Games developed by Rowan Software Ltd.
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Air Power: Battle in the Skies
Air Power: Battle in the Skies landed on DOS in 1995 as a curiously ambitious flight sim that aimed to fuse action with strategic depth. Players assumed command of a frontline squadron, guiding pilots through a sequence of missions that spanned reconnaissance, interception, escort, and precision bombing. The game presented a storybook backdrop of global conflict while leaning on straightforward controls designed for keyboard fans and joystick enthusiasts alike. Its presentation invited immersion without demanding a steep learning curve either.
Piloting options leaned into accessibility as much as realism, with a cockpit view and a chase camera that kept your target in frame. The flight model balanced nimble aerobatics with sturdy heft, making turns feel decisive rather than frivolous. Armament included a mix of machine guns, cannon bursts, and guided ordnance, all manageable through an interface. Mission goals shifted between eliminating a barrage of enemy fighters, protecting allies, and timing strike runs that required attention to fuel, altitude, and weather.
Visuals mirror era constraints yet carry a certain charm of sprite work and modest 3D tricks. Terrain scrolls with parallax depth, while aircraft silhouettes streak across the sky under a palette of smoky blues and sepia horizons. Sound design favors engine rumbles, prop wash, and radio chatter, stitching tension into every engagement. The musical score stays in the background, supporting the action without stealing focus, letting pilots read wind shifts and enemy flares with practical intuition. A quiet immersive experience.
Campaign structure rewards persistence, letting players unlock ever tougher theaters and rare aircraft skins as they complete objectives with efficiency. Scattered mission briefings, weather vagaries, and time pressure force on the player a mix of bravado and discipline. Replayability comes from branching routes and randomized patrol schedules that shift the balance of power from one session to the next. The difficulty curve nudges seasoned sims toward riskier maneuvers, while newcomers learn to rely on saved profiles, checklists, and cockpit discipline.
In hindsight Air Power remains a curious artifact of mid career PC gaming, a title that tried to harmonize tactile simulation with arcade momentum. Its user community often recalls the sense of scale during aerial showdowns and the satisfaction of scoring precise flak-free passes. While it sits behind industry heavyweights in the pantheon of 90s flight sims, the title contributed a pragmatic template for accessible controls, varied mission design, and durable map pacing that inspired later designers. Fans remember it.
Dawn Patrol
Having dominated the WWII flight sim genre with games like Overlord, which was one of the best flight sims ever created for the Amiga, Rowan Software has turned its attention to WWI air combat with Dawn Patrol. But how do they compare to Dynamix's phenomenal Red Baron or MicroProse's Knights of The Skies? Very well indeed.
The presentation and game structure of Dawn Patrol is quite unique. Instead of following the career of a single pilot, the game revolves around a sort of interactive 'storybook', which describes famous air combats during World War I and then gives the player the opportunity to relive them through the flight simulation part. Some missions even allow the player to choose sides, providing two alternative ways to fly the same mission.
The graphics are very good, especially in SVGA mode. The planes are very well rendered, although the scenery is a bit sparse. However, this is not a major drawback, considering that most of the action takes place in the blue sky (e. g. , dogfights). The sound is adequate, although some effects, such as the strafing of the cannons, could be better sampled, and the music, of a gloomy nature, can become tiring. The aircraft fighting model is probably the weakest point of the game, as there doesn't seem to be much difference between the various aircraft, and the planes are a bit too manageable (although that may be due to problems with my joystick).
However, despite these shortcomings, Dawn Patrol is an excellent flight simulator that is 'lighter' than Rowan's other simulators, albeit with a bit of realism. The game's 'storybook approach' is a welcome change from the more typical career-based structure of most other simulators. More experienced flight sim fans will want something more serious, but for casual pilots or beginners, Dawn Patrol offers an educational and enjoyable experience. Recommended.
Note: the download here is the single-player version, which is out of print. For a head-to-head modem version, see Dawn Patrol: Head to Head also on this site.
Falcon Operation: Counterstrike
Objective: Total defeat of enemy forces by destroying all enemy ground and industrial assets.
