'Roto-Heads:' Fly Russia's Best Helicopter.

• Author: Silbergeld, David LL.
• Position: Ka-52 Team Alligator, computer simulation game - Evaluation

This sequel to Team Apache--a 1999 chopper simulation-gives you a chance to fly Russia's most advanced, all-weather, combat helicopter. It is touted, by its developers, as a "squad-based, assault helicopter" simulation built around the Kamov KA-52 Alligator Attack Helicopter.

It is aimed at hardcore "roto-heads." That's a "techno-term" for simulation players who prefer choppers to fixed-wing flight profiles.

The catch, in this sim, is that it tests your motivational skills. You're stuck with a group of surly Russian pilots. Read that as rugged individualists--or "Tufski Russki"--who need your leadership to mold them into a mean, tough machine.

Add to this the fact that their speech is packed with heavily accented Russian! Some familiarization with Russian commands would be really helpful. But what's a sim without some challenges?

You will learn to live with the heavy accent and attitude of Capt. Sugyagin--one of the pilots leading your training missions--while undergoing training on the KA-52's weapons package, multi-functional displays, and video sighting system.

Watch out for your weapons officer. He has a definite attitude problem.

You're even required to manage your maintenance crew chiefs to ensure a maximum effort for missions. Discipline is a problem in this squadron.

Campaign missions require leadership and planning, more than merely flying preplanned missions, which is a change from most sims. Two built-in campaigns are central to this sim. One takes place in Tajikistan, where Russian forces are pitted against a Taliban invasion from Afghanistan. Another unfolds in Belarus, against partisans of the Belarusian separatist forces.

Some of your squadron missions will require you to plan and execute search and rescue missions. With up to 16 individual choppers in your command, you will have some casualties.

Unlike other sims, KA-52 omits a...