Flying Corps Gold Download (1997 Simulation Game)

Flying Corps Gold (FCG) is the sequel of sorts to Rowan's original Flying Corps. The game is an air combat simulation taking place during World War I. When it came out, FCG's only main competition was Red Baron II. While RBII offered more planes to fly and a more grandiose campaign, FCG offered more features and better stability, as well as more playability.

FCG offers everything the budding WWI pilot could ask for. Large campaigns, multiple planes to fly, lots of atmosphere, and the chance to fly on all four sides of the war. Upon installation of the game, the player is presented with many choices, including campaigns, single missions and preferences. The preferences deserve special mention here. They are, by far, one of the most complete and detailed selection of opions I've ever seen for a flight sim. EVERYTHING, from flight models to damage bubbles is completely tweakable, making for a game that can easily match your style of play or your skill level.

Once you've set your preferences, it's off to training. The game includes a section called "Scramble" which is basically the game's single missions and training missions. These missions cover take offs and landings, aireal combat, and mud moving, so even a novice can get some confidence. Once you're done with training, it's time to move onto bigger and better things...namely, the campaigns.

The game includes four campaigns, all showing different times and sides of the war. The first campaign actually revolves around a small story in which you (of course) are the main character. The next two campaigns are more traditional and scripted, while the final campaign is dynamic. These campaigns, even the scripted ones, have quite a lot of replayability, since missions can branch into different directions based upon success or failure.

There are six flyable planes in the game, and while that might not seem like much variety, there are enough differences between each plane and its flight model to make up for it. Once in flight, you'll notice that these planes are rather nimble and prone to spinning and stalling. Rowan wasted no time getting a top-notch flight model out, and you can actually hear your wooden plane creak under the stresses that you put upon it.

The presentation of this game is also up to par with the rest of this stellar game. When using a Direct3D accelerator, you'll be treated to lush terrains and beautiful planes. The only problem I saw was the horizon, which is a bit close and rather bluish, so one gets the feeling that one is flying toward the ocean. The sound effects of this title are top notch.

The game has multiplayer options, though I've never really used them. The best feature of this game, however, has to be its mission/campaign editor. This editor allows you to do just about anything. Want a tank column to move forward and attack your line, while you create some flights to cover your own troops? You can do that, and much more. The editor allows you to create ground battles as well as arial confrontations that can really add up to some spicy missions.

Overall, this is probably the best World War I air combat simulation you'll ever find. It's got the looks, the gameplay, and the legs to keep it on many hard drives for a VERY long time.

Graphics: Lovely, but the horizon is kinda funny.

Sound: Great music and sound effects.

Enjoyment: WWI Dogfighting at its best, with nice ground missions too. This is one fun game.

Replay Value: With an amazing mission/campaign builder and a dynamic campaign, this one will last a while.

Flying Corps Gold is a re-release of the 1996 WWI air combat simulator Flying Corps. Adding to the realism and six airplanes of the first, the roster now also includes the Fokker D-VII, as well as a new campaign, a mission editor, Direct3D and 3DFX support, a multiplayer mode and support for the CH Force FX joysticks.

Fly four different campaigns of the World War I. The missions are very different and reach from patrol flights to fast attacks. You'll meet planes like Sopwith Camel, Nieuport Scout, SPAD S.XIII, Albatros D.III or Fokker Dr.I Triplane, to mention a few. The game is for both, beginners and experts as you can individually change the realism model.

How to run this game on modern Windows PC?

People who downloaded Flying Corps Gold have also downloaded:
Red Baron 3D, Dawn Patrol, Dawn Patrol: Head to Head, Mig Alley, Aces over Europe, Aces of The Pacific, F-16 Fighting Falcon (a.k.a. iF-16 Fighting Falcon), Jane's AH-64D Longbow Gold