Strike Force Harrier

Strike Force Harrier is a video game in the simulation genre developed by H&H Software and published by Mirrorsoft Ltd. originally released in 1986. It is currently playable on DOS.

A decent flight simulator from Mirrorsoft featuring the Harrier aircraft, released around the time the fighter was hailed as a hero of the recently ended Falklands War.

Strike Force Harrier simulates the world's only vertical takeoff and landing aircraft quite competently, though it doesn't have an extensive campaign/race mode to keep armchair pilots happy for long. The game runs in low-resolution mode, like Mirrorsoft's other simulators, so the graphics are a bit bland . . though adequate.

The unique features of the Harrier are faithfully reproduced in the game. For example, if you get into an intense aerial dogfight, you can suddenly change the direction of the engines, allowing you to turn behind an enemy and keep him in your sights. The screen is split into two: the first-person cockpit view and the control panel. There's also a HUD that gives you information about the plane's status and other things that modern fighters have. The animation is fast, but a bit jerky.

The objective is rather simplistic, and more typical of an arcade game: fight air and ground enemies to destroy their headquarters. An interesting feature is that you can establish ground support by defending your bases along the way. These provide the only means to rearm and refuel your fighter, so protect them at all costs.

Overall, Strike Force Harrier is a fun 'light' simulator that is too simple for veteran pilots, but more sophisticated for those using the joystick. It's worth a look, although replayability is quite low.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.