Previous Next

Database Software are probably best known for their Mini Office suite of programs, which got some good reviews in a number of magazines. But I doubt whether this flight simulation will be as well received, I'm afraid.

The program is a little different from many other similar eforts in that it requires you, not just to complete a successful flight, but to fly in formation along with the rest of the "Red Arrow" squadron. This could have added an extra dimension to the standard flight simulator theme, but the implementation of the game rather lets the ideas in it down.

The graphics are adequate but dull, the horizon being represented by a simple horizontal line which rolls rather jerkily to indicate the banking of your jet. The other jets in the formation don't add much to the excitement, as they are fairly simple graphics which plod across the screen with a mind of their own.

What gave me the most problems with this was the sluggishness of response to the joystick. At first, I couldn't make out what was happening to the jet. The pilot's controls are fairly simple and clearly depicted on screen, but the readings I was getting didn't seem to bear much relation to the way I was handling the joystick. It was only when I realised that the response was a bit sluggish that I could figure make some sense of the controls. Even so, I never came anywhere near to flying in a reasonably straight line, let along joining the other jets in their formation flying.

During one flight I lost control completely, but it was only after about five minutes of helplessly rolling around the sky that I crashed and could start again. Watching the horizon rolling round and around while I alternately tried to crash (and start again) or regain control was a pretty boring experience.

Maybe I'm getting cynical in my old age, but as the line of mediocre programs that try to gain publicity through licensing deals grows longer, my patience with them grows shorter. On this occasion I stuck at the game to make sure it wasn't just a matter of getting used to the controls, but once I realised it was the game and not me that was failing, I was quite relieved to put this one aside.