Lock On: Modern Air Combat

 PC
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Jul 26, 2005
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 553 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 383 out of 553
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 553
  3. Negative: 98 out of 553
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  1. ZiadJ.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    Rocks.
  2. DaveK.
    Dec 18, 2003
    9
    Despite a few teething troubles this is the best modern era flight sim I've ever owned, fantastic value for money !
  3. MickyC.
    Dec 18, 2003
    2
    Watch out for the one-line, three word reviews. I believed them and found out the hard way that this is a disappointing game at this point in time. It appears the game was released to grab some of the money being spent during the holiday buying season. There are many bugs in it that severely hamper game play and its enjoyment. Joysticks are a bear to setup, and more times than not the Watch out for the one-line, three word reviews. I believed them and found out the hard way that this is a disappointing game at this point in time. It appears the game was released to grab some of the money being spent during the holiday buying season. There are many bugs in it that severely hamper game play and its enjoyment. Joysticks are a bear to setup, and more times than not the settings aren?t saved once you leave the game. There are performance issues that even the biggest machine couldn?t solve, it appears some optimizations are badly needed not only in the graphics engine, but throughout the entire game. There are campaign issues, including canned scenarios that take away from the immersion feeling found in several other titles. This could be the result of it being a follow-up to Flanker, which was a substandard game in many areas itself. Support for the game is unproven and seeing the state the game was released in makes you wonder what the real intent is, and if the problems can be fixed. The confidence level about this game getting fixed is low; if it was released this way, what was their intent? Was is it an attempt to build a fan base, only at a fanatic fan-boy level right now, and toy with them for a few years? Do yourself, and anyone you plan on giving this game to, a favor, read all the reviews and wait. Find another product for the time being and revisit this one in the summer. There are many other flight sim titles out there right now that provide everything this one does and one thing LOMAC doesn?t, a completed product. LOMAC has potential, but it?s going to take the same effort to fix it as it did to produce it. If you buy it, can you wait another three years for it to be fixed? Think about it and be weary of three word reviews! … Expand
  4. MickyC.
    Dec 18, 2003
    2
    Watch out for the one-line, three word reviews. I believed them and found out the hard way that this is a disappointing game at this point in time. It appears the game was released to grab some of the money being spent during the holiday buying season. There are many bugs in it that severely hamper game play and its enjoyment. Joysticks are a bear to setup, and more times than not the Watch out for the one-line, three word reviews. I believed them and found out the hard way that this is a disappointing game at this point in time. It appears the game was released to grab some of the money being spent during the holiday buying season. There are many bugs in it that severely hamper game play and its enjoyment. Joysticks are a bear to setup, and more times than not the settings aren?t saved once you leave the game. There are performance issues that even the biggest machine couldn?t solve, it appears some optimizations are badly needed not only in the graphics engine, but throughout the entire game. There are campaign issues, including canned scenarios that take away from the immersion feeling found in several other titles. This could be the result of it being a follow-up to Flanker, which was a substandard game in many areas itself. Support for the game is unproven and seeing the state the game was released in makes you wonder what the real intent is, and if the problems can be fixed. The confidence level about this game getting fixed is low; if it was released this way, what was their intent? Was is it an attempt to build a fan base, only at a fanatic fan-boy level right now, and toy with them for a few years? Do yourself, and anyone you plan on giving this game to, a favor, read all the reviews and wait. Find another product for the time being and revisit this one in the summer. There are many other flight sim titles out there right now that provide everything this one does and one thing LOMAC doesn?t, a completed product. LOMAC has potential, but it?s going to take the same effort to fix it as it did to produce it. If you buy it, can you wait another three years for it to be fixed? Think about it and be weary of three word reviews! … Expand
  5. ShaneS.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    Excellent game! Yes it has bugs...what pice of new software doesn't? It'll be fixed, rest assured!
  6. JonathanM.
    Dec 18, 2003
    8
    This is a high quality game in every way, but the only thing that annoys me is the amount of bugs in the game and the fps issue. Superb game but a patch is needed.
  7. JG53Harti
    Dec 18, 2003
    3
    Reasons are: the german Version has NO Instruction Manual --> but i've paid for itr :( Too many bugs in the game, nearly unplayable in MP. It looks like a big betatest. After patches will be released i and the bugs are fixed i will give the game a higher ranking. maybe 8 or 9 is correct after the patch
  8. JeremyL.
    Dec 18, 2003
    9
    This game is one of the best flight sims I have ever played. I have no desire to play any other since I got LOMAC. At first there was some complications getting the game running. But with all the great help from the community on the lo-mac forum it has been nothing but pure pleasure for me. I do not have todays top of the line system and the game runs great. It will even run better after This game is one of the best flight sims I have ever played. I have no desire to play any other since I got LOMAC. At first there was some complications getting the game running. But with all the great help from the community on the lo-mac forum it has been nothing but pure pleasure for me. I do not have todays top of the line system and the game runs great. It will even run better after the patch. I would recommend this game to anybody that enjoys flight sims. Jeremy… Expand
