Est. 1998
Playing Out of Control Gaming

Retro reviews, vintage hardware, classic PC builds, and modern ways to keep old games alive.

Home Games microsoft-flight-simulator Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator
The Vault · 1998

Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator

The sim that makes you sweat every tracer round.
DeveloperMicrosoft
PublisherMicrosoft
Released1998
Players1 Player
microsoft-flight-simulatorWindows 95/98combat-simulatorflight-simulator
Realistic Flight ModelDamage ModelingCampaignQuick CombatTraining MissionsWWII

Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator (1998) is a World War II air combat simulation built on the technology of Microsoft Flight Simulator 98. It models eight flyable aircraft from the British, American, and German air forces, featuring detailed flight dynamics and damage systems. The game includes two scripted campaigns, the Battle of Britain and the Battle Over Europe, along with a collection of single missions, a quick combat mode, and a comprehensive set of training missions. Scenery is generated through a tile-based system that balances performance and detail, and many ground objects can be damaged or destroyed. Progression through the campaigns awards promotions, medals, and upgraded aircraft. The simulation draws on research from wartime gun camera footage and modern flight testing, delivering a highly immersive experience that emphasizes authentic aircraft handling quirks and combat damage effects.

Screenshots3 shots
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator screenshotMicrosoft Combat Flight Simulator screenshotMicrosoft Combat Flight Simulator screenshot
In the News3 mentions
Jun 11999
Matrox Is Giving Away G400 Cards Every Week This June
Matrox is running a weekly web contest through June 30 with a Millennium G400 MAX, a Pentium II 450 workstation, and more prizes up for grabs.
Deals
May 101999
Microsoft Announces E3 Lineup
Microsoft today unveiled the lineup of games and gaming devices it will showcase at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles Convention Center May 13-15.
Release
Dec 111998
Combat Flight Simulator Profile Editor
The important bit: Microsoft announced the availability of a free downloadable Damage & Weapon Profile Editor for Combat Flight Simulator, the current best-selling World War II air combat simulation game.
Release
How to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original CD-ROM copies appear on eBay occasionally. Requires a Windows 95/98 PC with a 3D accelerator; a Pentium 166 or better is recommended.
Emulation / Other Options
Best experienced on a modern PC using a wrapper like dgVoodoo2, which translates the DirectDraw and Glide calls. PCem or 86Box with a Windows 98 install provides a faithful original experience.
Game Record
microsoft-flight-simulator Series
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator (1998)
Windows 95/98
Not Reviewed
This
Microsoft Flight Simulator 98 (1998)
Windows 95/98
Not Reviewed
Original PC Specs
OSWindows 95/98
CPUPentium 166 MHz
RAM32 MB RAM
GPU / DisplayDirect3D-compatible 3D accelerator (Voodoo or similar)
Storage500 MB hard drive space
Drive4× CD-ROM