Summary
ATAC: Advanced Tactical Air Command is a combat flight simulation game released in 1988 by MicroProse. The game puts players in the role of a fighter pilot flying for the United States Air Force during the Cold War. Players must complete a series of missions, including bombing runs, escort missions, and air-to-air combat, in order to progress through the game.
ATAC was one of the first combat flight simulators to feature realistic flight physics and a detailed cockpit. The game also featured a variety of aircraft to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players could also choose to fly missions in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
ATAC was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best combat flight simulators ever made. The game’s realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and variety of aircraft and missions made it a favorite among flight sim enthusiasts.
Gameplay
ATAC is a mission-based game, and players must complete a series of missions in order to progress through the game. Missions include bombing runs, escort missions, and air-to-air combat. Players can choose to fly missions in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The game features a variety of aircraft to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can choose to fly fighters, bombers, or attack aircraft. Each aircraft has its own unique flight characteristics, and players must learn to master each aircraft in order to be successful in the game.
ATAC’s flight physics are very realistic, and players must take into account factors such as wind speed, altitude, and aircraft weight when flying. The game also features a detailed cockpit, and players must use the cockpit controls to fly the aircraft.
Graphics
ATAC’s graphics were very impressive for its time. The game featured detailed terrain and aircraft models, and the game’s lighting and weather effects were also very realistic. The game’s graphics still hold up today, and ATAC is still one of the most visually impressive combat flight simulators ever made.
Sound
ATAC’s sound effects are also very realistic. The game features the sounds of aircraft engines, explosions, and gunfire. The game’s music is also very good, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and tension.
Reception
ATAC was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and variety of aircraft and missions. ATAC was also a commercial success, and it sold over one million copies worldwide.
ATAC is still considered one of the best combat flight simulators ever made. The game’s realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and variety of aircraft and missions make it a favorite among flight sim enthusiasts.
Legacy
ATAC had a major impact on the combat flight simulator genre. The game’s realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and variety of aircraft and missions set a new standard for combat flight simulators. ATAC also helped to popularize the use of realistic flight physics in combat flight simulators.
ATAC was followed by a number of sequels, including ATAC 2 (1990) and ATAC 3 (1995). These sequels improved upon the original game’s graphics, gameplay, and aircraft selection. However, none of the sequels were able to match the critical and commercial success of the original ATAC.
ATAC remains a popular combat flight simulator today. The game’s realistic graphics, challenging gameplay, and variety of aircraft and missions make it a favorite among flight sim enthusiasts. ATAC is also a valuable historical document, as it provides a glimpse into the world of combat aviation during the Cold War.
Review Score
8.5/10
