latest in flight games for video game consoles, The
Flight Journal, Feb 2002 by James, Jeff
Top Gun: Combat Zones
Publisher: Titus
Developer: Digital Integration
Platform: PlayStation 2
Available: fall 2001
Perhaps the perfect example of what the latest round of console flight games has to offer, Top Gun: Combat Zones lets you jump into the cockpit of an F-14 Tomcat in a game loosely based on the popular '80s movie of the same name. As expected, the players' goal is to police hot spots the world over, splashing MiGs and humiliating dictators in the process-and it's all supported by a soundtrack inspired by the original film. Unlike the film, however, you'll get the chance to fly other aircraft at key points in the game, including the F/A-18 Hornet, the F-4 Phantom and the VTOL Harrier. Experienced PC flight-sim developer Digital Integration developed the game, and that bodes well for the core flight mechanics beneath the glossy Hollywood exterior.
Sky Odyssey
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Cross
Platform: PlayStation 2
Available: now
Available for the PlayStation 2 since November 2000, Sky Odyssey provides an entertaining-albeit whimsical-- journey into the world of simulated flight. You won't find lots of combat-- heavy missions and detailed objectives here; you'll spend most of your time performing acrobatics and exploring vast, detailed areas. More than 40 missions are offered, and most involve wacky aerial stunts such as landing on an aircraft carrier in a biplane, navigating vast caverns while avoiding falling stalactites and surviving a flight through the eye of a hurricane. The mix of planes at your disposal is equally varied and includes such craft as the Swordfish Mk.I biplane, F4U Corsair, Me 262 and F-117 Nighthawk. The visuals in Sky Odyssey aren't nearly as impressive as in some of the other games mentioned here, but the ease of play and varied game options make this one a keeper.
Well, those are the major console games coming to a store near you. With Christmas approaching, these items would make splendid gifts for the virtual aviation enthusiast in your household. Pick one up and join the fun.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Publisher: Talonsoft/Take2
www.eurofighter-typhoon. net/
Developer: DID/Rage
Available: fall 2001
An in-depth simulation of the new Eurofighter Typhoon, this sim promises to be the definitive sim of Europe's hottest new combat aircraft. An event-driven dynamic campaign allows players to manage up to six pilots in real-time, giving this sim extra playability that goes beyond traditional in-the-cockpit play.
Lock-On: Modern Air Combat
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer SSI
Available: spring 2002
Developed by the team primarily responsible for the Flanker series of Su-27 simulators, Lock On: Modem Air Combat is slated to include a host of simulated combat aircraft from both U.S. and Soviet inventories. An impressive new terrain system adds lots of ground detail and an extra level of realism to air-to-ground missions.
Comanche 4
Publisher: Novalogic
Developer: Novalogic
Available: fall 2001
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