The Dam Busters (PROBYTE) Commodore 64 game

The Dam Busters, a combat flight simulator published by U.S. Gold in 1984, provides a gripping World War II experience loosely based on the historic Operation Chastise and the 1955 film adaptation. Released across various platforms from 1984 to 1986, the game challenges players with three increasingly difficult night missions, each requiring them to successfully bomb a dam.

In this simulator, players take on the role of all seven crew positions, including Pilot, Front Gunner, Tail Gunner, Bomb Aimer, Navigator, Engineer, and Squadron Leader. The immersive gameplay demands meticulous control and attention, as neglecting any crew position during critical events can lead to dire consequences. The missions involve evading enemies, planning approaches, and managing variables such as speed, height, and timing, all while addressing emergencies like engine fires.

The atmospheric journey includes encounters with enemy aircraft, barrage balloons, flak, and searchlights. Players must respond promptly to events displayed at the screen border, such as manning the gunner's station to shoot out enemy searchlights. The final run to the target introduces custom bombing sights, replicating the iconic bouncing bomb animation.

Reception of The Dam Busters has been mixed. Info rated the Commodore 64 version three-plus stars, praising its graphics and play features but noting a lack of depth compared to other games. Computer Gaming World gave it two out of five points, criticizing the game for being more of a game than a simulation.

Originally priced at £9.95 for cassette and £14.95 for disk, the game was lauded for its attention to detail inside the plane. However, a review update revealed initial bugs in the pre-production copies, affecting gameplay and causing frustration. The final version addressed these issues, with improvements such as no longer dying from a single flak hit, gradual damage from flak, and detailed information upon death.

The game's graphics were considered superbly atmospheric, and despite some minor annoyances, the revised review praised its improved playability. With a hookability rating of 92%, The Dam Busters offers a unique flight simulation experience with great graphics and a compelling atmosphere, making it a valuable addition to the gaming landscape.