Of games and sequels...
Ever since I first read about the SAR games I’ve really wanted to like them and I’ve tried my best on every one they’ve brought out. SAR 2 was actually not that bad, considering when it was released, even considering the appalling cockpit graphics (the co-pilot appears courtesy of Lego I think) and the fact that the flight model implies that a multi-million dollar helicopter flies like a wardrobe on an elastic band. Matters were not helped by the fact that the game totally ignored my Saitek 3D joystick and in a similar manner, so did IAV’s support dept. when I asked for help on the issue. But despite these pernickety imperfections it was still reasonably good fun. SAR 3 was a major improvement (except Saitek-wise – still a no-go) with much improved, if somewhat transparent graphics from time to time, and a much improved flight model, which did at least suggest the concept that you might be in a helicopter, however this is all rather irrelevant as somewhat before SAR 3 was released in the UK the demo for both SAR 4 and for SAR: Vietnam Med Evac were made available for download on IAV’s web site (Vietnam Med Evac is basically a Mod for SAR 4). Anyone who has played either the SAR 4 or Med Evac demo would be a bit thick (or desperate), to be satisfied with shelling out £30 for SAR 3.
At the time of writing Search & Rescue 3 is on the shelves in UK game stores and Search & Rescue 4 isn’t. I have a copy (smug grin) as I ordered one online from the US which didn’t work out to be all that much more expensive than buying it in the UK, especially now that retailers seem to have decided that a £5 price-hike on most new games is due. For those who can’t wait the relevant link is at the bottom of this review).