Spitfire 40 is a combat flight simulation video game developed by Novotrade and published by Mirrorsoft for the Commodore 64 in 1985.
| Spitfire 40 | |
|---|---|
 Original European cover art | |
| Developer(s) | Novotrade[2] |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Platform(s) | Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, MSX |
| Release | 1985[1] |
| Genre(s) | Combat flight simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay edit
The game is set during the Battle of Britain where the player flies a Supermarine Spitfire.[4] The game features two separate screens: The view from the cockpit and the instrument panel. Both have to be used in conjunction to fly the plane. Two tutorial modes are included: flying practice and combat practice.[5]
Reception edit
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Amtix | 85% (CPC)[5] |
| Computer Gaming World | 0/5 (C64)[3] |
| Crash | 90% (ZX)[6] |
| Sinclair User | 5/5 (ZX)[4] |
| The Games Machine (UK) | 57% (ST)[7] |
| Your Sinclair | 9/10 (ZX)[8] |
| Zzap!64 | 33% (C64)[9] |
| Publication | Award |
|---|---|
| Crash | Crash Smash! |
| Your Sinclair | Megagame |
Zzap!64 summarized: "There are much better flight simulators than this – even Glider Pilot has faster graphics".[9] Commodore User compared the game to Spitfire Ace and said Spitfire 40 is the better of the two.[10] Crash called the game "An excellent simulation which should appeal to arcade players too."[6] Your Sinclair said that "Spitfire 40 is a friendly program, not nearly so difficult to get into as some earlier simulators, and it's very engaging with its role playing element."[8] Sinclair User summarized: "Not quite a Classic, then, but definitely Mirrorsoft's finest hour."[4] Amtix called the game "An excellent program, and definitely the best flight simulator on the Amstrad."[5] The Games Machine reviewed the Atari ST port: "Despite the age of Spitfire 40, the thrill of combat is present..."[7] Computer Gaming World wrote in 1991: "poor graphics and poorer execution. It flies like a bus with the maneuverability of a tractor-trailer."[3]
The game was a best seller in England.[2]
References edit
- ^ "Game cassette Side A (Commodore 64)". Spitfire 40. Mirrorsoft.
© Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd., 1985
- ^ a b MacPherson, Myra (4 November 1986). "The Hybridization of Hungary". The Washington Post. Fred Ryan. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
- ^ a b c Brooks, M. Evan (December 1991). "Computer Strategy and Wargames: The 1900 - 1950 Epoch - Spitfire '40". Computer Gaming World. No. 89. Russell Sipe. p. 130.
- ^ a b c Bourne, Chris (April 1986). "Software - Spitfire 40". Sinclair User. No. 49. EMAP. pp. 40–41.
- ^ a b c "Reviews - Spitfire 40". Amtix. No. 4. Newsfield Publications Ltd. February 1986. p. 42.
- ^ a b "Reviews - Spitfire 40". Crash. No. 26. Newsfield Publications Ltd. March 1986. pp. 34–35.
- ^ a b "Reviews - Spitfire 40". The Games Machine. No. 7. Newsfield Publications Ltd. June 1988. p. 60.
- ^ a b "Screen Shots - Spitfire 40". Your Sinclair. No. 4. Felden Productions. April 1986. pp. 68–69.
- ^ a b Wade, Bob; Penn, Gary; Rignall, Julian (July 1985). "Test - Spitfire 40". Zzap!64. No. 3. Newsfield Publications Ltd. pp. 34–35.
- ^ "Screen Scene - Spitfire 40 vs Spitfire Ace". Commodore User. No. 20. EMAP. May 1985. p. 43.
External links edit
- Spitfire 40 at MobyGames
- Spitfire 40 at Lemon64
- Spitfire 40 at Spectrum Computing
- Spitfire 40 at Generation MSX