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The Best Combat Flight Sims of 2000
by Len "Viking1" HjalmarsonEnemy Engaged – Comanche vs Hokum
Category: Helo sim
Publisher: Empire Interactive
Developer: Razorworks
Release Date: Released
Files: Assorted Downloads incl. Demo and Patches
EECH is the best combat helo combat simulation of 2000, and some argue that it is the best of all time. While Longbow II will always be the greatest in some minds, consider that EECH, when combined with the earlier release, Apache-Havoc, offers six dynamic campaigns!
With excellent graphics and effects and terrain based on digital elevation maps, and with more than sixty 3D models, the environment and action are intense. Resolution goes up to 1600x1200.
Solid flight modeling and a persistent world and fully dynamic campaign system make Enemy Engaged a serious sim lover’s delight. The action is intense and on high levels of difficulty the learning curve is steep.
As with any serious helicopter simulation, the player needs separate rudder pedals and separate stick and throttle (HOTAS) is highly recommended. The real life helicopter pilots describe the flight model as very good, and definitely beyond the FM of Longbow II. The vortex ring state is modeled and the cause of death of many a player.
The map system represents the strategic dimension of gameplay. If you also have the earlier release, Apache-Havoc, you can fly either of those helos in the three new campaigns provided. No mission in the campaign ever plays out quite the same and the attention to detail is staggering. Wingman control is good, and you can even call in fire support and air strikes.
Like Apache-Havoc, crew animation adds to the immersion. The cockpits are fully 3D and the cockpit cameras give you the ability to see the action from any angle or perspective.
Padlock options are legion, including wingman, target, waypoint, threat or incoming missile. Terrain masking is modeled, and weapon modeling is top notch. From the map view the player can move between his various airborne units.
Briefings and debriefings and pilot records are improved over the earlier release. Avionics modeling includes FLIR/EO, DTV and the flight model is highly detailed, including retreating blade stall, translational lift, vortex ring effect, ground effect, cross coupling and over-torque. Many of these effects can be turned off for the novice.
Multiplayer support is strong, allowing co-op missions in the campaigns. A 4MB patch is available. Recommended system PII 400 with 64 MB RAM and 8MB 3d accelerator.
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