Summary

• Release Year: 1991
• Genres: Simulator, Strategy
• Platforms: DOS
• Developers: Lucasfilm Games
• Publishers: Lucasfilm Games

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe (1991): A Classic Flight Combat Simulation

Released in August 1991, Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe is a flight combat simulation game developed and published by LucasArts. The game is set in the European theater of World War II and allows players to fly in either American or German warplanes.

One of the things that sets Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe apart from other flight combat simulations is its focus on experimental and prototype aircraft. Many of the planes that are playable in the game were never actually used in combat, so players can explore “what if” possibilities with the game.

For example, players can fly the American XP-50, a fighter that was designed to be a high-altitude interceptor. The XP-50 was never put into production, but in Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe, players can see how it would have performed in combat against German fighters.

Another unique feature of Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe is its Tour of Duty expansion packs. These expansions added new aircraft, missions, and campaigns to the game. The first Tour of Duty expansion, “The Battle of Britain,” added the British Spitfire and Hurricane fighters to the game. The second expansion, “The Battle of the Bulge,” added the American P-47 Thunderbolt and the German Me 262 jet fighter. The third expansion, “The Battle of Midway,” added the American F4F Wildcat and the Japanese A6M Zero fighter. The fourth and final expansion, “The Battle of Stalingrad,” added the American P-38 Lightning and the German Do 335 fighter.

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic graphics, detailed aircraft models, and immersive gameplay. The game was also a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in flight combat simulations.

Here is a more detailed look at some of the features of Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe:

• Realistic graphics: The game’s graphics were some of the most realistic available at the time. The aircraft models were highly detailed and accurate, and the game’s environments were lush and immersive.
• Detailed aircraft models: The game featured a wide variety of aircraft, each with its own unique flight characteristics. Players could choose to fly fighters, bombers, or ground-attack aircraft.
• Immersive gameplay: The game’s missions were challenging and engaging. Players had to use their skills and knowledge of the aircraft to complete the objectives.

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe is a classic flight combat simulation that still holds up today. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe is a flight combat simulation game. Players take control of a fighter plane and must complete a variety of missions, such as destroying enemy aircraft, bombing ground targets, and escorting friendly bombers.

The game features a realistic flight model that accurately simulates the physics of flight. Players must use their skills and knowledge of the aircraft to fly effectively.

The game also features a variety of weapons and equipment that players can use to complete their missions. These include bombs, rockets, machine guns, and cannons.

Aircraft

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe features a wide variety of aircraft, including:

• American aircraft: P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, F4F Wildcat, P-38 Lightning
• German aircraft: Bf 109, Fw 190, Me 262, Do 335

Each aircraft has its own unique flight characteristics and weapons. Players must choose the right aircraft for the mission at hand.

Missions

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe features a variety of missions, including:

• Fighter missions: Destroy enemy aircraft, escort friendly bombers, and ground attack
• Bomber missions: Bomb ground targets, such as factories, airfields, and bridges
• Ground attack missions: Attack enemy ground forces, such as tanks, artillery, and infantry

The missions are challenging and engaging. Players must use their skills and knowledge of the aircraft to complete the objectives.

Graphics

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe features realistic graphics. The aircraft models are highly detailed and accurate, and the game’s environments are lush and immersive.

The game was a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in flight combat simulations. The 3D graphics allowed for a more realistic and immersive experience.

Reception

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic graphics, detailed aircraft models, and immersive gameplay. The game was also a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in flight combat simulations.

The game won a number of awards, including:

• Computer Gaming World’s 1991 Game of the Year
• PC Gamer’s 1991 Game of the Year
• Electronic Gaming Monthly’s 1991 Game of the Year

Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe is a classic flight combat simulation that still holds up today. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots