Microprose
(distributed in the U. K by U.S. Gold)
48K
disk or cassette
Solo Flight received a full page review in Issue
17 and I was not therefore going to review this slightly enhanced
re-release, however I booted it up just to have a quick look and was
so enthralled that I just had to write something!
I have tried several flight simulators in the past
and have found almost all of them to be virtually impossible due, it
must be said, more to my impatience and inability than to any
program design faults. So it was with the usual resignation to half
an hour's frustration that I pressed START to begin my flight. To my
amazement and joy, it was easy! An in-flight instructor 'talks' you
through each stage of the flight and by following his instructions
and checking your instruments, you can fly! I took off, climbed,
banked and generally flew around before re-approaching the runway to
attempt a landing. With the instructor talking me down I approached
the runway, lowered landing gear, applied flaps and missed the
approach! Never mind, pull back on the stick, increase throttle and
come round again for another try. This time, with some finer
controls and a little more experience, I landed. Brakes on, engine
off and there I was back on the runway. It really gave me a sense of
achievement and was quite one of the best little episodes on the
Atari that I have had for some time.
The program includes much more advanced flying and
you can switch off the instructor. There is also a Mail Pilot game
included for you to practice your flying skills. The criticisms in
the original review seem to have been attended to, the instrument
panel for instance is easy to read, and I would not hesitate to
recommend this to anybody.
If you want to experience the thrill of flying
with a simulator that you really can fly first time, then this is
the one to go for. Believe me it really is a joy!
Les Ellingham
top
