This sequel to Team Apache—a 1999 chopper simulation—gives
you a chance to fly Russia’s most advanced, all-weather, combat
helicopter. It is touted, by its developers, as a “squad-based,
assault helicopter” simulation built around the Kamov KA-52
Alligator Attack Helicopter.
It is aimed at hardcore “roto-heads.” That’s
a “techno-term” for simulation players who prefer choppers
to fixed-wing flight profiles.
The catch, in this sim, is that it tests your motivational skills.
You’re stuck with a group of surly Russian pilots. Read that
as rugged individualists—or “Tufski Russki”—who
need your leadership to mold them into a mean, tough machine.
Add to this the fact that their speech is packed with heavily accented
Russian! Some familiarization with Russian commands would be really
helpful. But what’s a sim without some challenges?
You will learn to live with the heavy accent and attitude of Capt.
Sugyagin—one of the pilots leading your training missions—while
undergoing training on the KA-52’s weapons package, multi-functional
displays, and video sighting system.
Watch out for your weapons officer. He has a definite attitude
problem.
You’re even required to manage your maintenance crew chiefs
to ensure a maximum effort for missions. Discipline is a problem
in this squadron.
Campaign missions require leadership and planning, more than merely
flying pre-planned missions, which is a change from most sims. Two
built-in campaigns are central to this sim. One takes place in Tajikistan,
where Russian forces are pitted against a Taliban invasion from
Afghanistan. Another unfolds in Belarus, against partisans of the
Belarusian separatist forces.
Some of your squadron missions will require you to plan and execute
search and rescue missions. With up to 16 individual choppers in
your command, you will have some casualties.
Unlike other sims, KA-52 omits a mission builder, which is unfortunate,
since repetition of the missions is your only option, and the lack
of time compression for replays will cause you some annoyance. Modes
of play include training missions, instant action, and single-mission
mode. Multi-player capability allows you to join up to seven players
for a coordinated campaign.
KA-52 has outstanding 3-D effects with increased detail and unusually
realistic scenes. The terrain is impressive, right down to the detailed
trees. The details of the cockpit, with the ability to switch to
an external view in front of your chopper, make this a very unique
sim.
See everything on the HUD (Heads Up Display), check out the MFD
(Multi-Functional Display), or pan down to read all of the gauges,
if you have the time during a mission. The coaxial contra-rotating
rotors of the Alligator allow you to perform some really amazing
maneuvers, and the use of stick controls for this sim is a given.
This gives you increased capability to adjust the play to the edge-of-the-envelope
flights.
Recommended Requirements: P II/300 MHz or better, 64 MB RAM +,
490 MB hard disk space, 4X+ speed CD-ROM, compatible sound card,
8MB Direct 3D accelerator card, Windows 95/98, Flite Stick (absolutely
necessary). Publisher: GT Interactive. Developer: SIMIS.
Dr. David Silbergeld is a member of the Special Operations and
Low Intensity Conflict Division of the National Defense Industrial
Association. His e-mail address is dlsilber@epix.net.