Attic of the Underdogs

F-14 Fleet Defender Gold

» Top Dog! «
Screenshot
Review by Tiago:
Now this is it. This is one member of the 1994/95-ruling triumvirate of flight simulators (the other two being TFX and Tornado, both also featured on this site). F-14 Defender is a simulation of the F-14 Tomcat, and in reality, this game has nothing similar nowadays. The VGA graphics are extremely good, with external loadouts represented in all their texture-mapped glory, sky with varying colors that change with the time of day. The only problem with the graphics is the “shimmering mass of water” effect that appears sometimes at some altitudes due to the perspective on the sea texture. Sound is good for it’s time, but not exceptional.

The flight model is extremely good, portraying the fast acceleration characteristics of the aircraft as well as the flying brick manoeuvrability. Weapons are also nicely modelled, with the Phoenix missile being a real lifesaver at long ranges (it’s one of the biggest aerial sticks used to poke your enemy out of the sky), the Sparrow being inaccurate, and the Sidewinder usually spelling doom to the fool who strayed in front of it. Carrier ops are very well modelled, and nighttime carrier landings will test your nerves. Radar modes are correctly implemented. There are several campaigns, as well as training (it’s one of the campaigns) and dogfight mode (you choose the opponents, time of day, the opponents’ skill levels and your loadout.

A word of warning though: this game is not for beginners. This is a really complex flight sim, the kind that needs many playing hours before you really get to grips with it. If you persevere, this is a game that will really have going for some time to come. Just try to get the manual, as it really is a requirement.

Average Rating:8.4 [557 votes]
Genre:Simulation
Designer:
Developer:MicroProse
Publisher:MicroProse
Year:1994
Software Copyright:MicroProse
Theme:Modern
Multiplayer:Modem or null modem
Related Links:
More Info:Mobygames | The Web
System Requirements:DOS
If you like this game, try:Tornado, Pacific Strike, Gunship 2000
Thanks to... 
Technical Notes: