F29 Retaliator

F29 Retaliator is a combat flight simulator that puts players in the cockpit of two advanced aircraft: the experimental F-29 fighter and the then-cutting-edge F-22. The game emphasizes a balance between accessibility and realism (for its time), offering an experience that mixes authentic flight dynamics with streamlined controls suited to a wide audience. The setting covers a series of fictional conflicts across different regions, and players take on the role of a fighter pilot tasked with completing a wide range of combat missions.

There are four campaigns of escalating difficulty: a training series set in Arizona and three war campaigns that take place across the Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Each campaign offers a variety of mission types, including traditional dogfights against enemy aircraft, precision air-to-ground strikes on strategic targets, and escort or defense assignments. Mission objectives range from straightforward engagements to more complex operations requiring careful navigation and tactical decision-making. Success relies on managing fuel and weapons loadouts, as well as mastering the unique capabilities of each aircraft.

Distinctive features include fully polygonal 3D graphics, a dynamic cockpit interface with working instrumentation, and support for a wide arsenal of modern weaponry such as heat-seeking missiles, cluster bombs, and guided munitions. Players can choose between Arcade and Simulation styles of play, making the experience approachable for newcomers while still offering depth for veterans. In addition, missions can be flown individually for practice or as part of the larger structured campaigns.