - 4.3 stars out of 5

Pros: Top-notch realism, combat is rewarding, great battle stages, co-op is bad-ass, enemy AI is smart and aware

Cons: Controls have a relatively steep learning curve, landscape graphics are a bit washed out, helicopter customisation is sub-par

PSX Extreme - 80/100

The Good: Realistic controls are well implemented. Attention to helicopter detail is great. Patience and skill is sufficiently rewarded. Multiple difficulty modes allow for both authenticity and accessibility. Different objectives add variety. Co-op is a big plus.

The Bad: Bland, washed-out environments. Steep learning curve. Controls don’t always feel exactly right. Thin storyline component.

The Ugly: The uninitiated who sits down and thinks it’ll play like Warhawk. …the result is oh so ugly.

XXL Gaming - 80/100

Apache Air Assault is an outstanding chopper flight simulation and one that any flight enthusiast should at least try.

IGN AU - 7.5/10

Apache: Air Assault is a title that a niche audience of hardcore flight sim fans will love, and the rest of us with a passing interesting in flying a chopper will get some fun out of. I recommend playing it on Training for anyone who isn’t up to putting in the many hours of time to master the more intense Realistic settings, but it’s cool that Gaijin put those in for the hardcore fans they know are going to pick this up. The combat is a sight to behold, but the missions are more than little formulaic thanks to the nature of the aircraft. Apaches are made to kill, and they do it well. I just don't think that’s enough for most gamers out there.

Apache Air Assault Official Site
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[glaurung]

Very nice, good work Pylon_Trooper!

Apache is definitely on the radar for me, after the bitter aftertaste that HAWX 2 left in the mouth.

Might pick this up once the price drops a bit for the PS3. The demo on PSN was really good and the graphical fidelity of the heli and other items is quite nice.

 

[Alex Connolly]

Tell you what, man...it was a big surprise to find it available for pre-order for the PC crowd on Yuplay. Should make some folks happy.

 

[Menelaus]

Great OP.

But hold up. Is the Warthog...flyable?

Day 1 if so

 

[TTP]

Wait you can pilot an A-10 Thunderbolt II as well?

 

[Alex Connolly]

No no, they're part of the support NPC force. I'll make the adjustment to avoid confusion.

 

[Prime crotch]

Really liked the demo on PS3 but it's released at the worst time.

 

[todahawk]

Really liked the demo on PS3 but it's released at the worst time.

There's a demo up on PSN? Sweet! gotta try it out.

 

[Alex Connolly]

Right, OP adjusted for clarity. So, we get two Apache variants for the campaign, and a further two - the Hind and the Fire Scout drone for free flight. This could be incomplete, though...I've read mixed things. So, we'll adjust when clarity comes about!

There's a demo up on PSN? Sweet! gotta try it out.

Euro only at this point, I think. But hey, it's easy to make a Euro PSN account!

 

[Xater]

Right, OP adjusted for clarity. So, we get two Apache variants for the campaign, and a further two - the Hind and the Fire Scout drone for free flight. This could be incomplete, though...I've read mixed things. So, we'll adjust when clarity comes about!



Euro only at this point, I think. But hey, it's easy to make a Euro PSN account!

Like I sai in the other thread I did not know this. I am downloading it as I am typing this. The videos looked pretty good for me as a Comanche fan. I didn#t even know this ws coming out so soon. If I like the demo I'll probably get it.

 

[Dubbedinenglish]

Glory to this thread! Next week is awesome pain on my wallet:lol

 

[Llyranor]

Please specify:
- 16-level campaign; includes local splitscreen single-heli co-op (pilot/co-pilot) - NO ONLINE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 13 non-campaign online co-op missions up to 4p; each player = 1 heli - NO SINGLE-HELI ONLINE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Alex Connolly]

Updated, Llyranor! Tough stuff, but otherwise small arms fire welting the fuselage of an incredibly sturdy machine!

