The planning interface is nicely done over all. There was the odd bug in the interface in the release version, but I haven't had a crash from the planning interface yet in version 1.1.

Prior to flight you will have access to plenty of information. I bone up on the tactical picture as well as checking INTEL for the target area. You will know what ground threats to expect and also what airborne threats are likely. Naturally, you can also check the weather and wind conditions! Korea in the winter is hell, by the way. (To see the weather report click HERE and for the target area click HERE.)

MiG Alley allows you to not only arm your own flight, but also to choose the weapons for the other squadron, the ground pounders, and even the bombers! I usually arm the AAA suppression crew with bombs AND rockets for good measure. (Check out Cobra flight by clicking HERE.)

The AI will choose initial missions based on your directives, and of these you may choose which you prefer to fly. But if you don't like the choices, check out the Intel briefing, then discard them and build your own missions. This strategic dimension is great fun. I chose to escort B29s to the rail bridge at Sinanju.

Rating the campaign alone I give MiG a 10/10. Yep, I love this part. I wish there had been a way to get vectors between waypoints from the planner screens, but at least this ability was added to the INFO bar. The planner gets a 9/10. The interface in general is quite good, and the preferences settings allow great flexibility. Interface rating: 9/10.

Click to continue

Notching the Trim

Printed documentation for MiG is not great. Like many developers Rowan is relying on online help, and with a campaign and planner this deep virtual pilots will have to dig to find the gold. The manual offers no instruction on using the planner features in the campaign, transferring squadrons or building missions.

Still, the learning curve here isn't excessive and to their credit, Rowan does include a document by a British pilot created for the RAF Fighter Establishment entitled The F86 vs the Mig 15 based on RAF flights with the USAF to observe the MiG and NK tactics. Documentation: 8/10.

Dossier

Squadrons

Intelligence

If you have just purchased MiG I suggest you check out our feature on MiG Alley Campaign Planning. There are also other resources popping up around the net.

Go to Part VI: Conclusions