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A History of Military Flight Simulations on the PC
by Len "Viking 1" Hjalmarson The Growth Years: 1990-1996 Su-27 Flanker was designed by a Russian team, and modeled systems and aerodynamics in great detail. 256 color graphics were becoming dated, but no one seemed to care! Su-27 Flanker developed something approaching a cult following, and its multiplayer LAN features made it a popular simulation with online pilots. Virtual squadrons quickly formed around Su-27 Flanker. Sometime in the summer Braveheart was released, a role that would vault Mel Gibson to legendary status. This story of leadership and courage in the face of oppression, told with bold strokes and in exquisite detail, dominated the movie scene in 1996. Digital Image Design’s EF 2000 set a new milestone in simulation design in 1996. I penned these words for a review in a Danish gaming magazine: "EF 2000 is the best all-around modern military jet sim ever, and will probably age very well. Sure, Su-27 Flanker has a fabulous flight model and Back to Baghdad has some awesome avionics, but who else puts it together with a dynamic campaign, a decent wingman command structure for good tactical play, and incredible graphics? And the avionics in EF 2000 can stand on their own, requiring dedication to learning the systems." |
This article is copyright ThrustMaster and Leonard Hjalmarson. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without permission. The campaign mode was incredible, and multiplayer coop single missions were supported. EF2000 defined 'immersion' and the 'willing suspension of disbelief.' It was the first simulation with a fully believable environment, and won great critical acclaim. EF2000 cheated somewhat on campaign dynamics, but it was atmospheric and challenging. Like Su27, it sported great LAN code and became an online favorite, causing some to remove the aging Falcon 3.0 from their hard drives. Virtual squadrons sprang up world-wide devoted to multiplayer gaming with EF2000.Email MiGMan with your experiences or any information related to this sim. |
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The contents of this website are copyright © 1998 - 2007 by MiGMan |
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