 

[Xater]

Ok played through the demo on the easy difficulty and I really enjoyed it. Seems like great title. God damn it now I have to see where I get the money for it. I also played the training mission on realistic and holy shit does that change the handling. It also allowed me to do some rolls with my Apache which were followed with my co-pilot asking for more tricks. :lol

 

[Llyranor]

Hey, you took my negative Nancy pessimism and just turned it into a neutral fact list, you jerk!

 

[Alex Connolly]

Hey, you took my negative Nancy pessimism and just turned it into a neutral fact list, you jerk!

I live to serve!

 

[TTP]

- 13 non-campaign online co-op missions up to 4p; each player = 1 heli - NO SINGLE-HELI ONLINE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah damn, I though two players could be pilot/gunner on the same shopper.

 

[Llyranor]

Now, I can't find the source, so this might not be accurate, but I think you can still have splitscreen local single-heli co-op when playing the non-campaign missions. Not sure if you can mix and match offline and online at the same time, though.

 

[todahawk]

Right, OP adjusted for clarity. So, we get two Apache variants for the campaign, and a further two - the Hind and the Fire Scout drone for free flight. This could be incomplete, though...I've read mixed things. So, we'll adjust when clarity comes about!



Euro only at this point, I think. But hey, it's easy to make a Euro PSN account!

Already have one for emergencies like this.

 

[Pooya]

First 15mins.
http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/apache-air-assault-first-15-mins

 

[BlingBling!!]

I was really excited for this game, unfortunately the controls in the demo are really wonky. I would love an Ace Combat with Helis, but this aint it

 

[Danneee]

I was really excited for this game, unfortunately the controls in the demo are really wonky. I would love an Ace Combat with Helis, but this aint it

I feel the same, it was hard as hell to fly and aim at the same time. I didn't try the advanced controls but they can hardly be easier?
Oh, and there seemed to be a pretty low ceiling of how high you could fly. That always ruin these kind of games for me.

 

[Cobra84]

Any competitive multiplayer? I'll burn through the missions too quickly.

Ah damn, I though two players could be pilot/gunner on the same shopper.

They can, but it is same console only.

First 15mins.
http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/apache-air-assault-first-15-mins

Why would want to watch 15 minutes of a freely downloadable demo?

 

[Animator]

Tell you what, man...it was a big surprise to find it available for pre-order for the PC crowd on Yuplay. Should make some folks happy.

That was a nice surprise indeed. Wonder if its on steam as well, I will go check.


edit: it's not.

 

[Winterblink]

OH oh oh, do want.

 

[FlyinJ]

The demo was fantastic. I found the controls to be excellent in Realistic mode. The Realistic mode on Birds of Prey was far too fidgety on a controller... but I had no problem using the 360 controller with this game.

Definitely picking it up.

 

[DoubleTap]

Please specify:
- 16-level campaign; includes local splitscreen single-heli co-op (pilot/co-pilot) - NO ONLINE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 13 non-campaign online co-op missions up to 4p; each player = 1 heli - NO SINGLE-HELI ONLINE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ordered because of this. This feature is getting less and less common. Some of us still want to play with the person next to us.

 

[UFRA]

Fantastic OP. Can't wait for this game. Day 1.

 

[UFRA]

Hey guys, great news. This game may be coming out tomorrow!!!

My friend just asked on the blog about the release date, check out comment #75:

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010...th-2010-new-releases/comment-page-2/#comments

HypnoToast | November 8th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Can you please confirm if Apache Air Assault is really coming this week? All major gaming store websites have it listed with a release date of 11/16 next week. I am pretty excited about this game so if it comes out this week instead of next I will be a really happy camper.

Thanks!

Rey Gutierrez | November 8th, 2010 at 11:38 am
According to our internal third party list, expect it to drop on the 9th.

 

[Anerythristic]

Simulation fan here.

The controls from the demo for some reason took me like 30 minutes to learn.

