Certain planes of the era had idiosyncrasies, which Damon was determined to incorporate into his design. The Sopwith Camel was a deathtrap to novice pilots due to its tendency to spin uncontrollably, but this same characteristic controlled by a veteran who could turn the plane to the right more quickly than any other aircraft often catching the enemy in the sights of his gun and ending the conflict. Damon spent immense time and money getting the game right and it is still heralded by many as the most advanced and accurate flight simulator of its type. The 228 page manual that came with the game represented a wealth of knowledge and research, and was well worth the cost of the game. Like the original pilots and many pilots today navigation is by landmarks and maps.
Many times looking down out of the cockpit is the only way home.
The original game had more than 100 missions flown from the Royal Flying Corps or the German Army Air Service in one of 17 aircraft. Dogfights with up to four planes were supported by the machines of the time, while at the end of the war, dogfights of as many as 80 planes were seen. Another charming addition was the depiction of enemy Aces of the period. Each pilot in the game had a unique repertoire of maneuvers based upon their skill levels and the planes they were piloting. Each Ace pilot also had a personality and a unique repertoire of maneuvers, which were that pilots signature or trademark.