Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar PC Flight Stick Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using the Cougar for over a year now and have concluded that it is a combination of the best and the worst in consumer products. In the end analysis it is ok for someone who doesn't mind tinkering, modifying and repairing. If it wasn't for the online community I would have thrown my Cougar away a long time ago. These guys are the BEST thing going for the Cougar. Support from the manufacturer is far from acceptable. Now for the good and the bad.
This product has a great feel about it. Largely because it's all metal, heavy and seems durable. The metal, however, is very soft and, consequently, easy to strip threads. The switches and pots are low quality. Replacement pots are only available through the manufacturer as they were specially made. (I think by CTS) The Throttle Quadrant has a speed brake switch which is on in the forward position, off in the middle position and momentary on in the back position. The switch itself is the toggle variety. It is guided by a plastic guide that works well when properly aligned but there is nothing designed into the product to insure alignment. You'll have to fix this yourself or the guide is likely to break. Fortunately the procedure is detailed in Frugals World Cougar forum.
Programmability is a big plus with the Cougar. Again, if you are not up to tinkering and just want to plug and play, look for something else. If you don't mind spending some time with your face in the manual and working through a profile or two you will have incredible flexibility.
The throttle itself is rather sticky through its range of motion and there are two detents for idle and afterburner. All in all it is clunky and I opted to remove the detents. As far as the sticky motion is concerned I have yet to find a way to fix it.
The Cougar is not really a desktop item. Sure it's heavy and you would think it would stay put but it doesn't. It is a lot more enjoyable when anchored to a platform. If you are contemplating this purchase I suggest that you go to and get familiar with http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/. They will be your primary support group and you can get some insight to the problems and soulutions that the rest of us are working through.
Pay special attention to the instructions when loading the software. There seems to be a problem with version 2.04 that damages the throttle pot.

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Product Description:
The most realistic flight simulation controller is here: the HOTAS Cougar, lifelike in design, lifelike in performance. This is truly "Hands on Throttle and Stick" gameplay. Based on the actual controller found in F-16 fighter aircraft, the HOTAS transports you to the furthest reaches of flight-simulation technology.From the second you grab hold of both the stick and the throttle, you notice the difference. All metal, black, and ready for business--that is the HOTAS. This controller offers up to 28 programmable buttons, multiple programmable hat switches, and adjustable resistance for the throttle, afterburner, and idle detent. These are just a few of the many features of this revolutionary stick and throttle combo. Without question, the HOTAS Cougar is the controller for true flight enthusiasts.

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CH Products Throttle Quadrant USB (300-133) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought these in preparation for my multi-engine pilots license. Of course, I have been flying planes on Microsoft ( and Sublogic) well before I could get into a real cockpit. This is probably one of the best items from CH Products, especially if you like flying multi-engine aircraft or will be upgrading to flying a REAL multi-engine aircraft soon.

Microsoft and CH products have helped keep me sharper in the cockpit by allowing me to practice on the days when I can't go up for real. This product cannot be beat for customizability. I can go from a Beech Baron set-up to a Boeing 747 set-up just by playing with some settings. And if you have the CH Yoke and Rudder pedals, you have a relatively real flying experience without leaving your home.

If you are into military sims, this probably isn't for you. If you have Microsoft flight sim, X-plane, Fly or any other civilian sim and you value realism, you must get these.

$150 isn't cheap, but thats the cost of one hour of flight time in the Multi-engine plane I will be learning in. One hour of flight time versus hours of honing my skills at home? A worthy investment indeed!

The only downside, as there is on all CH products, are the clamps to hold it to the desk. They are really designed to fit desks that are thick and flat. If your PC desk has a curve to the front or is relatively thin, you have to find a better way to secure them to your desk. Wedging books or papers usually helps.

