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Scenery Enhancement: X-Oil Rigs Vol 1, Vol 2, and X-OilShips Vol 1


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Scenery Enhancement: X-Oil Rigs Vol 1, Vol 2, and X-OilShips Vol 1

 

By Stuart McGregor

 

This review, while concise, provides an intriguing look into three related X-Plane add-ons: X-Oil Rigs Vol 1, Vol 2, and X-OilShips Vol 1. These add-ons, created by the Skytitude development team, can be conveniently located at the X-Plane.Org Store.

 

Intended as supplementary or replacement packs for the default X-Plane oil rigs, these add-ons specifically appeal to helicopter enthusiasts. The Oil Ships add-on also presents an alternative to the default moving X-Plane aircraft carrier and frigate. For those, like me, who appreciate rotary-wing aircraft, these add-ons offer a significant enhancement to the often-sparse marine environment.

 

Retailing for $16.90, they are compatible with both X-Plane 11 and 12, with this review focusing on their usage in the latter version. When it comes to downloading, the oil rigs offer a single option, while for the ships, both X-Plane 11 and 12 options are available, so choose simply according to your version of X-Plane.

 

The downloaded content comprises files in a single folder along with a brief text file outlining installation instructions. The installation process is straightforward: simply drag and drop the content into your Custom Scenery folder. If you download both volumes of oil rigs, they are designed to work in tandem, enriching areas with multiple rigs. The oil ships, on the other hand, come with three livery options for the two vessels. Instructions for changing liveries are outlined in the included text file – it's as simple as moving a few files. Overall, it's a user-friendly process.

 

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The installation process doesn't warrant much more discussion; it's as simple and streamlined as can be. However, it is worth noting that if you opt for all three add-ons, the cumulative download size comes to slightly under 600MB, with individual files varying between 130 and 260 MB. My experience downloading and installing was smooth and hassle-free.

 

The product images and descriptions available on the org store effectively highlight the top-notch, high-resolution PBR texturing and incredibly intricate object design. This includes a range of variants and splendid night lighting, aspects that I'll delve into further along in the review. But how do these details translate in actual usage?

 

Well, if you're keen to dive in and explore the objects without investing too much effort in finding them during a flight, X-Plane makes it easy for you. Just navigate to the Flight Configuration menu, select Special Starts, and you can directly approach Carrier, Frigate, Small, and Large Oil platforms. This feature enables a quick and convenient inspection of these new objects. Alternatively, you could use the map to select one of the aforementioned approaches. If you're as eager as I was to test these additions, these shortcuts provide an efficient way to do so.

 

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The craftsmanship of all the models is commendable, and the texturing certainly captivated me. As someone who has designed similar objects in the past (The Handy Object Library), I'm reasonably well positioned to appreciate the quality on offer here, observable both during daylight and nighttime hours. The shadowing effects and the aged look of the textures during daylight convincingly simulate the essence of real-life versions. 

 

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The meticulous application of high-resolution PBR texturing and detailed object design truly shines when cloaked by nightfall. These maritime titans, bathed in a warm glow, possess a certain allure as their prominent features emerge from the darkness. However, this isn't merely about aesthetic appeal; the lighting also fulfils a critical practical function. For those bold enough to embark on night flights, the strategically positioned lights mirror the actual challenges confronted by real-life maritime pilots. This results in a visually stunning spectacle that enhances the immersion and excitement of navigating the marine world in X-Plane.

 

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The oil rig add-ons come in four distinct structural variants, spanning from a compact mono-tower to larger FPS-type installations. Each variant is exquisitely modelled and textured, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. On the seafaring end, the add-ons include a traditional oil tanker and an LNG carrier, and as touched on earlier, there's an option to customize the ship liveries, adding a layer of personalization to the experience. Admittedly, I encountered some difficulty locating the Volume 2 oil rig objects occasionally - a situation possibly influenced by my choice of flight paths. Nevertheless, after a fair bit of exploration, I was able to discover them.

