Do you have someone in your life who’s obsessed with perfecting their toss bombing techniques in DCS World? Perhaps a racing fan who’s got every corner of Laguna Seca memorized from over a decade of driving cars in Forza Motorsport? Maybe it’s someone who just wants to climb into a spaceship and blast off to explore the unknown? Marooners’ Rock is here to help with our holiday gift guide for the sim fan in everyone’s life.
The PC Pilot
Oculus Rift ($399.99, Amazon.com). For decades gamers have been building massive multi-monitor simulated cockpits to try and replicate an immersive simulation experience, but accessible VR is what’s finally making that dream a reality for most people. The Oculus Rift is directly supported by major sims such as Elite: Dangerous, DCS World, and iRacing. For gamers with a sufficiently powerful PC, this is a must-have for really getting immersed in a simulation.
Controls not included. Official image from Playseat.com
Playseat Air Force ($449.00, Playseat.com). Virtual pilots and racers don’t need a DX Racer or other gaming chair, they need something that can mount a full HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) setup, have room for a center steering wheel, and still be useable as a desk chair for doing actual work. The Air Force has mounts for all of that. For players who are only interested in driving, one of Playseat’s automotive themed offerings is also an excellent choice.
CH Products Combatstick ($93.95, Amazon.com). Is it time for a new joystick? The Combatstick from CH Products hasn’t had a design update for over twenty years, but it is the most durable pieces of gaming hardware this writer has ever owned. The hardware isn’t the prettiest looking on the market, but CH Products’ primary market is industrial controls, and they know how to build things to last. The twin axis design prevents the stick from suffering the kind of drift that most other joysticks eventually suffer from, while the programming software allows a massive amount of flexibility to build controls out however a player wants. For a fully immersive setup, the Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals can be added. For older games that don’t support multiple devices, the programming software allows users to combine all their controllers into a single device that will function with any game that has joystick support.
Elite: Dangerous ($29.99, Steam). Elite: Dangerous is still the premier space-sim going right now. It continues to get regular updates and expansions, and if your favorite PC pilot hasn’t tried it out yet, now is a great time. Other great options would be Star Citizen, or Everspace.
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet ($79.99, Steam). The DCS World sims are about the closest most of us are ever going to get to flying an A-10, an F-14, an FW 190 D-9, or any number of other faithfully built and simulated aircraft. The latest bird to join the stable is the F/A-18C, the top performer of the “Classic” Hornets. These aren’t casual “Kick the tires, light the fires” kind of sims, these are full-featured reproductions where learning how to use weapon system modes, manage engine systems, and close speed-brakes are all vital parts of successfully completing a mission.
The PC Driver
Playseat Evolution ($369.00, Playseat.com). Want to feel like you’re behind the wheel of a race-prepped car and don’t need space for a joystick? Playseat has a wide variety of designs for aspiring virtual drivers, all designed to securely mount a racing wheel and pedals. Multiple adjustment points ensure that the seating position can accommodate nearly any length of driver. Whether you’re looking to simulate the 24-hours of LeMans in real-time, or have a marathon session in Euro Truck Simulator 2, this is the chair to use. To really get into the spirit of virtual driving, a gear-shift stand can be added.
Logitech G29 Wheel+Pedals+Shifter ($296.48, Amazon.com). Good racing sims call for good racing hardware. Logitech has built a strong reputation for tough, quality hardware. The full G29 Wheel setup includes a wheel, three-pedal floor unit, and a six-speed shifter. Units are also compatible with either the Sony PS3 & PS4, or Microsoft Xbox One consoles, but not both.
Forza Horizon 4 ($59.99, Amazon.com). While not a truly serious racing sim, the Forza Horizon series is a huge amount of fun. A single purchase of the Xbox One copy of the game also unlocks the Windows 10 version, allowing PC racers access to this massively enjoyable and critically well received title.
F1 2018 ($59.99, Steam). For a more realistic racing experience, the latest iteration in the F1 series is the way to go. Players can immerse themselves in realistic recreations of actual F1 circuits, and drive a huge variety of classic and current F1 cars.
The Console Pilot
Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One ($77.41, Amazon.com) or Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS 4 ($69.99, Amazon.com). For console gamers wanting to upgrade from a basic controller, there’s only one choice and that’s the T-Flight HOTAS all-in-one system from Thrustmaster. Pick the One for Xbox One use, or the 4 for the PS4. Both versions are also compatible with the PC, but not across consoles.
Elite Dangerous ($19.99, Gamestop.com). One of the premier space sims on PC, the console port is solid, and extremely challenging with the basic gamepad.
Ace Combat 7 ($59.99, Amazon.com). Technically this is a pre-order for a game coming out in January 2019, but any gamer who loves jet noise is going to want the new entry in the venerable Ace Combat series.
The Console Racer
Playseat Challenge ($249.00, Playseatstore.com). We’ve mentioned a few other offerings from Playseat already, but for console gamers who can’t devote a chunk of living room real estate to a full-size racing chair, the Playseat Challenge offers a useful compromise. Folded up, it can easily be stashed in a corner or a closet, unfolded it can hold a racing wheel and pedals.
Project Cars 2 (28.99, Amazon.com). With the Gran Turismo series currently locked into the online-only Gran Turismo Sport game, PlayStation drivers are stuck looking for other alternatives. Project Cars 2 is a solid choice, offering solid racing options and car choices.
The Crew 2 ($42.00, Amazon.com). As we noted in our review, The Crew 2 isn’t the most polished racing title out there, but it hugely fun, and offers a massive variety of racing choices. Don’t bother with the racing wheel or joystick for this one, a good gamepad will do just fine.
For console racers looking for new hardware, the console appropriate version of the Logitech G29 that we mentioned in the PC section will be a great choice.
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