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Product Description:
A true veteran of the PC gaming industry, CH Products has manufactured joysticks and game control devices -- with a particular emphasis on state-of-the-art flight control gear -- for a quarter decade. One of the latest products to emerge from the CH lab is the CH Throttle Quadrant USB, a highly specialized unit designed to appeal to serious flight simulation buffs who demand authentic, fingertip control of all of their airborne activities.
Bearing a striking physical resemblance to the control panel found in a real life aircraft and perfectly complementing navigational devices such as joysticks or flight yokes (for example, the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB), the CH Throttle Quadrant USB effectively banishes the counterintuitive computer keyboard from the flying environment and allows hardcore pilots to quickly make in-flight adjustments via its straightforward 6-axis, 12-button setup. Completely user customizable with the enclosed CH Control Manager software and offering no less than a whopping 350 button positions if so configured, the system is ideal for precise control of multiple engines, flaps, fuel mixture, lights, and much, much more.
The CH Throttle Quadrant USB is built in the USA to the same durable specifications as other CH Products control devices and is compatible with all Windows-based games and most recent operating systems (including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and MacOS 8.6 to 10.02). The unit carries a limited two-year warranty.

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CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB ( 200-615 ) Review

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(More customer reviews)See my full review with photos on my website (look it up by my name).
OPERATION: I used the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 A Century of Flight. Flight Simulator immediately recognized the yoke at startup and already had all the buttons mapped. I changed them to my preferences using the setup panel in FS. On my first flight I noticed that the elevator was really jumping around. It wouldn't stay where I put it! I really thought the yoke was broken. Then a very distant memory began to emerge from my checkered past. I recalled that I still had my old Gameport joystick plugged in...problem solved. These USB devices do not work with Gameport devices.

The yoke felt very much like the Cessna's that I fly (C172R), albeit a bit lighter weight. The resistance was a little surprising, very stiff, which is good for cross country flying. It took a little getting used to the button locations, especially the hat switch, but after a few hours it falls right into my grasp. Having an 8-position hat switch sure makes the landing pattern easier to fly, and with all the buttons on the yoke I don't need to touch the keyboard. The trim wheel was very stiff, so I wouldn't use it to trim the airplane, just to adjust the joystick centering during calibration.

SELF CENTERING OR NOT???
I was concerned about the lack of center detent when I initially read the literature. But this doesn't mean the joystick doesn't self-center. It snaps back to center with about 1/4 inches of center play, just like in a real airplane.

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Product Description:
Item #: 132007. Command the skies with the king of flight simulator controls, the Flight Sim Yoke USB. This one of a kind yoke offers features that will allow you to fly with the realism you've come to expect from CH Products. The Flight Sim Yoke USB provides 5 axes of control including, pitch, roll, throttle lever, propeller lever, and mixture lever. It also features 20 button functions, including 2-way gear switch, 2-way flaps switch, 8-way hat switch, two 2-way rocker switches, and 4 push buttons. Pilots around the world applaud the comfortably placed prop, throttle and mixture levers. It's the closest thing you'll get to sitting in your own cockpit. Product Description: CH FlightSim Yoke USB - yoke
Device Type: Yoke
Color: Black
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Buttons Qty: 20
Pointing Device / Manipulator: 8-way hat switch, throttle
Cables Included: 1 x USB cable - integrated - 7 ft
System Requirements: Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Apple MacOS 8.6 or later, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP
Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years warranty
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Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're a (flight) simulator fan, this joystick is really worth the money.It is well built with a nice feel and feedback effects.
When I was shopping for force feedback joysticks I was torn between this and the Logitech "3D" model.I have to admit, the Logic had a nicer design.The stick itself had a slightly better feel and the throw on the throttle control was longer and more precise.However, I decided to go with the Microsoft model because of the positive experience I've had with their force feedback steering wheel.Just like the wheel, the construction on the joystick is very solid.I expect this will stand up to a lot of abuse.
This stick is not without it's drawbacks.First, the throttle control is a bit small.I would like something a bit bigger and with a bit more resitance.Second, the force feedback is only activated when you are fully grasping the stick.This is actually a neat feature, but can be annoying when you don't feel like "properly" holding the stick.

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Product Description:
In a wild, hair-raising dogfight, precision and control are critical. That's why the SideWinder has been reengineered for even more accuracy. With its comfortable handle and an improved throttle, this professional quality stick feels as great as it performs. Having the SideWinder on your side is like having an Ace for a wingman.Microsoft SideWinder is an ultimate joystick!

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Eclipse Yoke Software Bundle with Around the World in 80 Flights and Wellington Review

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(More customer reviews)All in all, a great flight yoke to use for flight simulation. Great buttons feedback, functionality of the yoke system is good.The only minor problems I have with this product is, for the right stopper, it seems that it doesnt have enough friction with the bottom of my table, causing the yoke to shift outwards towards me. Additionally, you'd have to use substantial amount of force to pull the yoke up during flight, which may directly lead to the above problem.

