Evolution of Combat Flight Simulators

0   0  

1984 - Digital Integration
First released on the ZX Spectrum in 1983, this is possibly one of the earliest games that simulated jet combat and tactics.

0   0  

1985 - SubLOGIC
Based on SubLOGIC's Flight Simulator (aka Microsoft Flight Simulator), you can choose either an F-16 for land missions or an F-18 for carrier-based missions.

1   7  

1985 - MicroProse
Sid Meier helped develop this hit game for the C64, and several ports followed, include a real basic one for the NES.

0   0  

1985 - MicroProse
In the mid 80s, the IBM PC-based machines were no match for the Commodore 64 systems, so this version for the PC had basic CGA graphics.

0   0  

1986 - MirrorSoft

0   0  

1987 - Sphere / Spectrum Holobyte
The original of the famed Falcon series began in the early days of PC gaming, back in 1987, with this release. While earlier flight simulators were more action-oriented, Falcon took a radical turn for realism, with authentic cockpit panels and realistic flight psychics. This was the birth of the true jet flight simulator.

0   0  

1988 - Dynamix

0   0  

1988 - MirrorSoft

2   7  

1988 - MicroProse
In reality, the F-19 never existed. Jane's Aircraft Guide from '86/'87 incorrectly included this mystery plane in their database, and a 1986 novel by Tom Clancy detailed a secret F-19A Ghostrider stealth plane which had F-117 level of stealth but could fly supersonic, unlike the F-117. This game was based on this mystery plane, which to this date, has never been confirmed nor denied by the USAF as ever having existed.

Prelude's rating:

0   0  

1988 - Sphere / Spectrum Holobyte
A vastly improved version of the original Falcon flight sim, with better graphics and mission planning.

0   0  

1988 - Velocity

1   0  

1988 - Intellisoft / Electronic Arts
Possibly the best flight simulator released for the Commodore Amiga, this one focused on the F/A-18 navy jet fighter.

0   0  

1989 - Digital Integration

3   6.7  

1989 - MicroProse
Andy Hollis at MicroProse hit a grand slam hit with this simulator, bringing leading-edge graphics and fast-paced action to gamers everywhere, even porting over to the Sega Genesis console.

Prelude's rating:

3   6.5  

1989 - Dynamix
The first Combat Flight simulator developed by Dynamix boasted unique features such as AI that communicated with you in-flight, and actions performed (or objectives not achieved) would affect future missions.

Prelude's rating:

0   0  

1990 - Rowan / Spectrum Holobyte

0   0  

1990 - Dynamix
An ehanced version of 1988's C64 version, the DOS version was great at its time, with full 256 color support and gradiated ground and horizon.

0   0  

1990 - Vektor Grafix

2   8  

1990 - Velocity

Prelude's rating:

0   0  

1991 - Distinctive Software

2   6.5  

1991 - Electronic Arts

Prelude's rating:

2   7.5  

1991 - MicroProse

Prelude's rating:

0   0  

1991 - Simis

1   8  

1991 - Sphere / Spectrum Holobyte

Prelude's rating:

1   8  

1992 - Argonaut / MicroProse
In this hybrid strategy/simulator game, you can control one of two vehicles - an F-22 Raptor, or an AH-64 Apache helicopter.

Prelude's rating:

1   0  

1992 - MicroProse

0   0  

1992 - Argonaut / Electronic Arts

1   0  

1993 - Vektor Grafix / MicroProse

0   0  

1993 - Digital Integration
Pioneers of flight simulation Digital Integration finally achieved some commercial success with this simulator, based on the Panavia Tornado.

0   0  

1993 - Spectrum Holobyte
This add-on for Falcon 3.0 brought the Soviet MiG-29 to the series.

1   6  

1993 - MicroProse

Prelude's rating:

0   0  

1993 - Digital Image Design
This flight sim lay the groundwork for future simulators from DID, including the EF2000 series and F-22 Air Dominance Fighter.

0   0  

1994 - Digital Integration
Digital Integration repackaged their hit flight simulator Tornado with 40 new missions based on actual targets from Operation Desert Storm.

0   0  

1994 - Spectrum Holobyte

The ultimate collection of Falcon 3.0, includes all latest patches, all three expansion (Hornet, Operation Fighter Tiger, and Mig-29), and also videos 'Art of the Kill', showing dogfighting maneuvers.