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Electronic Arts' F/A-18 Interceptor, created by Bob Dinnerman, was widely regarded as one of the best 16-bit games of its time when it was released back in 1987. Unfortunately, it was Amiga only, and even today there are no plans to convert it to other formats.

Disgruntled PC owners needn't feel left out any longer, as the unofficial sequel is already available, and this time it's a PC only product (due to its US origins) brought to these shores by Software Circus.

Basically, what Mr. Dinnerman has done is to take Interceptor, add the option to control any of three planes (the F-14 Tomcat, F-16 Falcon or F-18 Hornet), increase the number of missions to 32 and add a whole new range of weapons, tactics and gameplay features.

Although Jet Fighter isn't strictly a simulation, the attention to detail is excellent. For example, it's possible to manually alter the position of the F-14 wings (a feature exclusive to the 'twin geometry' Tomcat). Another cute touch is that ejecting from the F-14 produces two parachutes - both the pilot and his navigator.

For a really impressive graphic touch, check out the plane's exterior views. Two pan facilities, vertical and horizontal, allow it to be viewed from every conceivable angle. And if you've got a fast PC, the speed and smoothness with which the camera angle moves is astounding.

Detailed information on the current weather conditions is given at the outset of each flight. Wind speed and direction and the level of visibility are given, as well as the height of the hard deck (the imaginary barrier that you must not fly under). In Free Flight mode, the pilot also selects the time of his flight, thus choosing the level of visibility - depicted by different sky colours such as blue (clear), grey (overcast) and black (night).

Thanks to the F-14's superior long-range missile capabilities, you've already got a lock on this unfortunate MiG - even though it's only visible as a dot on the horizon. Unlike Interceptor, however, the MiGs don't stay that size. Dilly dally too long and it'll sweep past, almost close enough for you to see the Ruskie pilot's gold fillings.

Before you can fly any of Jet Fighter's missions, you need to earn your wings. Qualifying for a mission entails not one but four successful landings on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation.

This time round the ILS (Instrument Landing System) as seen in Falcon and F-16 Combat Pilot has been included to aid landings at night and in poor visibility when it may be difficult to see the carrier.

Four training missions are provided to help get to grips with the bird. Flight Manoeuvres is a non-hostile scenario that takes you through useful combat moves such as the Immelman turn, Split-S, High-G Yo-Yo and so on. There's also an intercept and destroy mission, a dogfight with a MiG and a low-level bombing run to contend with.

While F-19 is quite possibly the best bet for hardened simulation addicts and purists, Jet Fighter is the obvious choice for those who prefer a game that delivers a lot of immediate action while still maintaining realism.

Like Interceptor, Jet Fighter doesn't strive for technical accuracy (although it is authentic to some extent and won't let you perform any ridiculous manoeuvres that couldn't be done in the real thing). The controls and instrumentation have been simplified, but the gameplay is still strongly simulation-orientated, rather than being just some kind of Afterburner-style shoot-'em-up.

It's easy enough to get to grips with, and the array of missions ensures lasting appeal. It's one of the most enjoyable games of its type on the PC - and PC owners have at last got one over on their ST and Amiga-owning pals. And about time too.