Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS
- Developers: Core Design
- Publishers: Virgin Games
Thunderhawk AH-73M: A Retro Flight Combat Classic
Released in 1991, Thunderhawk AH-73M is an action-packed flight combat simulator that puts you in the cockpit of a powerful attack helicopter. Developed by Origin Systems and published by Electronic Arts, Thunderhawk was a critical and commercial success, spawning several sequels and spin-offs.
Gameplay
Thunderhawk AH-73M features a variety of gameplay modes, including a campaign mode, a mission editor, and a multiplayer mode. The campaign mode consists of 20 missions, each with its own unique objectives. Missions can range from simple reconnaissance flights to complex combat operations.
The mission editor allows players to create their own custom missions, and the multiplayer mode supports up to four players over a LAN or modem connection.
Controls
Thunderhawk AH-73M uses a combination of keyboard and mouse controls. The keyboard is used to control the helicopter’s movement, while the mouse is used to aim and fire weapons. The game also supports a variety of joysticks and flight sticks.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Thunderhawk AH-73M featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s environments are detailed and realistic, and the helicopter models are well-rendered. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic explosions and gunfire.
Reception
Thunderhawk AH-73M was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, intense gameplay, and innovative use of the mouse for aiming and firing weapons. Thunderhawk was also a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in flight combat simulators.
The game was a finalist for the Computer Game of the Year award at the 1992 Golden Joystick Awards, and it was ranked #10 on Computer Gaming World’s list of the “150 Best Games of All Time” in 1996.
Legacy
Thunderhawk AH-73M is considered to be one of the best flight combat simulators ever made. The game’s innovative use of the mouse for aiming and firing weapons set a new standard for the genre, and its realistic graphics and intense gameplay continue to impress gamers today.
Thunderhawk AH-73M spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Thunderstrike (1995), Thunderhawk 2 (1998), and Thunderhawk: Operation Firestorm (2000). The game also inspired a number of other flight combat simulators, including Jane’s AH-64D Longbow (1996) and Apache: Air Assault (2010).
Conclusion
Thunderhawk AH-73M is a classic flight combat simulator that still stands up today. The game’s realistic graphics, intense gameplay, and innovative use of the mouse for aiming and firing weapons make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding flight combat experience, then Thunderhawk AH-73M is definitely worth checking out.
Tips for Playing Thunderhawk AH-73M
- Use the mouse to aim and fire your weapons. This is much more precise than using the keyboard.
- Use the keyboard to control the helicopter’s movement. The default controls are:
- W: Forward
- S: Backward
- A: Left
- D: Right
- Q: Strafe left
- E: Strafe right
- Spacebar: Fire weapons
- Use the [ and ] keys to switch between weapons.
- Use the F1 key to access the game’s menu.
- Use the F2 key to access the mission editor.
- Use the F3 key to access the multiplayer mode.
Cheats
There are a number of cheats that can be used in Thunderhawk AH-73M. To enter a cheat, simply type the cheat code into the console. The console can be accessed by pressing the ` key.
Here are some of the most popular cheats:
- godmode: God mode
- giveall: Gives you all weapons and upgrades
- levelskip: Skips to the next level
- winmission: Wins the current mission
Additional Information
- Developer: Origin Systems
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release date: 1991
- Genre: Flight combat simulator
- Platforms: MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
- ESRB rating: Everyone
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
