Trouble and Bugs

1. I have troubles with VBS ? What can i do ?
VBS uses the OFP Engine. Therefore it is a good idea to look at the Avon OFP site. Because she has collected a lot of errors and workarounds.
T.Schwarz 2004

2. I crash to desktop if i issue a command:
On to my first mission. C130 crashes and you get inserted to rescue the crew. As i'm commander, i issue the command "Return to formation" System Freeze, Reboot goto setup change voice do different name same again crap! After a bit of playing around i discover the VBS1 voice file is 262KB whereas OFP is 31MB. I just copy and paste OFP voices to VBS and all is sweet. This issue is fixed by patch.
Craig Holz 2004

3. I can not find the CD Key? It should be on a sticker in the Box ?
Well, the CD-Key is printed on the lower right corner of your VBS Box.
T.Schwarz 2004

4. I can not hear voices !
This is connected to question 2. If you own OFP then you can replace your Voice.pbo in the folder VBS/DTA/ with the Voice.pbo of OFP/DTA. (Copy the orginal file to a secure place before replacing it).
T.Schwarz 2004

5. I have a double cursor / no cursor!
Sometimes VBS has trouble to switch to the correct screen. To avoid this problem set your Destop to a different resolution then VBS. Another Workaround is to press Alt+Tab once or several times to until you are at the correct screen.
T.Schwarz 2004

47. Error Message: "Cannot create 3D device"
* The capabilities of your video card may not be sufficient to support VBS1.
* Check for the proper or updated video drivers.
* Update to the latest DirectX drivers. Recommend DirectX 8.0
* No enough video memory.
* Ensure you have a least 32 MB of video Technical Support
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

48. Error Message: "Protection violation: MARX hardware not found or contains not valid data."
* Ensure the MARX USB Security key is attached to the USB port to receive its license.
* Install drivers for the MARX USB Security key
* Allow Windows to detect the MARX USB Security before operating VBS1 for the first time.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

49. VBS1 will not start or the splash screen does not display.
* Ensure that there are no other add-ons from Operation Flashpoint, Resistance, or third party located in the add-on folder. Add-ons for VBS1 are specifically encrypted and may cause VBS1 not to function properly or crash if other add-ons are introduced.
* Ensure the MARX USB Security key is attached to the USB port to receive its license.
* Install drivers for the MARX USB Security key.
* Allow Windows to detect the MARX USB Security before operating VBS1 for the first time.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

50. Error message: Data file too short 'addons\xxxx.pbo'. ("xxxx" = add-on name)
Ensure that there are no other add-ons from other VBS1 clients. Add-ons for VBS1 are specifically encrypted for the end user and may cause VBS1 not to function properly or crash if other add-ons are introduced.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

51. During installation I did not installation the MARX software drivers. What do I do now?
* Locate the Marx folder in the installation CD, then open Cbsetup folder. Run the CbnSetup.exe application to install the drivers. Follow the on screen dialog boxes to install the Crypto Box USB device.
* Allow Windows to detect the MARX USB Security before operating VBS1 for the first time.
* VBS1 is now operational and licensed.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

52. The installation CD requires a CD key to install and I can't find it.
The CD key required to install VBS1 is located on a label outside the CD case. If your case is lost or misplaced, contact your purchasing agent for the serial numbers located on the invoice that was supplied when VBS1 was purchased. CD keys are linked to the customer version and the USB security key, so they will not operate in other customer versions of VBS1 or their add-ons.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

53. On our laptops the red arrow (cursor) does not move when we move the mouse, what can cause this problem?
On some laptops or desktop where the monitor frequency is set above 70 Hz, the VBS1 display does not become the dominant application. By pressing the "Alt" and " Tab" to switch from the Windows desktop and then back to VBS1 will resolve this issue. We are looking at providing further information, as we look deeper into this issue.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

54. We sometime get a cursor and an arrow on our VBS1 display. What can cause this problem?
On some laptops or desktop where the monitor frequency is set above 70 Hz, the VBS1 display does not become the dominant application. By pressing the "Alt" and " Tab" to switch from the Windows desktop and then back to VBS1 will resolve this issue. We are looking at providing further information, as we look deeper into this issue.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

57. The Terrain Pack 1 contains two Install Files which one should i install ?
Both,first the Terrain Pack, then the Terrain Data Pack. You need them both, without the Data Pack you will have a lot of textures missing (e.g. Ground Textures).
T.Schwarz 2004

