• Mad Catz Announces Combat Pilot

    by
    Nels_Anderson
    Published on 07-26-2012 06:14 PM
    9 Comments

    Mad Catz® announces the launch of 'Combat Pilot™' - a new multiplayer combat flight experience for PC.

    New MMO Experience Allows Flight Sim Enthusiasts to Train and Fly as Military Pilots

    San Diego - July 24, 2012 - Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today that it will launch a new flight simulation experience entitled Combat Pilot in the summer of 2012. Combat Pilot introduces multiplayer, military aviation and combat operations to the realistic world of flight simulation, where simulation enthusiasts from around the world can train, fly, fight and interact together.

    Combat Pilot was developed by Mad Catz' internal ThunderHawk Studios™ and represents the first ever interactive, multiplayer combat simulation built around Flight Simulator X™ from Microsoft® (sold separately).

    Those entering the Combat Pilot universe must qualify to earn their wings in order to fly with others in the community. The proprietary, multiplayer engine, as well as the regulated military environment, sets Combat Pilot apart from any other flight simulation experience.

    "We believe that Combat Pilot will prove to be an important destination for the flight simulation community to gather, interact, and share experiences," said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. "Mad Catz' Saitek™ brand and flight simulation is an important part of our company's culture and Combat Pilot will allow the flight simulation community to come together and interact as never before."

    To learn more and to reserve your unique call-sign, visit www.combatpilotseries.com.

    About Mad Catz

    Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Mad Catz also develops flight simulation software through its internal ThunderHawk Studios™; operates flight simulation centers under its Saitek brand; publishes games under its Mad Catz brand; and distributes games and videogame products for third parties. Mad Catz distributes its products through most leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com.

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    2. 2012
    9 Comments
    1. lenzdude's Avatar
      lenzdude - 07-26-2012, 09:26 PM
      What a ridiculous concept; its requires having FSX installed yet they're going to charge a monthly fee just to get into a combat scenario with other online players?

      With the plethora of virtual Air Forces and other organizations that meet regularly in the multiplayer section of FSX - which doesn't cost a dime extra, by the way - I can't find one decent argument to support the business model put forth for Mad Catz.

      What, a few extra planes and an organized method for setting up a multi-player session? No thanks.
    1. jomni's Avatar
      jomni - 07-26-2012, 11:30 PM
      Why force it? FSX is not built for combat. Just play DCS sims instead.
    1. Joob's Avatar
      Joob - 07-27-2012, 04:43 AM
      I honestly cannot get my head around this... I visited their website... I downloaded their PDF... I can't believe that MadCatz are serious with this!

      "San Diego - July 24, 2012 - Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today that it will launch a new flight simulation experience entitled Combat Pilot in the summer of 2012. Combat Pilot introduces multiplayer, military aviation and combat operations to the realistic world of flight simulation, where simulation enthusiasts from around the world can train, fly, fight and interact together."
      You are paying $49.00 then $12 a month to be a part of an extremely unrealistic Virtual Air Force...

      The press blurb makes it sound like it is all new, ground breaking and revolutionary. I personally have been running VAF's since 1999 using MSFS sims and implementing all of what MadCatz is providing and indeed MORE than what Combat Pilot is capable of.... And I have NEVER charged a penny and I was certainly not the first to create accurate Virtual Air Forces so all of this is far from new, groundbreaking or revolutionary!!!

      Guys, Gals, look around the net... Join a FREE Virtual Air Force and if they are worth their salt then you will get the ultimate in realism within the bounds of the MSFS programs. They will provide you with superb private servers for MP and comms (some may ask for donations to help keep them running but no where near $12 a month), ATC, AWACS etc will be provided, accurate scenarios and daily training flights .... You WILL interact with other Virtual Air Force / Squadrons from AROUND THE WORLD as many joint exercises are held through out the year They will give you FREE scenery and FREE aircraft and FREE expert first hand tuition, guidance and advice. Many folk in these VAF's are serving or ex-military and some even aircrew. They know their poop!

      Combat Pilot.... Well... LOL!

      As Jonmi said:
      Why force it? FSX is not built for combat. Just play DCS sims instead.
      - Couldn't agree more!


