Flying Nightmares is a 3D flight simulator game that has the player take to the controls of the Harrier jet, flying in a series of missions with realistic controls and weapon systems against a horde of enemy planes and ground units.  It was available for the 3DO console.

The player can also fly alongside three computer wingmen that will help them out during missions, completing certain objectives such as destroying certain enemy units or protecting friendly units. There is a multitude of views to choose from (1st, 3rd and even a missiles POV).  FMV sequences between missions tell the story of the game.

The game was published by Domark Software in North America only.

Reviews:

‘Flying Nightmares will probably turn off 90 percent of those who play it. It is extremely complicated and you have to use the instruction manual at all times or you won't ever get off the ground. The complexity is a bit extreme, especially without a keyboard. It scrolls smoothly and it has some really awesome music. Flying Nightmares isn't all that thrilling, even in Arcade Mode. If you want realism, Flying Nightmares has it, but you're going to have to take lessons first.’ (Electronic Games Monthly).

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‘Here's an idea...let's bring a PC styled flight sim to the 3DO. Flight sims have never really taken off on console systems, largely because PC fans and console fans are astonishingly different.

What would please a PC flight sim fan is detailed controls and an emphasis on realism over graphic quality. While a console fan would, typically, rather have easy control and better graphics than realism.

So, graphically, Flying Nightmares is already a let down with only a few vague pyramid shaped objects (those are supposed to be mountains) with texture maps, and shoddy ones at that. Explosion effects are highly pixelated and unrealistic and the models are weak, problematic, and flat shaded. And to further ruin the game is a horrid framerate that gives absolutely no sensation of speed.

The music, however is quite good with solid hard rock tunes but the sound effects leave much to be desired resulting in weak and repetitive sounds. Control would be acceptable, if not a little sluggish, if the framerate was better. The buttons are well layed out but the control through this choppy framerate makes the game nearly unplayable.

If you're a die hard flight sim fan or just a fan of flying games, I'd have to say, never play Flying Nightmares! It is horribly corrupt and devoid of any enjoyment and there are a million other flight sims on the PC.

Graphics

Mostly flat shaded with weak models and horrible effects

Sound

A great hard rock soundtrack with weak sound effects

Enjoyment

Root canal surgery is more fun than playing this game, more rewarding as well

Replay Value

Lots of missions, but the game is entirely unplayable

Documentation

A below standard manual with decent explanation of controls and options’ (All Game Guide)

Information About Domark: