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Well... we're all kids at heart.
Yes, Falcon 4.0: AF is the most engaging flight simulation I have experienced, and this includes Jane's F-15; Microsoft Flight Simulator series (up thru recent MSFS X and CFS3), IL-2 and Lock-On.
While F4AF does not have the MSFSx immersive graphics, it does have a virtual cockpit and combat artificial intelligence that far excedes anything in any other flight sim. F4AF's campaign and evolving battlefield far exceeds Jane's F-15, MSCFS3, Lock-On, and IL-2.
Yes, the learning curve is awesome. But, this is a simulation for the flight enthusiast looking for virtual reality. NOT FOR THE ARCADE "AFTER-BURNER" CROWD. Learning the simulation and going through the tutorials was (in my opinion) gratifying on it's own even if you don't engage the campaign mode.
I would have given the sim 5-stars overall if: 1) the terrain and building graphics were more lush (but that would require more hardware horsepower); and, 2) an actual printed and bound manual was included in the package. Maybe in a neat USAF operations manual and checklist format.
Overall, F4AF is all that and a bag of chips.
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My title may sound jaded but the original version of this game released by MicroProse many years ago had more bugs than a wood pile.
Now its close to bug free and offers all the challenge of flying and operating an advanced fighter jet. Which is why a child will be frustrated to boredom in 30 seconds without adult supervision. Also, you must understand the peculiar nature of modern aircraft and weapons to enjoy this simulation. Otherwise, something along WWII technology is more engaging to play, where ballistics is the only challenge to victory.
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This is an incredible simulator. They've modeled nearly every aspect of flying an f-16. Almost all the buttons in the cockpit actually work exactly as they would in a real jet. (You even have the option to sit there on the ramp while the inertial navigation system gets its bearings and the radars warm up) It's not so much fun as it is engaging, if you're trying to rendevous with a tanker for refueling, you probably won't be thinking about much else. The online manual's around 700 pages, and it could have been longer, if that tells you anything about it.
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As you may know, "Falcon 4.0 Allied Force" is a remake of an older game called "Falcon 4.0". While the two are very similar, "Allied Force" is far easier to install and configure as the original had to be patched and updated several times to reach the same performance as "Allied Force". If you have the patience to learn how to fly the F-16, this "game" will be well worth your time. I live in Japan and went to "Yokota" AFB. An F-16 pilot told me that Falcon 4.0 & "Allied force" are the real deal. There are a few minor issues, but they don't affect gameplay. Like flight sims? GET THIS.
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This game is NOT i repeat NOT a 'game'. it is a simulation. This simulation is not for you if you dont plan on spending hours reading the 700 pages of manual included. I do not mean to presuade you agaisnt the game, i am just warning you in advanced so you are no dissapointed.
Now, with that aside, the game. The game is, well, accurate. And when I say accurate, I mean every last button, knob, lever, swith, and warning light is included, all of which are fully functional. The radar systems are all 100% accurate (not the 'Gods eye' view of the entire battlefield as in ace combat 4 ect.) The radar and all of it's submodes are complex. I'm not going to lie. But after some practice, they will become second nature. Learning how to call up and use all of the differnt weapons is also a challenge you mujst overcome. From targeting a Maverick, to firing your rocket pod, each weapon is completey unique and accurate to the extreme. Air to Air combat is also somewhat of a challenge, and accurately delivering your Air to Ground muntions takes a steady hand and ample skill.
Now it may seem like I am degrading the game. But after a few weeks, or maybe a few months, you begin to understand how that radar sumbmode works. You begin to understand how to target your LGB's with success. You begin to understand how to re-fuel while in flight(which can be a NIGHTMARE!) Once you begin to understand all of the complex feautres on the f-16, the game becomes very enjoyable. It is very rewarding. The campaign is AWESOME. The online dogfighting is AWESOME. Nothing can replace the feeling you have after landing your damgaed Falcon with an empty fuel tank after dropping 2,000lbs worth of bombs on your enemy and destroying 2 MiG-21's in the process. It is just wondeful.
In conclusion, you must dedicate yourself to this sim. Dont become discuraged, because the learning curve here is GIGANTIC! Just take your time, review what you have learned, and in no time you will be the best pilot in the sky.
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