Full video here: https://youtu.be/-tzUWZQdpuM
In this video, I take Aces of Thunder for a spin in VR on a high-end PC powered by an RTX 4090 and compare it directly to DCS World’s warbirds. We dive into performance, visuals, cockpit detail, terrain quality, VR controls, and HOTAS support—and also tackle the biggest red flag right now: the extremely small player base, with only around 300 active players on Steam.
There’s no denying that Aces of Thunder runs beautifully. The optimization is excellent, delivering smooth, consistent performance even in VR. The terrain engine deserves special praise as well—unlike the sometimes sharp, procedural-looking geometry in DCS World, Aces of Thunder features rich, naturally soft landscapes that make low-level flying feel immersive and visually impressive. The variety of missions and aircraft available at launch is also a strong point.
The “Sterile” Cockpit
Where the comparison starts to fall apart is inside the cockpit. While everything is functional, the level of detail feels noticeably more “sterile.” It lacks the worn, lived-in character that high-end sim pilots expect. In short, Aces of Thunder looks like a game, whereas DCS World feels like a simulation.
The VR Control Nightmare
This is where the PC experience really runs into turbulence. Despite being available on PC, the control system feels heavily influenced by console design. There is no proper, dedicated HOTAS setup mode. Instead, you’re forced to remap your flight stick and throttle to behave like a generic controller, which is both clumsy and immersion-breaking.
Even worse, the game requires you to keep both VR motion controllers active at all times. This leaves you with floating “ghost hands” in the cockpit, constantly reminding you that you’re fighting the interface instead of flying the aircraft. For a game that targets a niche audience (VR) within an already niche genre (flight sims), pushing away hardware enthusiasts is a risky decision.
The Verdict: A Threat to DCS?
Right now, Aces of Thunder sits at roughly 300 active players on Steam, which is dangerously low for a multiplayer-focused title. With the high barrier to entry (a VR headset is mandatory) and a price point that doesn’t quite match its experimental nature, the game faces a steep uphill battle.
If the developers improve HOTAS support and fully embrace the PC sim community instead of working around it, Aces of Thunder could become a fun, more accessible alternative to DCS. Until then, it feels like a gorgeous tech showcase with an unresolved identity crisis.
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