  9. MarcoU.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    The best combat flight simulator around, no joke.
  10. I-Me-minemine
    Dec 18, 2003
    6
    A very good game i have been waiting for 1 year at least. But I was disappointed when I bought it because of several bugs and the need of big specs to make it run.
  11. GavinR.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    Fantastic game - runs great on AMD64.
  12. ErinM.
    Dec 18, 2003
    9
    Were it not for a few bugs it would be a 10 for sure. Definitely has the potential for a "15" after patching.
  13. GongZ.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    A perfect Flight-Sim
  14. GongZ.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    A perfect Flight-Sim
  15. GrantM.
    Dec 17, 2003
    3
    The reason for the low score is that the game is not finished yet by a long shot. Its like a beautifull woman that never stops moaning. An irritation at this stage. The game should still be on the development desk sorting out the similar problems that were in the demo. No doubt this game has potential to be a fantastic flight sim and a 9/10 rating at the end of the day. The minimum specs The reason for the low score is that the game is not finished yet by a long shot. Its like a beautifull woman that never stops moaning. An irritation at this stage. The game should still be on the development desk sorting out the similar problems that were in the demo. No doubt this game has potential to be a fantastic flight sim and a 9/10 rating at the end of the day. The minimum specs on the box are a total thumb suck. If you dont have the biggest, meanest pc with an 'UBER' GPU forget about getting this game. Patches will no doubt sort out a lot of the problems, but this is a clear case of getting releasing the game before Christmas just to reap in the sales when they new all to well the game was still in a beta stage. It does have fanatastic potential though.… Expand
  16. DaveCarpenter
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Great sim I'm running it on a mid level machine and it works very well for me. I've had to back off on the graphics settings somewhat to get a reasonable frame rate but the game still looks great and runs well. Documentation is a weak point but the interface is pretty friendly.
  17. FaelF.
    Dec 17, 2003
    4
    Ok, First I have to be honest about my experience with fighter sims. Im not an enthusiast who logs 30 flight hours per week. In fact, the last flight sim I played religiously was US Navy Fighters (loved that game). But I am a hardcore gamer that tries to keep up with the hardware upgrades (as much as my wallet allows). So with that my review. Dissapointment...plain and simple. Im not Ok, First I have to be honest about my experience with fighter sims. Im not an enthusiast who logs 30 flight hours per week. In fact, the last flight sim I played religiously was US Navy Fighters (loved that game). But I am a hardcore gamer that tries to keep up with the hardware upgrades (as much as my wallet allows). So with that my review. Dissapointment...plain and simple. Im not talking about the graphics and in-game realism. Im talking about my expectation as a consumer...ipso facto...a money spending one. The amount of support available, the state in which my product was purchased (incomplete), ease of use (this game is more dialed into experienced flight simmers so it has a steep learning curve), and the famous bug issues most lo-mac forums are rife with. Let me say that most of those bugs are fixable if you tone down the settings and take the time to bug hunt your problems. But for ease of use and consumer satisfaction....lo-mac is stuck with a generous 4. Its just not "out of the box" satisfaction.… Expand
  18. LuisL.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    This game was obviously a huge undertaking for the developers, but I feel strongly that they came up to the task. Out of the box, this game runs exceptionally well, considering all that there is to it: combining complex graphics with flight modeling for all types of aircraft is no easy task, and patyches will certainly be needed to pull together all the elements, but when comparing to This game was obviously a huge undertaking for the developers, but I feel strongly that they came up to the task. Out of the box, this game runs exceptionally well, considering all that there is to it: combining complex graphics with flight modeling for all types of aircraft is no easy task, and patyches will certainly be needed to pull together all the elements, but when comparing to some other sims out of the box, this LO-MAC really smokes. One the bugs are squashed, this will be remembered as the best flight sim in a long, long time.… Expand
  19. SteveG.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    A serious and ambitious flight/combat sim that meets almost all of my expectations. Problems - sure. System req. are high, but so were Falcon 4's and the bugs that do exist will surely be corrected with a patch or two. This is probably the last hurrah for the serious flight sim enthusiast for a long time and I can think of no better way to enjoy the coming sim drought than with LOMAC.
  20. L.M.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Bugs aside, best flight sim to date.
  21. -325th-SixGun
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Liking the game alot! It's a huge amont of fun especially when flying w/ all my friends online. It is a system hog, but I'm having VERY few issues w/ the game right now. It's only gonna get better. You better get a HOTAS!
  22. -325th-SixGun
