Page 5
The Best Combat Flight Sims of 2000
By Len "Viking1" Hjalmarson
Category: Jet Sim
Publisher: Jane's Combat Simulations
Release Date: Released
Recommended Spec: Pentium II 350 MHz or higher, 64 MB RAM
Files: Patch
January saw the release of the last Jane’s brand title: F/A-18, a sweeping simulation of the new Hornet, and probably the best release ever from Electronic Arts Jane’s brand.
This top-notch simulation has it all in spades, with extensive carrier ops, ATC, AWACS, FAC and wingman control. Communications are a new benchmark, allowing detailed COMMS even in approaching the carrier. The air space is alive, and you can even listen in on activity from other flights.
Graphics are excellent, including real time and dynamic lighting. The cockpit is virtual only, but is fully mouseable and is unusually detailed. While a few have complained about the lack of a fixed cockpit, this is the best virtual cockpit ever, and at high resolution it looks great and it functions in every view. There are some mods out there (primarily by GTT) that improve the lighting and clean up some gauges.
Terrain graphics are somewhat basic, but clouds and weather and a moving carrier deck make up for the lack. The clouds are as good as any out there, and they sometimes become a tactical consideration.
System demands are high. Configuration options abound, however, so lower-end hardware can run with lower detail and resolution. Naturally, the novice can also select less experienced enemy forces or a lighter flight model.
F/A-18 has the usual mission options, allowing single missions, training, instant action and campaign mode. The campaign has a persistent environment and a high degree of randomness. Recently new campaigns have been released, including Wagner and Campisi’s Valhalla campaign (19MB)
Flight modeling and avionics are excellent. The HARM system alone has four modes. Weapon systems are modeled with realistic performance. Pilot and squadron records are detailed, briefings and debriefs are included. All these things improve immersion. The player can also edit the flight plan for the missions he flies.
User community support is good, with new skin textures, missions and markings appearing, and soon an aircraft editor. Furthermore, there is both a mission builder and a campaign builder. Documentation is excellent via a 200 page spiral bound manual. This simulation is deep and requires dedication.
Multiplayer features include coop campaign mode. Game Commander or Game Voice recommended, with PII 400 and 64 MB of RAM minimum, 8MB 3D accelerator. A 3.5 MB patch is available.
| Previous |
