Jane’s U.S. Navy Fighters ’97, CD-ROM for $59.95 from Electronic Arts (800-245-4525, http://www.ea.com).
Jane’s U.S. Navy Fighters ’97 bears the name of a highly respected reference source and is actually a sequel to U.S. Navy Fighters, which was released about two years ago. The original was an action-packed flight simulation focusing on modern American naval aviation. It featured excellent graphics, moderate realism and a multimedia aircraft reference section.
This new incarnation wears the Jane’s badge, keeps up the fast action, improves on its graphics and updates the reference section. A complete simulation, Jane’s U.S. Navy Fighters ’97 lets users fly a variety of aircraft in air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements and also includes such challenges as carrier landings.
Of particular interest to Aviation History readers is the new set of Vietnam missions. These sorties put the user in jets such as the gunfighting Vought F-8 Crusader or the venerable McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II. All of the naval aircraft that were available for flight in the original release have been retained in the new version, including the versatile McDonnell-Douglas F-18 Hornet and the photogenic Grumman F-14 Tomcat, and can be flown on hypothetical missions in contemporary settings.
One of the disappointing omissions in this product is the training missions that were found in the original version of the CD-ROM. That unfortunate modification is somewhat offset, however, by an improved instruction manual.
While the emphasis in the simulation portion of the software is on action, there is still a respectable amount of realism. The aircraft, for example, may not adhere exactly to real-life performance envelopes, but the artificial intelligence is good, and computer opponents are able to use the vertical when engaged in a dogfight. Multiple-player support in the simulation allows gamers to fly competitively or cooperatively on networks or via modem. With attractive graphics, plenty of variety and excellent documentation, Jane’s U.S. Navy Fighters ’97 flies well and lands on the 3-wire.
Bernard Dy
