With this update, RotorSim is entering beta! The following major changes are included in this version:

• New Map: Windy Isles

A large chain of islands that include an airport, a city, and various other islands all populated with buildings and ships that sail around the map. Look for a cruise ship, a prepper cave, a lonely castle atop an isolated island, and there might be something ominous out there in the open water. Don’t wander too far though, your engine will start to malfunction.

• UI Update: Menus, sounds, and effects

Added a menu and loading system, background music, more sounds and animations for interaction, and more intuitive instructions for flying. In game, the effects such as rotor wash, crashes, and water impacts are greatly improved.

Special shout out to https://mykaelanguyendaley.myportfolio.com/ for the menu designs as well as general artistic consultation. Check out her profile; she’s extremely talented and a pleasure to work with.

• Flight Models and dynamic HUD

Added an “advanced flight model” which more accurately simulates a helicopter in flight. A gamepad is highly recommended due to the precision needed. It’s harder to control, but you are far more maneuverable.

In addition, there is a Dynamic Crosshair that can be enabled for both the Simple and Advanced models, but is designed for the Advanced. It will give you visual feedback on what your helicopter is doing in 3D space.

• Significant Optimization

Compiled with Godot 4.3 RC2, there has been a massive amount of work under the hood to optimize performance, physics calculations, and world interactions. Even with older hardware, this game should run smoothly.