Dogfight: 80 Years of Aerial Warfare

Game review

Dogfight: 80 Years of Aerial Warfare, released in 1993 for DOS, is a comprehensive flight simulation game that spans the evolution of air combat from the First World War to the early 1990s. This game allows aviation enthusiasts to take to the skies in some of history's most iconic aircraft, offering a range of experiences from piloting a Sopwith Camel or Fokker DR1 of World War I, to engaging in modern dogfights in a Harrier Jump Jet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, or the MiG-23. Each aircraft is meticulously recreated, featuring realistic and functional cockpits that provide players with an immersive flying experience. There is also a tactical view and various camera shots both from the cockpit and on the planes.

First you can choose the Duel mode, in which you will fight against one enemy and you can choose whether to start in front of him, behind him or randomly. The second option is the Missions mode, in which you either start straight in the air or you have to start from the airport. There are twelve missions in total, and you will receive an award for completing them successfully. However, if you fail, you will only get an entry in the chronicle as a war hero. The third and final mode is What if?, in which you will fight with an older machine against newer ones. So you can, for example, pilot an airplane from the First World War and compete in it with five modern fighters. In this mode, you can also play a free game in which you just fly around, or you can choose to fight two players over the LAN network.

The game distinguishes itself with its attention to detail, not only in the accurate representation of the aircraft but also in the dynamic flight physics and combat mechanics that reflect the capabilities and limitations of each plane. Players can engage in six historical missions that are carefully designed to reflect actual aerial combat scenarios and challenges faced by pilots throughout the decades.

The "what if?" duel mode adds an intriguing twist to the game, allowing players to mix and match aircraft and weaponry from different eras. This speculative scenario lets players explore hypothetical matchups, such as a World War I fighter attempting to take down a jet from the Cold War era, challenging players to compensate for technological disparities with flying skill and tactical ingenuity.