Game:

F-117A Stealth Fighter (1992)

Duration: 54:59

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2

Despite its age (released in 1991), this is still one of my favorite flight simulators; not despite, but because of its lack of action. As a pilot of a stealth aircraft, the idea is to remain hidden from the enemy, accomplish the mission objectives and (hopefully) make it back home safely.


There is a "special" MicroProse (instead of Lockheed) mode which reduces stealth and introduces more action, turning the F-117A into a fighter, even downing some MiG's and Sukhoi's with AMRAAM's. But stealth remains the main idea.


The game is surprisingly packed with content; there are many war theatres, missions, weapons, land objects, ships, aeroplanes, and most importantly, various approaches to each mission.


The flight model is perhaps a tad too optimistic, but it serves its purpose. Anyway, in normal circumstances one will not strain the F-117 to its limits of manoeuvrability.


As the video testifies, the game is mostly calm, with long stretches of just keeping everything under control and observing the situation. Most of the missions take place at night, adding to the "espionage" feeling.


Unfortunately, this flavor of flight simulators, preferring slow, stealthy and clever approach over raw action and spectacular explosions, would turn out to be very rare in the world of computer gaming. Still, the replayability of this little gem from MicroProse compensates at least a little.


And - from today's standpoint - it may be a fun fact that the entire game fits on a single small floppy disk, 1.44 MB - perhaps one tenth of an average photo shot on a modern smartphone.

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