Evolution of Combat Flight Simulators
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Fighter Pilot - Commodore 64
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.
First released on the ZX Spectrum in 1983, this is possibly one of the earliest games that simulated jet combat and tactics.


Jet - PC Games
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.
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.


F-15 Strike Eagle - Commodore 64
1985 - MicroProse
Sid Meier helped develop this hit game for the C64, and several ports followed, include a real basic one for the NES.
Sid Meier helped develop this hit game for the C64, and several ports followed, include a real basic one for the NES.


F-15 Strike Eagle - PC Games
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.
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.


Falcon: The F-16 Fighter Simulation - PC Games
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.
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.


F-19 Stealth Fighter - PC Games
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.
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:

Falcon A.T.: The F-16 Fighter Simulation - PC Games
1988 - Sphere / Spectrum Holobyte
A vastly improved version of the original Falcon flight sim, with better graphics and mission planning.
A vastly improved version of the original Falcon flight sim, with better graphics and mission planning.


F/A-18 Interceptor - Amiga 500
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.
Possibly the best flight simulator released for the Commodore Amiga, this one focused on the F/A-18 navy jet fighter.


F-15 Strike Eagle II - PC Games
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.
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:

A-10 Tank Killer - PC Games
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.
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:

F-14 Tomcat - PC Games
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.
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.


ATAC: Advanced Tactical Air Command - PC Games
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.
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:

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


TFX: Tactical Fighter Experiment - PC Games
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.
This flight sim lay the groundwork for future simulators from DID, including the EF2000 series and F-22 Air Dominance Fighter.


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


Falcon Gold - PC Games

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.
This list takes you through gaming history, from some of the first combat flight simulators ever developed, up to the end of the golden era, when emphasis started shifting into photo-realistic terrain and high resolution airplane texturing.
The focus of this list is only on the history of JET AIRPLANE SIMULATORS. For a list of other flight simulators, follow the approriate link:
The focus of this list is only on the history of JET AIRPLANE SIMULATORS. For a list of other flight simulators, follow the approriate link:
* Modern (1995 and up) jet combat simulators: 'Lock On!' Modern Air Combat Sims
* Commercial (civil) flight simulators (i.e. non-combat): 'Fly the Friendly Skies' History of Flight Sims
* World War II air combat simulators (classic up to modern games): WWII Air Combat Flight Simulators
* World War I air combat simulators (classic up to modern games): WWI Air Combat Flight Simulators
* Helicopter combat simulators (classic up to modern games): 'Mop Up! Move Out!' Helicopter Combat Sims
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