Aquila Bird Flight Simulator

YouTube Tutorials...

... for playing with a Gamepad or Motion Controllers are now available at the following address on YouTube, and on the Aquila website. These run through an introduction to Aquila, your first flights, and more detail on take off and landing (plus a few other bits). Please check them out, as they will help you get started. They are currently applicable to the Steam version, with Oculus version differences highlighted.

While the controls vary a little with Motion Controllers on the Steam and Oculus versions, using a Gamepad or Keyboard is the same on both versions. All methods are also covered by basic in-game tutorials while a Gamepad specific tutorial video is available here:

My YouTube channel playlist: Aquila Website (click Tutorials):

If you have already purchased Aquila...

... on either Steam or Oculus Home, and you wish to have the other version, please get in touch with your purchase details. I can then issue you a complementary key!

Running with and without VR

This is an application that has been made with Virtual Reality in mind, specifically using OpenVR on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It will run without a headset connected, or via the non-vr launch option, and has control methods added to support non-vr play. You may see the odd reference to VR comfort, not applicable to playing without a Virtual Reality headset of course. I can highly recommend using one for Aquila!

In the meantime, check out this tutorial for Gamepad play:

And do also check out the Readme file within the install directory for the latest added features.

About the Game

Have you dreamed of what it would be ... to soar like an eagle?

Aquila Bird Flight Simulator lets you experience soaring bird flight using virtual reality. It was originally designed for the Oculus Rift, but has now been modified for OpenVR.  You embody one of three species of eagle flying over either Northwest Scotland, a part of Colombia, or Graham Island in British Columbia. This is designed as a relaxing soaring flight simulation, and is not arcade-style flight, and as such you can make use of ridge lift and thermals. If you want a work out try flapping with motion controllers! My Fitness tracker always thinks I'm jogging...

Proceeds from this project go towards a major bird of prey centre in Hampshire (UK), where I do voluntary work. Supporting this project helps towards vital conservation, rehabilitation, and education schemes throughout the UK and overseas. So on behalf of the birds, and the staff, thank you!

Main Features:

• Dude you're an eagle! Featuring three species of eagle:

Bald eagle

• Golden Eagle

• and the Harpy eagle.

• Simulates an 8kg bird with a 2.5m wingspan. (cosmetic difference only at present).

• Multiplayer! Currently under test. The official server status is on the Forum.

• Experimental: See your arms as wings in VR! Select "Controller mapped wings" in the game settings.

• Steer your bird using:

Motion controllers - Oculus Rift, Quest 2, S, and HTC Vive have been tested.

• Your VR headset

• An Xbox360/One controller

• Satellite photography scenery for:

14km x 14km flyable areas for Northwest Scotland, Colombia and British Columbia.

• Steam Achievement support.
• Day/Night cycle using Enviro.
• You have thermals and ridge lift to make flying easier, and trees to land in. All birds are fully animated.
• Configurable wind direction and speed, shown as 'dandelion seeds' in-game.
• Free looking in VR, along with selectable views on the birds back and a chase view.
• You can land and take off, and walk around on the ground.
• Options to start in the air, on the ground, or in a random tree.
• Catch fish from some of the lakes in Scotland and Canada, along with the river on the Colombia map. Catch by holding triggers, and you'll carry your fish as long as you hold them. ;)
• If you crash hard enough, you'll go splat and respawn in a random tree. You can also press T to reset to a tree top.
• Narrated tutorials for all control modes.
• Comfort mode: This levels the camera, and limits your pitch and roll to produce a more comfortable experience. It is on by default, but can be turned off.
• Some relaxing music to go with the flying.
• Observer mode: The in-flight menu allows you to select a view that is displayed on your main pc screen while you play in VR. This can impact performance, but allows people not playing to watch your flight.
• AI birds that fly randomly around the map trying not to hit things.
• Non-VR ... the game will run without a VR headset connected, and defaults to a chase view, but it's just not the same as VR!
• Next Level V3 motion platform support is working, but is not included in the Steam or Oculus Home versions because of the SDK's involved. Contact me if you are interested in this feature.

Current issues:

• Satellite photography is best experienced with a bit of height. The illusion will not work when you're near the ground, although I'm working on ground