F/A-18 Hornet 3.0 is a realistic simulation of the F/A-18 Hornet fighter's capabilities: Air Superiority is demonstrated in multiple approaches of attack and terrain (Both Air and Sea). The game provides how to fly the jet in a series of training mission and flights. This game does not include a campaign mode, instead there is a carrier mode in which you fly in one of multiple "hot spots" around the world.
The physics and weapons modeling in F/A-18 Hornet 3.0 has been tweaked from previous versions of the series.
F/A-18 Hornet 3.0 is a realistic simulation of the F/A-18 Hornet fighter's capabilities: Air Superiority is demonstrated in multiple approaches of attack and terrain (Both Air and Sea). The game provides how to fly the jet in a series of training mission and flights. This game does not include a campaign mode, instead there is a carrier mode in which you fly in one of multiple "hot spots" around the world.
The physics and weapons modeling in F/A-18 Hornet 3.0 has been tweaked from previous versions of the series. Aircraft modeling and textures are less realistic then current modeling techniques but still the games does demonstrate an above average level of detail. Physics for the game realistically mimic the weapon physics of the real weapons with modest range
of error. As for weapons modeling are less realistic then current modeling techniques but still the game to demonstrates an exceptional level of detail for the techniques of the time.
While the AI and Flight system still requiring a bit of tweaking as the enemy seems to use stationary patterns in a dogfight that users can learn far to easily. This does not truthfully take away from the gameplay as it still allows the gamer and flight enthusiast an enjoyable experience. The cockpit/padlock systems have been greatly improved compared to F/A-18 Hornet 2.0. You can now padlock your virtual wingman, radar target, and the last target locked on radar (or enemy is closest to you). Though it can really become disoriented while padlocking at high angles. However, this isn't to much of an annoyance as hitting the padlock view button again snaps your view forward to front view and a third time will rotate your head semi-smoothly back to tracking the previous target. Though the lack of "incoming missile" padlock as a feature is an annoyance. In any case, Hornet 3 features an impressive virtual cockpit, and the improvements to the padlocking system or "situational awareness mode" have improved its effectiveness as a simulation for three-dimensional dogfighting.
In overall review of F/A-18 Hornet 3.0 it is an enjoyable experience for gamer and flight enthusiasts. As it provides a moderately realistic simulation of the F/A-18 Hornets appearance and a above average experience in regards to the control handling versus games of the time.