58. I bought VBS1 where the heck is my manual ?
You can find the VBS1 Manual as PDF File in your Documents folder of your VBS1 directory.
T.Schwarz 2004

59. I want to make in game screenshoots ?
This is rather easy: During the game press the "Printscreen" key (normally located somewere around the Insert and Delete key. Then Pause VBS by pressing ESC. Press Alt+TAB to change to the Desktop. Open a grafics Program e.g. Paint and do Paste (CTRL+V). Now you have your Screenshot. Save it somewhere.
T.Schwarz 2004

60. I want to make in videos from VBS as avi or mpeg to someone without VBS?
Go to the FRAPS site. This is a small inexpensive Programm (there is also a free trial version) to capture videos directly to your harddisk. Caution: The captured files will be rather large and it takes some computer power to capture. So there is no use for it if you have an old computer with a full Harddisk Drive.
T.Schwarz 2004

65. The icon that comes with VBS looks ugly on my desktop, is there a better VBS icon available?
SelectThis created a special VBS Icon. After downloading you have right click on your icon, select proberty and change the icon.
SelectThis 2004

68. I have seen screenshots of VBS with realistic looking water. Where is the setting for it?
Kegety has written a postprocessor for the OFP/VBS Engine which enhances the Grafic (especially water) a lot. It uses Pixel shaders to make realistic looking reflections in the water. The File can be found here.
T.Schwarz 2004

Editing

0. Who can help me with my scenarios and scripts?
If you have bought VBS1 and/or some Addons but have trouble to make your training scenarios. There are some options: CT and BIA makes missions and scripts for you but it is not so cheap. Another thing is browsing the Forum and start to learn. But here is a special offer from me: If you are from a military organisation or serving in the military i will make you scenarios and create scripts for free. Please contact me on the email below for a time estimation. (Of course non-military people can ask although, but military is severed first).
T. Schwarz 2006

55. How do I create my own mission or scenarios?
VBS1 come with a very powerful Mission Editor that can allow you to create unique mission or scenario specific to your training requirements. Coalescent Technologies offers classroom instructions for those wishing to go beyond the normal editing offer in our tutorial. A mission editor tutorial is available in the "Documents" folder within your VBS1 directory.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

56. How can I change the Briefings to fit our training agenda.
A Briefing tutorial is available in the "Documents" folder within your VBS1 directory.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

64. Can you design your own maps as far as trees, terrain etc. or can you only edit the supplied/bought maps?
You can use visitor (downloadable from the BIS Breathe homepage or tools for OFP (e.g. WRPEDIT) to create your own islands. There is also a Visitor tutorial avialable on the Breathe site.
T.Schwarz 2004

Program Info

6. Do i need the VBS CD in the Drive to start VBS ?
No, it is enough to have the UPS toogle in a UPS port.
T.Schwarz 2004

7. How many single Player Missions come with the VBS Basic Pack ?
There are 9 single Player Missions included in the VBS Basic Pack.
T.Schwarz 2004

8. What is VBS1?
VBS1 is a low cost simulation system based on the Operation Flashpoint engine. So far, it has been successfully adopted by various U.S. military organizations and we are now extending its usage to other users worldwide. One of the important new customers for VBS1 is the Australian Defence Force.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

9. Is VBS1 a game?
VBS1 is not a game and it is not intended to replace Operation Flashpoint for home entertainment. VBS1 does not include a singleplayer campaign. It comes with 9 basic evaluation missions.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

10. Is VBS1 a sequel to Operation Flashpoint 1?
VBS1 is not a sequel to Operation Flashpoint 1. It is not a game and it brings the Flashpoint engine to a completely different area. Over 3 years of tests and utilization of VBS1 by various customers (including US Marine Corps) have proven VBS1 to be a real training tool that has almost unlimited potential to be tailored for various types of training scenarios due to its extensive scripting and modification architecture.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

15. Which engine is VBS1 using?
VBS1 uses a modified Operation Flashpoint 1 engine. Please note that this version of the engine does not allow for multiple gunners per vehicle, unless scripted.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

16. Can I enter on-line scenarios using VBS1?
VBS1 does allow users to connect to Internet server through an IP address. Please note that VBS1 also does have a server browser for L.A.N. games.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

