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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Overall Impressions:

This is a pretty good game, and I suggest you pick it up.

Graphics:

I liked the fact that it supported a multitude of both Direct 3d and 3d modes. In the graphics setup you have a choice of Native 3dfx, direct primary and secondary hardware and Pentium 2 software rendering. I didn't test on a pII so I can't report on the quality of that mode. I did run Native 3dfx mode and it was basically your average 3dfx acceleration. A few lens flares and smoke trails nothing really impressive or innovative. There is plenty of game detail with little cars and buildings to make the terrain seem more real.

Frame rates were good and the only slow down I experienced was during level loading. With all the details levels set to half meter it took almost a minute to load a combat mission on my k6 200. The readme recommends turning off fog if you run the s3 virge chipset, and that did help significantly. Overall the 3d graphics were pretty drab and uninspired. I do give them points for offering a variety of modes and tweakable settings.

Sound:

Chirp.. Chirp.. Kaboom! This is where the voice sound addon really is needed. I didn't get the addon so the training modes were pretty much useless. I heard from people that the sound addon makes a big difference in training and mission modes. So it might be necessary for the true Team Apache experience. Other than that Team Apache has pretty typical sound effects. Gunfire and helicopter blades are all you will hear for most of the game. Crashing (its easy, trust me) produces some interesting sounds, but they fade quickly. So the sound is nothing worth writing home about . The addon is pretty big (60 disks) but if you're really looking for realism you will need it.

Gameplay:

It's hard, which in many simulator games is expected. Without a decent joystick, plan on taking plenty of nose dives into the ground. But, if you are a sim fan or are patient enough to sit through the training modes, flying your helicopter becomes fairly intuitive. Keep in mind that you cannot jump right into quick mission and start firing sidewinder missiles at tanks. I didn't deduct heavily for this because it is a simulator style game and this style of gameplay is normal for the genre. Fans of G Police and Commache beware, Apache operates very differently than the choppers you are familiar with. Mindscape did a good job of re-creating that realistic difference here.

Fun Factor:

What makes Team Apache different than other simulators is its use of action and strategic elements. You have option to play a quick game where you fly around shooting tanks and helicopters or you can play the longer and more challenging mission mode. In the mission modes you are responsible for both your own Apache and the rest of your squadron. I quickly found out using the AI control system is a great way to organize attacks or save your butt when you get in trouble. The other helicopters will pursue targets, fly in formation or fly automatically depending on how you control them. The game also has 12 views that vary from your cockpit to allies and enemies structures. Though it seems slow paced when you first start playing it the game becomes exciting once you get over the difficult controls. Though not ideal for the average gamer, Team Apache offers plenty to keep a simulator fan interested.

Multiplayer Play:

Team Apache scored high in this category. I was impressed with the amount of time Mindscape obviously spent. There are many variations of types of games to play in multiplay. You can fly in co-operative modes with teammates and AI as well as running single player missions with your friends over the net. The latency was not too problematic when ran in cockpit views but it can become choppy using the outside cameras. Most simulator games really lack in this category concentrating on single player elements. Team Apache however offers solid single and multiplayer gameplay with really adds to its replay value.

Overall Impression:

If your a simulator fan, this game is a must. It has plenty to entertain and keep your interest. The average gamer might not be so excited by the difficult to master controls and lack of sexy graphics. So if your jones'in' for a good whirl try give it a try. I wasn't overly impressed by it at first but after a little getting used to I found myself enjoying Team Apache.

The Good:

Realism of motion and physics. Action, strategy and simulator elements. Variety of multiplayer modes of play AI wingmen control system

The Bad:

Sharp learning curve Unimpressive 3dfx Sound Addon almost Required