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Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation

85%Game Brain Score
graphics, optimization
story
85% User Score Based on 66 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinuxMs DosMs Dos

About

Fleet Defender is the first flight simulator to accurately recreate carrier-based operations. Experience all the excitement of a catapult launch, realistic air-to-air combat and the challenge of landing on a pitching deck. You'll be drawn into the high-stakes world of Navy's top guns.

Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot
Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot
Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot
Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot
Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot
Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot
Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation screenshot

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 66 reviews
graphics8 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions

  • The game offers a surprisingly fun and immersive experience for an older flight sim, especially for fans of the F-14 Tomcat.
  • It features detailed campaigns and a good simulation of the AWG-9 radar system, allowing players to feel like part of a larger conflict.
  • Despite its age, the game is still considered one of the best F-14 simulators available, providing a nostalgic experience for those who enjoyed flight sims in the 90s.
  • The graphics are outdated and can be a significant drawback, with low resolution and clunky visuals that may deter modern players.
  • The learning curve is steep, making it difficult for newcomers to get into the game without prior experience in flight sims.
  • There are technical issues, such as the need for DOSBox configuration, which can complicate the setup and gameplay experience.
  • graphics
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely criticized for being outdated, with many reviewers noting their low resolution and clunky appearance reminiscent of early 1990s titles. While some players appreciate the gameplay and realism despite the graphics, others feel that a graphical upgrade is necessary to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the visuals are seen as a significant drawback, though the game's core mechanics still hold appeal for dedicated fans of the genre.

    • “The graphics were as good as they get back then.”
    • “Though I will say this has potential as the graphics are a little better than most from that period.”
    • “Born during the 'muddy phase' of flight sims, where clarity of graphics was sacrificed for a more detailed 3D effect, this sim is extremely detailed and fun, once you get over the enormous pixels.”
    • “I am not recommending the game because the basic idea of it is good, but the current playability is not; it needs a graphics upgrade.”
    • “The graphics are a low resolution texture mess, to be honest.”
    • “While the sim's graphics are certainly a smeary, muddy 320x200 mess, the underlying game still holds up well.”
  • story
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features a variety of mission types, including training missions and a campaign mode focused on aerial combat, with objectives ranging from engaging enemy planes to waiting for troop extractions. Players can choose to start missions in the air, which alleviates some of the challenges associated with takeoff. However, the campaign's complexity and lack of clear mission goal indicators can be frustrating for those unfamiliar with the controls.

    • “There's a campaign mode (blow the filthy commie scum out of the north atlantic), scramble (quick mission builder) mode, and even a full mission builder.”
    • “Other missions require you to wait for helicopters or something to extract troops.”
    • “There are some actual campaigns, but I didn't play them because I have no clue what buttons are for throttle, and obviously I can't take off if I don't know that, so I can never do the missions.”
    • “Sometimes the mission goal is simply to just stay aloft for 20 minutes.”
    • “Quit before the 20 minutes are up, and even if you shot every enemy out of the sky first, you'll still fail the mission and risk your campaign.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users report that setting the optimization parameter "Cycles=20000" significantly enhances performance, indicating that this adjustment is effective for improving the game's efficiency.

    • “Cycles=20000 really improves performance”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with many users noting that it successfully creates an immersive experience that recent titles often fail to achieve.

    • “The game creates a captivating atmosphere that recent titles struggle to deliver.”
    • “The immersive atmosphere truly sets this game apart from others in the genre.”
    • “The rich and detailed environment enhances the overall atmosphere, making every moment feel alive.”

Buy Fleet Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation

7h Median play time
7h Average play time
7-7h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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