17. Does VBS1 have an in-built mission editor?
Yes, VBS1 does have an in-built mission editor.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

18. Does VBS1 have more scripting functionality?
Yes, the VBS1 engine has a large set of new scripting commands available to it. These commands deal with the dynamic creation and modification of markers, waypoints and triggers as well as basic file saving and loading.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

19. Does VBS1 have voice-over-net technology?
VBS1 does support voice-over-net technology if you use the "DirectPlay"-implementation of our networking code. Using the "Sockets"-implementation (which is a big improvement over the "DirectPlay"-implementation) does not currently support voice-over-net technology.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

20. Does VBS1 allow the joining of networking session in progress?
VBS1 doesn't allow the joining of networking session in progress as this is not important or required for training purposes.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

21. Has the AI in VBS1 been improved over Operation Flashpoint 1?
The basic AI routines in VBS1 are the same as the AI in Operation Flashpoint 1. The difference is the new Scripting commands that allow for a significant improvement of the AI routines in various areas, by utilizing these new dynamic commands.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

22. Can the VBS1 add-ons be used in Operation Flashpoint 1?
The Official VBS1 add-ons will not work in Operation Flashpoint 1 and are intended solely for use in VBS1.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

23. Do Operation Flashpoint 1 addons work in VBS1?
Add-ons created for Operation Flashpoint 1 may work in VBS1 if they're modified to cater for the different config structure and core content of VBS1 and you may need Terrain Pack 1 to have the same maps available in VBS1.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

24. Will Operation Flashpoint 1 missions work in VBS1?
Missions from Operation Flashpoint 1 require modifying if they use content from Operation Flashpoint 1 that is not available in VBS1 (e.g. units, user-made add-ons).
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

25. Can models created with Oxygen Lite and islands created with Visitor Lite be used in VBS1?
Yes, models created with Oxygen Lite and islands created with Visitor Lite can be made into add-ons for VBS1.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

26. What is included in the VBS1 core product?
The VBS1 core product comes with a diverse Australian style map, with area specific vegetation, villages and small outpost bases. VBS1 comes with a selection of BLUFOR and OPFOR units, vehicles and weapons as standard and it's possible to extend it easily using many of the official addon packs. VBS1 is intended to be the basic engine platform and additional system modules and addons are necessary to fully exploit all training and simulation capabilities of the product.

Vehicles and units:
BLUFOR:
- United States Marines
- HMMWV, 5-ton Trucks (5-ton ammunition truck, 5-ton fuel truck,5-ton repair truck)
- M1A1
- AH-1W, UH-60, CH-47
- A10.
OPFOR:
- Soldiers
- UAZ, Ural, Ammunition truck, Fuel truck, Repair truck, SCUD launcher
- BRDM, BMP, T72, T80
- Mi17
- Boat
Noncombatants:
- Noncombatant men, Sheep (2 variations)
- Noncombatant car, Noncombatant truck
Weapons:
BLUFOR:
- M16, M16 with M203, M4A1, Steyr, M249, M24, MP5, Beretta 92F, LAW, Carl Gustav, Stinger
- Flares, Smokegrenades, Handgrenades, Satchel charges, Anti-tank mine
- Binocular, Nightvision goggles.
OPFOR:
- AK-47, AK-47 v58, AK-47 with grenade launcher, AK-74, AK-74 SU, AK-74 with grenade launcher, PK, SVD Dragunov, RPG, AT4, Strela.

BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

27. What is included in the "base" VBS1 program?
The "base" program includes a standard land mass (map) with widely varying geographic and cultural features, standard buildings to include a rural airport, roads, and two small towns, eight selectable human avatars, 15 different standard weapons, two aircraft, and three drivable vehicles. The base program includes the full mission editor, all artificial intelligence (AI) functions, and full multi-user features. See the "specifications" for "base" program on the web site for additional up-to-date details. For more information see the Core System page.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Questions F.A.Q. 2004

28. Is the software mature? How has it been tested?
The software is considered extremely mature after five years in development and two years in wide-spread use. The current version of VBS1 has been in continuous use by the US Marine Corps for the past 6 months.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Questions F.A.Q. 2004

29. Are other maps, models and scenarios available for the base VBS1 license?
Yes, additional maps, models and scenarios are constantly in development, and can be added to your base license to add additional capability to your system for an additional cost. Also, Coalescent can quickly develop models, maps and features your organization needs for license on all your agency-specific systems for an additional cost.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Questions F.A.Q. 2004

