MiG Alley (video game)

Lore & Background

MiG Alley was developed by Rowan Software and published by Empire Interactive in 1999. The game simulates the close performance balance between the MiG-15 and F-86 Sabre fighter aircraft. In 2001, after Rowan was shut down by Empire Interactive, the developers released the game's source code with permission from Empire Interactive under the 'Empire Interactive License', though the textures and landscape detailing were not included.

Reader's Guide

MiG Alley received favorable reviews according to GameRankings. It was a finalist for the 'Computer Simulation Game of the Year' award at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, losing to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000. However, it was named the best simulation of 1999 by Computer Gaming World, PC Gamer US, CNET Gamecenter, Computer Games Strategy Plus, and GameSpot. PC Gamer US praised its 'outstanding flight modeling, butter-smooth graphics, and rich dynamic campaign structure'. Despite critical acclaim, the game sold only 4,171 units in the U.S. during 1999, and Jason Ocampo of CNET Gamecenter wrote that it 'tanked at retail'. The release of the source code in 2001 allowed the community to continue support for the game.

Did You Know?

• The game was one of the earliest in its genre to incorporate a 'dynamic' campaign, where missions are influenced by in-game events.
• In 2001, after Rowan Software was shut down, the developers released the game's source code with permission from Empire Interactive, though textures and landscape detailing were not included.
• The game sold only 4,171 units in the U.S. during 1999, and was described by CNET Gamecenter as having 'tanked at retail'.