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subLOGIC FS II for the C 64 (1984)
Flight Simulator II for the Commodore 64 was released by
subLOGIC in 1984, about one year after the release of the
first version of FS II for the Apple II. The graphics are a
bit different, but functionally both versions are the same.
This version was released on a 5,25" floppy disk. The
screen has the familiar look with an almost complete panel
below and the 3D scenery view above. As far as I know, the
colours in the picture below are quite authentic and
much better than those of its Apple II counterpart. The real
problem with the C64 version is that it takes ages to load
and is very slow in the running.
Commodore 64 emulator
To be able to run this
program we need either a real Commodore 64 or an emulator
that runs on a current PC with a disk-image of the original
program. There are quite a few C64 emulators around, but for
our purpose I choose the CCS64 emulator, freeware version
1.09, by Håkan Sundell. This is a simple DOS based
emulator. On Håkan's website (see below) you can download a
modern shareware version 3.0 for Windows. Another good
choice might be the VICE emulator that also runs under
Windows. Thanks to Sergio di Fusco for helping me with the
emulator and associated FS-images. Don't forget to read his
story about FS II on the C64 ("The flying
breadbox").
New York - Manhattan in CM-FS2 (1984)
Flight Simulator program
FS II for the C64 was
originally released on two 5,25" diskettes. There have
been a few successive releases, each improving on the
previous one. Included is release 1.01 from 1984. If you
happen to have a later one, please send me a copy. The
download contains both the emulator with docs and the FS II
program in the form of a disk-image, suitable for an
emulator. Below you will also find a copy of the original
control key reference card that was included with the 90
page pilot's handbook.
Instructions for starting up the emulator
First create a new
directory and unzip the contents of the emulator file into
this directory. Start up the emulator by starting the
batch-file ccs64.bat. If you think of running it more often
it might also be a good idea to create a new (CCS) shortcut
on the desktop. You'll get a full DOS-screen, which after
about 10 seconds displays a standard blue C64 screen. The
emulator also works in a DOS-box; switch with
<Alt><Enter>.
To load the FS program
press <F9>, from the menu choose "Load
Program" and press <Enter>. From the
"List" of available disk-images choose FS 2.0 and
press <Enter>. After a few seconds you get a screen
with some instructions on how to control FS and the warning
that it may take 2 minutes and 40 seconds to load FS as on a
real Commodore 64. And it does!!!
The statue of Liberty in CM-FS2
Instructions to run the
program
When the program starts,
you have to be patient again until it is loaded fully and
stable. Then you'll find yourself placed at a familiar
place: the beginning of runway 36 at Meigs Airport, Chicago.
The aircraft controls are based on those of version 1, but
much enhanced. The panel is almost complete; compare it to
version 5 or 6! You can now also view in all directions. A
slew function is also present. For further instruction read
the docs and the reference card.
Further links
  
Latest revision:
30.03.2005 |
