Darklight Conflict
A neat crossover between an arcade shoot-em-up and the sophistication of a mission-based game like X-Wing, Darklight Conflict has elegant, smooth graphics to support your flight through space, zapping everything in sight. Although this is a DOS game, it has a sort of hybrid interaction with Windows 95 using Direct-X to improve graphics support - the outcome is that with a decently configured machine you won't need to mess around with MS-DOS mode (cheers all round).
One of the hallmarks of a decent space adventure is the effectiveness of the 3D locators that allow you to poinpoint the enemy and blast them to hell (in the nicest, most politically correct possible way, of course). Darklight Conflict uses an 
approach I've never see before with rotating arrows, which shoot a line across the screen to the target as it comes into view. Although unfamiliar, it was easy to get the hang of, and soon I was zapping around and blasting with the best of them.
DC can be played in arcade mode (just get in and splat 'em) or following a mission plan with structured training to warm you up. There are also network options for IPX/SPX and TCP/IP networks. To be honest, if you want an in-depth, absorbing set of missions to fly you'd be better off with X-Wing vs Tie-Fighter, or Electronic Arts' own Privateer 2, The Darkening, but for quick arcade fun with more depth than usual, this is a winner. Note the handy section in the manual entitled "how to stop dying all the time" - this is my sort of game.
Overall - an excellent arcade space shoot-em-up with the complexity of a mission-based game to keep you interested. Priced around รบ39.99 in the UK. 1 DOS CD.
Produced by Electronic Arts. Check the web site at: http://www.ea.com
Reviewed by Brian Clegg