Independence Day (video game)

Independence Day

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1997 (1997)
Founder	Radical Entertainment
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Combat flight simulator video game
Owner	Fox Interactive (North America), Electronic Arts (international)
Parent	Radical Entertainment

Independence Day is a combat flight simulator video game inspired by the 1996 movie. Created by Radical Entertainment, it was released by Fox Interactive in North America and by Electronic Arts internationally for the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn platforms.

Gameplay

The game offers 13 timed 3D aerial combat missions, where failing to accomplish objectives before the countdown ends results in mission failure. Upon completing the primary task, a 45-second timer initiates, during which players must destroy the main weapon; failure to do so causes the weapon to obliterate the level. The gameplay also includes portals that transport players to sub-levels with distinct goals before returning them to the main mission.

At the beginning of each mission, players select from multiple aircraft options, with Steve Hiller acting as a wingman flying an identical plane type. Starting with the F/A-18 Hornet, additional aircraft become accessible mid-mission by flying through specific icons and then remain available for later stages.

During the first ten missions, at least one aircraft can be unlocked per level or sublevel. Unlockable jets include the A-10 Warthog, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor, YF-22, Northrop YF-23, F-117 Nighthawk, Grumman X-29, and Sukhoi Su-27. Each aircraft differs in speed, maneuverability, durability, and stealth capabilities—the latter influencing enemy targeting accuracy. If a player’s plane is shot down, that aircraft is permanently lost; losing all available planes results in game over.

Multiplayer modes offer split-screen competitive play on a single console or linked play via the PlayStation Link Cable or Saturn Link Cable connecting two consoles and televisions. The Windows edition supports online multiplayer functionality.

Development

Development of the PlayStation and Saturn versions occurred concurrently. Fox Interactive initially planned a late 1997 or early 1998 release but advanced this to November 22, 1996, aiming to align with the film's VHS launch; however, it was ultimately postponed until February 1997.

Reception

Independence Day garnered mixed to unfavorable critiques. Reviewers acknowledged it as playable yet criticized its repetitive nature due to limited objective diversity. GameSpot described the gameplay as monotonous with similar challenges recurring throughout levels. GamePro pointed out cramped play areas and low difficulty, reducing appeal for hardcore flight combat fans while noting potential enjoyment for casual gamers. IGN highlighted subpar graphics and unrealistic physics, whereas Sega Saturn Magazine and others mentioned texture quality issues and pop-up distractions.

Although multiplayer was viewed positively, it suffered from split-screen performance drops and practical difficulties when using link cable setups requiring two consoles and TVs. Next Generation found multiplayer tedious, offering minimal engagement beyond basic target locking and firing mechanics. GamePro summarized the Saturn edition as lively but lacking depth in jet combat. The PlayStation version holds an average rating of 49% on GameRankings based on five reviews.

Despite critical feedback, the title achieved strong initial sales, marking commercial success for Fox Interactive's licensed offering.