B-1 Nuclear Bomber

The Good
It was a surprise to find out that this supposed flight simulator is actually something like a turn based strategy game. I mean, you are not flying the bomber in real time - time progression is based on your input. At each turn you type in a command (in text format) and time elapses accordingly (not all commands advance the same amount of time). Those wanting to play a (real) flight simulator will not find this attractive, but i did. It was refreshing to play something "new". This kind of gameplay really adds up to the strategy side of the game.

The input system of the game is rather good. Typing commands is boring so the guys at Microcomputer Games came up with a nice way to spare the player. All commands can be called using just 2 characters (like AL to change altitude and EV to conduct evasive action) and all cities on the random generated map can be referenced also by the first 2 letters of their name (they make sure there are no cities with the same starting letters). So, if you want to get navigation data for Astrakhan', all you type is NA AS. If you want to launch a phoenix missile on the Pechenga base, you type PH PE. Simple, huh?

Since you have limited resources - fuel and weapons - you have to use them wisely. This is where the strategic side of the game lies, as there's just you and the enemy. You must avoid bases whenever possible and attack only those you have no choice. Also you must be quick. You should destroy the bases before they launch any MIGs, because if they do, you'll be very outnumbered. It's fun to handle all of this.

The Bad
As i have already mentioned, this is not a game for those wanting a flight simulator or other kind of realistic experience. You are very limited, since there is only a total of 12 commands (a lot for an arcade game, but very few for a flight simulator). Also, every information is seen as plain text - no text mode graphics, like radar or flight controls (something you can see on Jetset).

The game is quite easy. Too easy, in fact. It's just a race to your objective, avoiding and destroying the right bases. You can accomplish your mission in a matter of minutes and you're done. All you can do is restart the game with another random generated map and repeat a similar experience.

There's no evolution in the game's plot - in fact, there's no plot at all. You're at war and that's it. Not very immersive.

The Bottom Line
It's a text mode turn based strategy game where you take the (limited) controls of a B-1 Bomber and have to destroy an objective city. You must avoid and attack enemy bases using only text commands. It's an interesting concept and enjoyable at the first time - then it just gets repeating.