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Product Description:
Give the gift of Flight this holiday season, with the new Eclipse Yoke Software Bundle, by CH Products! Enhance your flight experience with the fully programmable CH Eclipse Yoke, now shipping with two FREE Microsoft Flight Sim Add-Ons - Around the World in 80 Flights and Wellington. It features a programmable trim/scroll wheel with a center push function, an 8-way POV hat and rocker switch on the left and right sides of the grip, and a three-color LED selector dial. Adding to the yoke's authenticity are two backlit push buttons, a traditional push button, two 2-way flipper switches on the base, two traditional push buttons on the back of each grip. The fully programmable fingertip paddles work with both flight and driving simulators, and the free-floating, non-binding shaft enables ultra smooth movement for added control. It offers unsurpassed accuracy and control and realism with its six analog 10-bit axes, giving you control over aileron, elevator, propeller pitch, fuel mixture, throttle, and rudder movement, and the colored handles for throttle, prop, and mixture let you fly with confidence. Discover the world around you with Around the World in 80 Flights, a stunning recreation of the 1937 Lockheed Electra 10E. Experience this 80-leg journey around the world, covering nearly 35,000 miles, over 400 hours of flying time and more than 112 countries. Each of the detailed legs of the journey can be flow as individual or consecutive missions with a flight plan, pilots notes, full briefing and a guide to many of the great wonders of the world that pass beneath your wings. The entire route has been carefully chosen to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the planet. From the first RAF bombing raid of WW2, to hunting submarines over treacherous waters, the Wellington became one of the great success stories of Anglo-Allied operations.

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Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner II Joystick (2969049) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used this product for about a year, mainly playing IL-2 Sturmovik with it.I have used microsoft joysticks before, and this is a definite step up.I love the big throttle with buttons on it, and the stick is about as comfortable as you can get.The stick has adjustments for tension, but there are no adjustments to the rudder or throttle (which would be nice).
There are 2 extra positions on the throttle, 1 just before the max, and 1 idle- before min.it would be better if these 2 places were adjustable with adjustable tension for the throttle, but it works fine.
I do think the rudder that is on the throttle is useless, or at least hard for me to use.I would like a HAT on the rudder as well, but this has served me very well.With XP, it automatically identifies it, with no setup at all.If you don't have XP, you might have a problem because it does not come with a cd full of drivers.
This is a good bargain at $40, i bought mine for 60 or more.
Don't buy a used or refurbished one. My friend did and his rudder only works 1 direction, and it has little resistance.

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Product Description:
The AfterBurner II Joystick lets you open up your throttle and hit new levels of speed and control!Also comes with custom software, Thrustmapper 3.0, for access to up to 60 different functions you can customize Color -Black

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Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro Joystick Review

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(More customer reviews)After having tested several joysticks, this is the one I kept coming back to.I've had a version of this joystick on my system for two years, and have yet to find anything better.I don't at all agree with the ......editorial review that says it's got stiff joystick movement.Quite to thecontrary, it's capable of very subtle movement.
Plus, it's got lots offeatures without being over-engineered. I especially like the fact that itcomes with both throttle and rudder control within easy reach.The buttoncluster on the stick itself is very sensibly designed, with all majorbuttons a comfortable distance apart.The hat is cleverly devised as well,being both solid and flexible.Most importantly, perhaps, the software,now at least two years old, is very stable, and allows you complete controlover each button.
Yet, there are some people who might not find thisproduct enjoyable.As others have commented, it is a veryright-hand-centric design.Since there are a host of buttons on theleft-hand side of the base, you can't hold the joystick in your left handand access those buttons without crossing your hands.Also, the cluster ofbuttons on the joystick itself are designed to fit the right hand. Ifyou're a right-handed person, this design is ergonomically perfect.Itliterally fits in the palm of your (right) hand.But a left-handed personhas no business whatever buying this product.
Neither does a Mac owner. This product's USB connectivity, though convenient to Windows users, doesnot extend to the Mac.That's an unfortunate oversight that, one suspects,wouldn't be all that difficult to correct.
Still, if you only intend touse this thing on a Windows machine, and if you're right handed, you'd behard-pressed to find a better joystick.

