Terminal Velocity

Terminal Velocity, released in 1995 by 3D Realms, is a futuristic combat flight simulator that blends high-speed action with arcade-style shooting. Set in a distant future where Earth faces hostile alien forces, players take control of an advanced fighter craft to battle across hostile planets and protect humanity from annihilation.

The game emphasizes fast, fluid gameplay over strict simulation. Players soar through open skies and dive into cavernous tunnels, blasting enemy ships, ground defenses, and massive bosses with an array of powerful weapons. Its combination of outdoor dogfights and subterranean combat offered a unique twist on the genre.

With its smooth graphics engine, pounding soundtrack, and accessible controls, Terminal Velocity stood out as one of the most exhilarating DOS flight-action games of the mid-1990s. Its mix of speed, freedom, and firepower earned it a loyal following and cemented its place as a cult classic of the era.