Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Publishers: Apogee Software
Terminal Velocity: The Ultimate Arcade-Style Flight Combat Experience
Released in 1995, Terminal Velocity is a simulation video game that took the gaming world by storm with its fast-paced, high-energy action sequences. Unlike flight simulators of the time, Terminal Velocity featured simpler game controls and physics, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The game was an instant hit, and it remains a classic of the flight combat genre today.
Gameplay
Terminal Velocity is an arcade-style flight combat game in which players take control of a variety of aircraft and battle against enemy forces in a variety of environments. The game features a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, bombing runs, and escort missions. Players can choose from a variety of aircraft, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The controls in Terminal Velocity are simple and easy to learn, making it a great game for both casual and hardcore gamers. The game’s physics are also relatively forgiving, allowing players to perform unrealistic maneuvers without crashing. This makes for a more exciting and action-packed experience than traditional flight simulators.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Terminal Velocity’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game’s environments are detailed and realistic, and the aircraft models are well-rendered. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and the music is suitably epic and adrenaline-pumping.
Reception
Terminal Velocity was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative use of physics. It was also a hit with gamers, who enjoyed the game’s accessibility and challenge. Terminal Velocity was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year, and it won the award for Best Action Game from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
Legacy
Terminal Velocity is considered to be one of the greatest flight combat games ever made. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative use of physics set a new standard for the genre. Terminal Velocity also helped to popularize the use of 3D graphics in video games.
The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for gamers who enjoy arcade-style flight combat. Terminal Velocity is also a popular game for speedrunners, who compete to complete the game as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Terminal Velocity is a classic flight combat game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative use of physics, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore flight simulator enthusiast, you’re sure to enjoy Terminal Velocity.
Additional Information
- Developer: Terminal Reality
- Publisher: Atari Corporation
- Platforms: MS-DOS, Windows 95, PlayStation, Sega Saturn
- Release Date: November 1995
- Genre: Flight combat simulation
- ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review Scores
- IGN: 9/10
- GameSpot: 8.5/10
- PC Gamer: 92%
- Electronic Gaming Monthly: 9.5/10
Awards
- Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences: Best Action Game
- Computer Gaming World: Game of the Year (nominee)
- Game Developers Conference: Best Technology (nominee)
Cultural Impact
Terminal Velocity was a major critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the use of 3D graphics in video games. The game also spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Terminal Velocity: Thrust, Terminal Velocity: High Velocity, and Terminal Velocity: Overload.
The game has also been featured in a number of popular culture references, including the movies Armageddon and Independence Day. Terminal Velocity is also a popular game for speedrunners, who compete to complete the game as quickly as possible.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