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Product Description:
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro is an ultimate joystick! Microsoft's patented digital-optical joystick technology gives you the absolute control to dominate. It delivers continuously-correct calibration, no drift, and the durability of non-moving optical parts, so you move through your game with laser-like precision.Program single keystrokes and multiple keystroke moves to joystick buttons for commanding gameplay and exacting speed. Take advantage of the breakthrough Shift button to double the functionality of eight programmable buttons.

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Lock on: Flaming Cliffs 2 Expansion Review

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(More customer reviews)Over the years I've played many, many PC flight simulations and this FC2 is the best I've found. It provides the best balance of realism and game play that no other similar games have matched. I love that eight different flyable aircraft are provided, smooooooooth online game play with friends, the amazing flight dynamics of the Su-25 and Su-25T, the best PC flight sim graphics available, and that I can fly online with friends flying DCS Black Shark.Not surprised it got PC Pilots "Platinum" award. This is a winner!

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Product Description:
Lockon Flaming Cliffs 2 is the compilation of the Lock On combat flight simulation series that includes eight flyable aircraft.Includes both American and Russian aircraft - these range from the top-line air superiority fighters to the ground attack aircraft. Also includes the SU-25T aircraft.

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Saitek PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a interesting little piece of plastic. And Irecommend and enjoy it with some unfortunate reservations. Be aware of a few little things that make you go, "Huh, what were they thinking?"

It ships with a hex tool to unscrew the screws on the companion pro flight throttle for mounting.Problem is, it's the wrong size....way too small...so you will need a #3 hex tool handy if you want to mount to the companion yoke. Also, the instructions suggest using the 2 inner screw mount points.I suggest you use 2 mount points wider apart, other wise the panel will sway from side to side.

The mounting bracket is quite flimsy.So much so that when you flip switches the panel console moves, front to back.Disappointingly poor engineering design especially when you see they have plans to hang more stuff off this in time to come.

The mag switch is mixed up (L/R should be R/L)

You can't assign or change functions to switches on this unit as you can with the yoke or throttle.

The Saitek website doesn't tell you what driver version is the latest much less what issues it addresses.

OK, that's the annoying stupid stuff.

The good stuff:There is a new driver available on the Saitek web site!The inoperative cowl flap switch has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4(But it's either open or closed, nothing incremental.)

The inoperative deice switch has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4(Still, if it's not implemented in FSX, why designate a switch for it?)

The incorrect landing gear light sequence has been fixed with driver rev 6.5.8.4 (Green is down, Red is in transit, Amber is gone)Everything else is really nice and I do enjoy not having to look for all these switches on keyboards or screens. Simply plug it into the back of the companion yoke and run a quick program which installs as an FSX (simconnect?) plugin and thats it.

My test flights were on a system running Vista 64 with an FSX default C172, a default Mooney Bravo and everything worked except the cowl flaps and as noted above.Also worked with an add on Eaglesoft Cirrus SR22. So, pretty successful for out of the box. And it looks cool.

But for silly oversights, Saitek could have had a brilliant unit here instead of just a good one.They need to pay attention to detail. Makes you wonder who is in charge of things there...and why?

So, it's 4 out of 5 now with the new driver.

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Product Description:
Feel like a real pilot with realistic clearly labelled controls in easy reach with the PZ55 Pro Flight Switch Panel from Saitek. Features include switches for engine on and off, landing gear, a large selection of cockpit controls, works with Flight Sim X, LED's for landing gear matching the status in the game.Works with XP, XP64, and Vista.

