It's been four years since Combat Flight Simulator engaged in its second round of World War II dogfights in 1998, and it's time to remind ourselves what the series is all about with Microsoft's highly anticipated Combat Flight Simulator 3.

Strictly a PC game, and open to myriad expansion packs and scenery add on packs, Combat Flight Simulator 3 is already one of the most extensive simulators available. But it's also superior as a stand-alone release.

Microsoft has spent a lot of time r ... more >>

It's been four years since Combat Flight Simulator engaged in its second round of World War II dogfights in 1998, and it's time to remind ourselves what the series is all about with Microsoft's highly anticipated Combat Flight Simulator 3.

Strictly a PC game, and open to myriad expansion packs and scenery add on packs, Combat Flight Simulator 3 is already one of the most extensive simulators available. But it's also superior as a stand-alone release.

Microsoft has spent a lot of time refining Combat Flight Simulator's game engine, and from a technical standpoint, the end results are astounding. The planes respond wonderfully, the onscreen action is fluid, and the super-detailed environments and special effects serve to enhance the flight experience ever further.

Granted, there are an overwhelming amount keyboard controls and shortcuts, but if you can get hold of a compatible flight yolk, and we recommend you do, you'll be rewarded with one of the most believable flight experiences seen in a game of this calibre.

Now that you've become accustomed to the flight dynamics and physics of some of the 18 available craft, it's time to begin the game proper. In an epic campaign telling the tale of the legendary fight for Europe, there are dozens of single player missions, loaded with enemy craft, weapons fire and challenging objectives. But the learning curve is smooth and balanced, and guides players through the game instead preventing progress.

But, if you're the fussy type and a single player monster of a game isn't enough for you, you'll be pleased to know that Microsoft has included an extensive multi-player option, complete with LAN and Internet play. It has to be said, there's something incredibly satisfying about shooting down a few of your friends in an all-out skirmish. Great fun.

It's been four years in the making, but Combat Flight Simulator 3 is by far the greatest simulator of its kind out there. Well worth the wait. << less