For about 6 months now, Jane's Combat Simulators
by Electronic Arts have ruled the skies so to speak. With hits
such as Longbow 2, F-15 and a host of others there has not
been any stellar competition that offers the same quality
graphics, gameplay and sound that EA offers. However, the
gap between other simulations and the ones by Electronic Arts
is now becoming smaller thanks to Team Apache by SIMIS, a
UK based developer. I'm probably going to get flamed if I do
not say it so here, EF2000, just to set the record straight for you
hardcore sim fans.
Graphics: (18 / 20)
At I started the game I ran the most generic
executable file, there are 6 of them. When I started my first
mission I was impressed with the graphics. I then realized that
it was not even using my 3DFX card yet and the graphics were
still very impressive and generally fast with the software
renderer. Keep in mind I have a P200 so I can imagine the
speed of the software renderer on a P2. Therefore, right off the
bat this game gets a good grade for graphics since it is
scaleable. Switching to my Voodoo card made a better
difference in frame rate and features such as Hardware
generated fog, shading and of course a faster frame rate. One
press of a button instantly switches to night vision very
smoothly and helps tackle dark missions. When other vehicles
are on the screen the frame rate does not drop very much and
the textures on the buildings and tanks are great. As is the
case with other simulations, Team Apache is no different in
providing the pilot with numerous amounts of views and
zooming capabilities.
Sound: (13 / 15)
I was a bit disappointed that no Advanced Sound
options existed, which has become the norm now in most
Electronic Arts games, however, the usual cool sounds do exist
such as when you are looking to the left and hear a sound from
the right it is softer and a bit distorted as well. To be honest
the best sound feature in the game is in fact the excellent
tutorial options, which is only available by the speech addon
by the way. Each tutorial is very in depth, and I mean that, in
that it goes through absolutely everything a person would need
to know before performing the task at hand. This was really
well done and I tip my hats off to the designers for suiting to
the needs of the newbie who does not even look at a
simulation box in the video game store, like me. One
annoying feature, however, is that they is no way to skip the
speech. This is very bad since if you fail a training mission,
which is very common, there is no restart option, therefore you
have to exit and restart the mission there by hearing the
comprehensive speech again.
Gameplay: (21 / 25)
Simulation fans will appreciate this title since it
adheres to the hardcore sim fan who likes to keep his or her
eye on every detail in the cockpit and also likes to have control
over every function as well. I initially tried the game with a
keyboard and found the controls to be very difficult and
sensitive. However, with a joystick, especially one with a third
axes throttle, the game blasts off and control is not sacrificed.
Players will have to learn the basics of knowing how to keep
the copter hovering, which is considered a very basic skill,
when destroying a target. This is not Extreme Assault so if you
want to play with the big boys you have to take your time and
master the controls.
Fun Factor: (16 / 20)
Although this is not my favorite type of game the
game is considerably fun for someone who is looking for
reality rather than action. Players will find enjoyment in such
real life tasks as refueling gas and running out of ammo in the
heat of the battle. It will make them realize that in the real
world power ups do not exist and for someone who is looking
for a simulation which provides them with reality rather than
fantasy this is a title for them.
Multiplayer: (3 / 5)
Since vehicle targets and human opponents are very
sparse on the battlefield, as in real life, the multiplayer engine
is quite fast. This is where the fun part of the game is
enhanced because there are not many things that are more
exciting than watching your best friend's copter realistically
crash while you hover overhead.
Packaging: (3 / 5)
Where are the damn NFOs? I had to go to
www.game-over.com (shameless plug) to get 'em since the files
were packaged wrong. Besides the NFOs, the game needed a
patch or the demo for it to run properly.
Overall Impressions: (8 / 10)
This is a pretty good game, and I suggest you pick it
up.
Graphics: 18 / 20
Sound: 13 / 15
Gameplay: 21 / 25
Fun Factor: 16 / 20
Multiplayer: 3 / 5
Packaging: 3 / 5
Overall Impression: 8 / 10
Overall Rating: 82 / 100