Ludo62 0 Posted October 17, 2007 Report Share Posted October 17, 2007 FSAddon’s Tongass Fjords Reviewed by Ludo Lambrechts Holger Sandmann is a name that everyone in the flight simulator should know. Arguably one of the most talented developers he has given us both freeware and commercial projects. From the monstrous peaks of the Himalayas to the rough wooded Canadian Rockies, Holger has applied his skills to it. One of his first commercial titles includes FSAddon’s Misty Fjords scenery add-on. The Misty Fjords scenery mesh received many good reviews from various critics. The popularity of the aforementioned Misty Fjords has led to the next title in this series, Tongass Fjords. Situated in the Southeast corner of Alaska, this package brings Holger’s amazing landscape design skills to light. However the Tongass Fjords package brings another element into the mix. Another famous developer in the rings of the flight simulator community, Bill Womack, has been added to the team. Together Holger and Bill will attempt to improve on the quality seen in Misty Fjords. Let’s see if they could accomplish this goal. The name Holger Sandmann is one which is not taken lightly. There is no doubt of his capabilities in his mesh rendering. Using both geographic data and photo materials Holger renders an amazing landscape. It doesn’t use photo textures, but rather uses drawn textures. The textures are amazing and really work well in the Flight Simulator 2004. Also added to the texturing are the landscapes. Mr. Sandmann does a terrific job on capturing the peaks, ravines, and valleys of the rocky Alaskan area. Thumbs up to Holger and the rest of his team for the landclass, waterclass, and terrain mesh. Two cities have been revamped as well. The port cities of Petersburg and Sitka have received a major makeover. Now common custom buildings dominate the coast line with the ports looming. As you fly over you can get a grasp of life in Alaska. It is an amazing experience, which all should encounter. The city inclusion in this product is a terrific incentive. There are no doubts here, however what is there beyond the stunning mesh and landclass? Well to begin with there are now 2 major modified airports. Sitka and Petersburg, two towns that thrive on their sea ports. The scenery for the airports is amazing. The details rank near the top with teams like FlyTampa and Flight Scenery. The ground textures, both the pavement and the surrounding area, are done using the latest techniques and provide an amazing result. The buildings are rendered using both photographs and physical data. Vehicles and other unique objects have all been included in these two airports. Other airports that fall into the Tongass Fjords coverage area have also been revamped by Bill Womack. Small strips and seaplanes haven’t had much in the way of a makeover like the other two but they have custom buildings and textures. The effect of this work is astounding; the inclusion of airports adds a whole new dimension to the FSAddon Fjords line of products. The AI seen in the Misty Fjords product is even more abundant in the Tongass Fjords title. The boats seen here have been modelled and included in the Tongass Fjords scenery. They are very nice in their detail and clarity, however they do not pull down the frame rates. Frame Rates are important in any project and it is terrific that these wonderful AI boats do not pull down that valuable FPS count. Now how does this all come together? Well for starters the installation menu offers you a wide variety of options to choose from. You can test new settings, and use this tool to bring the best out of your newly purchased product. You can choose options such as frozen lakes, or taking away your boat traffic. This add-on is accessible for people with the monster machines and the bottom feeder machines as well. When included with the stellar boat traffic, the Holger Sandmann mesh, and any other options you choose to throw in I award this add-on a 9.5 out of 10 Fsaddon Product Page Reviewed by Ludo Lambrechts for FSAddon Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,487 Posted October 17, 2007 Report Share Posted October 17, 2007 Wow! thanks Ludo I have this addon and I totally agree with your comments. A beautifully presented review, thanks for posting I'm sure our members will enjoy it too. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
Ludo62 0 Posted October 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 Wow! thanks Ludo I have this addon and I totally agree with your comments. A beautifully presented review, thanks for posting I'm sure our members will enjoy it too. Cheers My pleasure, mutley :yes: :yes: . Ludo :yes: Link to post Share on other sites
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