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Liking the game alot! It's a huge amont of fun especially when flying w/ all my friends online. It is a system hog, but I'm having VERY few issues w/ the game right now. It's only gonna get better. You better get a HOTAS!
  23. JeffN.
    Dec 17, 2003
    6
    This game has great potential and will no doubt in it's finished form blow everything else out of the water! But hey, lets be honest here..this is supposed to be a rating of the game "As it is " not how it "Will be ". My advice..wait a month or so till some of the MAJOR bugs are worked out.
  24. ReggieF.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Ok, a lot of complainers are upset because the game doesn't run smooth on their system. Everyone needs to keep in mind this game IS designed for high-end machines of the near future. This game is designed so in 2007 it will STILL be an amazing highly-detailed game. That's obvious. It's just ACCEPTABLE on a low-end machine (and yes P4 2.4ghz and slower are low-end machines Ok, a lot of complainers are upset because the game doesn't run smooth on their system. Everyone needs to keep in mind this game IS designed for high-end machines of the near future. This game is designed so in 2007 it will STILL be an amazing highly-detailed game. That's obvious. It's just ACCEPTABLE on a low-end machine (and yes P4 2.4ghz and slower are low-end machines from my point of view). This is an AMAZING game when it comes to it's purpose... A flight Simulator. It's VERY accurate when it comes to realism. Though it does have a few bugs (bugs that have a promised patch approaching), it is still WELL worth a 10. If you're going to JUDGE this game. Do it based on how well of a Simulator it is, It will win easily... Don't judge it based on a computer that isn't designed for such a powerful simulator.… Expand
  25. JohnA.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    In terms of graphics and immersion...this sim is just off the scale. and complexity? --don't get me started. I get more of a rush from one afternoon flying LOMAC than I ever got flying that "other" sim.
  26. JeffC.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Great potential.. Going ot be the standard which others are measured by in the really near future. A must have for the aviation simmer!
  27. DolAmite
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Best flight sim today Falcon Was dood in its day but nothing can touch the playability for all and multiplayer ease,sure it has bugs and is system hungry but what new game is not.
  28. ErikF.
    Dec 17, 2003
    3
    This game has problems, many problems. The system required to play this game is not yet available, but people say to upgrade this and upgrade that. What a bunch of bull! If the game is suppose to play satisfactorily on mid range systems, why do they say to upgrade? To cover up a poorly programmed game, that?s why. Those that say they have bought this and that are only fooling themselves This game has problems, many problems. The system required to play this game is not yet available, but people say to upgrade this and upgrade that. What a bunch of bull! If the game is suppose to play satisfactorily on mid range systems, why do they say to upgrade? To cover up a poorly programmed game, that?s why. Those that say they have bought this and that are only fooling themselves and buying into the hype, don?t fall into the trap they have! How it can be rated over a 6 at this point in time is beyond me. There are bugs everywhere, the game runs slow, setup is horrendous, and no one knows how many patches it will need to bring it up to an acceptable level. As far as looking good, that?s the best thing that people can say about it. See it in action before you buy it. If the store won?t load it up for you, walk away from it until summer. It will need longer, but at least you?ll get it at cheaper price. $40 is way too much for a game that was slapped together with proper Quality Assurance procedures in place.… Expand
  29. GarrethW.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    This game is superb, admittedly theres a few bugs here and there but it is playable out of the box, whether you want to fly around and practice landing or takeoffs, shooting air/ground targets, or maybe get into the campaigns and fly one of the 8 aircraft available this game is for you...Its been a while since I played a modern flight sim with such depth and even then only one flyable This game is superb, admittedly theres a few bugs here and there but it is playable out of the box, whether you want to fly around and practice landing or takeoffs, shooting air/ground targets, or maybe get into the campaigns and fly one of the 8 aircraft available this game is for you...Its been a while since I played a modern flight sim with such depth and even then only one flyable aircraft to play in. This is one of those games you hope will have lots of expansions because its visually superb to play and watch. A few people moan about the specs and the graphics detail adjustments being ineffective but with a patch it should hopefully suit lower end PCs better. I even went out and brought a new Joystick (Saitek X45) and graphics card (Radeon 9800XT) because this game is an investment in terms of longevity and playability, and I want it to last as long as possible and look and play as well as possible. Its one of those games that deserves all the flight sim hardware you can get your hands on to make the experience as real and mind blowing as possible. Whether you buy this game now or in a few months I assure you it will be a worthy purchase...… Expand
  30. JimD.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Best sim out in a while. Yes it has some problems and needs a Patch. But don't they all these days. Over all its a very injoyable game. Even for a Falcon 4.0 junkie like me.
  31. TomM.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Okay, so it has some bugs, but I don't doubt for a moment that they'll be patched soon enough.
  32. DavidDuce
    Dec 17, 2003
    3
    Buyer BEWARE and not so fast my 9/10 rating friends. This game may be a 9/10 in a few years, but right now it?s just another little light on the horizon. Many things are wrong with this game that will need heavy patching to fix.

