Last week we asked you what you would like to see from Rowan next year: a revisitation of WWI, or a Battle of Britain simulation. When I checked the next day more than 2/3 of almost 2900 respondents stated clearly that they would prefer a WWII simulation.
However, I had email from many of you that your first choice would be the Pacific Theatre. So we decided that we would like to hear from all our readers. What would be your first choice for the next simulation given these choices? From a sample exceeding 2000 entries these were the results:
More than two to one would prefer to see a Pacific Theatre simulation from Rowan. This isn't likely this late, however. But the good news is that Battle of Britain will be the third entry into the WWII simulation scene with a fully dynamic, interactive campaign system, improved even beyond MiG Alley! Personally, that has me very excited. Watch also for an entirely new graphics engine in Battle of Britain.
Next, our first survey offered six choices for modern simulations. But I had mail from many of you that you wished I had included an AH-64D simulation in the listing!
As you can see, the most popular choices with our readers are the A10, followed by the Tomcat, and then the Tornado. Our second survey set it up two ways.
First, we asked you to choose between the two most popular ground pounders of all time: the A10 and the AH-64D Apache.
WOW! Talk about a clear preference! Almost everyone out there is dying for a good A10 simulation! We know that these surveys have created interest among developers and publishers out there, and we're hopeful that someone will pick up the gauntlet and go ahead with an A10 simulation in 2000.
Finally, we expanded the choices to include the Tomcat and the Tornado GR1. The results were interesting, with the Tomcat pulling close to the A10 in popularity and the Tornado following closely on the Tomcat's six. Statistically, the difference is marginal. Virtually as many combat simulation fans would love to see an F14 Tomcat simulation as would love to see an A10 simulation.
This raises some intriguing possibilities. The most hopeful scenario might involve Pixel in Israel pursuing a followup to USAF... a new USNF! But other scenarios might have JANE'S releasing an add-on for F/A 18. Why not? With all the AI and carrier ops in place, it might not be a huge matter for them to release a Tomcat add-on. From our results, it would be immensely popular!
Finally, someone out there might do a dedicated F14 simulation. Microprose Fleet Defender has been begging for a new release for years, and even Wayward Design have admitted some serious interest in the F14 Tomcat!
The hardcore simulation is alive and well, and there are at least six simulations slated for release in 2000 that include fully dynamic campaign systems. We expect good things in 2000!
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Last Updated November 29th, 1999
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