| E3 Impressions: Best of Show
by Bubba "Masterfung" Wolford |
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Before I left for E3, I had a flurry of questions from many of my friends and coworkers on what E3 is about and what it feels like to be part of such a monumental event. "It's difficult to describe." I said, "the event is so huge and elaborate that writers often spend the entire first day simply trying to get a grip on the layout of the place." Make no mistake, however, each and every gaming journalist lives for E3. The opportunity to see and articulate my excitement about new products is breathtaking and in some cases, heartbreaking. Based on my experience, this years' E3 offered such a plethora of new "hard-core" products that I bring into question whether hard-core simulations are actually declining or perhaps on the rise and if so, for how long? In the face of this influx of great games, finding the best of the best is a difficult task. Nevertheless, I have compiled my list of what I consider the best of what is coming for Combatsim.com fans for the rest of 1999 and into 2000. My specific emphasis is on jet simulations, which I felt was the most competitive arena at this year's event. Best of Show: Jet Simulation Choosing between the beautiful blonde, brunette and redhead has always been difficult. In many ways that is how I feel when choosing between the best pointy-nose simulations. How can one choose? Well, after taking into account the initial "look" of the prize, the outward eye candy, I quickly move toward what really makes these beautiful women sing: what is inside their hearts. For jet sims this means flight model, mission structure, choices in operations and weapons deployment, modeling of the radar in BVR and ACM, structure and complexity of enemy and friendly AI and even the structure of the game itself. All these elements can make or break a simulation and when each is just right we have perfection. On the minds of most who emailed me about E3 before I left, were questions dealing with Jane's A-10 and F/A-18. Upon arriving at the Jane's division of Electronic Arts booth, CJ Martin was firmly planted in his seat flying his latest build of F/A-18 with a tremendous smile upon his face. He was explaining in great detail how the APG-73 radar was going to be working in the F/A-18E and how extensively they were planning to model the various new munitions now being utilized in Yugoslavia.
 Janes F/A 18 Expect to see various versions of JDAM, JSOW, SLAM-ER and Aim-9X along with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS) in Jane's new simulation! In addition, I was granted permission to get my hands on their new simulation and put it through its paces. Visually, Jane's F/A-18 has some of the best graphics I have ever seen, clouds being the most obvious. The cockpit is modeled in total 3D with choices of D3D and Glide, resolutions will be offered for a high as ones video card and monitor can support. While the flight model is currently derived from Jane's F-15, Jane's F/A-18 will be simulating all the characteristics of the F/A-18. |
The Hornet scooting away with a full load of fun for some unlucky target. The first thing I went out to do when I got my hands on the controls was to find out how the plane feels in yaw rate, pitch and roll. CJ reminded me several times that the flight model is only ~50% done and not to expect too much right now while the product is still in pre-alpha stage. Even so, the flight model seemed very good. Stalls and flat spins are on par with Microprose' Falcon 4.0. Low speed nose authority is a huge asset to the F/A-18, even in it's "E" configuration. After testing stalls and spins, CJ could see I was slowing the plane for some low speed testing and quickly pointed out that low speed maneuverability remained in the 50% undone list. I smiled and chuckled as he could see I was not going to leave any stones unturned. Weapons' testing was limited due to the pre-alpha build as were landings, although I was able to drop some unguided munitions on some local, unsuspecting hangers and fuel tanks. Explosions quickly brought to mind those of F-15, which were always impressive. What was even more impressive was that the simulation is set to ship this year, so hard-core activists will have two simulations from Jane's to keep them happy this Christmas. Although A-10 was not displayed, excitement about its 1999 release has everyone excited.
Fox three! The F/A-18E in BVR running the 414 engines in full burner! Multiplayer is offered in cooperative mode or head to head. This is a big change since F-15 when most players felt cooperative multiplayer was a must for any new simulation to be compelling. With the Super Hornet, flying side by side with your buddy will be a true pleasure. DI's Super Hornet One simulation that was a big hit this year with all our writers was Digital Integrations Super Hornet. Visually, this game seems on par with Jane's F/A-18 and in fact carrier operations are even more detailed. But since Jane's F/A-18 is not as far along as Super Hornet it is still a tough pick.
Cat launch in Super Hornet. Go to Page Two
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