Reflex XTR 5.05 Review

[Toumal]

Reflex is now available in version 5.05, which is the first Reflex upgrade to be offered for a fee instead of free.

New features:

x) Online multiplayer for up to 8 pilots
x) Reworked physics
x) Reworked sound engine
x) some graphics updates (rotor graphics, smoke)
x) more flexible channel assignments
x) 5 new helos and one new flying field (hundreds more available online)
x) in-simulator online update function

Having owned and flown RealFlight G2, G3 and G4.5 as well as Aerofly Pro, Reflex was always my favorite in terms of helicopter physics, even though most of the stock helicopters are parametrized too powerfully. The latest update is mostly a polishing one: helo physics feel a tad more "gritty", I'd say they struck the right balance and didn't break things in the process. As minor as it may seem, the new sounds are a welcome change. Finally there's an audible rotor slapping noise, and for the most part it seems to trigger on the right occasions.

Airplanes are not Reflex' strong point. That said, the feel of bigger planes has been improved a lot over the previous versions. Also, thermals are still way better simulated in Reflex than in, say, RealFlight G4.5, making Reflex an oddly good choice for thermal soaring simulation. Still, planes feel a lot more sterile than in Aerofly Pro, which I found to be the best all-round airplane sim.

Some very annoying things have been fixed, for example electric airplanes now stop spinning their props when you put the throttle to idle.

Online multiplayer works fine. People flying models that you don't have on your disk will be shown with a white "generic" airplane/helo model. Performance was fine, flight position updates of the other players are smooth and believable.

Reflex' big strength is the inclusion of a model and airfield editor. Literally hundreds of user-made airfields and planes/helos are available for download. In this regard Reflex adds a lot of value over the closed architecture of, for example, RealFlight. And the XTR controller is fantastic, especially when compared to what you get with other sims.

All in all an excellent update, well worth the 20 bucks they ask for it.

[Toumal]

Here's a short vid showing some of the new features in action:

YouTube - Reflex XTR 5.05 new features

[wingster]

Toumal

Could you share with us how to convert a Reflex video file to a file which can be viewed on the web?

Thanks

[Toumal]

You can't! You have to record the screen while playing back the demo. I use FRAPS, works like a charm.

[wingster]

Thanks

[topacepilot]

were can i get 5.05 at themoment i have 5.03 and i really want to update it

[Toumal]

http://www.simwerk.de/xtc/product_in...date-5-05.html