B17 Screenshots

Hasbro Interactive the publishers of Wayward Designs B17 sent us some new screenshots and some that we have seen before. They also sent us two press releases that include features of the new simulation and the minimum system specifications. Also included in the press release is a FAQ list that Hasbro happily sent us. This should answer most questions everyone has been asking.

Other news about Wayward design.

On January 21st Rage Software PLC acquired Wayward Design bringing the developers of B17 into the fold of one of the best known groups of software developers in the United Kingdom. The details of the acquisition are as follows.
Rage has acquired Wayward Design Ltd ("Wayward"), for an initial consideration of #2.06 million, to be satisfied by the issue of 2,888,890 Rage ordinary shares. A further #250,000 will be payable subject to the achievement by Wayward in the three years ended 30 June 2003 of certain performance criteria. The deferred consideration will be satisfied by the issue of Rage ordinary shares.

Hasbro Press Release

B17 "The Mighty Eighth"

B17 The Mighty Eighth is a single or multiplayer simulation of the B17 Flying Fortress Bomber, in which each of the 10 crew members roles must be mastered. Command the supreme daylight bomber of World War II, navigate accurately across Europe, locate and bomb strategic targets and defend the plane from furious enemy attacks. Alternatively, players can take the role of escort fighter pilots or Luftwaffe interceptors.

The design and some team members originate from MicroProse's B17 Flying Fortress (1992).

Key Product Features:
All the Simulation you would expect from MicroProse

· Fly the B17, 8th Airforce escort fighters (P38 Lightning, P47 Thunderbolt and P51 Mustang) or German fighters (Fw190, Bf-109, ME262 Schwalbe and Me-163 Komet)
· Accurate high detailed physics and flight models for each aircraft
· Full virtual cockpits and working controls of the 8 planes and complete rendition of B17 systems and weapons from internal crew positions
· Detailed damage systems: the B17 was unique in being able to withstand tremendous structural damage and continue on its mission But this time you're in charge of everyone - your decisions and actions are vital

· Play all 10 roles on board - assess your crews strengths and skills, be ready to manage the campaign, dictate groupings, shoot, navigate, radio, bomb and, if it all goes wrong, when to bail!
· Play within 12 bombers plus up to 8 escort fighters at one time!
· Historical Campaign and Squadron leader modes for extended game sessions
· Improve each of your crews morale and AI by taking over, keeping them alive and being successful
· Provide manual back up when the automatic features fail or get shot out! In the game you want to play!

· Instant Action - quick start missions throwing you into enemy filled skies
· Flexible difficulty and complexity settings for all aspects of simulation - includes over 10 step by step training missions
· Embark on the 25 mission tour of duty, based on historically accurate scenarios
· Take on or play alongside up to 30 in the multi-player modes: LAN, Internet, other tbc.
· Take your time or accelerate to the action Immerse yourself in the original experience

· All the detail that makes it feel real: breathtaking air combat sequences through photorealistic terrain, high rendered interiors, rich sound environments and state-of-the-art atmospherics
· Select your nose art, pick your formations, review the reconnaissance photos, watch each of your men or jump into their shoes!

Minimum Specification Windows 95/98, P200, 32 Mg, 0.5Gb disk space, Windows 95 supported soundcard NOTE: REQUIRES A 3D GRAPHICS CARD (Direct 3D compatible/3DfX) Recommended Specification: Fastest processor, AGP graphics, 64Mb+, 3D Hardware soundcard Supports: Direct 3D (3DfX Voodoo), Force feedback, Joystick

Great shot of the 190

P51 on the attack and winning

The nose crew compartment

To view Hasbro's FAQs about the upcoming product B17 just click on the link here. This should answer all the questions people have been asking about the product.

Click on any of the pictures to see a larger view

The rear crew compartment

B17's in formation

B17 taking off

One of the cockpits

Huge formation of B17's

Feet Dry Look at that flak

The P51 in high G note the vortises

Standard Disclaimer The review above is a subjective assessment of the product by the author. There is no connection between the producer and the reviewer, and we feel this review is unbiased and truly reflects the performance of the product in the simming environment. This disclaimer is posted here in order provide you with background information on the reviewer and connections that may exist between him/her and the contributing party.