    1. System requirements, high and low end: Who came up with them? They are way off and badly misleading to the consumer. Looks like a badly programmed    Buyer BEWARE and not so fast my 9/10 rating friends. This game may be a 9/10 in a few years, but right now it?s just another little light on the horizon. Many things are wrong with this game that will need heavy patching to fix.

    1. System requirements, high and low end:
    Who came up with them? They are way off and badly misleading to the
    consumer. Looks like a badly programmed graphics engine. Heavy optimizations are need to allow the average consumer to play this thing.

    2. Gamplay:
    Too scripted, boring, and clean. Limited missions for those that want to jump in and have fun. Seems to an update Flanker, another boring game.

    3. Encyclopedic bug list:
    Way too may to have let this product hit the market, Why? Where was QA? Does the company expect buyers to be beta testers? If so, we deserve a rebate!
    4. Documentation:
    No keycard shipped, but you can download one. How about the people without the means to see that chance?
    Disgustingly useless PDF manual. When you try to print it, it?s unreadable. But wait! You can purchase anadditional manual for $40 plus shipping. What a deal, they sell you a game without the documentation to properly play it, but will gladly sell you one. What a scam.

    People, educate yourself before buying this game, in its current state, it can?t be called a SIMULATION. To compare it to previous SIMULATORS is a slap in the face to them. Take the advice of several other reviews here and elsewhere, wait at least a year before buying it, you?ll save yourself a lot of wasted time and by then, hopefully, the beta testing period will be over.
    … Expand
  33. Hocking
    Dec 17, 2003
    4
    In it's current state, the F15 can be considered still in development, and therefore not flyable at this time. The radar has a few bugs, but more importantly, the missiles are under-modeled by about 10 times. They are simply not effective at all, and extremely unreallistic upon the time of release. They need a complete makeover to bring them up to the level that can be considered In it's current state, the F15 can be considered still in development, and therefore not flyable at this time. The radar has a few bugs, but more importantly, the missiles are under-modeled by about 10 times. They are simply not effective at all, and extremely unreallistic upon the time of release. They need a complete makeover to bring them up to the level that can be considered realistic. The Aim120 has a range of less than 5 miles, the Aim 7 is the most accurate of the group, and the Aim 9 has difficulty tracking down a target at less than 2 miles (I once fired three Aim 9's at a MIG about 2 miles in front of me while I was on his six and all three missiles missed). Can't beleive that this passed the beta testers. The game can become good, but upon release, it is about 70% complete.… Expand
  34. FelixE.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Great Game!
  35. IvanM.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    i love this game, even if it have come out before was totally finished.
  36. KevinB.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Great game with a lot of replay value. There are definately some bugs they need to work out but I know its being worked on.
  37. DavidC.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Awesome fricken game!! Very great graphics and FM's for all planes. Terrian is outstanding. This is the best sim of its genre out there right now and probably will be for some time. I am running it with Windows 2000 with a P4 2.4GHz, 512ram, Geforce4 and I have absolutely no problems. I have everything turned up in game options and it runs smooth as buttermilk for me!
  38. WynH.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    This game needs optimizing. It's a little too little work for 2 years of waiting. Gotta wait for patch.
  39. MICHAELS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Considering everything in the past, this one is the best so far. yes there are bugs, but it is a very complex game. easily fill up half a day of nothing but fun.
  40. HenrydeLange
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    A 7 at current status but could be more if the patch makes it more fps friendly and no blue screens.
  41. STMYST1100
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Best Flight sim out there. Some minor bugs, but no show stoppers.
  42. RyanD.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Awesome game!
  43. Mark
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Very good, a few problems but the dev team is patching it as we speak. There's nothing like it around.
  44. ChrisM>
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    If you can get it to play smooth it is awesome. Will definately need patching though.......
  45. AlanA
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Can't fully enjoy all it has to offer yet on my older PIII system but what I've seen so far is awesome. This sim will be around for a long time.
  46. JoeD.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Remember all that the developers said that "Lock On was written for the next generation of computers" But it plays great and from what I understand is still being developed
  47. Chimp=UKLF=
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Truly mind-blowing - IF you've got the system to run it on - and IF it feels like running properly. I feel like a manic depressive playing this game, I either leave my PC wanting to tear my hair out or in a games playing euphoria like I haven't felt in for years....... I so want to give this game a 10, but its just not possible yet. You simply must buy this game but if it Truly mind-blowing - IF you've got the system to run it on - and IF it feels like running properly. I feel like a manic depressive playing this game, I either leave my PC wanting to tear my hair out or in a games playing euphoria like I haven't felt in for years....... I so want to give this game a 10, but its just not possible yet. You simply must buy this game but if it doesn't work don't blame me....… Expand
  48. BillM.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Outstanding flight simulator. Only let down by lack of missions and dynamic campaign - which could limit its longevity. UBI needs to produce a campaign, or make it open sourced for 3rd party developers.
  49. LudgerW.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Best jet simulation out there. Wide variety of jets and missions. For beginners and pros. Should be a definite buy for every serious flight simmer.
  50. NicholasF.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    This product has the same vision and goal as the Old Falcon 4.0 did and certainly has promise with further support. But in its current form is is incomplete, lacks documentation, and its campaign is just a series of six canned missions per aircraft. However, if you are a diehard flight simmer with some serious hardware you will no doubt find hours of enjoyment with this product and at This product has the same vision and goal as the Old Falcon 4.0 did and certainly has promise with further support. But in its current form is is incomplete, lacks documentation, and its campaign is just a series of six canned missions per aircraft. However, if you are a diehard flight simmer with some serious hardware you will no doubt find hours of enjoyment with this product and at only 39$ it doesn't hurt the wallet a much.… Expand
  51. LarsA
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Best modern flight sim to date. I've played them all...started playing sims in 84'.
  52. FredM.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    Great visuals but lacks a printed manual that is really neded for the complexity of the game. I do not think that a person should have to pay to have the manual. Also I have a high end machine...the best of everything and the game play hiccups.
  53. FredM.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    Great visuals but lacks a printed manual that is really neded for the complexity of the game. I do not think that a person should have to pay to have the manual. Also I have a high end machine...the best of everything and the game play hiccups.
  54. Dutch
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    The only thing that is stopping me having a 10 is the simple fact that I still own a GeForce3 Ti500.
  55. Mike
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    The scope of the project and the depth of the game play makes it a remarkable combat flight sim. The game is playable out of the box, but not to the full potential. Depending on your specific hardware (not your horsepower but who makes it) you may or may not be able to play the game until it is patched. If you like flight serious sims and have more patients than the average person I would The scope of the project and the depth of the game play makes it a remarkable combat flight sim. The game is playable out of the box, but not to the full potential. Depending on your specific hardware (not your horsepower but who makes it) you may or may not be able to play the game until it is patched. If you like flight serious sims and have more patients than the average person I would get LOMAC. If you don't on either of the two conditions then wait and get it a few patches down the line. It's a rewarding game, but not easy to pick up unless you are determined to learn how to fly.… Expand
  56. RonaldT.
    Dec 17, 2003
    2
    BEWARE of the high ratings. It's a scam from the members of a certain forum to flood this place with overly high ratings to cover up a less than average game. It plays too slow, there are too many bugs, excessive tweaking is needed to even get the game to run, and the documentaiton is poor! Avoid this one like the dead skunk.
  57. JimC.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    An amazing achievenment for a combat flight simulation. The graphics, flight model, AI, and avionics all combine to give an excellent immersion. You really feel like a fighter pilot!
  58. Devothaan
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Not perfect, has some issues but it also has the potential to become by far the best flight sim ever.
  59. Extreeem
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    The game is outstanding I just wish that the current systems were able to run the game at it's full potential. Since multiplayer is my biggest interest I can't comment on campaigns but for MP is has most all the features I've wanted in an air combat sim. Although the game is capable of an almost arcade like setting those who play in that mode are not the ones who will The game is outstanding I just wish that the current systems were able to run the game at it's full potential. Since multiplayer is my biggest interest I can't comment on campaigns but for MP is has most all the features I've wanted in an air combat sim. Although the game is capable of an almost arcade like setting those who play in that mode are not the ones who will really appreciate the game .... now those how enjoy the emersion and learning curves, this game is for you.… Expand
  60. StaffanJ.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Flightdynamics are very accurate, sense of speed is fabulous, graphics are very nice (but powerhungry). Documentation is lacking to say the least, and a patch is required for some issues, I give it 9/10
  61. KenH.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Best jet sim in 5 years! Needs some fine tuning but is very deep and offers tons of replayability. I think about playing whenever I'm at work and thats a good sign.
  62. BillA.
    Dec 17, 2003
    0
    This game sucks ass!!! I'll never buy another UBI product.
  63. AnonymousMC
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    This game is a bundle of joy to play and a truly amazing simulator both graphically and technically. What you get is a very detailed simulator of not one but 8 different aircraft from both NATO and ex-USSR forces, with a very high level of realism combined with a high entertainment value.
    Graphics: 10
    Even at medium settings, this game easily matches the image quality and detail    This game is a bundle of joy to play and a truly amazing simulator both graphically and technically. What you get is a very detailed simulator of not one but 8 different aircraft from both NATO and ex-USSR forces, with a very high level of realism combined with a high entertainment value.
    Graphics: 10

