Luftwaffe Commander

I really liked playing Luftwaffe Commander & would recommend it to others. I would also recommend a Joystick to use, the keyboard is rather difficult but if your buying a flight sim a Joystick is really the way to go anyway.

I would give it 4 stars compared to 5 for MS CFS because you can do more with the MS CFS like add planes, missions & other things as add-ons to the basic game.

On the whole I'm glad I got it!


fun game lacks a bit of AI   February 27, 2000
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I was excited to get started with the Luftwaffe Commander. The program allows you to choose two different modes of flight, Iron Cross or Knights Cross, simulating computer enhanced flying or control that is more similar to actual characteristics of the various (ten) planes you can fly. You can also choose to fly in a campaign, or as single missions. The campaingn chronologizes the war and gives you planes corresponding to the various theatres in which you fly. It is educational to note that in the early years of the war, it is much easier to obtain air superiority than in the end when the Americans join the fray with more advanced fighters which are much more capable of shooting you out of the sky.

I have read complaints from other users regarding the AI of the enemy and friendly planes. These complaints hold some weight as the enemy often self destructs by flying into the ground during low level combat. Graphics could be smoother and a bit less blocky, especially ground detail.

Better education should be provided as the attainment of the various ranks and honors bestowed upon the pilot. Nothing in the instruction manual pertains to this. Little explanation is given regarding the advantages to different formations, as well as when to break out of them to dogfight. My wingman did not seem a helpful or capable pilot, although I am not sure that this is unrealistic! Getting shot down during the later years of the war seems almost a garauntee for each mission, only question being if you can obtain a rescue or survive the bail out attempt. This, again, may be fairly realistic given the allies strength in numbers as the war progressed.

All in all a fun game, and one that I havent had a problem spending time with. Given some enhancements, AI, Graphics, more history and information regarding promotion and awards it would live up to billing a bit better