Amstrad Action


Red Arrows
By Database
Amstrad CPC464

 
Published in Amstrad Action #1

A flight simulator that lets you fly in a display with the Red Arrows is a very attractive prospect. The only problem with this is that you spend most of your time *not* flying in a formation but zooming around on your own, wondering where everyone else has got to.

The idea is to gradually improve inprove your flying skills through solo flights, practice moves and finally to perform a display. The display and controls are like those of other flight simulators, with a cockpit-view from the plane and readouts of thrust, speed height, radar (formation and manoeuvre), artificial horizon roll indicator, brakes, flaps and under-carriage. Joystick or keys can be used to control thrust, brakes and movement.

Each section can be flown with you trying to stay in formation. At the end of it you are given a score and debriefing time depending on how well you've flown. Most of the time you're just trying to follow the planes in front - but this is easier said than done. It's easy to crash, leaving a parachute to drop down in front of your view with you dangling from it.

Red Arrows

You are given help in the form of flight tuition which tells you what move you have to make. Even better are the auto-steer and auto-thrust options which can't be used together but allow you to concentrate on steering or thrust in order to stay in formation while the computer takes care of the rest. With the help of these you may be able to maintain formation for longer. But due to the oversteer and non-centering of controls it is ridiculously difficult.

The graphics aren't that good with the only spots of interest being the other planes. Sound is just engine noise and the occasional crash as you bite the dust again. It will take an incredibly long time to perfect this game and most people won't be bothered.

Good News

1. Takes a very long time to perfect. 2. Interest in trying to emulate the Arrows.

Bad News

1. Control is insensitive. 2. Graphics and sound are unimpressive. 3. Very discouraging when you go out formation so fast.