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767 Pilot in Command
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Graphics & Sound:
If you enjoyed the graphics in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000, then you will undoubtedly love the way 767 Pilot in Command looks. 767 takes the already great graphics of Flight Simulator 2000 and improves upon them with more animations, new textures, and unbelievable lighting and shadowing effects. 767 offers the most realistic looking cockpit that you will find on a PC. I was amazed with the detail of not just the cockpit panel, but also the cockpit in general. Every detail in every instrument is complete - down to the color and animation. There is also a 360 degree rational view of the plane interior. In addition to the interior upgrades, new animations on the planes exterior, as well as newly rendered environments are available to enhance the realism effect that we have come to love from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000. 767 Pilot in Command is by far the best looking add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000.
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Gameplay:
Unfortunately, the simulation is not as fun as it is attractive. 767 Pilot in Command gives you the unique opportunity to fly these large commercial aircraft. Of course, you can just fly around, but what fun is that? Not much, after about ten minutes. What the expansion adds is a variety of mishaps. If you want to just fly cargo missions, you can choose from 2 in-flight and 2 engine off routes. These four flights will have you in Russia, the US, Canada, and England. For a little more excitement, you can fly the adventures. There are 11 adventures to choose from, including a training run. These adventures are nothing more than failures to the aircraft that you must deal with. The failures range from simple instrument failures to major engine failure. The failures happen in-flight, on take off, as well as while landing. The real only redeeming quality of the game play is the realism. With each failure, you must react to changing variables with a standard set of procedures. Quick thinking and a steady hand is a must for 767. Other than those 10 failure scenarios, there is really nothing to it. After you make it past the 10 mishaps, the game is over. Flying over Europe in yet another simulator gets old after a while. While 767 Pilot in Command is fun at first, there is just not enough to it to keep the blood flowing for hours of entertainment.
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Difficulty:
While being the best looking addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000, 767 Pilot in Command is also one of the most realistic. You know what that means - difficult. Yes, it's true, the learning curve is steep. Not only that, the simulation is intended to be difficult. The whole premise of the sim is to have problems in flight. So not only is it hard by default, but it is also hard by nature. Thankfully, there are set standard procedures (checklist) provided to help solve these issues. Still, the simulation is quite challenging. There is more involved than just flying in the right direction. Of course, you can toggle certain realism factors on and off, but the enjoyment level suffers if it's too easy.
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Game Mechanics:
Realism. 767 looks, feels, and plays real. The controls, animations, and responses are excellent. Of course, a good joystick is a must. It also wouldn't hurt to use a flight yoke and rudder system; but most of us just stay with the joystick. The only real bad thing about the game prep is that the flight manuals are on the CD and not in a hardcopy format. That means you have to print it out yourself if you need the reference while in flight. Other than that, the simulation seems to be thought out and implemented very well. Really, the only problems (bugs) I encountered happened while in autopilot mode. Other than that, 767 Pilot in Command is as solid and as realistic an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 as you will find.
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-Storm, GameVortex Communications AKA Jeremy Kelso |
Minimum System Requirements:
Processor: 300 MHz, RAM: 64 MB, CD-ROM: 6X, OS: Win 95/98/ME, Free Space: 238 MB, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000, Joystick |
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Test System:
Pentium III 600 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 8X DVD ROM, 8 MB Rage Mobility Pro video card, ESS Allegro sound / JBL Pro, Windows Millennium, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Professional, Phantom 2 joystick |
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