First came the original FALCON F-16 fighter simulator, with all its superb flight characteristics, full armament and stunning 3D graphic displays. With the new mission disk, expand your FALCON world in a full campaign with all the extras.
Your ace pilot skills are about to be put to the test. Today's target is the enemy power plant, vital to their offensive. Naturally, the location is deep in enemy territory and flying there while avoiding all hostile SAM emplacements, MiGs and tanks will require all your ingenuity. So far your successes have been increasing. The last of the T-80 tanks was dangerously close to your airbase before your last Mk84 bomb dropped dead on target. Then there was the attack on the seemingly indestructible bridge that is the main route for enemy supply trains. With your heavy bomb load, you were a real 'sitting duck' for those battle-hardened MiG-29s, but thanks to some superb maneuvering and nerves of steel, you received another ribbon for a job well done. But no time to reflect, here they come again . . . . 'Bogey at 6 o'clock - approaching fast!'
NEW FEATURES:Twelve different missions (designed to be played in succession and complete a main campaign)Four moving enemy vehicles (tanks, trains, amphibious landing craft and trucks)Static targets (power plant, oil refinery, factory and bridges)Secondary explosionsMiG-29 enemiesNew terrain.
REVIEW 'Instead of a few variations of additional missions in the same desert area, you have a completely new scenario, additional strategy elements, more and deadlier enemies, and a graphical redesign. It's effectively FALCON II'. 94% rating.
Flying Corps: Gold
Flying Corps: Gold is a classic flight simulator game that was released in 1997 for Windows. Developed by Rowan Software and published by Empire Interactive, this game became an instant hit among gamers due to its realistic gameplay, stunning graphics, and immersive storyline.
The game is set in World War I and allows players to take on the role of a British pilot in the Royal Flying Corps. With a variety of missions ranging from reconnaissance, bomb runs, and dogfights, players must navigate through the treacherous skies and complete their objectives. The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, making it a perfect choice for both solo and competitive gaming experiences.
One of the standout features of Flying Corps: Gold is its attention to detail when it comes to the aircraft and environments. The developers used real-life World War I aircraft models and meticulously recreated them in the game, making the overall experience feel incredibly authentic. The landscapes and environments are also incredibly detailed, giving players a real sense of immersion as they fly over Europe's war-torn skies.
The game also boasts an impressive physics engine, making the aircraft's handling and controls feel incredibly realistic. Players must take into account factors such as wind resistance, gravity, and damage to their aircraft when navigating through intense aerial battles. This attention to detail sets Flying Corps: Gold apart from other flight simulator games of its time and is still praised by players to this day.
Another aspect that makes Flying Corps: Gold stand out is its dynamic campaign mode. Instead of having a set linear storyline, the game's campaign is influenced by the player's actions and outcomes in each mission. This adds a layer of unpredictability and replayability to the game, as each playthrough can result in a different outcome and experience.
Flying Corps: Gold also boasts an extensive customization and training system for players to enhance their skills and aircraft. With a range of weapons, equipment, and upgrades available, players can tailor their gameplay experience to fit their playstyle. The training system also allows players to hone their flying skills and become true ace pilots in the game's intense dogfights.
Mig Alley
Mig Alley burst onto Windows screens in 1999 carrying a fascination with piston free flight paired with jet era fury. The simulation invites players into the air corridors above the Korean peninsula, where sabre tailed F 86s tumble with MiG 15s in silhouette dances. Its designers stitched together historical flavor and accessible controls, letting newcomers chase a brisk learning curve without surrendering the tactile punch that seasoned pilots crave. The result is a bridge between arcade warmth and simulation discipline.
From the moment you take off you feel the era through a lean cockpit layout and a crisp but forgiving interface. The air battles unfold across variable weather and rugged terrain, offering both short skirmishes and longer campaigns. Aircraft handling emphasizes momentum and energy management, while weaponry rewards patient timing. Players test reflexes against clever AI, yet the game rewards strategic thinking when selecting altitude, energy states, and when to commit to a turning duel or a standoff in battles.
