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FLIGHT
SIMULATOR II
Sublogic,
around £35 from various importers
eg: Zoomsoft
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Flight
Simulator II has long been regarded as THE flight
simulator on a home micro by those who have actually
seen it. It was never officially released in this country,
as no-one seems to have considered marketing it for
some reason or other, but thankfully it isn't too difficult
to get hold of through various importers.
Flight
Sim II puts you in control of a Piper PA-28-181
Archer II single engine, non-retractable gear aircraft,
and I mean control. There are an incredible range
of controls and options -- too many in fact for your
average armchair pilot (I don't mean that in a detrimental
way, as FSII is not really aimed at your average
armchair pilot) -- it's a true flight simulation
in every way. From the packaging through to the program
itself. The presentation is fabulous and the package
comes complete with a Pilot's Operating Handbook and
Airplane Flight Manual, a Flight Physics and Aircraft
Control guide (with an introduction to aerobatics),
area charts (of Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York
and Boston), a flight reference card (with a summary
of controls), some notes on the program, and an ad for
Night Mission Pinball!
The
Pilot's Handbook is a rather thick manual that basically
takes you through step-by-step stages on how to fly
the plane. There's a complete run down on all the features
of the plane and screen layout and instructions on how
to fly around the world using the charts provided. There
are even notes on environmental factors, turbulence
(and how to cope with any adverse conditions), gliding
. . . the list is nearly endless as the manual covers
every aspect of flying that you could ever wish, and
need, to know.
The
program allows you to fly around the world and across
American cities with full views of any prominent landmarks
(which you can actually fly around!), for example the
Statue of Liberty in New York. There is also a 'World
War I Ace' option which gives you the chance to take
part in a 3D aerial battle game involving bomb runs
and dog fights with computer controlled enemy.
Controls
are numerous and cover all those necessary and more.
One or two joysticks can be used to manoeuvre the plane,
and the keyboard is used for other adjustments.
The
view is the usual out of the cockpit one and the graphics
are of the 3D vector variety. The update on the graphics
is a little slow but doesn't affect the game too badly.
Instrumentation is well defined and in abundance, but
is initially daunting to look at and comprehend. The
instructions help here though, and soon you get to feeling
at home with the whole thing.
The
Flight Physics manual gives a full introduction to the
properties of flying a plane and the terminology used.
It also gives eight comprehensive flight lessons, from
turns to approaches.
Flight
Simulator II is a truly wonderful flight simulator
with plenty to see and do to keep you on your toes.
It may seem very expensive, but the quality of both
package and game seems to justify its high price.
Graphics
91%
Interaction 99%
Authenticity 96%
Overall 98%
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