Zzap


ATF 2
By Digital Integration
Amiga 500

 
Published in Zzap #70

ATF 2

The original ATF came out almost three years ago, earning a mere 60% in Issue 37, but in making the transition to the Amiga so many improvements have been made Digital Intergration have labelled it a sequel.

The eponymous ATF, or Advanced Tactical Fighter, is shown from behind. A sprite flying over a solid 3D landscape with sprites for enemy aircraft and 3D for ground targets.

There are eight warzones to choose from, from the UK to the entire world. Once selected, a briefing before the flight details the balance of power in tanks, aircraft, etc and the known position of two or three targets. It's up to you to scout for more enemies during the mission and take them out, returning them to base to re-arm afterwards. The ATF also comes with an ejector seat, moving map and missile jammers.

Robin

ATF II: Advanced Tactical Fighter

ATF II is sadly lacking variety. After completing it on skill level one relatively quickly, the absence of new features on higher skill levels put me off playing it again.

The idea of reconnaissance first, followed by selected strikes after is a good one but enemy behaviour is simplistic, and tackling MiGs soon becomes repetitive. Good rock track, though.

Stu

The old ATF did well on the Speccy, combining nice fast graphics with a modicum of strategy and sim details, but it's hardly a £25 product!

ATF II: Advanced Tactical Fighter

The 3D is unimpressive with minimal variety, while good presentation and a plethora of sim touches such as vectored thrust for tight turns look nice but add little to gameplay.

Verdict

Presentation 71%
Quite good with eight skill levels and warzones, save-to-disk high score table, demo and briefing screens.

Graphics 57%
Fast 3D, but targets are mediocre, MiGs are nicely detailed but lack variety.

ATF II: Advanced Tactical Fighter

Sound 67%
Decent rock track intro, good stall/missile warning effects and a good engine tone.

Hookability 50%
At first it's fun to take out the MiGs and dodge missiles but on higher skill levels death is quick and new game ideas scarce.

Lastability 46%
One basic mission, but played over different backdrops doesn't offer a lot.

Overall 46%
A dated cross between a sim and a shoot-'em-up that doesn't quite come off due to limited gameplay.