Joint Strike Fighter. © Eidos Interactive.

Jane's Fighter Anthology
This is a very good flight simulation package. It has good simulation, a good heads up display (or HUD: in fighter planes key pieces of information are readily available in the HUD which is located in front of the pilot's face, versus scattered around gauges in the cockpit) and good reactions for its turn rate, airspeed, climb and descent. The best aspect is you are able to set the stick for constant high G turns (quick turns). The graphics are great, and when flying with a joy stick, it does have the feel of truly flying. Ground targets and terrain were not the best viewed, but were adequate for targeting. The numerous different views you are able to see while flying really helps in letting the pilot know where he is in relationship to his surroundings. It also turns in increments which is more realistic to flying fighters. Again, it's not a game you can put in and start playing. Reading the in-depth instructions is needed before, and along with, memorizing the keyboard to get the most out of the game. Most pilots would enjoy flying this simulation package.

Digital Image Design's EF 2000. © Ocean of America.

Eidos Interactive's Joint Strike Fighter
This is a pretty good package, but not as good as the EF 2000 or Jane's Anthology. The graphics are not as crisp, but there are more ground features than you find in other software. The flying was realistic except there was a little buffeting and jittering when conducting turns, which don't exist in real flight. The turn rate also seemed to be a little slow compared to normal flight, but acceleration was fine. The best feature was the full screen HUD view which is the optimum for flying these games. All games should have this feature. Also, the HUD was very realistic. This is a very good game which anyone would enjoy flying after taking the time to learn the instructions and memorizing the keyboard.

Digital Image Design EF 2000
This is the best software package of the four with a very realistic, basic HUD, great graphics and flying sound effects. There are also very realistic rates of turn, climb and acceleration. The software reacts like a fighter aircraft. It is not over sensitive and the different views out of your aircraft allow you to get a true sense of where you are in relationship to your surroundings. Everything about it feels like a fighter. Definitely not for those who aren't into flying because again, to learn the game will take a few hours of reading the instructions and memorizing the keyboard. For true aviation enthusiasts who want an authentic test of their abilities, this is the game for them.

Daniel Rein is currently a Super 80 pilot flying domestic, U.S. routes with American Airlines. He has 800 flight hours in the F-16 A and C model Fighting Falcon, 600 hours in the F-15C Eagle and 155 hours in the F-5E Tiger II.

Thanks to Major Mike Rein, who also contributed to this report.