It's no secret that flight simulations were few at E3 2000. This is because they don't sell as well as other genres, but Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator did well enough these past two years nonetheless. Combat Flight Simulator, borrowing momentum from the huge Flight Simulator fan base and the Microsoft name, outpaced other WWII flight games. Like it or not, Combat Flight Simulator will return in a new version.

The screens below clearly indicate the higher quality of graphical detail in the sequel's aircraft exteriors. Details like canopy grilles and cockpits are much finer and have a 3D look. Scratches and chipped paint lend character to planes. The detail enhancement isn't just skin deep. Aircraft have more 3D structural elements like spars and struts that now protrude from damaged areas, and these will affect flight behavior in the enhanced damage model.

The game will look different from the first Combat Flight Sim for another reason: the combat takes place in the Pacific Theater. There will be plenty of action across more than a hundred missions about the famous clash between the American and Japanese naval air forces.

By
Bernard Dy

Genre: Simulation
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Web: www.microsoft.com/games
ETA: Q4 2000