Jane's USAF: United States Air Force - PC Games

You will first notice, especially if you're new to the air combat simulation genre, the beefy manual packed with information for both beginners, such as explanations on the basics of flight, and hard-core flight enthusiasts, such as pages of historical information about the US Air Force and its operations. Thankfully there is as much depth in the game as found in the manual--USAF offers computer pilots over 60 missions.

Computer pilots can select to fly through the training missions, engage a pre-scripted single mission, begin a full campaign game, create and fly a customised mission or compete with others on Jane's online multiplayer service. Eight flyable aircraft, including the A-10, F-15, F-16, F-117 and MiG-29, are offered.

The visual effects impress, but require a powerful computer (and a Direct 3-D accelerator) to maximise terrain and plane detail. Whether you are new to air combat sims or a veteran, USAF's diverse missions, plentiful options and mix of action and realism provide hours of flight and combat enjoyment. --Doug Radcliffe