Jane’s Combat Simulation Longbow 2 PC Software Game 1997 Vintage 2 CD Set Origin

Jane’s Combat Simulation Longbow 2 PC Software Game 1997 Vintage 2 CD Set

Jane’s Combat Simulation Longbow 2

From Old PC Gaming:

System Requirements: Pentium 133 MHz, 16 MB, 2 MB Video, 420 MB HDD, Win 95/98

Platforms: PC
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Origin Systems
Genres: Simulator / Flight Simulator
Release Date: Nov 30, 1997
Game Modes: Singleplayer / Multiplayer

Flight sims never did enjoy the same level of enthusiasm that their more mainstream gaming cousins got, but Longbow 2 really did rile up an impressive amount of buzz, not just from helicopter enthusiasts, but the PC community in general. The prospect of coupling the flight model and avionics of the original Longbow with improvements to almost every other aspect of gameplay appeared to be a sure recipe for success, but it wasn’t an easy undertaking. Despite the already existing engine and accurate flight modelling, Longbow 2 was still one of the most ambitious combat flight sims ever.

Despite its venerable age, Longbow 2 remains the most accurate and defining simulation of the AH-64D attack helicopter. Already working with a winning flight model, the designers have focused their attention on all of the peripheral elements of gameplay, and they have done so with a rigorous attention to even the smallest detail.

The first thing that the player is likely to notice is the option to fly several new helicopters. In addition to the AH-64D Longbow Apache, players can opt to pilot the UH-60A/L Blackhawk or the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Each helicopter incorporates its own avionics (the analog gauges take some getting used to after the luxury of the Longbow’s IHADSS display), and each displays a satisfyingly unique set of flight characteristics. The Blackhawk is fast and powerful, but its massive bulk makes it more difficult to maneuver. The Kiowa is relatively light and better equipped for reconnaissance assignments, but does not enjoy the firepower of the Longbow.

As can be expected, the new helicopters expand the roles that the player can perform in the game’s missions. With the Blackhawk, the player can finally play the other side of the coin in escort missions. More easily detectable by radar and more lightly armored than the Longbow, it can be quite a rush to fly in low over a hostile landing zone to deliver a load of troops to the front lines. The Blackhawk is armed only with a pair of door guns, used primarily for clearing landing zones and providing supporting fire once the troops are on the ground.

The player can jump into either of the door gunners’ positions and manually aim the guns, but the difficulty of trying to aim while keeping the helicopter aloft (and alive) makes it more practical to allow the AI gunner to do the aiming for you. While in the cockpit view, your gunner will aim at any target of opportunity (it is still up to the player to pull the trigger to make him fire).

From the front of the CD:

Disk 1
Jane’s Combat Simulation Longbow 2
Rated T Teen, Ages 13+
© 1997 Origin Systems
Made in the USA
1014907

Disk 2
Jane’s Combat Simulation Longbow 2
Rated T Teen, Ages 13+
© 1997 Origin Systems
Made in the USA
1014917

System Requirements

System Requirements: Pentium 133 MHz, 16 MB, 2 MB Video, 420 MB HDD, Win 95/98

The game comes in a plastic CD case. The CD and case weigh 101 grams and measures 14.2 X 12.4 X 1 cm. This will ship in a padded envelope, letter mail in Canada and parcel mail everywhere else.

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