An Interview with Producer Matt Wagner
Lock On Platinum was first announced last month, and there are still some questions readers have about how it fits into the Lock Onworld. Matt Wagner, Producer for The Fighter Collection / Eagle Dynamics has offered to answer our questions about the new title.
Q: If you have LOMAC and Flaming Cliffs 2.0 already, is convenience of having everything on one DVD the reason to purchase Lock On Platinum?
A: To be clear, the Lock On Platinum package will have one Lock On 1.0 CD and one Flaming Cliffs 2.0 DVD. Users will first install theLock On CD (no copy protection) and then the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 DVD (with integrated patch). The main reason behind Lock On Platinumis to provide new users the ability to purchase the entire Lock On package in a single box.
Q: Is there new content in Lock On Platinum not published previously?
A: Lock On Platinum content will be the same as in the recently released Flaming Cliffs 2.0 patched version that includes several new campaigns and fixes/updates.
Q: With the CD / DVD version, does it have to be activated, and does it have 8 activations?
A: Correct, 8 activations and 10 deactivations. Users only need to use an activation if there is a significant hardware or OS change. If you wish to save an activation, you can first use one of the deactivations. There are NO limits on the number of times you can reinstall the software. Finally, there are no drivers used in the copy protection and if you burn through all of your activations, you can get more with proof of purchase.
Q: Will a download version be available?
A: Because we do not own the intellectual rights to Lock On (Ubisoft does), we cannot sell Lock On Platinum as a digital download.Flaming Cliffs 2.0 though is available as a download, and a DVD version will soon be available for those that already have Lock On.
| The Lock On Platinum Announcement Video by Glowing Amraam. |
Q: Will the Lock On Platinum edition have the training missions to take over in flight, or download the static videos from the site
later?
A: Given that patches and updates can often break the track files system that we use for training in previous titles, we moved to videos for Lock On Platinum. These videos can be accessed directly from the Lock On Platinum GUI.
Q: Will the platinum edition have more missions than the recent Flaming Cliffs 2.0 download?
A: Campaigns for the Su-25T, MiG-29S, and Su-27 have been added to the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 patch that is integrated into Lock On Platinum.
Q: Will they include the past missions?
A: All missions and campaigns from the original Flaming Cliffs 2.0 will be included in Lock On Platinum.
Q: Will there be updated stick and HOTAS support for new controllers?
A: This will be the same as in Flaming Cliffs 2.0. Meaning, users can now configure individual profiles for each aircraft type.
Q: How will this incorporate online and offline with the new DCS: A-10C Warthog sim?
A: We’ll be discussing this at a later point once DCS: A-10C Warthog is further along.
Q: Will Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be needed to incorporate DCS: Black Shark or will the two games work without Flaming Cliffs 2.0?
A: Flaming Cliffs 2.0 and DCS: Black Shark are completely different programs that share no files or folders. However, they are online compatible and allow Flaming Cliffs 2.0 pilots to fly in DCS: Black Shark online missions and vice versa. There are no plans to “merge” the two products.
Q: Will more aircraft be able to be added by 3rd party modders, or will you have to swap a stock plane for a modded plane?
A: For now, third parties can still create and swap in new units. However, we are looking into providing “blank slots” for later projects.
Q: Will some of the 3D models that weren’t updated for Flaming Cliffs 2.0 (such as the Mi-8) be updated for Lock On Platinum?
A: All models are the same as in the Flaming Cliffs 2.0 patched version.
Q: Will 3rd party modifications for Lock On / Flaming Cliffs 1.0 / Flaming Cliffs 2.0 be integrated into Lock On Platinum, such as the 3GO Su-27 and the SimMod A-10 or Gys F-15C?
A: Due to legal considerations, no.
Q: Are there any further plans to perhaps make a single DVD that combines Lock On Platinum and DCS: Black Shark and eventuallyDCS: A-10C Warthog?
A: Given the intellectual property rights of Lock On, no, that is not possible.
Q: Will a printed manual for Lock On Platinum be available to purchase?
A: Yes. In fact, it is duplication now and should be for sales shortly. Once it is, purchase details will be provided.
We want your Feedback. Please let us know what you thought of this article here.
