Ace of Aces – WWII Air Combat on Atari XL/XE

In the late 1980s, flight simulators became increasingly popular, but only a few managed to blend historical atmosphere with dynamic gameplay. One of these titles was Ace of Aces, released in 1987 for the Atari XL/XE, offering players the chance to become a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II.

Take Control of a Mosquito Bomber

In Ace of Aces, the player pilots the legendary British De Havilland Mosquito bomber. The goal is to carry out various missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, including:

• bombing enemy U-boats,
• destroying POW transport trains,
• intercepting V-1 rockets,
• engaging in aerial combat with enemy fighters.

Realism and Strategy

Before each mission, players must choose the right loadout—balancing bombs, rockets, fuel tanks, and machine gun ammunition. Too much weight slows down the aircraft, while not enough fuel can prevent the pilot from returning to base.

Gameplay unfolds inside the cockpit, which includes multiple views: front, left wing, right wing, bomb bay, and the navigation map. Switching between them is key to success.

Versions and Media

The game was released in two versions for Atari XL/XE:

• The cassette/disk version in 1987, with longer loading times,
• The XEGS cartridge version in 1988, offering faster access and better performance.

The cartridge version was generally preferred due to its reduced loading times and smoother gameplay.

Atmosphere and Design

Ace of Aces features clean 8-bit graphics showing sky, clouds, cockpit instruments, and enemies. The audio is minimal but supports the war-like setting. While not a pure simulator, the game adds just enough realism to make missions feel strategic and immersive.

Reception and Legacy

The game received mixed reviews:

• Praised for its atmosphere, graphics, and mission variety,
• Criticized for sluggish joystick response and repetitive gameplay.

Despite its flaws, Ace of Aces is remembered as one of the more atmospheric and feature-rich flight simulators on the Atari 8-bit platform—especially in its cartridge form.

Summary

Conclusion

Ace of Aces may not have been a perfect simulation, but it left a lasting mark in the world of 8-bit war games. With its unique combination of strategy, action, and immersive atmosphere, it remains a worthy title for any retro gaming enthusiast.