Zzap


Wing Commander
By Mastertronic
Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Zzap #17

Wing Commander

You are a pilot of the latest jet fighter plane, and your mission is to protect the island on which you are based. Enemy bombers are flying towards the island, what will be their target? The Power Station? The Airbase? Who knows?

The game is a simulation, setting you in the hot seat of a jet fighter. When loaded you have the opportunity to change the skill levels, from novice to pilot to ace. From here on you are alone. You can either sit on the runway all day, or fly off into the sunset performing intricate acrobatics.

The screen display is split between a view out of the cockpit and a view of the instruments. Using a joystick you control the movement of the jet, and by using the keyboard the dashboard is operated.

Wing Commander

Before taking off you must reach a velocity of over 200 ft/sec, pulling back on the joystick then allows you to take off. Having done that, pull up the undercarriage, and you're off!

A map can be accessed, showing the whole of the island and the locations which must be protected from your enemies. After battling it out with the incoming bandits, it's time to refuel and return home, the pride and joy of the island. Hoorah!

JR

This is really a poor man's ACE, a very poor man's at that! It's a sort of flight simulator, but more of a game than an emulation of flying, since the aeroplane doesn't behave like a real one. The graphics are very poor and the sound is of the same quality. If you're after an action packed flight simulation game then save up some more pennies and go for ACE, it's a lot better.

RE

Wing Commander

I found Wing Commander very undemanding; the game seemed unwilling to let me do combat. As a simulation I suppose it's reasonable, but overall I am not enthused by this game. After playing it for about half an hour I'm bored of it and probably won't look at it again.

Verdict

Presentation 78%
Very good instructions and on-screen presentation.

Graphics 46%
Simplistic and lacking in detail.

Wing Commander

Sound 27%
Unimaginative spot FX.

Hookability 44%
The comprehensive instructions make the game easy enough to get into...

Lastability 30%
...but there's not enough variety to enthral.

Value For Money 36%
There are better games in the Mastertronic range.

Overall 32%
An uninspiring and unoriginal flight simulation cum shoot em up.