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USAF Review

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(More customer reviews)I spent hours playing USNF97 Viet Nam era missions, so I was eager to boot up Janes USAF.At first blush, this game looks terrific.With the appropriately sarcasticCol. "Scooter" Davis as your IP, you go through training at Nellis.In my case I flew most missions in the F-105 "Thud".Once through training, I started to fly some of the pre-set VN missions.
Here are the problems I see in this game that distract greatly from its overall rating.
1)Air launched missiles, Sparrow, Shrike and Sidewinder are 100% accurate.I had my setting at "Realistic".Reading of this era combat details how notorious the Sparrow was for just falling off the rails.If you launch, you will get a kill.
2)The worst problem, your wingman are ineffective. In flying a mission against the Paul Doumer bridge, I've taken 100% casualities most of the time, that is MigCap, Weasel and Strike aircraft all get shot down.Some of these are just crashing into the ground.I know it was rough and those men who flew the missions had a lot of guts, but in the game it is almost impossible to have a successful mission because the rest of team does not do their job.
3) The published patch is suppose to fix some of the A/I problems.However I have tried about half a dozen times and can't get it load.
4)For some reason the maps in the mission generator won't load.I have yet to figure this one out.
I really want to like this game.It is good for a couple of weeks, but does not seem to have the long term interest of EAW, Mig Alley or MSCS2-Pacific.

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Product Description:
This software is BRAND NEW. Packaging may differ slightly from the stock photo above. Please click on our logo above to see over 15,000 titles in stock.

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Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Bundle (Includes Flightstick) Review

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(More customer reviews)WOW this game is fantastic!The gameplay is wonderful and videos pull you into the storyline.It took me a bit to get use to the flight stick but OMG its a must have for this game.save your money and get this bundle, also came with a cool face for the 360.if you love to Ace Combat series i strongly recomend this one.The missions get really hard at times since there are sub missions and you will have to go back and re-fuel and ammo up.you can face up to 300 units on one mission.The online blew my mind, its so much fun.This game is the best so far for the Ace Combat series,I only hope Microsoft will release more games that i can use the stick on (Mech warrior, X Wing...)

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Product Description:
The Next Generation of Warfare Demands The Next Generation of Aces! With over 10 million copies sold worldwide, the ultimate flight action series soars onto Xbox 360! This fall, the entire Flight Action genre will be single handedly redefined as Ace Combat 6, the latest in the No.1 flight action series arrives on the next generation console system to continue its absolute domination. Players can get in the cockpits of their favorite authentically detailed combat aircrafts and command the allied assault force of aerial, naval, and ground combat units. In addition, players will engage in fierce combat at an unprecedented scale and intensity as up to six massive conflicts unfold at once at multiple locations in war zones rendered in photorealistic detail. For the first time in the Ace Combat franchise, players can prove their supremacy on a global scale in the intense multi-player online mode via Xbox Live!! Break the sound barrier and soar 360 degrees through the sky as battles and drama unfold around you on an unprecedented epic scale! Flightstick and face plate bundle are included.

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Saitek J24C X45 Flight Control System Joystick and Throttle (USB) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product is quite fully featured for its intended use.The three major axes of motion (x,y and throttle) were rather stiff, but are adjustable to the users preference!
The unit is also programmable from a "button" point of view (i.e. keyboard macros) *and* from an axis point of view.This is important because it incorporates three additional axes that can be used (two thumbwheels and mini rudder "pedals" built-in to the forward side of the throttle handle).These other axes can be mapped to various features in your game software as well.In addition to that, there is a tiny "hat" switch that can be mapped to operate the mouse cursor in game...this truly means you never have to remove your hands from the controls...
Now, for the "not-so-good" stuff.IF you are running WinXP and IF you install the drivers right out of the box, you are in for some trouble and inconvience.At the end of the install from the CD, it mentions downloading a newer version of the drivers and to be sure to "un-install" the current ones before loading the new ones.Unfortunately, complying with these instructions also unloads your regular mouse driver as well.This is where you learn how to shut down your system using strictly the keyboard.Fortunately, once you reboot, XP re-installs your mouse driver and all is well.
One last thing:If you are using a USB hub that derives its power from the computer, your new Saitek joystick WILL NOT FUNCTION when plugged into that hub.I have a good Linksys USB hub that says it derives power from the computer, but also comes with an external supply.The Saitek would NOT work unless the external power was plugged in.Just a word to the wise.
Overall, I am quite pleased with my Saitek X45.

