Heroes of the 357th PC

Heroes of the 357th is a flight simulator developed by Midnight Software for Electronic Arts. This time we will play the role of a member of the elite unit of pilots of the 357 squadron (the so-called Yoxford Boys), who during the Second World War carried out several spectacular actions against the German Luftwaffe.

The program offers both a training mode and a full career in the ranks of the above mentioned squadron. In the first case, we will perform six training missions, in which we will acquire basic knowledge about piloting a P-51 Mustang fighter, and familiarize ourselves with the different types of tasks encountered in the game. The second variant throws us immediately into the deep water, allowing us to play the scenarios envisaged by the authors. There are thirty-four of them in total. Before each mission we can equip the aircraft ourselves, deciding on the choice of an arsenal of means of extermination and the number of fuel tanks. In Career mode, there are also statistics that determine the number of fighters you have shot down and the number of ground targets destroyed. Each successful action, of course, increases the overall score.

Midnight Software programmers have made every Mustang manoeuvre we perform a challenge in itself. The flight model - supposedly extremely realistic - leaves a lot to be desired, especially when it comes to the machine's response to pressed keys. In Heroes of the 357th control is very cumbersome and you have to train a lot not to kill yourself at the first, better opportunity. As if that wasn't enough, the authors have implemented other attractions, e.g. during overloads caused by evolution, our pilot may lose consciousness, which is symbolized by darkening the screen.

The Heroes of the 357th visual setting is made with great care. The clear cockpit harmonizes well with the three-dimensional terrain. The poverty of the facilities after descending to a low altitude may be problematic, but after the 1992 programme it is difficult to expect miracles in this respect.

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Last updated on 10 December 2007