Twin Tornado - TET Commodore 64 game

Viewers of 'Micro Live' may remember an innovative flight simulator for the BBC, which linked two machines together, allowing dogfights to be fought with each person having a first-person view of the aerial battle.

That program was called Twin Tornado, and it is now available on the Commodore 64, retaining both the one and two-player options of the original.

There are three simulation modes incorporated within the program: single-player practice, single and twin-player air-to-air combat. In each case, the skill level is assigned from a choice of 1 to 3.

Whether or not this is a real 'simulator' is arguable, but as a flight and fight game, it's great. The speed of the vectors is commendably fast, and consequently, the action runs at a rapid rate. Flying around shooting down the enemy is enjoyable fun, and the extra complexity of having to keep an eye on fuel and ammunition levels (and having to land every so often to top them up) adds variety to the action. The action really comes into its own when two Commodores are connected - some brilliant and competitive dogfights can be enjoyed. If you're a flight sim fan, try this out - especially if you have a friend who owns a Commodore and can go halves on the lead.

5.3

Flight simulations are not exactly the most successful of projects on home micros, but Twin Tornado is by far the most playable air-to-air combat game I have ever encountered. Even the single-player mode offers a decent challenge - the computer-controlled plane being a worthy opponent on the higher levels. One thing that I have not seen before is the ability of the program to deal with the differences in height between combatants; you are able to attack another craft from above or below, while usually you are placed at corresponding heights by the computer (like F-15 Strike Eagle). In two-player mode, this gives a tremendous feeling of actual flight. After one rather hard-fought battle with Biggles Rignall, I left the machine feeling quite airsick. If you are expecting lots of clever vector graphics or a true flight simulation, then don't bother. But if you fancy some real exhilaration, and, more importantly, if you have access to two Commodore 64s, then Twin Tornado will provide loads of furious adrenaline-pumping action.

The ability to fly without crashing in practice mode allows familiarization with the controls of the plane. The border flashes red to signify that any similar maneuver would normally result in the destruction of your jet, but the plane keeps flying. You also have the option of starting a runway approach in this mode, allowing landing to be practiced.

The two-player option is accessed when two machines have been linked using the optional connecting lead via their serial ports. Selecting the correct mode causes a signal to be sent between them, synchronizing the machines and allowing battle to commence.

Both pilots begin at separate airstrips and must reach a height of 6,000 feet or higher before they fall within each other's detection range. An 'Enemy in Airspace' warning then appears, and the Radar/Magnetic bearing Indicator (RMI), which lies at the left of the control panel, shows the direction in which the aircraft lies, allowing you to home in for the kill.

When the enemy falls within visual range, both planes appear on opposing screens, and the outcome of the dogfight then lies entirely in the hands of the pilots!

The package includes a voucher for three pounds off the price of the connecting lead.

PRESENTATION 93% A superb array of options, including two-machine link-up and use of a second joystick.

GRAPHICS 71% Little more than ground, sky, runway, and opponent, but vectors are very fast and more than adequate for what the program attempts to achieve.

SOUND 52% Realistic engine sounds, but not much else.

HOOKABILITY 84% A long list of controls to be mastered for precision flying, but you should be airborne quickly enough.

LASTABILITY 76% Ultimately repetitive for the single player, but linked machines offer a lot of long-term blasting.

OVERALL 85% An innovative piece of software, which is the only true one-on-one combat game presently available for the Commodore 64.