Previous Next

Even better, MicroProse! Solo Flight is one of the new US Gold series available from Boots, WH Smith and Centresoft. These are top games programs from the USA not seen before over here - just talked about in envious terms! Solo Flight is a flight simulation with a difference - you can actually see the aeroplane you are flying.

The graphics are pretty good. You get a display of the aircraft instruments, plus a head-up display of the aircraft itself as you take off, land and cruise through the air. The movement of the plane is really nice - with 3D effect when you bank and turn.

There are several different levels of game action. You can simply fly around over a variety of American states - landing and taking off at various airfields, get in some landing practice, experience instrument-only flying in thick fog - or go on a mail delivery run.

If you want to deliver mail, you must plan your route, take on enough fuel and make sure you reach the right airfields. In this mode, you are presented with a map of the state you choose to fly over and an itinerary of stops to drop off mail - which you can select before you begin the flight.

Once you've completed your mail run, you get a screen display of your flight path on the map of the state.

The game also features emergency procedure practice, variable weather conditions and a "design your own approach feature".

Solo Flight comes with an extensive flight manual, maps and charts which all enhance game play. The aircraft actually behaves like a real aircraft should - or so I'm told!

This must be one of the best flying games around for the Commodore 64 - and the Atari range. It's a joy to play and will keep flight fans amused for hours!