Game suffered from You vs. 400 enemies syndrome which I hate..make it a dozen smarter more deadly enemies instead. Make me do pop ups over the ridge and evasive manuever away from a few much more dangerous anti air weapons while launching counter measures.

The part in the demo where you defend the downed Apache from the enemy ground forces was not great imo, it went to long.

 

[Ding]

Such a pity that they couldn't make online pilot/gunner co-op work. That would have all but guaranteed that I, and a friend of mine, would each pick up copies. We both love helicopters, and co-op. As it is, I'll probably just buy it on clearance some day for the SP campaign.

So close.

Kinect head-tracking would have been nice, too. But given the timing, I can understand why that didn't make it.

 

[Lord Helmet]

Never heard of this before, but I'm curious. Will wait for impressions.

 

[Man]

Game suffered from You vs. 400 enemies syndrome which I hate..make it a dozen smarter more deadly enemies instead. Make me do pop ups over the ridge and evasive manuever away from a few much more dangerous anti air weapons while launching counter measures

I'm not sure if reality fits this hollywood concept. Realistic air to air combat is 'boring' and decided in seconds.

 

[Alex Connolly]

I'm not sure if reality fits this hollywood concept. Realistic air to air combat is 'boring' and decided in seconds.

I know in the defence of the downed chopper section, I turned my hydra pods onto anything and everything. Not very professional to flatten the surrounding slums, but damn, the carnage was cathartic.

And great news on the alleged early release, too! I thought it was initially going to drop with Blood Drive, being the other game in Activision's lower priced releases. Fingers crossed!

 

[UFRA]

Well it looks like the PS Blog guy was wrong unfortunately. Went to GameStop today and they didn't have it. Their system still says it's the 16th as we knew already, so damn.

Oh well, only 1 week.

 

[Alex Connolly]

There should be some reviews coming out between now and then to tide us over. Hopefully!

 

[Alex Connolly]

Demo for US PSN users available this week! Get some whirly-bird, my American friends.

 

[UFRA]

Looks like the game will be coming out sooner than expected afterall!

Just got a call from "Ashley" (lol) at GameStop! It said that Apache will be available Friday afternoon! Woohoo!

(I'm in the US, so I'm not sure about EU)

 

[Alex Connolly]

Ufra, we want reports of your whirlybird actions ASAP. Mine should be thrumming into my postbox in two weeks, so we'll need the fans support for co-op missions and impressions!

 

[UFRA]

Ufra, we want reports of your whirlybird actions ASAP. Mine should be thrumming into my postbox in two weeks, so we'll need the fans support for co-op missions and impressions!

No problem there.

Myself and 2 other friends are for sure picking up the game tomorrow. I'm going to dive straight into the single player missions first, and then if they're up for it I'd like to at least explore the co-op to see how it works. (I don't want to get into that straight away since I'd like to master the controls and tactics first)

I'll post impressions tomorrow night after I spent some time with it. Can't wait!

 

[NemesisPrime]

Played 360 demo.... deleted it after 15 minutes. Controls are not doing it for me.

TBH this can only work on a PC IMHO. Will try it on my PC when there is a demo... I love helicopter sims.

 

[Dubbedinenglish]

Looks like the game will be coming out sooner than expected afterall!

Just got a call from "Ashley" (lol) at GameStop! It said that Apache will be available Friday afternoon! Woohoo!

(I'm in the US, so I'm not sure about EU)

Same here got my robo text to pick it up. Can't wait. Still undecided about getting a stick because I'm getting used to the controller (need a lot of finesse with the roll, or just lower the roll sensitivity). Will also report back with the impressions.

 

[Alex Connolly]

You fellows are lucky gents indeed!

"Calibrating vertical sweep limits!" - techy whirlybird radio chatter in a British accent gives Apache the edge.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

Played 360 demo.... deleted it after 15 minutes. Controls are not doing it for me.

