Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS, Sega CD
- Developers: Core Design
- Publishers: Core Design
Thunderhawk (1992): A Classic Combat Flight Simulator
Thunderhawk, also known as AH-3 Thunderstrike in North America, is a combat flight simulator video game developed by Core Design and released for the Amiga and DOS in 1992, for the Sega CD in 1993, and for Microsoft Windows in 1996. In the game, the player flies a fictional AH-73M attack helicopter on various missions around the world.
Thunderhawk was a critical and commercial success, praised for its realistic graphics, challenging missions, and addictive gameplay. It was one of the first combat flight simulators to feature a fully 3D environment, and its use of the mouse for flight controls was innovative for its time.
Gameplay
Thunderhawk is a mission-based combat flight simulator. The player takes on the role of a pilot of an AH-73M attack helicopter, and must complete a variety of missions, such as destroying enemy targets, escorting friendly units, and rescuing hostages.
The game features a wide range of weapons and equipment, including missiles, rockets, bombs, and a machine gun. The player can also use flares to decoy enemy missiles, and chaff to disrupt enemy radar.
The missions in Thunderhawk are set in a variety of locations around the world, including the Middle East, the Balkans, and Southeast Asia. Each mission has its own unique objectives, and the player must carefully plan their approach to each one in order to succeed.
Graphics and Sound
Thunderhawk’s graphics were some of the most impressive of any combat flight simulator released at the time. The game’s 3D environment was detailed and realistic, and the helicopters and other vehicles were rendered with a high level of accuracy.
The sound in Thunderhawk was also top-notch. The game’s sound effects were realistic and immersive, and the music was suitably dramatic and exciting.
Controls
Thunderhawk’s controls were innovative for their time. The game used the mouse for basic flight controls, plus some keyboard input for rarely used commands. Moving the mouse would tilt the helicopter in the specified direction, and make it start moving in that direction. Pressing the left mouse button fires weapons. When the right mouse button was held, moving the mouse up and down changed altitude, while side to side yawed the helicopter side to side.
This control scheme was very intuitive and easy to learn, and it allowed for a great deal of precision in controlling the helicopter.
Reception
Thunderhawk was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, challenging missions, and addictive gameplay. It was also one of the first combat flight simulators to feature a fully 3D environment, and its use of the mouse for flight controls was innovative for its time.
Thunderhawk was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. It was one of the best-selling combat flight simulators of its time, and it helped to popularize the genre.
Legacy
Thunderhawk is considered to be one of the classic combat flight simulators. It was one of the first games to feature a fully 3D environment, and its use of the mouse for flight controls was innovative for its time. The game’s realistic graphics, challenging missions, and addictive gameplay made it a favorite of many gamers.
Thunderhawk’s legacy can be seen in many of the combat flight simulators that have been released since its debut. Many of these games have adopted Thunderhawk’s control scheme, and some have even borrowed its mission structure. Thunderhawk remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by many gamers around the world.
Conclusion
Thunderhawk is a classic combat flight simulator that still holds up today. With its realistic graphics, challenging missions, and addictive gameplay, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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