Best Simulation
Winner: Longbow 2
"Few sims can claim this kind of across-the-board success, placing Longbow 2 clearly at the pinnacle of combat simulation." - T. Liam McDonald, GameSpot Review
Developer: Jane's Combat Simulations
Publisher: Origin Systems
Review and Demo |
Jane's AH-64 Longbow was a staggering achievement in computer flight simulations on every level. With that in mind, its sequel had a tough act to follow. Sure, it could've just spruced up the graphics and streamlined the presentation a little and maybe added a few more things to shoot at. But the makers of the original, Jane's Combat Simulations, weren't content to rest on their laurels.
Anyone could guess that Longbow 2's graphics would be better than the first. What you might not expect is just how much better they actually are. The hardware-accelerated visuals are truly breathtaking to behold. Missile vapor trails, lens flares, motion blurs, and other graphics effects bring Longbow 2 to life. The improvements certainly don't stop there, either: The addition of multiplayer features makes Longbow 2 an even greater value, while a highly advanced dynamic campaign and mission planner render it without peer.
Runner-up: EF2000 v2.0
"Realistic, good-looking, customizable, and complex, it reaches heights flight enthusiasts only dream of." - Chet Thomas, GameSpot Review
Developer: Digital Image Design, Ltd.
Publisher: Ocean of America
Review and Demo |
The original EF2000 from two years ago boasted superb flight mechanics and an unprecedented dynamic campaign, but lacked polish. Bugs and computer AI quirks marred the otherwise exemplary simulator. It featured the Eurofighter 2000, a prototype twin-engine jet fighter strapped down with hi-tech weapons to fulfill all sorts of military objectives. With this year's EF2000 v2.0, DID fixed all the problems of the original and added a host of new improvements to boot, thus bringing EF2000 to the forefront of simulations once again.
Simply put, it's a good thing made even better. Accelerated graphics make EF2000 v2.0 a pleasure to behold. An enhanced campaign editor lets you specify everything about a mission down to the most minute detail. A quick dogfight option, multiplayer support, enhanced AI, a 3D cockpit, and much more, in addition to the original game's already outstanding merits, all add up to one of the best jet flight simulators ever created.
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