Previous Next

At last, a space-flight simulator. With this pricey offering, you buy the 48 page manual and get the tape free. Apart from explaining the function and purpose of the gauges and controls, the manual gets to grips with the rationale behind each device, along with the relevant scientific principles. In fact, everything relating to a sophisticated, interstellar, 21st Century, death-dealing interceptor is laid bare.

Overwhelming? Of course it is, but there is a special simulator mode which allows slow motion practice flights, so that potential pilots may make steady progress and get the feel of things. Naturally you will want to view enemy craft in close-up on the VDU, which is fine as long as the opportunity is taken to familiarise yourself with the various operational systems and the inevitable malfunctions concomitant with cosmic combat. Then, of course, there follows the small matter of successfully landing back at Star Base...

You meet five different types of craft - not all are necessarily hostile. Identification rests on interpreting the unique 'transponder' and sometimes just old-fashioned visual inspection. Laser beams or photon bolts, the choice is yours: either way, make use of the excellent target direction-indicator/gun-sights.

There is an absolute plethora of indicators and banks of flashing lights to drool over; all requiring practical experience to interpret speedily and accurately, yet everything has a genuine function. For example, your potential top speed, actual speed and that of the potential enemy is displayed, plus a doppler gauge to disclose the relative velocity of both ships. I should state that a joystick can be used for direction if preferred.

A disk version is obtainable for £2 extra which makes this program, to the uncommitted, seem expensive. But to the simulator buff, it should prove an investment. After all, there is an endless stream of missions on offer; things can only get better as your prowess improves and you opt for longer flights. Believe me, you really are the Interdictor Pilot, not just a key pusher.