Nuclear Option

Nuclear Option is an open-world plane shooter with simulation elements. It was developed by an indie Australian team Shockfront Studios.

Plot

Nuclear Option is set in the near future. We play as a pilot, controlling futuristic fighter jets and helicopters, engaging enemy forces in battle.

Mechanics

Nuclear Option lets us control various machines, mostly fighterjets. The CI-22 Cricket and T/A-30 Compass are light and agile, while the FS-12 Revoker is heavier and more durable. There's also the SFB-81 Darkreach strike bomber and the SAH-46 Chicane assault helicopter.

Each of these machines features a functional cockpit and a unique HUD. The latter provides information about the battlefield and our aircraft's parameters. These include nearby targets, the angle of attack, velocity vector, climb rate, overload force and the height of radar scans. At night we can also activate night vision.

Although the game isn't purely a simulator, it does feature a number of simulation elements. The flight system is realistic, featuring stalling and overload during certain maneuvers. Machines also consist of numerous individually simulated elements, damaging which affects its behavior in the air. Aircraft can be controlled with special controllers or a mouse, used to operate a virtual joystick.

Most of the game focuses on completing missions all around the world. We'll destroy ground targets, intercept enemy aircraft and engage in dogfights against other pilots. There are also stealth missions we must complete while out of reach of enemy radars. This means choosing the right machine for the job is very important.

We can make use of various weapons on the battlefield, including machine guns, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, as well as maneuvering and ballistic missiles. Moreover, as the title suggests, we can also deploy tactical nukes. If the situation allows, we've also got radar jammers and infrared flares.

Game modes

Nuclear Option supports singleplayer and online multiplayer, both competitive and cooperative. The game features an extensive mission editor, letting players create their own scenarios to share with the community.

Technical aspects

Nuclear Option features high-quality graphics. The detailed planes, helicopters and their interiors are especially appealing.

The game's advanced physics engine ensures realistic explosions; for example, after deploying a nuke, we'll get to witness the shock wave spreading from the nuclear cloud.