HIND: The Russian Combat Helicopter Simulation

Overview

The game is a combat flight simulator which features the Soviet military Mi-24D Hind helicopter. The original versions came with a detailed 99 page printed manual explaining the basics of helicopter flight and control, along with the specific traits of the Mi-24 helicopter and its weaponry. Game modes The game features several modes. From the main menu the player can choose single missions (playing either alone or in networked multiplayer), a campaign consisting of missions strung together or to undergo training at the Soviet airbase at Saratov. The training is very extensive and teaches the use of weapons and avionics systems, navigation, battle tactics etc. Combat can take place in three locales: Kazakhstan, Korea or Afghanistan. The Campaign mode features video clips as well as a detailed briefing before each mission, complete with a mission description, a detailed map and the ability to choose the desired ordnance. The flight itself can be in novice mode, stable mode and realistic mode. It can be linked over IPX and analog modem networks with Apache Longbow, making it one of the first multiplayer, multisimulator games[1] - something Digital Integration has trademarked as 'virtual battlefield'.[2] As with its predecessor, Apache Longbow, Hind features a rare cooperative multiplayer mode where two players can occupy the same helicopter, with one piloting the helicopter while the other manages weapons (as Weapons System Officer, or WSO).[3] Gameplay The game's graphics utilises Gouraud shading. Despite the primitive graphics, it features a very realistic flight model. Many complex physics effects are modelled, including ground effect/vortex ring and retreating blade stall which culminate in the ability of a skilled pilot to succeed at autorotation in the case of all engine failure. Options are included to simplify the flight model for beginners.[4]. The campaigns included in the game are based on real wars, but the missions involved are fictional. Ground battles between individual soldiers can be seen taking place, since AI controlled infantry have been added. Soldiers can also be carried aboard the Hind helicopter and are a vital part of some missions. If the player does nothing, an (almost) endless, semi-random war will be played out in each mission via a combination of scripted scenarios and very basic AI. The war can be passively watched using the features for zooming in on and moving between each active unit. It is possible to pass some missions this way, as the AI units on the players side are sometimes capable of achieving the objectives without help.

Alternate Names

• HIND

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