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RED BARON 3D
Developed by: Dynamix/Sierra (1998)
Genre: World War One flight sim
System Requirements: Windows 95/98, P133 (P200 recommended), CD ROM, 140 MB HDD Space, Mouse (or other game controller), Modem for Internet play, 3D card (3Dfx recommended).

OVERVIEW: The Baron is back! This is the third installment of Dynamix/Sierra's beloved World War One flight sim. After releasing Red Baron 2 last year which was notorious for various bugs and disappointing graphics, the RB team has reworked the graphics and flight models to make Red Baron 3D the new standard in World War One flight sims. Actually RB3D is what Red Baron 2 should have been in the first place! Red Baron 2 players will notice that some of the terrain graphics have remained the same- but other flight graphics have been drastically upgraded. No longer are clouds big pixel blocks, they are now truly cloud-like (misty and threatening) and other graphic elements (like trees) have added to the experience.

The aircraft are just as well rendered. The game uses around 40 different types covering the mid to late war periods (1916 to 1918) of which over 20 are flyable by players. All I can say is WOW!! The aircraft are eye-popping in detail and texture. Even the muzzle flash looks good.

Again like it's predecessors, RB3D offers a slew of gaming options- from "Fly Now" single missions to long-term campaign gaming (where players can gain promotions and awards over time- if they survive). The game AI is great and care must be taken in approaching even the most helpless looking two-seater (like the B.E.2). Red Baron 3D is the complete package in World War One flying. My only gripe is the absence of direct modem play- LAN and Internet are the only multiplayer options.

NOTE: Owners of Red Baron 2 are eligable for a free upgrade to RB3D- via patch or rebate. Visit the dedicated RB3D site at www.redbaronplayers.com for further information.

THE SCOUTING REPORT:

THE PROS:

• Flat out the best WW 1 flight sim ever!
  Excellent graphics and combat sounds.
  Awesome selection of flyable aircraft.
  Easy to use interfaces and menus.
  Missions are easily customized, campaign game is great!

THE CONS:

• No direct modem play capability- must plug into a game server.
  

Review by Steve Ellis