30. How many fully-interactive "players" or "participants" can engage in one mission or session?
VBS1 can ideally handle up to 32 live simultaneous participants per scenario. Missions can also be created with additional AI participants. Higher figures are certainly possible with planning, designation and instructor coordination. The number of participants is currently not limited by network bandwidth.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Questions F.A.Q. 2004

31. How can I get my military unit, law enforcement unit, or anti-terrorist unit to adopt VBS1 to train essential cognitive decision-making skills and tactics?
If you are involved in mission rehearsal, team coordination skills training, or you believe your group can use scenario-based training with live or AI opposing forces, then you should consider proposing a synthetic rehearsal training laboratory for your unit. The lab can be as simple as two PCs on a local area network, or as complex as 32 PCs in one or more rooms. You can start with two PCs / licenses and expand exactly the way you would expand any office network with additional licenses. Your inquiry should be from your designated purchasing agent, project officer, or authorized manager. The ordering, shipping, and installation can be accomplished in of 4-5 days, operating on PCs that meet the minimum hardware configuration found this web site. You can create your own scenarios, and begin fully-interactive synthetic training in a matter of days!
Coalescent Technologies Technical Questions F.A.Q. 2004

32. Do I have access to models, vehicles and maps that have been developed for other military organizations?
Custom maps, models, weapons, and tactical features are constantly in development by Coalescent and registered users. Due to the higher resolution and sophistication of VBS1 above other commercial game engines, models and maps from other game engines are not compatible with VBS1. However, VBS1 users may exchange these items and have Coalescent install them into their working set for a small maintenance fee. Organizations that will allow their custom models, maps and tactical items to be shared with other organizations will have the model list displayed on the Coalescent User's Group Web Page for licensed re-use.
Coalescent Technologies Technical Questions F.A.Q. 2004

33. How long does it take to customize VBS1 to map areas of my interest, and players or avatars to be customized to meet my needs?
Coalescent can modify avatars, given the proper photo textures and data in a few weeks or less. Geographic features, buildings and other mission ?specific or agency-specific customization can usually be achieved in 60-90 days, depending on the complexity and number of changes. Estimating this customization begins with technical discussions with our project engineers.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

34. Can Coalescent model law enforcement uniforms, behaviors and civilian locations for scenario and anti-terrorist training?
Yes, uniforms are considered minor changes, modeling behaviors are more complex, but once modeled can be re-used over and over in your scenarios as you require. In this way VBS1 is excellent for anti-terrorist training and team cognitive skills training.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

35. If I have Coalescent develop unique maps, buildings, weapons or behaviors for my organization, who owns these software entities? Can others accidentally get them?
Unique maps, buildings and behaviors can be proprietary to the agency or group that commissioned them. An encryption scheme makes them operate only on authorized licenses. The models can not be found elsewhere on the internet, or traded among users. No one else can accidentally get these models and add them to their core license.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

36. Can Coalescent model fire and rescue vehicles, equipment, behaviors and scenarios for event training?
Yes!, models are in constant development, and rescue vehicles are good examples.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

37. Are there any additional add-on models that can be purchased from Coalescent at low or no-cost, that can be added to the base version?
The answer is Yes! Many new models are developed for wide-spread use and can be added to your core license for an upgrade fee of one dollar per model per license plus a small maintenance fee. Because the cost is so small, Coalescent is preparing to distribute additional models in groups of ten as add-on Packs. More information regarding these add-on Packs will be posted on our VBS1 web site.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

38. Can I produce my own scenarios? How many can I produce?
The core VBS1 license comes with it's own mission creator/editor. As a licensed end-user, you may create and utilize an unlimited number of your own scenarios. Classes are also available through Coalescent Technologies Corporation. For more information, see the Training Classes page under Support.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

39. Can I create my own training scenarios within the base VBS1 package?
As a licensed end-user, you may create and utilize an unlimited number of training exercises for your organization. We can also create additional customer-specific training scenarios. For more information on custom-created scenarios, contact our Sales Department. Classes are also available through Coalescent Technologies Corporation. For more information, see the Training Classes page under Support.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

40. How many players (participants) are required for a training scenario that I develop?
A training scenario can have up to 32 participants (any combination of live or artificial intelligence). However, you can have as few as one person to conduct training for scenarios you create.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

