New high-end PC sims promise to end flight-sim drought

While the shelves have been almost bare for PC flight-sim enthusiasts over the last few years, new titles signal the beginning of a renewal, The list below is only a sampling of the most promising PC flight games on the horizon. For more information on upcoming PC sims, check out sim enthusiast sites such as www.Combatsim.com and www.SimHQ.com.

Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2002

Publisher: Microsoft

www.microsoft.com/games

Developer: Microsoft

Available: fall 2001

The standard-bearer of the PC flight sim market is back in 2002, and it's packed to the flaps with new features and aircraft. Available in both Professional ($74.95) and Standard Versions ($54.95), FS2002 introduces more aircraft (including a Cessna 208 Caravan on Amphibious Floats), autogenerated scenery, more 3D sky objects, a 3D cockpit with functional instruments and more visual details (introduced in Combat Flight Simulator 2). Combat Flight Sim fans can also look forward to Combat Flight Simulator 3, slated for release sometime in late 2002.

IL-2 Sturmovik

Publisher: BlueByte/UbiSoft

www.il2sturmovik.com/

Developer: Maddox Games

Available: fall 2001

One of the most promising newcomers is IL-2 Sturmovik, an exhaustive simulation of the legendary tank-busting Soviet aircraft that prowled the skies of the Eastern Front during WW It. The many variants of the IL-2 are simulated, as are several other aircraft from both the Soviet and German Air Forces, such as the MiG-3, P-39 Airacobra, Bf 109 and Fw 190. Developed in Russia by Maddox Games, IL-2 Sturmovik is definitely one fans of WW II air combat will want.

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

www.flanker2.com

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

www.novalogic.com/

Developer: Novalogic

Available: fall 2001

The latest version of the popular Comanche helicopter sim series, Comanche 4 features jaw-dropping visuals and a white-knuckle campaign mode. The game favors action over simulation accuracy-a design decision that should make the game more accessible to novices and sim newcomers.

Copyright Air Age Publishing Feb 2002
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