Nations: Fighter Command was showing at E3 this year, but the display wasn't well planned and there was no joystick available for control when we saw the sim in action.

In the clouds.

A month or so earlier I had my hands on an alpha version, and the graphics were impressive. Feeling of flight was also quite good, surprising for an alpha release. Since that time Nations hit beta, and release is looking to occur in early October. No dynamic campaign in this one, but the fighting AI is supposed to be very good and it will ship with advanced support for AGP.

The lighting engine is quite advanced, and general detail in effects should be stunning. Volumetric clouds come as standard equipment.

Sunset in Nations.

Physics and systems modeling has received careful attention also. In fact, while I was flying the Focke-Wulf I cut the throttle suddenly then heard the engine sputter and the exhaust manifold belched a puff of smoke as the engine leaned out. Look for a hands on update later this month.

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Ju87 from Flight Combat.

Flight Combat

Here is an update from the Producer of Flight Combat with regard to flying bombers in that simulation:

All stations are accessible and we are doing TRUE co-op (that is, you and all your buddies can be on one bomber, each manning a different position) as well as regular adversarial multiplay. Some of the bombers featured are the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, He-111, Ju-87 Stuka and Ju-88 and a few others that I can't comment on yet.

At E3 we watched a B24 Liberator coming in over a German city. The searchlights scanning the sky up ahead looked menacing. If the key light (blue beam) found you, all other beams would then focus on you and you would be easy prey for the AAA.

Conn trails in Flight Combat, as in B17 II, are tactical since they make your position visible from much further away. Conn trails start at appropriate altitude.

Night fighting will also be modeled with the 110 Zerstorer. This German bomber should make for some interesting gameplay, though I wouldn't want to fly without a good escort!

I was pleased to learn that Looking Glass have planned dynamic entry and exit in multiplayer, as in Falcon 4 (though F4 hasn't worked well up to this point.) And Stuka fans will finally be in heaven!

Go to Part V