HIND: The Russian Combat Helicopter Simulation

HIND: The Russian Combat Helicopter Simulation is a video game in the simulation genre developed by Digital Integration Ltd. and published by Digital Integration Ltd. originally released in 1996. It is currently playable on DOS.

Hind is a simulation of the Soviet Mi-24 helicopter (called 'Hind' by NATO and nicknamed 'Flying Tank' by Soviet troops), and the sequel to Apache. It features most of the same options, including the ability to switch between realistic or more arcade controls by reducing the roll, adding unlimited ammo or making the Hind indestructible. Gameplay was modified to accommodate the differences between the fast and maneuverable Apache and the slow and solid Hind: instead of relying on speed, Hind pilots must be prepared to take every possible attack opportunity and focus on avoiding missile fire (as the hull can happily take machine gun and even cannon blasts). There are several viewpoints available, from pilot or gunner to various external views.

There are three campaigns, Kazakhstan (where you face an equally equipped enemy, the independence rebels), Afghanistan (the mujahideen, mostly foot soldiers armed with machine guns, rockets and the occasional AAA, but in very rugged terrain) and Korea, where you can take on U. S. teams. Campaign missions range from destroying a fixed target (such as a bunker or fuel depot), deploying troops (or evacuating), attacking enemy positions, or even locating a target for MiGs. There are day, night and fog missions, where you have to rely only on instruments for navigation, making pre-mission planning more important (you can edit the flight plan to include more waypoints, or move them to go around or over a mountain, for example).

Each campaign includes 10 scenarios that can be played on their own, along with several training missions (which are crucial to get the most out of the helicopter). Network play is included, and given the similarities between the Hind and Apache, owners of each game can play against each other.

HIND: The Russian Combat Helicopter Simulation is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.