iF-22
iF-22 Raptor PC CD dogfight combat Bosnia Ukraine war flight military sim game!
Game
Windows 95
Interactive Magic
1997
CD
$3.48
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iF-22
For a freshman sim effort, iF-22 is impressive. It is the latest in an endless stream of F-22 sims, following and , and preceding DID's F-22 sim. It features the best flight model and cockpit of any F-22 sim to date, as well as a great campaign and solid mission structure. Let's start with the graphics engine. iF-22 uses Interactive Magic's new DEMON-1 terrain engine, which draws on satellite data and imaging to accurately map a large chunk of Bosnia and the Ukraine. From high altitudes, where the F-22 will be performing its missions, it looks good.
Inside the cockpit, things look quite good. The instrument display is superb, with full push-button functionality using the mouse. The F-22 is the most intuitive and easy-to-use cockpit out there, and anyone who can't pick it up quickly should go back to biplanes. Several MFD modes instantly set the four display screens for the optimal configuration, such as navigation, attack, or dogfighting. (If the configuration also changed HUD modes, it would be even better.) The veracity of the sensor suite remains to be seen. The radar sub modes and precise controls (scan azimuth, antenna elevation, etc.) expected in a hard core sim are absent. It is hard to believe that the F-22 cockpit does not have these controls.
These MFD modes can even be custom configured from the main screen, which is a wonderful feature. Cockpit views are incremental, without the smooth-scrolling virtual cockpits that have become standard. You can spin your head, Exorcist-like, 360 degrees around the cockpit, with no real blind spots. If this is the way the F-22 really works, then god bless Lockheed Martin, but it seems rather idealized. Padlock mode is also non-scrolling, so that your head snaps to the enemy in a rather disorienting fashion. A blip on the HUD shows which way your head is turned at all times, which does help a bit with orientation.
Sound effects are good, with static-laced, crackling voice effects on radio calls, though wingmen tend to all talk at the same time. Gun effects sound pretty tiny. This may well be how they sound from inside the cockpit of the real thing, but one does expect a good, meaty gun sound in a computer game.
As a simulation, iF-22 is quite excellent. Control and response feels real (then again, we have no idea how an F-22 really flies), with varying rates of turn relative to speed, and decent rudder control. (What IS the deal with the F-22 rudders? Does anyone know?) Radar cross section is handled well, with a radar profile display showing your current level of stealth. This increases with such factors as external stores and open bay doors. Since stealth is the key to the F-22, this is an important factor in gameplay. The sensor suite is terrific, with a good approximation of passive and active detection. There's even a radio call to activate an in-flight data link with your wingmen, AWACS, and FACs for a more accurate picture of the battlefield. Shoot lists make target tasking a snap, but having a hot key for each weapon would be preferable to scrolling through all of them each time you want to change active ordnance.
Mission structure is diverse and intriguing, with SEAD, air superiority, close support, escort, and just about everything else you could want. The campaign mode has an excellent semi-dynamic structure. When you start either campaign (Bosnia or Ukraine), the engine rolls up about a half-dozen various missions. You fly the one you want, come back, and then the campaign updates the battlefield data and rolls a new set of missions. I've found destroyed structures rebuilt again by the next mission, but I've also noticed instances where the enemy's air defense, for example, is degraded by my previous mission. The battlefield always seems hot, with friendly and enemy craft in the air all the time.
The mission editor has a high degree of flexibility. There are settings for altitude and formation at each waypoint, and waypoints are drag and drop. There are only two zoom levels, however, and you can't get in close enough for detailed planning. A set of filters allows you to call up all threats and structures. In theory, you can actually set the altitude at which a threat would be relevant to each plane. For example, you can set the filter not to show AA threats that can't reach an F-15 above 15,000 feet.
For Windows 95/98 [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
For a freshman sim effort, iF-22 is impressive. It is the latest in an endless stream of F-22 sims, following and , and preceding DID's F-22 sim. It features the best flight model and cockpit of any F-22 sim to date, as well as a great campaign and solid mission structure. Let's start with the graphics engine. iF-22 uses Interactive Magic's new DEMON-1 terrain engine, which draws on satellite data and imaging to accurately map a large chunk of Bosnia and the Ukraine. From high altitudes, where the F-22 will be performing its missions, it looks good.
Inside the cockpit, things look quite good. The instrument display is superb, with full push-button functionality using the mouse. The F-22 is the most intuitive and easy-to-use cockpit out there, and anyone who can't pick it up quickly should go back to biplanes. Several MFD modes instantly set the four display screens for the optimal configuration, such as navigation, attack, or dogfighting. (If the configuration also changed HUD modes, it would be even better.) The veracity of the sensor suite remains to be seen. The radar sub modes and precise controls (scan azimuth, antenna elevation, etc.) expected in a hard core sim are absent. It is hard to believe that the F-22 cockpit does not have these controls.
These MFD modes can even be custom configured from the main screen, which is a wonderful feature. Cockpit views are incremental, without the smooth-scrolling virtual cockpits that have become standard. You can spin your head, Exorcist-like, 360 degrees around the cockpit, with no real blind spots. If this is the way the F-22 really works, then god bless Lockheed Martin, but it seems rather idealized. Padlock mode is also non-scrolling, so that your head snaps to the enemy in a rather disorienting fashion. A blip on the HUD shows which way your head is turned at all times, which does help a bit with orientation.
Sound effects are good, with static-laced, crackling voice effects on radio calls, though wingmen tend to all talk at the same time. Gun effects sound pretty tiny. This may well be how they sound from inside the cockpit of the real thing, but one does expect a good, meaty gun sound in a computer game.
As a simulation, iF-22 is quite excellent. Control and response feels real (then again, we have no idea how an F-22 really flies), with varying rates of turn relative to speed, and decent rudder control. (What IS the deal with the F-22 rudders? Does anyone know?) Radar cross section is handled well, with a radar profile display showing your current level of stealth. This increases with such factors as external stores and open bay doors. Since stealth is the key to the F-22, this is an important factor in gameplay. The sensor suite is terrific, with a good approximation of passive and active detection. There's even a radio call to activate an in-flight data link with your wingmen, AWACS, and FACs for a more accurate picture of the battlefield. Shoot lists make target tasking a snap, but having a hot key for each weapon would be preferable to scrolling through all of them each time you want to change active ordnance.
Mission structure is diverse and intriguing, with SEAD, air superiority, close support, escort, and just about everything else you could want. The campaign mode has an excellent semi-dynamic structure. When you start either campaign (Bosnia or Ukraine), the engine rolls up about a half-dozen various missions. You fly the one you want, come back, and then the campaign updates the battlefield data and rolls a new set of missions. I've found destroyed structures rebuilt again by the next mission, but I've also noticed instances where the enemy's air defense, for example, is degraded by my previous mission. The battlefield always seems hot, with friendly and enemy craft in the air all the time.
The mission editor has a high degree of flexibility. There are settings for altitude and formation at each waypoint, and waypoints are drag and drop. There are only two zoom levels, however, and you can't get in close enough for detailed planning. A set of filters allows you to call up all threats and structures. In theory, you can actually set the altitude at which a threat would be relevant to each plane. For example, you can set the filter not to show AA threats that can't reach an F-15 above 15,000 feet.
For Windows 95/98 [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
