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F-22 Air Dominance Fighter and MiG-29 Fulcrum, NovaLogic, Calabasas, Calif., $49.95.

NovaLogic’s latest set of simulations, F-16 Multiride Fighter and MiG-29 Fulcrum (Calabasas, Calif., $49.95), puts gamers in the seats of contemporary Russian and American workhorses. The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum and Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon both receive action-packed treatments in these simulations. Despite the developer’s claims of a realistic approach, flight modeling is simplified with easy landing parameters, incorrect high-speed rudder behavior, and relaxed stall and avionics modeling. Both products, however, do very well with redout and blackout effects, weight and payload balance effects and air-to-air missile tactics.

The graphics are very appealing, especially if the user’s PC has a Voodoo graphics video card, with smooth frame rates, detailed aircraft and mountainous terrain. The simulation also features a variety of missions and a friendly interface. The casual gamer is the target for this product, however, and those looking for impressive realism may prefer Jane’s F-15. For a limited time, these two simulations come as a bundle for one price. Online play via the Internet with other users is also well done. Individually, MiG-29 is more interesting and a bit more solid, but the combined package is a good value. Requires a Pentium 166, 16 MB RAM, 4x CD-ROM, and Windows 95, 98, or NT.

Bernard Dy