AV-8B Harrier Assault
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 |
| Fate | Merged into Eidos Interactive |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | AV-8B Harrier Assault |
AV-8B Harrier Assault is a combat flight simulator combined with real-time strategy elements, developed by Simis and released by Domark in 1992. That same year saw the arrival of an enhanced SVGA graphics edition titled SVGA Harrier. A further adapted SVGA version was introduced for classic Mac OS in 1994 under the name Flying Nightmares, which was subsequently ported to the 3D0 platform.
Differing from conventional simulators, Harrier Assault merges strategic command responsibilities with flight simulation gameplay. Players oversee comprehensive battle strategies and allocate missions to both air and ground units. It is possible to alter or replace the initial preset battle plan, as well as choose between personally piloting Harrier missions or entrusting them to AI control.
Setting and gameplay
Taking place during a fictional military engagement between U.S. forces and Indonesian troops occupying East Timor, the narrative focuses on a carrier strike group led by the USS Tarawa. Redirected from training exercises, this group supports Rapid Deployment Force Marines, deploying 16 AV-8B Harrier II jets along with helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles, tanks, and various support elements.
Gameplay integrates real-time strategy mechanics with flight simulation. Players can concentrate exclusively on strategic management—commanding units as the conflict unfolds—or opt to fly individual combat sorties. Modifying the battle plan is essential since enemy reinforcements or defeats influence overall mission success. Certain key operations, such as intercepting enemy C-130 reinforcements, require direct player piloting because AI lacks proficiency in these tasks.
The experience begins in the Tarawa’s command center where users create or load the Ocean Sabre five-day campaign plan through TAWADS. This plan outlines coordinated movements of naval, army, and air forces targeting anticipated enemy positions at strategic points like urban centers and airports. As the campaign advances, new mission types emerge—including bombing raids, reconnaissance flights, air superiority engagements, interceptions, and close air support missions. Achieving victory involves eliminating all opposing forces and securing critical objectives.
Flight simulator
The flight simulation component authentically models the handling characteristics of the AV-8B Harrier II aircraft. The jet can perform horizontal or vertical takeoffs (depending on payload) from the deck of the USS Tarawa, and it lands vertically after completing sorties. The cockpit instrumentation includes a HUD and a MFD, which provide vital combat, aircraft status, and mission information. Players can adjust their viewpoint by rotating left, right, or backward; additionally, two external camera angles are available: one that trails behind the aircraft and another fixed flyby perspective showcasing the plane in motion.
PC versions
The initial PC release utilized VGA graphics at a resolution of 320x200 pixels. Later in 1992, an upgraded SVGA version featuring 640x400 resolution was introduced—this marked a milestone as the first flight simulator to incorporate SVGA graphics—and was rebranded as SVGA Harrier.
Controversy
Following objections from the Catholic Teachers Federation citing offense to East Timorese sensitivities, the game faced a ban in Australia.
Reception
In 1993, Computer Gaming World lauded the title as possibly "the first successful integration" of flight simulation with wargaming genres, praising its flight model as "one of the best available" despite encountering several bugs. The publication recommended it for its innovative approach and engaging gameplay. By 1994, reviews noted that aside from graphical improvements, SVGA Harrier preserved much of the original’s core experience, commending its "smooth" controls and immersive flying feel. Nonetheless, criticisms were directed at weak AI adversaries, an incomplete SVGA graphics update, persistent bugs, and a "simplistic user interface," warning that these factors complicated campaign play for many users. The game received favorable recommendations primarily for flight simulation enthusiasts rather than strategy gamers.
In 1997, Harrier Assault was ranked 84th among the greatest computer games ever by PC Gamer UK, with editors highlighting that its success stemmed from the depth and complexity embedded within its extensive campaign structure.