Project Reality Forums

Looks interesting and realistic at least the second half of the video.

Nice stuff. Would spice up the sniping a lot.

Btw, can we have insurgents with burkas too? pretty please?

It's a nice module for VBS, looks like I'd be droppin tons of quarters with that one.

These units are very realistic due to two methods of integration. First, VBS is an advanced version of the same software platform as Armed Assault (ArmA) and is capable of displaying a high level of detail. Second, the base weapon systems that are being used are about 80% real firearms which gives them the same feel as the person would feel in the field.

The weapon systems are controlled using one of two methods. The first method uses a large projection screen that displays the simulation when running, similar to a large version of your computer monitor. The weapon has a small laser device inside the barrel which fires a pulse when the simulator is fired. Laser detection devices around the screen then detect the pulses and are able to calculate where the hits would have been on the screen. Another program running on the network then translates those hits into software input, sort of like a touch-screen or stylus. Internal components allow the weapon to produce a simulated recoil and cyclic function, and are also built to allow simulated reloading. It's very early in the morning and at this time I am unable to remember the specific name for this system.

The second, and newer, method of weapon function is to use a simulated weapon similar to the one mentioned above, but the optics of the weapon are actually digital. At the muzzle-end of the optics is a high-resolution mini screen that displays the same image as on the big screen. Due to the principles of magnified optics, the first method would not work well due to obvious reasons. Using a digital scope will allow long-ranged optics to retain the high level of detail and image quality that would be expected at range.

It's too bad that VBS core still has some issues that made me sick to use it. I must admit that PR would be kickin *** on VBS or in ArmA, but things are the way they are. Too bad those modules are not available to individuals, I'd love to grab a copy. I'm sure I could monkey-rig a Duck Hunt zapper to my M4 at home.

Think he was aiming for the nightvision on the sniper rifle scope? Or am I wrong?

Wh1tE_Dw4rF wrote:Think he was aiming for the nightvision on the sniper rifle scope? Or am I wrong?

If that's the case, then I'm assuming it will never happen in PR as displayed in that video clip. VBS uses simulated thermal vision, which isn't perfect but it does work. It's actually a "trick", the objects are designed to have seperate color bases when the "thermal" optics are used. All objects, including structures and vehicles, will have those seperate texture files that do not change dynamically. In other words, because the trick is static, vehicles will not get cold after sitting idle or unused. Bodies will also not get cold after death. This did cause limitations with the simulated thermal vision, as it was impossible to simulate which vehicles were active and which were not.

Due to the engine limitations and FUBAR coding of BF2, creating a similar thermal vision is about as easy as passing a bowling ball through your urinary system.

wow i want VBS2 shame it costs so much.

Ninja2dan wrote:
Due to the engine limitations and FUBAR coding of BF2, creating a similar thermal vision is about as easy as passing a bowling ball through your urinary system.

Its not impossible... Now all i need is a bowling ball and an unlucky volunteer...

look not bad

ralfidude wrote:Due to the engine limitations and FUBAR coding of BF2, creating a similar thermal vision is about as easy as passing a bowling ball through your urinary system.


Its not impossible... Now all i need is a bowling ball and an unlucky volunteer...

Sounds like a pain....
Scrap the idea its lame anyway *runs off*

hmm, and what if you dont get a sniper kit?

It'd be cool if it had a piston in it and simulated recoil on different guns and bullet types.

cplgangster wrote:that is very much like the DCCT ranges the army uses to see if troops can actually shoot before giving them live rounds to use, they are pretty much giant playstaion/xbox things when cadets use them though. AFAIK you can put most weapons into them its just a case of converting them to the laser and gas things dotn know what to call these parts.

When I first went to BCT we had a unit that used the Super Nintendo systems. There were old M16's that were permanently modified to be electronically converted to work like the old Duck Hunt zapper guns. A long cord attached to the rifle was plugged into the unit like a light gun, not as high-tech as lasers. Not sure how many here remember the old NES and SNES zapper guns. Those training units were used near the start of BRM, because they allowed the different companies to train their soldiers without the expense and admin scheduling of live fire or blank training. It was also used to teach soldiers the timing cycles of the popup targets, which I thought was "cheating". Technology has changed quite a bit over the past 10 years though.

Feuerwaffen wrote:It'd be cool if it had a piston in it and simulated recoil on different guns and bullet types.

The weapons modified for the simulation ranges, similar to the ones used at the US Army Virtual Army Experience, do use gas pistons to simulate recoil. Once a weapon is converted for use on those systems though, they can't be converted back. The internal components of the weapons have to be heavily modified to adapt to the new electronics, and are pretty much turned into very expensive "toys". The system you saw in the video is the next-generation models that are using a better software version. VBS integrated into the platforms allows the soldiers to operate a simulation that is not pre-recorded like the previous versions.

For everyone who is excited about VBS, remember that is is simply a version of ArmA modified for specialized military or government use, and actually has less overall features than ArmA. For gamers, ArmA offers a lot more than VBS. In fact, the reason VBS is used in military deployment instead of ArmA is because VBS removes some of the "gaming" features that the military does not require, and the Observer Module assists in training environments. I would recommend buying a copy of ArmA from ebay, and checking out the downloadable addons. Although the game lacks a few features used in PR, it is a lot better for high-end realism that many in PR do not want. Former soldiers like myself might find ArmA offers a little more extra goodies that PR is lacking, and is worth messing with when you take a break from PR.

PR adds just enough realism features to keep it fun and challenging, without adding some of the more mundane aspects that real soldiers deal with. ArmA is still fun, but is geared more towards the die-hard grunts who don't mind sitting through an OPORDER briefing for 30-45 minutes prior to even setting their virtual boots on the dirt. I can't say that PR is better than ArmA or vise-versa, as each offer different play experiences. I would say they are both great games, and can both be equally enjoyed at various times.

i had arma that ran on my laptop but would not install on my desktop. I just got it to work last night... i am peeing out of my pants still on how much smoother it runs here. Its kinda annoying to shoot anything with the choppers though, there is no banking when going semi fast at all, it just rotates... slowing down doesnt help much either as u get shot just as well as in PR... But finally i can snipe at least...unlike PR... god i hope they change that in .8