CHAPTER 1

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Getting Started, Simulation Briefing

 

IN THIS CHAPTER

Introduction
Gameplay Basics
Golden Rules For Helicopter Combat Survival
Joystick Configurations - Special Keys
Real Apache Control Layout

 

1.1 Introduction

Like it's predecessor Apache Havoc, Comanche Hokum presents a live theatre of war populated by AI entities, each following their own set of orders and all interacting in complex and subtle ways. Understanding the nuances of the campaign is ultimately rewarding.

This strategy guide does not assume familiarity with the previous Apache Havoc strategy guide, but does assume some knowledge of the basics of helicopter flight. If more basic help is required then study of the Comanche Hokum manual is a good place to begin.

To get the best flight experience from a helicopter simulation it is highly recommended you use a joystick with a separate throttle controller and rudder pedals.

This guide aims to provide insights into how the campaign operates, game mechanics, tactics, cheats and some information of how you can customise the simulation. Some of the information presented is duplicated in the Apache Havoc guide as the two simulations share basic elements. However since this guide is more recent, in the case of any discrepancies this guide should be considered overriding.

 

Strategy Guide Updates

Updates of this Strategy Guide may be found on the Razorworks web site at:

http://www.razorworks.com/chguide

 

1.2 Gameplay Basics - Why Am I Here?

First a quick word about the world of Comanche Hokum and the entities that inhabit it. The mission and campaign system of Comanche Hokum is "reactive" - meaning that an action by one entity will often result in a reaction by another entity. Consequent actions by entities may in turn produce yet more actions. This fact is critical for the successful completion of campaign goals.

Here is an example of this reactive intelligence: Should an attack helicopter engage a group of enemy tanks, those tanks will radio for assistance. A nearby base will generate a retaliation mission for any available aircraft at that base. Depending on what resources are available, the mission may be assigned to attack helicopters or fighters. Also, should helicopters come under fire from SAMs, a SEAD (suppression of enemy air defences) mission may generated, indeed you may be tasked to fly a SEAD mission for a computer controlled flight.

It is very similar to its predecessor - Apache Havoc.

You play the role of the pilot and to some extent the co-pilot in either the RAH-66 Comanche or the Ka-52 Havoc, and if you have the previous game installed you will also be able to fly the AH-64D Apache and MI-28 Havoc helicopters.

 

1.3 Golden Rules For Helicopter Combat Survival

 

Basic rules for survival in helicopter combat:

Dead helicopters shouldn't have unused countermeasures or wing mounted ordnance. Use 'em or loose 'em. Chaff bundles are no good to you once you have been shot down.

Once you initiate an attack at close range, carry it though and prosecute the enemy as *fast* as possible. Seconds really do count.

1.4 Joystick Control Configurations

TheEnemy Engaged - Comanche vs. Hokum CD has a number of configurations for various kinds of joysticks and controllers. These are not installed to your hard disk and remain in the "JOYSTICK" folder on the CD.

 

Special Keys for Programmable Joysticks

Enemy Engaged - Comanche vs. Hokum and Apache Havoc sensor mode keys use the six gray edit cluster keys (Insert, Home, Page Up etc.), some programmable joysticks have difficulty handling these. Thrustmaster joysticks can use press and release RAW codes to handle these. But to circumvent this problem, duplicate sensor controls not marked on the keyboard overlay are available:

In addition...


Sticky Keys / Loss of Key Response

If you seem to experience a loss of key control when using programmable joysticks - try increasing the rate at which the joystick sends it's key commands using it's software where applicable. Thrustmaster programs can specify this using the RATE command in the program file. The loss of keyboard response is due to the joystick button RELEASE code being quickly overwritten by a new key PRESS code. So the keyboard can think that a modifier key such as SHIFT or CTRL or ALT is still being held down. Pressing and releasing these keys on the keyboard will restore normal keyboard operation.

For Thrustmaster joysticks, setting the RATE to 20 (20 microseconds) generates characters very quickly. The lower the number, the faster the setting.

 

"I Prefer My Own Configuration - What Commands Should I Program?"

Very much a matter of personal preference, given that most joysticks have some kind of HAT for view panning (as of version 1.1e the panning no longer snaps back to a target making it easier to use).

Here are my list of favourites (in order of preference):

Well there are more but the above represents the basic flight and survival commands you will need. If you can program a key series on one button then a single button that releases both a FLARE and CHAFF bundle will help you survive a lot longer.

Cyclic Trim - like in Apache Havoc - does have it's uses, it makes steady flying much easier. Trim the input several times to adjust for wind, roll or maintaining a hover helps lighten your stick workload. That is what it is there for - real pilots use it, you can too.

For reference, here are the control positions of the real Apache AH-64A pilot controls.

A number of joystick configurations are provided on the simulation CD.

 

CAUTION

Windshield wipers should not be operated when canopies are dry. Scratches may result.

 

Enemy Engaged - Comanche vs Hokum Strategy Guide
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