DCS P-51D Beta - First Impressions

First Impressions

1. Sounds - Absolutely amazing
• The supercharger whine while turning is wonderful.
• The six .50 caliber machine guns firing in unison.
• Starting up and full RPMs.
2. .50 caliber machine guns are too weak
• It takes many strafing passes to destroy a BMP or AA emplacement. After watching real WWII gun cameras, the six .50 caliber machine guns can easily take on trains, ships, and vehicles. 
3. Graphics - Spectacular
• I love watching the bullet trails and ricochets. It is very realistic, just like the actual gun camera footage from WWII. I would like to see ED implement these graphics in DCS A-10C.
• Improved explosions, fire, and smoke. Explosions from DCS A-10C are really weak, ED did a great job of making them bigger in DCS P-51D.
4. Controls 
• Very sensitive. Requires much more care compared to DCS A-10C.
• Rudders are a bit tricky. Sensitive just like the X-Axis and Y-Axis.  

Overall - I really enjoy the beta. It is worth the $39.99 just to hear the supercharger whine and watch the bullets ricochet off the ground. ED did an amazing job recreating the P-51D and there is great attention to detail just like all their games. For example: flames shooting out the exhaust, AI pilots will turn their heads to where they are heading, and the reflection of the sunlight on the bullet trails.

Also included is DCS World and a flyable SU-25T.

The only thing that bothers me is that it takes place in modern Russia/Georgia and there are no other WWII warbirds. This is only the beta the full product will probably be in a different setting, more planes, etc.

Below are some screenshots that I have taken from the beta

(click on screenshots for full-size) 
    Exhaust Flames

    Spent bullet casings

    Strafing some armored targets