      MadCatz is a damned good monicker....!!!
    1. ryogahibiki345's Avatar
      ryogahibiki345 - 07-27-2012, 01:58 PM
      Well they are providing A2A aircraft and as we all know their stuff is high quality kit and worth more than they charge for it.
    1. madPILOT's Avatar
      madPILOT - 07-28-2012, 07:48 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by ryogahibiki345 View Post
      Well they are providing A2A aircraft and as we all know their stuff is high quality kit and worth more than they charge for it.
      Have you look on the video, i see always same cockpit T-6 same in the T-45 same in the T-38.

      And you don't see the full cockpit.

      PROMO Video from MadCatzCompany http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ve4K...ure=plpp_video

      And the T-45 gear high is unrealistic. (you see it at 2:36 sec)

      Look and see on this video at 5:38 sec http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGP4VW9I63E

      and her http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD9Y8...eature=related

      I know a better free wear T-45 with realistic high of the gear.

      a good test pilot is always in training
      Thomas
    1. madPILOT's Avatar
      madPILOT - 07-28-2012, 07:57 PM
      At last i forgot to say the have a bad geographic knowledge, the wrote in the Manual Combat Pilot Operations Manual for FTO.

      On page 68 Austria, but this is not Austria.

      I am from Austria and know Australia as well, and this is a KIWI on the T-45 and is Australia.

      a good test pilot is always in training.
      Thomas.
    1. ssowry's Avatar
      ssowry - 07-28-2012, 10:58 PM
      Too True......nice idea but companies like this forget that the economy isn't what it used to be, and for what they do/don't offer,.. 49.99 a month + is too much. There are already free VAF's, such as USVAF that offer almost the same thing for free. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the whole idea bombs just like MF.
    1. Joob's Avatar
      Joob - 07-29-2012, 07:31 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by ryogahibiki345 View Post
      Well they are providing A2A aircraft and as we all know their stuff is high quality kit and worth more than they charge for it.
      They are providing A2A aircraft??? Which ones? A2A haven't produced any modern Jet combat aircraft, to my knowledge at least.

      Ssowry's comment rings true; but this enterprise NEEDS to bomb, in my opinion, as it's just a mere spinner, money for old rope.
    1. Combat Pilot Duty Officer's Avatar
      Combat Pilot Duty Officer - 08-02-2012, 02:32 PM
      Let me try to address most of the questions and perceptions in the comment section. If you have further questions or if I missed anything, let me know:

      Combat Pilot - Flight Training OPS

      FTO includes three highly detailed aircraft, each created by A2A Simulations. The CP-AT-6B (used in Primary Flight Training) and the CP-T38C or CP-T-45C (used in Advanced Flight Training) come in the correct paint schemes from all available country careers, as well as US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force colors. Once you purchase Combat Pilot, these planes become yours to use whether you stay on as a Combat Pilot member or decide to leave the community.

      These planes are yours to keep and also available in FSX if you terminate your subscription

      As a member of the Combat Pilot community, you have access to seven highly detailed air bases. The bases feature upgraded buildings, ramps, and surroundings. The upgraded bases are:

      Whiting Field North
      Whiting Field South
      NAS Pensacola
      Sheppard AFB
      NAS Fallon
      NAS Corpus Christi
      NAS Oceana

      These bases are yours to keep and also available in FSX if you terminate your subscription.

      FTO also includes the first month subscription ($11.99 per month).

      In FTO, your goal is to complete basic training, earn your wings, and prepare yourself for combat operations. You will choose a career, learn to interact appropriately with the Combat Pilot community, and finally graduate to Fighter Lead-in School in preparation for deployment to combat operations.

      You will have to complete primary, advanced and primary weapons training and pass appropriate check rides to advance. If you choose a Navy career you will also have to complete Carrier Qualifications. A dog fighting arena is available when you have completed your Fighter Lead In Training and after you complete your weapons training you'll be assigned to a wing, ready for deployment. Remember: All of this takes place in a massive multiplayer environment.

      All future iterations to the fixed wing fighter career are included in the $11.99 monthly subscription including required aircrafts (we are partnering with A2A, RAZBAM and Iris for aircrafts), mission scenarios and other upgrades.

      It is absolutely possible to fly online with other people in FSX today, but it's a complex setup process and it has limitations. Our objective is to create an unlimited online environment available using FSX as the engine (through the Combat Pilot interface) with a single click. Also adding the capability to shoot down other real V-Pilots is a first for FSX.

      I think that answers most questions, feedback and questions are more than welcome.

      Try it out before you turn it down! The planes and bases have a value that far exceeds the $49.99 initial cost, and you can cancel your subscription any time.

      Best regards
      Combat Pilot Duty Officer