rdd@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Robert Dorsett) (10/29/89)
P-51 Mustang is the latest simulator from Donald Hill, who also wrote Fokker Tri-Plane and Ferrari Grand Prix. P-51 has a lot in common with the earlier programs--namely, the wire-frame world and fast animation--but generally has more complex objects, while retaining crisp response on slower machines. P-51 will run quite well on a Mac II, but does not have color. The basic premise of P-51 is that one is the pilot of a P-51 Mustang, which can be based at a variety of sites in England. The airfields used are fairly complex: multiple runways, a tower, refuelling area, and some special effects on the ground (but no taxiways, not that they're needed). There is an option of starting in the air or on the runway at some airports. P-51 also provides the user with the capability of going "cross-country," which translates the world at a fairly high rate (sort of like "slew" in MS-Flight, although one does not retain directional control while it's running). The program defaults to Leiston airfield, on the ground, in "touch-and-go" mode (which essentially lets the user learn how to fly the simulator). Another aircraft is in the pattern doing touch-and-go's. It's quite docile, and per- fect for target practice. The "dogfight" mode is well done, a good challenge (unlike the line-them- up-and-shoot-them-down strategy which can be used with Microsoft Flight Simulator). Both the opponent and the P-51 can take a degree of damage before being destroyed. In-flight damage is nicely represented; for example, the other aircraft when hit, may explode, lose a wing, etc. The "return from escort" mode is SUPERB. It puts one at 16,000', in enemy territory, in dogfight mode. Various targets may appear on the ground to attack, and there's always a Me109 to screw around with. Hill's done a lot of detail work in this game, and it shows. The cockpit of the P-51 is very well done: a realistic instrument cluster is present, including an old-fashioned artificial horizon, airspeed indicator, altimeter, compass, as well as a needle-and ball, vertical-speed indicator (with a realistic needle lag), and g-meter. None of the video-game add-ons of the Fokker or Ferrari simulators are present; "scoring" information appears as menu items. The flight dynamics of the simulator are reasonably realistic, although there is little (if any) variation in performance at high altitudes. The airplane is controlled through a small animated joystick, on the screen. However, the airplane can be stalled (with a pleasantly surprising break and subsequent roll to the left), and performance seems fairly consistent with what one would expect from an airplane. Roll-sensitivity leaves a bit to be desired, how- ever. Unlike Microsoft Flight Simulator, it's possible to have a nose-up attitude while descending (useful in a flare). The tail-dragging effect of the P-51 is also done well done: the aircraft starts in a tail-down attitude, which can be raised when sufficient airspeed is built up. As with AFT and Falcon, high-G maneuvers cause problems. With the G-limiter off, it's possible to break the airplane before one loses consciousness. Maintaining consciousness can be a definite problem while dog-fighting. Throttle is set by numerical throttle-position keys (as a pictorial quadrant moves to represent one of the seven settings), but is more realistic than Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer, which uses a similar approach. Spool-up and spool-down effects are noticeable, and one can abuse the engine. Landing gear and flaps are both available, but don't have a significant effect on airplane performance (the flaps are not useful, for instance, as speed brakes). It is, however, possible to "break" both devices by trying to lower them at a too-high airspeed (gear-up landings are survivable, sometimes, but "rough"). Other features of the simulator include the ability to save and recall saved scenes, instant replays, external views, a Mac-to-Mac option, configurable keyboard commands, tutorial modes, etc. Overall, P-51 is a noteworthy simulator, and by far the best dog-fighting simulator on the Macintosh. While it differs from the "real thing" in many respects, it attempts to create a realistic operational environment: the little things like being able to damage one's landing gear, or have an engine fail on takeoff, or be able to sustain performance drops due to battle damage, greatly add to the overall effect of the program. Note however, that P-51, like all the other recent Mac simulators, is still mostly a "fly-around and engage the enemy" video game. Realistic radio navigation and world databases are still the province of the Microsoft Flight Simulator. Robert Dorsett Internet: rdd@rascal.ics.utexas.edu UUCP: ...cs.utexas.edu!rascal.ics.utexas.edu!rdd
james@jhunix.HCF.JHU.EDU (James Chang) (10/31/89)
I absolutely agree with your synopsis on P-51. It is definitely the best "fighting" simulator to come on the mac. Another thing it reminds me of is the Air Warrior multiplayer game for GEnie. Anyone who likes AW will love P-51. ins_apw@jhunix.HCF.JHU.EDU