Dogfight

Dogfight is a flight simulation game that was developed by Vektor Graphics Limited and published by MicroProse in the early nineties. It was a fairly obscure game and never really found the wings of some of MicroProse’s other simulation titles, perhaps due to the more obscure programmers. Its United Kingdom title was Dogfight: 80 Years of Aerial Warfare. The game primarily features combat flight simulations from the First World War to what was considered modern when this game was released in 1993.
This is a very standard combat flight simulator.

The user has a choice of many planes to fly, most of which are historically accurate. Some of the choices include the Sopwith Camel, the Spitfire, the F-4 Phantom, the Harrier Jump Jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Fokker DR1 and the MIG-23. As the user will note from that list, there are planes from many military factions made available.
True to its attempt at historical accuracy, Dogfight offers six historically based missions for the user to undertake. In these missions, the user can launch real campaigns that deal with resource management, targeting of air and ground enemies, and flying against the forces of particular countries.
The game also provides a duel, and a “what if” scenario, which allows the pilot to fly obsolete planes against modern aircraft in attempt to outmanoeuvre them and shoot them down. While this isn’t exactly a fair scenario, it is certainly fun to attempt, and it will put the pilot’s skills to the ultimate test. With the older planes being outgunned, outmanoeuvred, and generally outdistanced, this is a true challenge. Of course, the old planes have some tricks up their sleeves as well. A heat-seeking missile, for example, does little good against a propeller driven older plane. It is possible to fly against computer AI, or against a human friend. This is also a rather unique feature, which adds to the value of Dogfight as a flight simulator game.
The moves the user can perform as a pilot of one of these planes vary according to the planes. The user can perform stalls, yo-yos, scissors manoeuvres, and split S’s. He has to account for speed and thrust, as well as turning radius.
Despite the fact that it is not really well known, Dogfight is a great flight simulator, made better by the “what if” scenario function. Most users will have a great time with this game, whether they are new to the genre and just want some turn and burn action or if they are experienced and are looking to appreciate some historical accuracy.