Empire Announces Apache Havoc

Taking a cue perhaps from NovaLogic's older Comanche vs. Werewolf game, Empire is set to release Apache Havoc, featuring the AH-64D Apache and the Mi-28N Havoc-B low-level attack helicopters, in October.

Apache Havoc from Empire will feature a new graphics engine built around low-level flight, dynamic multiplayer campaigns, three-dimensional graphics, and all-weather missions. Developed by Razorback Studios, which is composed of four designers from Digital Integration (the creators of iF-16, Apache, Hind, and Tornado), Apache Havoc will be the first in a new series of combat simulations from Empire Interactive, with Comanche Hokum due for release sometime in 1999.

Kevin Bezant, lead designer at Razorback Studios, stated, "Our engine has been specifically designed for low-level combat. Most terrain engines work by applying a large texture map over a regular array of grid posts, which works fine for fast jet sims that take place at higher altitudes, but cannot achieve the level of detail needed for low-altitude sims…. With our engine, we are able to achieve terrains that are much more defined and contain elements that can actually be incorporated into gameplay, so that tactics such as 'hedge hopping' are finally possible."