New sims for virtual pilots

Flight Journal, Dec 2002 by James, Jeff

There are some nits to pick: namely, an unequal difficulty level between scenarios and badly recorded dialogue between pilots that is a bit troublesome to understand. The visuals and animation are stunning, with intricately detailed plane models. As in many console flight games, there isn't much in the way of replayability. All in all, Lethal Skies is an above-average console flight game; it and other console flight sims could serve as a decent launching point for new and younger virtual pilots.

Mosquito Squadron

Developer: Just Flight

Publisher: Just Flight

Platform: PC

Retail: $36.99

Website: www.justflight..com

Highs: high-quality plane models and cockpits, well-designed missions and straightforward installation.

Lows: relatively expensive; could use more historical information and background on the Mosquito.

Bottom line: a high-quality (albeit pricey) expansion pack that introduces Flight Simulator 2000/2002 and Combat Right Simulator 2 owners to one remarkable aircraft.

An add-on pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000/2002 and Combat Flight Simulator 2, Mosquito Squadron provides an excellent simulation of the famed de Havilland Mosquito, one of the most renowned WW II British aircraft. The Mosquito FB. Mk VI is featured in the add-on pack, and the plane model (with related instrument panels, flight models, sound effects and other features) is very detailed and impressive.

In addition to the plane itself, Mosquito Squadron features 21 missions drawn from actual WW II Mosquito combat actions, including the famous Operation Jericho mission in which Mosquitoes attacked a prison in Nazioccupied Europe to free Allied prisoners. Rounding out the package are scenery details for the village of Methwold and the RAF air base nearby.

Although a bit expensive-just under $40-for an expansion pack, Mosquito Squadron provides a wonderful simulation of one of the most famous combat aircraft of WW II.

Battle of Britain:

Memorial Flight

Developer: Just Flight

Publisher: Just Flight

Platform PC

Retail: $36

Website: www.justflight.com

Highs: a variety of modeled planes from which to choose and excellent terrain and plane geometry, as well as polished cockpit art.

Lows: additional background information and specifications for each of the included aircraft is needed; sluggish performance when running on minimum system specifications.

Bottom line: a high-quality, detailed look at the fascinating aircraft that defended England in WW II's dark, early days.

Another expansion pack for Flight Simulator 2000/2002 and Combat Flight Simulator 2, Just Flight's Battle of Britain: Memorial Flight is a better value and features more aircraft and more mission types than Mosquito Squadron. Eleven aircraft from the period are simulated, including five Spitfire variants, several Hawker Hurricane and de Havilland Chipmunk models, the lumbering Avro Lancaster and the ubiquitous Douglas Dakota (a DC-3 variant).

A variety of mission types for Combat Flight Simulator 2 supports all the new planes and allows the re-creation of some famous battles of the period. Attention to detail is a hallmark of this expansion and includes such details as authentic period clothing for the pilot models.