Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

MiG-29M Super Fulcrum builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor by offering a dynamic, open-ended campaign rather than isolated sorties. From your very first taxi to your final touchdown, you’ll notice the difference in how the simulator integrates mission planning, execution, and debrief into one cohesive flow. Instead of launching missions one by one, you receive objectives through your pilot’s log and then decide how best to achieve them—whether that means coordinating with wingmen, striking targets at night, or leveraging the MiG-29M’s upgraded avionics to outmaneuver foes.

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The complexity of the MiG-29M’s fly-by-wire controls, combined with the modernized radar and weapons systems, creates a steep but rewarding learning curve. Newcomers may need time to master the updated HUD symbology and manage the advanced R-77 air-to-air missiles, but veterans will appreciate the nuanced flight model that simulates the fulcrum’s high angle-of-attack performance. Mission planning tools let you assign waypoints, configure weapon loadouts, and even request mid-mission tanker refuels, giving you full control over your approach.

Combat is intense and unpredictable. Enemy fighters and surface-to-air defenses will adapt to your tactics, forcing you to think on your feet. The game’s open-ended design rewards creativity: you might choose a high-altitude BVR engagement using the MiG’s powerful radar, or sneak in low for a surgical strike on an enemy airbase. Each decision influences the overall campaign, and every sortie logged in your pilot’s journal carries real consequences for future engagements.

Graphics

Visually, Super Fulcrum stands out among flight simulators of its era with well-detailed 3D cockpits, accurate instrument panels, and realistic terrain textures. The MiG-29M’s cockpit is modeled down to the bezel screws and glare patterns on the canopy, immersing you in every dial, switch, and warning light. External models of enemy and friendly aircraft are equally polished, with authentic liveries and accurate aerodynamic shapes.

The game’s lighting engine beautifully captures sun glint on the wings and runway, as well as atmospheric effects during dawn or dusk operations. Volumetric clouds are more than just eye candy—they can impact your radar returns and visual detection ranges, adding an extra layer of tactical consideration. Weather transitions feel natural, and rain streaks on your canopy can force you to rely more on instruments than on visual cues.

Ground detail in the South American theater is impressive, with rolling hills, river valleys, and urban areas that provide cover and vantage points for both sides. Smoke plumes, tracer fire, and missile contrails all render smoothly, even when multiple aircraft are engaged in a dogfight. While the graphics settings can strain older hardware, modern rigs will easily deliver high frame rates for a silky-smooth experience.

Story

Super Fulcrum’s narrative is delivered through an overarching Cold War–style scenario: a UN peacekeeping force, dominated by Soviet air power, is deployed to a small South American republic under threat from a larger, better-equipped neighbor. This setup gives context to your missions, framing each sortie as critical to defending an ally against aggression. Briefings are concise but immersive, with radio chatter and intelligence reports that set the stage for every engagement.

Rather than linear mission paths, the game tracks the political and military situation as it evolves. Successes or failures in key battles affect enemy deployments and diplomatic relations, making the campaign feel alive. A failed intercept might embolden the adversary, leading to larger incursions, while decisive victories can open new airfields for your force to operate from. All of this is chronicled in the pilot’s log, which becomes your personal record of the conflict.

The story may not rival a cinematic single-player game in emotional depth, but it excels in letting you write your own narrative through dynamic events. Friendly units will occasionally request cover, ground forces may report sightings of hostile armor columns, and your superiors will adjust objectives based on the front line. This living storyline encourages strategic thinking and keeps you engaged throughout dozens of sorties.

Overall Experience

MiG-29M Super Fulcrum is a must-have for enthusiasts of hardcore flight simulation. Its blend of realistic flight dynamics, advanced avionics, and an open-ended campaign delivers a deep, rewarding experience that few other jetsim titles can match. Casual players may find the initial systems management daunting, but those willing to invest the time will discover a richly detailed world where every decision matters.

The combination of modernized graphics, comprehensive mission planning, and dynamic storytelling makes Super Fulcrum more than just another military sim—it’s a living, breathing conflict that you shape through skill and tactics. The upgraded fly-by-wire controls lend the MiG-29M an authentic edge in maneuverability, while its radar and weapons suite feel powerful and true to life.

While a powerful PC is recommended to enjoy the game at its highest settings, the performance scales well for mid-range machines, ensuring that a broad audience can experience its thrills. Overall, Super Fulcrum stands out as a top-tier jet fighter simulator and a worthy successor to the original MiG-29 Fulcrum, delivering intense air combat and strategic depth in an immersive package. Potential buyers looking for a challenging and dynamic flight sim will find plenty to love here.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10