JetFighter II: Advanced Tactical Fighter

JetFighter II: Advanced Tactical Fighter is an aerial combat simulation from Velocity Development studio that aims for a more accessible, arcade-style take on modern air combat than competing titles of the same era. The player flies powerful fighter jets and carries out missions involving both aerial dogfights and attacks on ground targets, with the game trying to offer fun even to players who don't want to work through the complicated simulation systems typical of titles from MicroProse or Dynamix, focusing mainly on smooth, quickly accessible action.

The game focused on a smooth feel of flying and clear controls, complemented by colorful graphics and simpler but functional models of aircraft and terrain that did not place heavy demands on the performance of the home computers of the time with their limited memory. The emphasis on fast pace, easy entry into combat without lengthy planning, and straightforward mission objectives made it a popular choice for players looking for fun action rather than a detailed simulation requiring the study of an extensive manual and cockpit instrument layout before every flight. Through this approach, the JetFighter series built its own audience distinct from fans of more demanding competing titles.

JetFighter II: Advanced Tactical Fighter is remembered today as one of the more accessible representatives of the flight genre on DOS from the early nineties, standing in contrast to the more demanding simulators from MicroProse or Dynamix mentioned above. Its value lies precisely in the fact that it opened the genre to a wider audience without requiring deep knowledge of aviation systems and lengthy training before the first mission flown in the virtual cockpit, and even after all these years it remains a pleasant example of a lighter take on flight simulation that still finds an audience among players who prefer quick fun over long study of a manual.

Why play it: If you want a flight simulator without the need for lengthy training and manual study, this is a pleasantly lighter and more accessible alternative to the more demanding competitors from MicroProse or Dynamix.