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Product Description:
The SAITEK X45 Digital Throttle & Stick combination, combined with contemporary flight-sim or gaming software, provides the most realistic flying experience available. Combining pro-feature content with authentic aeronautical styling, both Throttle and Stick propel gameplay to another level, supplying an impressive instrument set to complete the most complicated of maneuvers. Built to a precision engineering spec, the X45's on-board features are complemented by unlimited programming power and auto-configuration for each game played.Throttle Features - 2 Fire Buttons4-Way Hat SwitchThrottle Control with DetentsRudder Control2 Rotary Analog Controls8-Way Mouse ControllerSystem Requirements - Pentium 133MHz+ class processor, USB port, Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, DirectX 8.1 compatibility

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Jane's Combat Simulations: F-15 Review

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(More customer reviews)"Jane's F-15" answers the ages-old question of "what if my new computer becomes too obsolete to fly the hot new games?"If you manage to overcome a murderous learning curve and a textbook sized manual, you'll quickly find yourself so engrossed in this game that you'll never have to worry about newer and possibly better (though not necessarily more realistic) games.
In short, "Jane's F-15" is probably one of the most complex sims ever published.Though called F-15, this sim zeros on the F-15E, the so-called "Strike Eagle" built for ground-target attack missions.Unlike air-superiority (which the F-15E is capable of in both real life and this game, but not ideally suited for it in either) ground attack missions are more complex, requiring the player-pilot to navigate at low altitude and deal with a myriad of different threats from above and below.That is, you'll not only have to deal with swarms of MiG fighters, but also with clouds of enemy missiles and hostile terrain.
If that sounds like a single-plane version of the survey sims published in the "Jane's Fighters" Franchise -i.e. ATF, IAF and USNF '97 to name a few - forget it."F-15"'s emphasis on this single airplane is comprehensive.Instead of a generic and non-functioning cockpit with common pop-up windows as in those other titles, "F-15" has a fully functioning cockpit with a mouse-click interface and an extremely complex sensor/weapons suite.Tired of radars that come in only one mode for ground or air attack?(I'm sure real pilots would appreciate the simplicity) "F-15" has numerous sub-modes for either counter-air or ground-strike sensors, including one based on the Strike Eagle's famous SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) in which a high-frequency beam almost draws a radar-photographic of ground targets.As for the flight model - forget about "Fighters Anthology". Stalls are nasty, directional coupling (in which clutzy control inputs on one directional axis destabilize your control on another) is common and the default setting is Hi-Fi.
On the minus end, the game lacks a training module - which would be okay for a sim with as undemanding as "F-22 Raptor" or "iF-22" or "F-22 Lightning 3" or some WWII sim.Instead, F-15 offers a few single "training" missions which look like watered down versions of the game's real missions.Ofcourse you can look at the single missions and instant action as training-simulation, but that only waters down the sim as a whole - it's all a simulation when you come right down to it.Instead, the game could have offered some state-side training on conspicuously mock-targets using practice weaponry and in planes with high-viz skins, something that would have made the "real missions" stand out.By limiting your options to the traditional "single missions, instant action, campaign and MP", "F-15" unnecessarily steepens the learning curve and dumbs down the game's premise of being a higher-minded sim.That is, on the one hand, it beats down on you relentlessly with its realism, and then gives you nothing better to do than blast something.
PROS - Incredibly realistic and engrossing.
CONS - a high-maintenance sim that will monopolize your computer time; lack of a training module deprives game of substance to back its complexity; Jane's manual is in depth but, on this edition, on-disc rather than paper - you can print it out, but hopefully you've got a friend at Kinko's or otherwise get your ink cartridges at cost.
System issues: F-15 ran well on my P200MMX (with 32mb RAM and a 12mb Voodoo2 card).Moving up to my newer machine, I found no compatibility issues with WinXP
IN SHORT: If you want the most complex sim of a modern jet fighter, but your system can't run "Jane's F/A-18", the this is the game for you.

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Product Description:
The next generation in jet combat from Jane's, with the most realistic graphics, physics, avionics, and gameplay in the sky. All the incredible speed and firepower of the world's deadliest strike fighter is now at your command with F-15. Produced by Andy Hollis (F15 Strike Eagle series, AH-64D Longbow) with cooperation from Jane's top military analysts, F-15 is the next-generation jet-combat sim from Jane's Combat Simulations. Presenting the most realistic graphics, physics, avionics, and gameplay ever designed for thePC, F-15 delivers the blood-pounding thrill of high-speed air combat--the way it was meant to be. Whether your mission is intercepting bandits or stamping a tank convoy, F-15 packs enough punch to handle every situation.

