Megafortress

Megafortress is a single-player flight simulation game. The game is based on Dale Brown's military thriller Flight of the Old Dog, which depicts a futuristic warplane designed to extend the life of the B-52 bomber. The player assumes command of the “Megafortress,” a heavily modified experimental variant equipped with stealth technology, advanced radar, electronic countermeasures, and an array of precision-guided weapons. The central objective is to lead its crew through dangerous missions in hostile territory, ranging from pre-emptive strikes to high-risk reconnaissance and long-range bombing.

Missions are presented as part of a campaign with most operations set in the Middle East, reflecting tensions in Iraq during the early 1990s, though at least one assignment recalls the novel by taking the bomber into Soviet airspace. Each mission includes briefings that outline targets, threats, and strategic considerations. Players must interpret this information and make decisions on loadouts, approach routes, and tactics before engaging in real-time operations.

Gameplay divides responsibilities across different stations that the player can switch between during flight. These include the pilot’s seat for basic control of altitude, speed, and heading, a bombardier view for targeting precision strikes, and an electronic warfare officer’s station to manage countermeasures against radar and missiles. Efficient coordination between these roles is essential, as success depends on managing both the aircraft’s systems and the timing of its strikes. A degree of realism entails detailed fuel management, damage modeling, and mission failure conditions if objectives are not met.

Combat involves both evasion and offense. Enemy defenses range from intercepting fighters to surface-to-air missiles, requiring players to balance stealth with aggressive action. The Megafortress is armed with cruise missiles, bombs, and defensive guns, but its survival often hinges on electronic warfare, radar suppression, and flying carefully planned routes.

In addition to the main campaign, the game offers stand-alone single missions and training exercises. Difficulty varies, with later missions presenting simultaneous threats from multiple radar networks and advanced aircraft.