Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jane’s Combat Simulations: Air Superiority Collection delivers a deep, simulation-focused flight experience that challenges both newcomers and veterans. Each of the three titles—IAF: Israeli Air Force, F-15, and USAF—boasts its own flight model, with realistic aerodynamics, avionics, and weapon systems. Players will appreciate the attention to detail in engine behavior, fuel management, and the tactile feel of switching between HUD, radar, and instrument panels.

The campaign structures are equally varied. In IAF, you’ll fly historical Middle East engagements, intercepting enemy aircraft over desert terrain. F-15 offers hypothetical Cold War scenarios that span Europe and the Pacific, while USAF places you in high-stakes missions from Vietnam-era dogfights to modern air superiority sorties. Each campaign presents a mix of escort, strike, reconnaissance, and interception tasks, giving you dozens of hours of diverse combat situations.

For those pressed on time or just learning the ropes, the built-in tutorial missions and flight school modules provide step-by-step guidance. You’ll master basic takeoffs and landings before moving on to radar locks, beyond-visual-range engagements, and close-in dogfights. The steep learning curve is part of the appeal—once you get past the initial grind, the sense of accomplishment when you pull off a perfect intercept or nail a challenging mission is immensely satisfying.

Graphics

Visually, the Air Superiority Collection reflects its late-1990s heritage. Terrain textures may feel blocky by today’s standards, and some object models appear low-poly. However, the cockpit interiors are rich with detail: switches, gauges, and warning lights are all faithfully recreated, making you feel like you’re really sitting in the ejection seat of an F-15 or Mirage.

External views offer a satisfying sweep of your aircraft as you bank, pitch, or roll. Weather effects like clouds, haze, and distant contrails add immersion, and the day/night cycle influences visibility and TFR (Terrain-Following Radar) missions, especially in USAF. While there’s no dynamic shadows or advanced shaders, the overall presentation remains functional and evocative of classic flight sims.

Between the three titles, you’ll notice incremental improvements. IAF’s desert landscapes are sharper and more colorful, whereas F-15 and USAF introduced better lighting transitions and more varied runway environments. Fans have also created unofficial patches that unlock higher resolutions and improve texture filtering, breathing new life into the visuals on modern hardware.

Story

As a military flight sim collection, the Air Superiority package doesn’t offer a traditional linear narrative but instead weaves together a series of briefing-driven campaigns. Each title places you in the cockpit of a nation’s elite pilots, tasked with protecting airspace or striking strategic targets. Briefings, mission maps, and radio chatter set the stage for each sortie, giving you a sense of purpose beyond simple “shoot ’em up” dogfights.

IAF immerses you in real-world conflicts that have shaped the Middle East, from defensive interceptions to preemptive strikes. F-15 speculates on Cold War flare-ups, allowing you to envision what might have happened had tensions escalated in Europe or East Asia. USAF blends historical contexts—Vietnam-era engagements, hypothetical NATO clashes, and peacekeeping patrols—to offer a broad perspective on air power throughout the late 20th century.

Campaigns in all three games respect the traditions of Jane’s data-driven approach, featuring authentic aircraft specs, ordnance loadouts, and mission objectives. While you won’t find character arcs or cut-scene cinematics, the reliance on realistic military doctrine and mission planning fosters a different kind of storytelling—one rooted in strategy, precision, and the high stakes of aerial warfare.

Overall Experience

Jane’s Combat Simulations: Air Superiority Collection remains a compelling package for fans of hardcore flight sims. Three full-length titles in one box mean dozens of campaigns, hundreds of missions, and an immense amount of replayability. Whether you’re defending Tel Aviv in an F-16, patrolling the skies in an F-15, or strafing enemy convoys in an F-4 Phantom, there’s always another challenge around the corner.

The learning curve is undeniably steep, and modern players might balk at dated interfaces or the occasional technical quirk on Windows 10/11. However, community patches and compatibility fixes have kept these sims running smoothly, and the satisfaction of mastering analog radar screens and manual throttle controls is unmatched in many contemporary arcade-style shooters.

In terms of value, the Air Superiority Collection stands the test of time as a definitive representation of late-90s military flight simulation. For enthusiasts seeking depth, historical authenticity, and a true cockpit-level challenge, this trilogy offers an engaging and educational ride through some of the most iconic aircraft and conflicts of the era. It’s a nostalgic journey that remains relevant for anyone serious about aerial combat simulation.