 

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One minor point of potential improvement revolves around the lack of animation on these objects. On the default oil rigs, I believe the cranes are animated, yet, in a real-world landing scenario, the pilot and Helicopter Landing Officer would likely prefer cranes to be stationary with booms stowed. So, the current "default" setup might be a more realistic depiction of what happens in real life. This observation is indeed minor and does not compromise the overall flying enjoyment, however, attempting to land on these helidecks poses enough challenges without the addition of moving cranes.

 

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In my view, it would be a welcome addition to have a few 3D characters dispersed across the various objects. The structures are certainly large enough, and this would boost the realism of the scene, plus it's somewhat eerie to be "alone" at these locations, day or night, with no signs of life around. While not a major concern, it's something that could be considered for a future update. That being said, these objects certainly serve as a fantastic enhancement to both X-Plane 11 and 12, and as indicated in the product documentation, I noticed no discernible impact on my framerates, which was a pleasant surprise. This might just be the motivation I need to start upgrading some of my own similar objects!

 

At night, particularly with the ships, the meticulous lighting on these structures truly comes to life, offering a vividly detailed and atmospheric view that dramatically elevates the overall experience. The sight is, quite literally, a shining example of the rich environment that these add-ons provide.

 

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Having thoroughly explored all three add-ons, I really appreciate the additional level of detail and enjoyment they provide, and I firmly believe that for helicopter enthusiasts, these sets present a valuable addition to the X-Plane world. Whether you possess one, two, or all three, I am convinced you won't face disappointment if you relish piloting helicopters in the maritime realm. They provide an excellent platform for refining your take-off and landing skills to your heart's content.

 

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There's a unique intensity that comes with hovering over the ocean from a mere 100ft that can truly sharpen one's focus, and as such, I tip my hat to real-life pilots who navigate these conditions daily, given the extremely limited room for manoeuvre. I'm simply relieved that X-Plane conveniently includes a reset button!

 

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X-OilShips Vol. 1 by Skytitude is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here:

 

X-OilShips Vol. 1

Price at time of writing US$16.90

 

X-OilRigs Vol 1 by Skytitude is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here:

 

X-OilRigs Vol 1

Price at time of writing US$16.90

 

X-OilRigs Vol 2 by Skytitude is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here:

 

X-OilRigs Vol 2

Price at time of writing US$16.90

 

X-OilShips Vol. 1 Features:

  •  High Quality Gas Tanker and Oil Tanker Vessels Objects
  •  6 Different Livery Variations
  •  High Resolution Materials with PBR effects
  •  Realistic Night Lighting
  •  Highly Optimized for saving fps
  •  X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 versions

 

X-OilShips Vol. 1 Requirements: 

  • X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11
  • Windows, Mac, or Linux
  • Current version: 1.0 (March 30th, 2023)
  • Download Size: 260 MB

 

X-OilRigs Vol 1 Features:

  • High Quality Offshore Oil Rigs 3D Model
  • High Quality Offshore Oil Towers 3D Model
  • Two Color Liveries for each type of platforms
  • Excellent Physical Based Rendering Effect
  • Gorgeous Night Lighting
  • Highly Optimized

 

X-OilRigs Vol 1 Requirements:

  • X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
  • Windows, Mac, or Linux
  • Current version: 1.10 (February 21st, 2023)
  • Download Size: 207 MB

 

X-OilRigs Vol 2 Features:

  • X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11
  • Windows, Mac, or Linux
  • Current version: 1.10 (Feb 21st, 2023)
  • Download Size: 130 MB

 

X-OilRigs Vol 2 Requirements:

  • Insane quality of Oil Platforms 3D Mesh
  • Awesome 4k resolution textures with PBR effects
  • Gorgeous Night Lighting
  • Highly Optimized for saving FPS
  • Compatible and can be used together with X-OilRigs Vol. 1
  • Originally made for X-Plane 12, working fine with X-Plane 11

 

Review System Specifications:

Windows 10 64 Bit
CPU Intel i9-9900k
64GB RAM
Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti
Oculus Rift S

 

Scenery Review by Stuart McGregor
28th May 2023
Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews


(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed
without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) 

 

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