Odd control interfaces, a terrible view system and poor performance prevent the title from getting off the ground. Design decisions are questionable here too; some Allied craft are made flyable to appease wider audiences, but at the expense of Luftwaffe legends like the Focke Wulf Fw-190! A selection truer to the title would have included the Arado Ar-234, Junkers Ju-87 or Heinkel He-111 instead of the P-51 Mustang or Spitfire. Still, the feeling of flight in Luftwaffe Commander is acceptable, and the missions are interesting. Engagements over the Eastern Front are lacking in most simulations, and this is one of the few to include them.

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All the titles reviewed have redeeming qualities and room for improvement. All feature at least average quality flight modeling, and all carry flight simulation respectfully into the world of 3-D graphics. If restricted to one choice, however, MicroProse’s European Air War is the most well-rounded product. It best manages the compromise between realism and playability, offering real world limitations to the virtual pilot, but also providing aids to help overcome the limitations of the personal computer. It also performs well on slower computers. Jane’s WWII Fighters has the sharpest graphics, Microsoft’s CFS the best extensibility, Fighter Squadron the most diverse flyable aircraft and Luftwaffe Commander the most original concept, but EAW soars the highest. Image 1: Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator
Image 2: European Air War
Image 3: Jane’s WWII Fighters

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