The command interface has been commonplace in Novalogic games for a number of years--a few set quick missions for instant action, or ongoing campaigns. Theres a loading screen where you configure your jet to the demands of the mission before taking off to do battle. Frankly jumping into instant action missions is one of the ways to learn the game but have fun at the same time--it gets frustrating but addictive as you learn the F22s flight characteristics and weapons handling.

It might add to the sense of realism but (unlike space combat games) once youve locked on with a missile and fired, the explosion can be so far away that you dont feel involved in the combat, and the cannons seem decorative at times. Its also a pain when youre down to the very last mission objective, youre in a tense dogfight without any rockets left and one of the enemy jets manages to acquire a killer missile when everybodys using cannons. The only exception to the danger of detachment is when deploying a nuclear bomb, and you have to afterburn your way out of the detonation area or die along with the target.