cem@cs.brown.edu (Charles E. Moylan) (05/21/91)
To anyone who is interested in wargames or jet simulations: After receiving a good amount of helpful feedback from players of version 1.0 of Strike Jets I have completely reworked substantial parts of the program, largely in an effort to make it more mac-like, easier to use, and in general more fun to play. The new version is numbered 2.0 and available through anonymous FTP to sumex-aim.stanford.edu. New features include (players of 1.0 look carefully to see if your suggestions are listed!): 1. An entirely restructured, fully graphical user interface that is *much* easier to use and more mac-like. 2. A more comprehensive visual display that now shows spotted missiles and _all_ located bandits (for example, a bandit noticed on the radar scope now also appears on the visual screen as a "?" icon, to help coordinate displays). 3. An "instant replay" feature that allows you to see the aircraft perform their maneuvers in slow motion. This helps give players a feel for the action. 4. Full computer vs. computer support is now implemented, allowing the player to _see_ the action and interrupt it at any point to take a look around. 5. Controls on the maneuver panel now rotate with the aircraft facing to aid in movement (now you don't have to tilt your head!) 6. The "beginner" level computer player now _always_ shows his flight paths to you before you make your moves, so you know just where he's going. This is helpful for novice players. 7. Better organized menus. Bandits and missile items will center the visual display on the bandit/missile. 8. Graphical information is displayed when you "click" on aircraft in the visual display. This helps a lot for "stacks" where more than one aircraft occupies the same location. Now you can see who they are (i.e. their silhouettes) and how they're facing with one mouse click. 9. Two new scenarios feature the nimble F-16A Fighting Falcon. Now you can really turn & burn. Thanks to everyone who responded to the first version with helpful suggestions. -- Charlie Moylan (cem@cs.brown.edu)