iF/A-18E Carrier Strike Fighter
MiGMan’s Combat Diary, 2001
Graphics
The graphics were of the first generation of sims that used 3DFX cards and satellite mapping techniques.
As many reviewers noted, the terrain looked much better at altitude.
I flew it briefly in 2001 and found the terrain still quite acceptable at 5,000 feet, good at 10,000 and very good at 20,000. Bear in mind though that in the period 1998 - 2000 we saw a phenomenal leap in sim graphics.
Clouds were dissapointing - showing up as a white uniform layer - although this may have been due to a compatibility problem with my Banshee card. The sea, although blotchy at first glance, was quite effective. As I got into the flying I gained the impression of a choppy sea with white tops.
The missile trails are comparable with those seen in sims like Sabre Ace by Eagle Interactive. They certainly add to the drama - being thick and persistent. Wheh ships begin firing SAM's - so shown here - the air is thick with criss crossed white plumes.
Cockpit
On finals to the carrier.
Ground Radar
The virtual cockpit doesn't have working MFD's - although as other sims proved this is usually a frame rate killer.
The cockpit is detailed and many of the buttons are clickable with the mouse.
On finals to the carrier.
Ground Radar
Instruments such as the ADI looked realistic and functioned very smoothly.