    Even at medium settings, this game easily matches the image quality and detail level of IL2:FB, the current benchmark for flight simulator graphics. Set to max this game looks nothing less than amazing, but with a definite performance impact. Like the Janes series from EA, this game was written with an intention of a LONG lifecycle and so the graphics engine was written to use the added performace of current and upcoming high-end products as well as what is common in the market today. Unless you own a radeon 9800PRO or GeForce 5900FX, setting detail to max is madness and completely wasted as your hardware was not designed to handle this amount of load. As I said the game equals or surpasses IL2:FB even on medium settings so do not let the previous sentence in any way deter you from buying this game if you do not own todays state of the art graphics processor - my own config is decidedly midrange by todays standards and I am getting 30 fps average dropping to ~15 only for short times and when things get very crowded.
    That being said, it the game could have been even more future-proof had Eagle Dynamics implemented DirectX 9.0 shader support as well - this would have added even more eye-candy in the future when those products become more prevalent.
    Sound: 8

    Very high quality sound, and to a non-pilot like myself everything sounds pretty much right. You may prefer to turn up the cocpit volume a bit, to make it easier to hear your engines, gear and flap noises etc - the soundlevel you get at default setting is realistic (a fighter pilot is cocooned inside a bulletproof class canopy with a helmet and headset) but personally I feel that the exaggerated noiselevel improves the feeling of immersion.