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Apache Havoc Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking for the best choper simulation. I found a very good one in this game. I'm really disapointed with it because in 800x600 and up, you have to disable the 3d cockpit, if you don't you'll see a small cockpitflying in the center of the screen in an awkward way. Other than that thisis a very good simulation.

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Product Description:
This software is BRAND NEW. Packaging may differ slightly from the stock photo above. Please click on our logo above to see over 15,000 titles in stock.

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Thrustmaster Top Gun Fox 2 Pro USB Joystick Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Best $26 I have ever spent on a game controller. As one who enjoys flight simulations of all kind I was looking for good solid joystick at a low price since I could not afford the HOTAS controllers that flight simulation enthusiasts prefer to use. This was a good compromise.

The construction feels solid and durable and the stick response is as firm and precise as you will likely get for under $100. The throttle, twist rudder, hat switch and 7 buttons are well placed and have a decent feel to them. All in all, a great buy.

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Product Description:
Fully-equipped with 7 action buttons and an 8-way hat switch for point-of-view functions, the Top Gun Fox 2 Pro USB joystick has all the gear you need to fly high and emerge victorious from battle. This joystick is made with a twisting handle that acts as a rudder, a sliding thumb throttle for maximum speed, and an ultra-stable weighted base with non-slip rubber pads. For: PC, Mac® and iMac.

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Logitech 963253-0403 WingMan Attack 2 Joystick Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This joystick is a great buy! The throttle helps lots during a flight game. This joystick is also good for driving too. The base is nice and big, so the joystick doesn't move around when your playing a computer game. The grip is very good and it's hard to lose it! This definatly is the best joystick in the price range.

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Product Description:
A great stick for an entry-level budget. Get a comfortable grip handle, six programmable buttons, and a no-slip, high-precision throttle.Easy set up and precise control can be yours, even on a budget. The WingMan Attack 2 joystick provides performance features such as a rapid-fire trigger, handle and base buttons, a precision throttle, and a comfortable handle-all at a bargain price.

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Star Wars: X-Wing Collector's CD-ROM Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the orginal XWing back in 1993 as one of the first games I got for my then state of the art 486. I was blown away by the game dynamics. Compared to most games of the time the 3D universe was incredible. Especially when compared to the SNES that I had just upgraded from. The developers had elected to use 3d polygons (now the standard) to build the in game graphics and this worked far better than its main rival at the time: Wing Commander and its 2D bitmap graphics. (Wing Commander was once regarded as the standard in space sims but is virtually unplayable now because of the awful graphics and boring AI/combat. I know I've tried it recently!)
Playing XWing now (the updated version included in the collectors CD) it still feels fresh which is an amazing achievment when you consider it is now 10 years old. It may not have cutting edge graphics but they work well enough and still manage to give a smooth and convincing 3D feel. The combat and power management gameplay is still engrossing even by modern standards. To be honest the gameplay stil knocks some of the more recent Lucasarts console based space combat games into touch.
The updated in game orchestral music score is lifted straight from the movies and is a vast improvement on the 1993 Xwing's midi version. This is one of the best and evocative uses of the original John Williams score in any of the Star Wars games. (Much better than in Jedi Knight 2!) You really live the Star Wars experience in this game. (Not only that but you can put the CDRom into a CD player and get the music in full on stereo Hi Fi quality.)
If there is one critisism it is the difficulty. Tie Fighter the sequel game (also on the CD) is much more fondly remembered than Xwing but that may have something to do with the fact it is a much easier game to get into (plus the fact you are the bad guy which is more fun). XWing is hard with a capital H but I think that makes it so much more satifying when you get that mission complete message.
If you like Star Wars, especially the space combat bits towards the end of Return of the Jedi and you have an older PC (even a 486!!!) this is an ideal purchase.

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Product Description:
As a member of the Rebel Alliance, climb into the cockpit of an X-wing and battle the Empire for freedom as you fly against deadly TIE fighters and menacing Star Destroyers. Fight in three combat tours of duty, including two add-on tours of duty, Imperial Pursuit, and B-Wing. You'll pilot three spacecraft with full instrumentation and 17 cockpit views per craft and dodge the weapons of the evil Empire in both deep space and on surface missions. Includes X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter: Flight School with 14 playable levels.

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