Carrier Aces

Carrier Aces is a World War II flight simulator presented from a third person perspective. Its defining structural feature is a persistent split screen, which facilitates two player competition or allows one player to face a computer controlled opponent.

Players assume the role of a pilot for either the United States or Japanese forces, operating from an aircraft carrier. Available mission types include dogfights, attacking enemy vessels through strafing, dive bombing, or torpedo runs, and performing carrier landings. A broader campaign mode incorporates an area map to track progress and introduces strategic choices, such as selecting an aircraft with specific statistics before an engagement.

When forces clash on the campaign map, the conflict resolves through a one on one aerial battle. Control schemes differ based on the scenario. In dogfights, both participants pilot aircraft. During attacks on ships, one player flies the plane while the other operates the ship's defensive turret gun.

Aircraft controls are comprehensive, covering lateral movement, climbing, diving, speed adjustment, weapon firing, and performing a 180 degree loop. Turret controls are more restricted, limited to horizontal aiming, firing, and a zoom function.