TBH this can only work on a PC IMHO. Will try it on my PC when there is a demo... I love helicopter sims.

Keyboard and mouse? Eh? Cos you realise both 360 and PS3 have sticks.

 

[UFRA]

Ok, I'll give you guys a little pre-playing preview/teaser of the game already...

Firstly, I got the PS3 version.

I simply installed the game so far (757MB install) and then took a look at the trophy list.

There's 51 trophies, and they seem very balanced and fun. I'm going to go for platinum in this game for sure. There's a lot of "complete X mission" or "complete an objective in X mission" so there's tons of "naturally obtainable" trophies so to speak...you don't have to go out of your way for a lot of them.

The highlight of the trophies is by far this one:

Title: Peppy's Request
Requirement: Do a barrel roll!
:lol

Nothing like a Starfox 64 reference to know a Dev has a good sense of humor.

Time to sink my teeth in, I'll tell more later tonight.

 

[Air Zombie Meat]

Nice, looking forward to your impressions. Going to be getting this when it comes out over here. I enjoyed the demo quite a bit. I appreciated that they have preset configurations for different flight sticks. Mine was listed and works well (Saitek aviator).

 

[UFRA]

Ok, was gonna wait but I want to post more info lol.

This game is impressing the pants off of me with the attention to detail and features.

None of my Apache friends are on yet, so I haven't actually tested co-op, but there is a full fledged lobby system, matchmaking if you don't feel like browsing, and private matches for friends only.

Then, there's free flight mode...wowwwwwwwwwwww

I thought it would just be like a vague "heres a chopper, now go fly around moron" sorta thing.

Nope, it's fully customizable, choose weather, time of day, enemies on or off, hostile or friendly, friendly skill levels, difficulty, etc, etc...

The entire instruction manual is built into the game as well with the "Encyclopedia" feature in Extras.

They really put a lot of love into this game....ok now onto the Campaign...


Edit: by the way, I should post my background so you guys know where I'm coming from...I never played a solid helicopter sim before, so yes I may be more hyped than other people. However, I'm an avid flight simulator fan in general, so I do have high expectations. I own and put TONS of hours into Flight Simulator 98 through 2002 Pro Edition, and I also put tons of hours into combat flight simulators like Jane's F-15.

After playing those games, this one is quite impressive for a console game.

 

[Dubbedinenglish]

Popped it in for few missions and it really is great. Mostly for the first few were swatting flies (demo missions) but iy gets a bit more interesting on the stages I'm on with canyon flying and attacking boats on water near oil rigs. Requires a lot finesse for the boats.

Love the little details in in chopper watching the little dials on it is memorizing. Gonna try co-op later on tonight.

 

[UFRA]

Well I'm really enjoying the campaign right now. Pretty cool stuff. If you played the demo, you'll be familiar with the first 3 missions lol.

I guess my only concern would be that 16 missions isn't enough. Although, comparing "The Sky is Burning" to "Lord of War" the length of those to missions is significantly different, so maybe as you progress even further they get longer and longer.

Overall I'm very happy.

I did manage to find 2 glitches though with the PS3 version.

-Trophies won't sync. The trophies unlock and show up in the trophy list under "Game" without issue. However, whenever I try to sync them to my profile (either by pressing triangle on the trophies menu or by selecting my profile from the friends list) it successfully gets to 100%, but then none of my trophies show up in my profile. Really weird. Perhaps it's because the game technically came out early and the servers won't recognize the game until the 16th?

-Engine sound glitch. Upon selecting Restart from the menu in a mission (or if you fail a critical objective and are forced to restart) the engine sounds from the helicopter suddenly become dead silent. :/ I tried everything to fix it, but the only way is to quit out and start up the game again. I turned SFX to 0, saved, then back to max, and it was still silent. Rockets and gunfire are still just fine, just no engine sounds. Really weird.

 

[Alex Connolly]

Great impressions, guys! So damn hyped for this game! Keep an eye out for reviews, too.