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SimCopter vs AH-64D Longbow

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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SimCopter
SimCopterTake to the skies and pilot police or rescue helicopters in a sprawling sandbox city.
AH-64D Longbow
AH-64D LongbowRealistic Apache helicopter combat simulation for PC
Overview
Description

SimCopter is an open-world flight simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, originally released in November 1996. Players step into the cockpit of a helicopter, responding to emergencies, transporting passengers, and managing chaotic urban events within custom or generated cities. Building upon the foundation of SimCity 2000, the game allows players to import their own cities from Maxis's classic city builder and explore them from a first- or third-person perspective. With its unique blend of mission-based gameplay and sandbox freedom, it remains a memorable title in early PC simulation history.

AH-64D Longbow puts you in the cockpit of the iconic Apache attack helicopter, delivering a deep and authentic flight experience. Developed by Origin Systems, this 1996 classic combines detailed avionics with intense battlefield scenarios, offering both solo missions and a robust simulation of modern warfare. The game features a variety of mission types, from anti-armor strikes to close air support, all rendered with the cutting‑edge graphics of its era. Its focus on realistic controls and weapon systems makes it a benchmark for helicopter simulators, still celebrated by enthusiasts today.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
City Builders & Management
Action & Shooter
Best for
Retro gaming enthusiasts and flight simulator fans
Flight simulation enthusiasts
Specifications
Specifications
developer
Maxis
Origin Systems
publisher
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
age rating
ESRB E
ESRB T
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
86/100
General
release date
1996-11-20
1996-05-31
msrp
$49.99
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Allows importing custom cities from SimCity 2000
  • Engaging open-world exploration and sandbox freedom
  • Variety of rescue and law enforcement missions
  • Memorable soundtrack and audio features
  • Highly realistic flight physics
  • Comprehensive weapon and avionics systems
  • Robust mission editor for custom content
  • Strong single‑player campaign
Cons
  • Graphics have aged significantly by modern standards
  • Flight controls can feel clunky and difficult to master
  • Occasional technical bugs and performance quirks on modern hardware
  • Graphics are dated by modern standards
  • Limited multiplayer options (single player only)
  • Steep learning curve for newcomers
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Comanche 3
Comanche 3

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AH-64D Longbow
AH-64D Longbow

Realistic Apache helicopter combat simulation for PC

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002: Professional Edition
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002: Professional Edition

Fly the world with unparalleled realism on your PC

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Flash Point Korea: AH-64D Longbow
Flash Point Korea: AH-64D Longbow

Master the AH-64D in a realistic Korean conflict simulation.

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Apache
Apache

Pilot the iconic AH-64 Apache in realistic combat missions

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Comanche 3
Comanche 3

High‑octane helicopter combat simulation from NovaLogic

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HIND: The Russian Combat Helicopter Simulation
HIND: The Russian Combat Helicopter Simulation

Fly the iconic Mi-24 and dominate the battlefield from the cockpit.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Both are 1996 single‑player helicopter sims, but SimCopter offers sandbox city flying with custom SimCity maps, while AH‑64D Longbow focuses on realistic Apache combat.

Key differences

  • SimCopter lets you import any SimCity 2000 city; Longbow has no city‑import feature.
  • Longbow provides a detailed combat cockpit, weapons and mission editor; SimCopter centers on rescue/police missions.
  • Audience focus: SimCopter targets retro/sandbox fans, Longbow targets hardcore flight‑simulation enthusiasts.
  • Both have dated graphics, but Longbow’s graphics are rated T for mature content, SimCopter is E‑rated.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

SimCopter offers open‑world sandbox exploration and varied rescue missions, appealing to casual and creative play.

SimCopter

Platform availability

Both are PC titles released in 1996 with single‑player only; no platform differences specified.

Tie

Price & value

Longbow lists an MSRP of $49.99; SimCopter price not specified, making Longbow’s cost clearer.

AH-64D Longbow

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only; no multiplayer options for either.

Tie

Content & replayability

Longbow includes a mission editor and varied weapon systems, providing more custom replay content than SimCopter.

AH-64D Longbow

Difficulty & accessibility

SimCopter’s controls are clunky but less steep than Longbow’s realistic flight physics, which have a steep learning curve.

SimCopter

Graphics & performance

Both suffer from dated graphics by modern standards; no specific performance data to differentiate.

Tie

Choose SimCopter if…

Retro or sandbox fans who want city‑building integration and casual rescue gameplay.

Choose AH-64D Longbow if…

Hardcore flight sim enthusiasts seeking realistic Apache combat and custom mission creation.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Longbow has a listed MSRP of $49.99; SimCopter’s price is not specified.

Can I play with friends?

No; both titles are single‑player only.

Do either games support custom maps?

SimCopter lets you import custom SimCity 2000 cities; Longbow offers a mission editor but no city‑import feature.