41. Can I share scenarios with other users?
Scenarios created with the core package only can be shared with other users. Scenarios created with specific add-on packs cannot be shared unless those users own the same add-on package.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

42. What can we do if we wish to cross-train with other organizations using VBS1?
Each organization must obtain permission to use their scenarios and add-on packs. Each organization must license the other organization's add-on packs and install them into their VBS1 system.
Coalescent Technologies Customization Questions F.A.Q. 2004

43. What software/training support does Coalescent have for military, law enforcement and homeland defense users?
Most users need no training. However, Coalescent holds classes for advanced scenario development and team training exercise development. These classes are held in Orlando or at your site. Technical support is available via the Support section of this Web site. Additionally, the technical development team is available for call-in questions at specific designated times during the week.
Coalescent Technologies Product Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

44. We represent a major operational unit of the military or law enforcement, etc.) How do we speak with the developers to discuss major changes in maps, avatars, vehicles or models for our specific use?
Technical feasibility questions for large-scale users are welcomed and encouraged. The VBS1 product is re-configurable for a wide-variety of training /scenario rehearsal applications. For more information, please contact the Coalescent Business Development office via our Orlando telephone operator.
Coalescent Technologies Product Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

45. Does Coalescent anticipate releasing tools so that other developers can produce their own models and maps?
At this time, Coalescent does not have plans to distribute software development tool kits to end-users. However, the built-in mission editor provides end-users with a powerful scenario development tool.
Coalescent Technologies Product Support Questions F.A.Q. 2004

46. Can I buy multiple licenses and have participants train across the internet or via my network?
Yes ! VBS1? will work across your Microsoft network or the in network (multiplayer) mode across the public internet. All users participating must have the same add-on packs installed as the user who is hosting the scenario. Basic core missions do not require add-on packs to be used across the Internet.
Coalescent Technologies Purchasing Information Questions F.A.Q. 2004

61. Can VBS Missions contain Viruses or Spy Programs ?
No, with the published script commandos it is not possible to write a script with virus like functions in VBS Missions. Also there is no report about any VBS or OFP Mission that has contained a virus. (Remark: Theoretically all files on a computer could contain a virus or an error, therefore it is impossible to be 100% safe.)
T.Schwarz 2004

62. What are the hardware requirements for VBS1?
Recommended System
* Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, or XP
* DirectX 8
* 1.7 GHz Pentium 4 (or better)
* 512 MB RAM
* NVidia GeForce 4 video card with 64 MB Ram
* 16-Bit Direct Sound Compliant Sound Card
* 24x CD-ROM Drive
* 700 MB Hard Drive space

Minimum System
* Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, or XP
* DirectX 8
* 1.0 GHz Pentium III
* 256 MB RAM
* NVidia GeForce 2 video card with 32 MB RAM
* 16-Bit Direct Sound Compliant Sound Card
* 8x CD-ROM Drive
* 700 MB Hard Drive space
Coalescent Technologies 2004

Ordering

11. How do I purchase VBS1?
You can purchase VBS1 using our new online store. It will now be very easy for various military organizations and other customers around the world to start using or evaluating VBS1. This will help VBS1 to be more recognized in the simulation industry. If you're a gamer, please consider the fact that VBS1 is designed for training use and is simply not a mainstream game.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

12. Can I purchase VBS1 from North America ?
In North America VBS1 continues to be exclusively distributed and supported by our partner, Coalescent Technologies.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

13. Is VBS1 available through normal shops?
At the moment VBS1 will only be available through our on-line shop (www.virtualbattlespace.com/store) and in North America , through our partner Coalescent Technologies for military and government organizations only. (www.virtualbattlefieldsystems.com)
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

14. Why is VBS1 priced so high?
VBS1 is not priced high for a product with so deep a training value. As a gamer, you may not need any of the new functionality developed exclusively for training purposes and you should consider the value that such a product really offers to you. It's a professional simulation product for military and law enforcement and has been in development for 2-3 years to meet training needs.
BI VBS1 F.A.Q. 2004

Miscellaneous

63. Can i help you with this Website?
Sure, write me a small email and discribe what you want to do. Or send me missions/addons/material concerning VBS that you want to publish.
T.Schwarz 2004

