Because you can give orders to the other helicopters and to individual groups, you can decide exactly how to approach any given mission. For example, splitting your resources and sending half your forces to deal with the secondary objective could save you valuable time, but if you run into trouble there'll be no backup. Similarly, if your group wastes ammunition and risks damage while engaging troops before the primary objective, the rest of the mission could be difficult to complete. The choices are pretty much up to you and there's a lot of freedom as to how you go about a mission, as long as you get the job done.

An updated graphics engine renders the landscape and terrain beautifully, although it requires a 3D accelerator. This terrain is perhaps the most important tactical feature of the game. Unlike high-speed jet aircraft, helicopters are more suited to low-level battles, utilising the landscape to avoid enemy fire and ambush foes. Popping up from behind a hill before letting loose a barrage of guided missiles on an unsuspecting enemy, Airwolf-style, makes all the patience spent on the training field worthwhile.

KA-52 Team Alligator is a top-notch simulator. Command and terrain features add to the tactical aspect of the game and allow it to deviate from a simple 'see target lock on kill' scenario. Customisable missions enable you to fight any type of battle you wish and provide more scope once the campaigns are complete. With first-rate graphics and realistic physics and helicopter control, this really will fulfil all your Russian attack helicopter flying dreams.