    A minor detractor is the rather sparse ambient voice comms from other aircraft - compared to Jane's FA 18, this is a bit lacking, and I do feel that those wannabe fighter jocks out there would have appreciated a more 'realistic' amount of voice comms in what is after all a combat environment, but I guess the developers chose to 'declutter' the voice comms and focus on the information relevant to the game player. Fair enough and a minor point.

    Gameplay: 10

    This is a tall order but I really mean it: this game is so much fun to play and has such an amazing replay value that it deserves the top rating for gameplay.
    Buyer please note: Most of the bad ratings given on this website have one thing in common: people having problems with their local OS installation and jumping to the conclusion that the game does not work at all on either Windows ME, XP, 98 etc. While there are issues that need resolving, these problems are NOT indicative of the general quality of the product. I personally run the game on WinXP on an AMD XP2400+ and GeForce 4 4600Ti with 1024MB ram, and it hasn't even crashed on me once.     … Expand
  64. RickL.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    This is one incredible sim, which will only get better in time, like a fine wine. rjetster
  65. Savo4c
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    beautifull and enjoying a lot that revolutionary sim!
  66. SkylaneRGMig-29S_RG
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    In an decade when fighter simulation is overpopulated with NATO aircraft, I find refreshing to shoot back at those aircraft who always seemed to have the upper hand. Eagle Dynamics has by far gone beyond my expectations as they did with their first product Su-27. There is certainly a lesson learned flying a rough, rugged, unsophisticated aircraft devoid of all the bells and whistles that In an decade when fighter simulation is overpopulated with NATO aircraft, I find refreshing to shoot back at those aircraft who always seemed to have the upper hand. Eagle Dynamics has by far gone beyond my expectations as they did with their first product Su-27. There is certainly a lesson learned flying a rough, rugged, unsophisticated aircraft devoid of all the bells and whistles that can hang in any dogfight and even come out on top. From helmet mounted sights to 0/0 ejection seats, I am most pleased with the modeling and capability these formidable aircraft present. LOMAC is the definitive Soviet block sim to last and has certainly succeeded Flanker 2.5. It may contain its' share of bugs and what have you but it is still a top notch simulation anyone getting their hand around won't want to give up quickly.… Expand
  67. RickardS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    It could be so much more than it is... Still a really good sim though.
  68. AdamB.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Fantastic sim, graphics and flight model. Few bugs but they should be ironed out in the upcoming months. It does exactly what it says on the tin.
  69. DanE.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    A+++++++
  70. ChrisJ.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Great game for fans of military flight simulators. It models the complex systems of 8 aircraft but simplifies the controls enough that you aren't forced into a Falcon4 like click fest. Amazing graphics, don't listen to the FPS detractors. Play the game on medium settings, it still looks great and runs fine. This isn't Quake3 don't expect 300 FPS. My only complaint is Great game for fans of military flight simulators. It models the complex systems of 8 aircraft but simplifies the controls enough that you aren't forced into a Falcon4 like click fest. Amazing graphics, don't listen to the FPS detractors. Play the game on medium settings, it still looks great and runs fine. This isn't Quake3 don't expect 300 FPS. My only complaint is the skimpy documentation. I miss the big manuals of the past but I understand cost constraints. However, the PDF manual is still pretty bad. Still a highly recommended game, you wont think of anything else for months.… Expand
  71. MarkB.
    Dec 17, 2003
    3
    This sim has never been immersive the real fighter jet audio on the menu puts it to shame when you hear the ingame sound which is almost non existant. Full of bugs and graphics problems. released far too early. even the campaign is a disappointment. never been so disappointed in a flight sim b4. it does have potential in a few years after half a dozen patches and 3rd party addons. but 4This sim has never been immersive the real fighter jet audio on the menu puts it to shame when you hear the ingame sound which is almost non existant. Full of bugs and graphics problems. released far too early. even the campaign is a disappointment. never been so disappointed in a flight sim b4. it does have potential in a few years after half a dozen patches and 3rd party addons. but 4 now it's total shite … Expand
  72. AndrewL.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Best modern flight sim ever made to date.
  73. CliffT.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Amazing experience of flight, and it has all the bells, whistles and toys. An outstanding simulator. Yes, it has bugs which prevents it getting a 10, but it still can't be beat. And it runs on a wide variety of hardware as long as you dont extract the urine over how much detail you expect.
  74. JuanL.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Awesome.
  75. TommyF.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Good.. but..terrain should be better i think...they're not so..."photograpic"as i would like them to be. yeah...a manual...it should be in the confection.
  76. Kev
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    In time this will be awesome. Provided Ubi stick with it that is.
  77. CarlN.
    Dec 17, 2003
    3
    It's a bit shite.
  78. KreckochovS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    not fast feeling of speed but great game is it. so 7, maybe better if fast
  79. AndyS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    This game sets new standards for Flight Simulations in the future. Awesome Graphics and tons of features and details. But a complicated sim like this needs good documentation and there is none. Even the 3rd-Party manual which costs an extra $40 is not comprehensive enough to cover everything.
  80. RobertB.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    All I can say to sum up this game is that it has turned me into a flight sim addict! I am fairly new to flight sims having only really used MS FSim5 a few years ago and only then using a basic 5 quid joystick. But since playing this game, I have not been able to put it down! I've even forked out for a Saitek X45... I couldn't help it, this title draws you in and the sunlit All I can say to sum up this game is that it has turned me into a flight sim addict! I am fairly new to flight sims having only really used MS FSim5 a few years ago and only then using a basic 5 quid joystick. But since playing this game, I have not been able to put it down! I've even forked out for a Saitek X45... I couldn't help it, this title draws you in and the sunlit clouds, fog-covered hills, planes and aircraft carriers are fantastic! Before you decide against buying this game because of the negative feedback, consider that there is a very active community for LO-MAC ensuring there will be a multitude of patches, enhancements and fixes released to perfect this wonderful game. … Expand
  81. KarlSchmidt
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    THE NEW SIM-STANDARD! Fantastic graphics, real war- simulation, superb flight-feeling, powerfull editor, genius atmosphere. But be aware of the hardware requirements.
  82. SørenK.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    It's a beaty. Playable, highstrung, and will deliver great immersive experiences for years to come. The only thing that prevents me from giving this a 10 is the HUGE amount of bugs in the initial release. But hopefully a series of patches will adress these
  83. SebastianG.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    There is big potential in this game !
  84. JurgenT.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Great game but even on easy somme things are very hard (can't shoot a plane down whit a missle)
  85. KentB.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    One word....AWSOME!
  86. JuergenD.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    This simulator will be the reference for some years to come. Flightphysics and graphics are at totally new level.
  87. Brooks
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    great game, I run windows xp pro and love this game. My only reason for not a 10 was it didn't come with a key card and I had to contact the vendor to get one.. Which they sent me.
  88. FULCRUMwhateva
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    The most complete, immersive, beautiful, fun, complex, modern combat sim ever made. OUTSTANDING!
  89. Aries
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Great gameplay... i mean real gameplay, not seen from the times of Gunship 2000 on the Amiga... Hardware requirements way too high...
  90. JensF.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    This game is good... it need some tweaks... but is great 2 have 5 planes to fligh...
  91. PatrickB.
    Dec 17, 2003
    2
    Cant play it yet - joystick problems....will be a 10 when fixed...
  92. Wakner
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Has the foundations for a great game ... but still a way to go in terms of bugs and immersiveness.
  93. MarkT.
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    Although a problem playing from the box after running some simple tweaks and replacing some files you have a very smooth and playable flight sim with great immersion value. Cooperative online play brings you closer to the war raging. You will need to honestly be 'into' flight sims to play this but even for fairly new flight sim player like myself I found it easy to get in to. Although a problem playing from the box after running some simple tweaks and replacing some files you have a very smooth and playable flight sim with great immersion value. Cooperative online play brings you closer to the war raging. You will need to honestly be 'into' flight sims to play this but even for fairly new flight sim player like myself I found it easy to get in to. XP2000+ with Ti4200 (64) and 1Gb Ram works with medium gfx settings very smooth (after the tweaks). Buy It!… Expand
  94. kaloS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Just the greatest air-simulator ever created alongside with Il-2FB. There are bugs, but they could be corrected and are being corrected. It is ade for top rigs, but this is called to look in the future. I play it on my P3 1000 Mhz, 512 RAM and GF4 MX 440SE, I don`t get all the great effects, but still I love this game.
  95. GaryR.
    Dec 17, 2003
    7
    Superb. Points dropped for lack of paper manual and problematic (for some) copy protection. Requires a good system apparently, but I'm problem-free with a 2.53P4, 9700pro and xp with 1 gig memory. Some slow-down in parts but not life-threatening. If you like jet sims buy it without hesitation. If you don't - don't. Its that simple. Graphically and aurally unmatched, great Superb. Points dropped for lack of paper manual and problematic (for some) copy protection. Requires a good system apparently, but I'm problem-free with a 2.53P4, 9700pro and xp with 1 gig memory. Some slow-down in parts but not life-threatening. If you like jet sims buy it without hesitation. If you don't - don't. Its that simple. Graphically and aurally unmatched, great work by developers, support from them is wonderful, active forum, let down by the usual piss-poor performance from Ubisoft (not even a keycard in the box).… Expand
  96. TorL.
    Dec 17, 2003
    2
    Poorly written graphics engine, will not perform on current hardware. Minimum specs (on the box) is a joke / marketing ploy. I returned the game for a refund.
  97. FrankE.
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    Really really a rough diamond which will become the ultimate flight sim after a patch or two. BUY this one if you're the slightest bit interested in flight simulators.
  98. CoolSpy
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    This sim has some clear potential to become the top one for the years to come. Sure, it has its issues for now: crashes, choppy framerate, bad TrackIR 2 support. But my friends, sims always suck when they come out, don't they ? Remember Falcon 4 at its beginnings ? Look at how Falcon 4 is like now !? When we get the proper patches, this will become an amazing product. The only BIG This sim has some clear potential to become the top one for the years to come. Sure, it has its issues for now: crashes, choppy framerate, bad TrackIR 2 support. But my friends, sims always suck when they come out, don't they ? Remember Falcon 4 at its beginnings ? Look at how Falcon 4 is like now !? When we get the proper patches, this will become an amazing product. The only BIG COMPLAIN about the game (which explains my rating) is for me the ridiculous manual and missing keycard i found in the box ! Sure there is a PDF, but Jesus, we are talking about a flight sim ! We need a decent manual with the game, even if we have to pay a few more bucks for it ! I still remember the Falcon 4 doc or the Flanker 2.0 one: this is what we needed guys ! Except this, Lock On is a jewel: great graphics, great flight models and radar modes, great HOTAS support ... really you will love it for the years to come ! … Expand
  99. HaraldSeisenbacher
    Dec 17, 2003
    9
    This is a very serious attempt at a simulation of flying jets of the late 20th centrury era.