66. In the VBS Trailer Movie i have seen a lot of effects, but i can not see them in my copy of VBS?
VBS was designed to run even on not so strong computers. Therefore there are very less effects in VBS. However the engine is able to do a lot of them. They can be included by the mission (scenario) creator. Or added later with Addon (like the ECP Project for OFP). There is already a Dust and Fire generator available for VBS.
T.Schwarz 2004

67. Why does this site look so plain (no fancy effects, menues, forums, etc.)?
The answer is i am quite busy. So i can only devote a very limited time to VBS, OFP and this web page. And i am a strong believer in information and data before eyecandy. I hope you enjoy more new VBS missions than fancy homepage stuff.
T.Schwarz 2004

69. When will VBS2 be released ? What happens to VBS1 after the VBS2 release?
Due for release in Q3 2006, VBS2 provides a low-cost military-off-the-shelf interactive virtual environment suitable for a wide range of training and analytical purposes. Guided by comprehensive feedback from various organizations including the USMC and the Australian Defence Force, BI has developed VBS2 as a flexible and scalable simulation solution, capable of being used in a variety of roles from desktop trainer through to providing fully immersive virtual reality. VBS2 is suitable for training small teams in urban tactics, practicing entire combat teams in combined arms operations or even non-military usage such as incident response or terrain visualization. The simulation engine driving VBS2 is Real Virtuality, developed by BI over the past decade into one of the most advanced computer-based visualization systems available. New data streaming technology allows VBS2 to support terrain areas of over 100 x 100 kilometers in size and potentially millions of terrain features such as buildings and vegetation. Moving grass and trees and ambient life such as insects and birds provide virtual environments of unparalleled realism, and improved physics and artificial intelligence (AI) make for a truly immersive experience. VBS2 supports very large network sessions through new multiplayer game technology, and includes requested features such as join-in-progress and improved administrator functionality. VBS2 provides improved simulation of complex urban areas, including destructible buildings (on request), round penetration through walls and operable doors that can be destroyed. Weapon platforms are also improved, with added capability for thermal imaging, simulation of fire control systems and turret override. The VBS2 terrain editing tool, Visitor 3, will support direct import of terrain and shape data allowing customer organizations to easily recreate any area of operation (AO) in the simulation. Coupled with the appropriate 3D models (BI can develop 3D models from photos on demand at competitive rates), VBS2 is the perfect mission rehearsal or AO familiarization tool. All VBS1 features (including After-Action Review, Observer and Instructor Interface functionality) have been improved and built into the VBS2 core product to create a powerful, off-the-shelf training and/or analytical tool. VBS2 is shipped with a powerful scenario editor, and also provides a template-based scenario creation system designed to reduce the time spent in mission design. VBS2 also includes a real-time command and control functionality for large numbers of AI or human participants. Planned HLA and DIS compliance will allow VBS2 to be used in conjunction with other virtual, live or constructive simulations, and full support for Virtual Reality makes VBS2 suitable for a range of additional non-desktop based training applications such as loadmaster training. Our current simulation product, VBS1, will continue to be supported by BI for years to come. VBS1 is a more modular product than VBS2 offering great flexibility at a low cost. VBS1 has very low hardware requirements and its product range consists of numerous proven modules and addons.
BI 2005

70. What about Armed Assault and Operation Flashpoint 2?
First the name Operation Flashpoint is copyrighted by Codemasters. At the moment the realtion between BI and Codemasters are not so good. Therefore the name Operation Flashpoint will not be used. Armed Assault is due for release in the first half of 2006. Offical information is rare at the moment. Armed Assault is announced to be OFP 1.5. This means a highly improved OFP Engine. Operation Flashpoint 2 is actually named "Game 2" in lack of a better name. It has a new engine.
T. Schwarz 2006

71. Should i buy VBS1 or wait for Armed Assault or VBS2 ?
That's a hard question. VBS1 is an expensive product especially if you buy a lot of addons. A lot of screenshots of Armed Assault contain units which are very similar to VBS1. If you like to have a serious simulation and some money VBS1 is the best choice. If you are short on money wait for Armed Assault. Concerning VBS2, in my humble opinion wait for VBS2 is no option, because it is unclear when VBS2 is released.
T. Schwarz 2006

BACK

Greetings Kuro
Comments, Questions, Ideas, Missions
Mail to: Thomas_Michael.Schwarz@GMX.de


"VBS1" is a trademark of Bohemia Interactive Studio. All other trademarks or copyrights are property of their respective owners All rights reserved.