JetFighter, by Global
Star Software (also available at many Computer/Consumer
Electronics Stores), $19.99
Reviewed July 2002
From the pictures on the box packaging
and the description on the website, you'll get the impression
that JetFighter is a dogfight type of flight simulator. But
don't write "Maverick" on your helmet just yet,
because this game plays a lot more like Beachhead than a
flight shooter. Developed by InterActive Vision and published
by Global Star Software, JetFighter for Palm intends to be
a port of those popular PC flight shooters where you chase
enemy fighters in your F-15 and do your Top Gun like in-air
tricks to shoot down the enemy. But I didn't get the sense
of flying or maneuvering the jet, what I did get is a lot
of shooting.
In JetFighter, you are "stationed" somewhere
and your job is to shoot down enemy fighters, helicopters
and bombers before they collide with you. There is a radar
sensor in the middle of your cockpit display that shows where
the enemies come from. And just like in Beachhead, all enemy
forces are on a collision course with you, and they are coming
fast. There are 4 directional buttons (left, right, up and
down) you can use to turn in 360 degrees to aim your guns
at your targets, and 2 gun buttons to fire. Other than enemy
forces, you will need to shoot almost every ammo box, rocket,
health and repair power-ups. You will likely run out of ammo
before the enemies are killed.
JetFighter has a couple of unique looking
terrains and 3D graphics. At high frame rates, the planes
and power-ups look decent in 3D. The incoming planes and
items are moving at pretty much the same fast speed. Shooting
action is nice and easy. The only problem I had with the
shooting is that the amount of the ammo is too low. You need
not only to hit target at very accurate percentage, but also
shoot down every ammo box or rocket that you see. I wouldn't
mind having limited rockets or more powerful weapons, but
I shouldn't have to scramble for basic machine gun ammo.
The game is very fast paced. If you're
looking for some thumb-numbing shooting action, this game
promises plenty. But if you're looking to fly like Tom
Cruise in Top Gun, you will be disappointed. The game supports
both color and grayscale Palm devices.
Playing Hints and Tips
Don't waste your ammo, aim well
before shooting. Get as many power-ups as you can; in this
game, power-ups are not luxury but necessity.
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