    The flight models are impressive, the eye candy is unsurpassed and the full mission planner potentially gives you a tool to fly whatever mission you might dream up. Of course there are som bugs to be squashed still - but show me one pice of software without the need for at least one patch    This is a very serious attempt at a simulation of flying jets of the late 20th centrury era.

    The flight models are impressive, the eye candy is unsurpassed and the full mission planner potentially gives you a tool to fly whatever mission you might dream up.

    Of course there are som bugs to be squashed still - but show me one pice of software without the need for at least one patch nowadays.

    As for the needed sys-specs: I always wonder about people who turn everything up to "maximum" on their outdated systems.
    Either turn the options down if you have an old machine (that is the reason for having options in the first place), or go buy yourself a new one. It´s that easy. This simulation will still be interesting from with tomorrows machines - I for my part, I´m apreciating this.

    Harald, a.k.a. Odin914    … Expand
  100. DavidS.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    LO-MAC offers the most detailed realistic and amazing graphic avionic and flight model EVER! it is a complete packadge, with immersion puringg out your eyes and ears, it is as close as you get to perfection and there is no flight simulation to beat it withing sights, graphic get 9/10, immersion get 8/10, realism get 9/10, multiplayer ease of use get 10/10, recording track/avi ability get LO-MAC offers the most detailed realistic and amazing graphic avionic and flight model EVER! it is a complete packadge, with immersion puringg out your eyes and ears, it is as close as you get to perfection and there is no flight simulation to beat it withing sights, graphic get 9/10, immersion get 8/10, realism get 9/10, multiplayer ease of use get 10/10, recording track/avi ability get 9/10 (10 if you could alter views while playing back the track more like a replay), training get 9/10 (10 if miss spelling was left out and voice over included) all in all it is the most beautiful wonderful amazing flight simulator to date and one where you actually have to learn an aircraft to fly it, and the more willing you are to learn and master it, the bigger the reward in game will be, i could write a LONG extensive review but i wont, three words, BEAUTIFUL, IMMERSIVE, IMPRESSIVE! only thing that troubles it is the feel of an unfinished product released to quickly/early, with miss spellings, things left out of the PDF manual and already not beeing complete at all (70% of everything good to know and learn you will have to get on your own on the internet or the forum) and graphic glitches and miss-out's and avionics glitches and miss-out's, model glitches and miss-out's, etc. no introduction video, left out dynamic campaign, requires a high end computer which in my case i dont have but still LOVE that it is that way, when i do upgrade again ill set settings up and go at it again, REPLAYABILITY! good thing it got such a good support by developers, producersm ubisoft, patches will be made bringing it constantly towards perfection, A MUST BY! try to fly it you will be STUCK!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best PC Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
66
#66 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. PC Format
    88
    Our favourite is the A-10 Warthog – cruising at 50 feet, on the prowl for enemy tanks, it’s one of the most exhilarating missions available in any recent simulator.
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  2. Computer Gaming World
    70
    Detailed terrain, buildings, water, and effects lend an unprecedented feeling of speed to low-level flight. [March 2004, p.82]
  3. Gamer's Pulse
    70
    It has great graphics, fairly simple controls, great scenery, a decent choice of planes, and a great editor. Although the sounds easily get on your nerves, it will be the load times and need for a computer upgrade that will have you pulling your hair out.
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