Visuals arrive in a nostalgic yet functional package. Terrain is rendered with a practical texture density, smoke trails snaking across the sky, and distant ridges that read as memory rather than mere scenery. The soundscape carries thundering engines, cannon bursts, and chatter that threads pilots together across channels. While cockpit detail may feel sparse by modern standards, the overall presentation preserves a sense of scale and pace that makes a tense dogfight feel real rather than ornamental for players everywhere.
Players will notice the design choices favor replayability as well. Separate campaigns, quick missions, and historically inspired what ifs invite experimentation. The sim rewards careful study of gun convergence, flight regime transitions, and the moment to roll out of a tight turning fight toward a safer escape. The mission flow respects credible constraints of late model jet warfare, balancing instant action with long term strategic threads. In this way Mig Alley stays faithful to its subject while inviting interpretation today.
Looking back at Mig Alley, fans recall a title that married technical ambition with human warmth. It breathed personality into a blockbuster of a conflict and offered a sandbox where theory met instinct. For collectors, for memory seekers, and for curious pilots, the game remains a persuasive reminder that a well crafted sim can be more than numbers on a screen. It offered exhilaration, learning, and a lasting sense of belonging to a buzzing aerial community. Among veterans it endures.
Navy Strike
Navy Strike, released in 1995, was a popular DOS game developed by Electronic Arts. The game was set during the Cold War era and was one of the first combat flight simulators to focus solely on naval operations. This unique concept made Navy Strike stand out from other games of its time and garnered a lot of attention from gamers.
In Navy Strike, players took on the role of a Navy Strike pilot, tasked with completing various missions and defending their aircraft carrier against enemy attacks. The game offered a variety of fighter jets and helicopters to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players also had the option to arm their aircraft with different types of weapons, including missiles, bombs, and torpedoes, adding an additional layer of strategy to the gameplay.
One of the most notable features of Navy Strike was its detailed and realistic graphics. The game utilized advanced 3D graphics and special effects, making it one of the best-looking games of its time. From the realistic cockpit view to the detailed landscapes and vehicles, the game truly immersed players into the world of naval combat.
The gameplay in Navy Strike was challenging and varied, making it a favorite among gamers. The missions ranged from simple reconnaissance flights to intense dogfights and bombing runs. The enemy AI was also well-developed, providing players with a real challenge as they had to outmaneuver and outsmart their opponents in order to complete the missions successfully.
Navy Strike also had a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in split-screen mode. This added a competitive aspect to the game and provided endless hours of fun with friends. Lovers of historical accuracy would also appreciate the fact that the game included authentic and accurate aircraft carriers, such as the USS Enterprise and the Nimitz-class carriers.
The soundtrack and sound effects in Navy Strike were also noteworthy. The game featured a dynamic soundtrack that changed according to the situation, making the gameplay experience even more immersive. From the roaring engines of the fighter jets to the firing of weapons, the sound effects were incredibly realistic and added to the overall thrill of the game.
Overlord
Released in 1994, Overlord was a highly-anticipated DOS game that took the gaming world by storm. Developed by Triumph Studios, this real-time strategy game had players taking on the role of a powerful sorcerer, the Overlord, who must conquer different lands and fight against other armies to become the ultimate ruler.
The game begins in the magical realm of Ardania, where the Overlord has been banished to a dark tower by a group of powerful wizards. With the help of minions, players must navigate through the treacherous lands, vanquish enemies and gather resources to build an army that can defeat the magicians and take back control of Ardania. Players must not only focus on brute force, but also strategize and use spells and magic effectively to overcome obstacles.
What sets Overlord apart from other strategy games of its time is its unique gameplay mechanics. Players control their army of minions, each with their own special abilities and weaknesses, to complete tasks such as gathering resources, attacking enemies, and unlocking new areas. This added element of micromanagement creates an engrossing and challenging gameplay experience.
Overlord also boasts impressive graphics and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that further immerses players into the dark and mystical world of Ardania. The intricate details in the design of the lands, characters, and creatures make for a visually stunning game that still holds up to this day.
Overlord remains a beloved classic among DOS gamers for its engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and captivating storyline. Its unique blend of strategic gameplay and fantasy elements continues to attract new players even decades after its initial release. Whether you're a lover of strategy games or a fan of dark and fantastical worlds, Overlord is a must-play DOS game that will keep you hooked until the very end.
