Spitfire 40

1985 video game

1985 video game
  • EU: Mirrorsoft
  • NA: Avalon Hill[3]
Platform(s)Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, MSXRelease1985[1]Genre(s)Combat flight simulationMode(s)Single-player

Spitfire 40 is a combat flight simulation video game developed by Novotrade and published by Mirrorsoft for the Commodore 64 in 1985.

Gameplay

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

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
Amtix85% (CPC)[5]
Computer Gaming World0/5 (C64)[3]
Crash90% (ZX)[6]
Sinclair User5/5 (ZX)[4]
The Games Machine (UK)57% (ST)[7]
Your Sinclair9/10 (ZX)[8]
Zzap!6433% (C64)[9]
Awards
PublicationAward
CrashCrash Smash!
Your SinclairMegagame

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

  1. ^ "Game cassette Side A (Commodore 64)". Spitfire 40. Mirrorsoft. © Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd., 1985
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ a b c Bourne, Chris (April 1986). "Software - Spitfire 40". Sinclair User. No. 49. EMAP. pp. 40–41.
  5. ^ a b c "Reviews - Spitfire 40". Amtix. No. 4. Newsfield Publications Ltd. February 1986. p. 42.
  6. ^ a b "Reviews - Spitfire 40". Crash. No. 26. Newsfield Publications Ltd. March 1986. pp. 34–35.
  7. ^ a b "Reviews - Spitfire 40". The Games Machine. No. 7. Newsfield Publications Ltd. June 1988. p. 60.
  8. ^ a b "Screen Shots - Spitfire 40". Your Sinclair. No. 4. Felden Productions. April 1986. pp. 68–69.
  9. ^ a b Wade, Bob; Penn, Gary; Rignall, Julian (July 1985). "Test - Spitfire 40". Zzap!64. No. 3. Newsfield Publications Ltd. pp. 34–35.
  10. ^ "Screen Scene - Spitfire 40 vs Spitfire Ace". Commodore User. No. 20. EMAP. May 1985. p. 43.

External links

  • Spitfire 40 at MobyGames
  • Spitfire 40 at Lemon64
  • Spitfire 40 at Spectrum Computing
  • Spitfire 40 at Generation MSX