Criteria for reviews

The most important criteria for a review will be the comparison of core simulation elements. The comparison of core simulation elements will be used to determine the uniqueness of the game. In other words, the question that will be asked will be whether a particular game has something going for it that cannot be found elsewhere. For example, the helicopter simulation Gunship!, has an interesting method of targeting that is not found in other games. You target by smoothly zooming in and zooming out of detailed objects and terrain. This method of targeting is an essential component to define a simulation and would therefore be classified as a core simulation element. Another core simulation element would be the environment that you target and fly through. For more information, read the Gunship! review. The core simulation elements define the overal realism and fun of the simulation.

Another core simulation element that could set one simulation apart from another is artificial intelligence-how well the enemy in the game acts and reacts. Falcon4 Allied Force scores high marks in artificial intelligence. Its aircraft offensive artificial intelligence is aggressive and deadly. It will receive a high score because of this. To see why, read the Falcon4 Allied Force review.

Another important core simulation element is functional graphics. By functional graphics, I don't mean eye candy. An example of functional graphics is the maverick display in Falcon4 Open Falcon/BMS 4. The good maverick displays enable you to find a particular target. These versions of Falcon receive high marks because of this. To see why, read the Falcon4 BMS4 review.

There will be a second criteria that will be used to determine a game's uniqueness that is a lot less important than core simulation elements but still important. This criteria is game style. This criteria is mainly determined by one's tastes and is therefore more subjective than the first criteria of core simulation elements. Fair strike has a unique game style in that it is a hybrid arcade simulation game with a storyline and linear script that tells an interesting story before a mission and during a mission. For more on this, read the Fair Strike review.

Aircraft Simulations

Helicopter Simulations

Reviews