Mach 3 (1987 video game)

Mach 3 is a combat flight simulator video game developed and published by Core Design for various 8-bit home computer platforms in 1987. These platforms included the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.

The game places the player in the role of a fighter pilot tasked with completing a series of missions. Gameplay focuses on aerial combat and navigation using a heads-up display (HUD). Players must manage fuel, ammunition, and aircraft damage while engaging enemy fighters and ground targets.

Mach 3 featured relatively simple graphics for its time, prioritizing smooth animation and fast-paced action on the limited hardware. The gameplay offered a blend of arcade-style dogfighting and simulation elements, making it accessible to a wide audience. The game typically involved completing objectives such as destroying enemy bases, intercepting enemy aircraft, and returning safely to base.

The title was moderately successful upon release, garnering some positive reviews for its fast action and enjoyable gameplay. While not a groundbreaking title in terms of simulation accuracy or graphical fidelity, Mach 3 provided a popular and engaging aerial combat experience for 8-bit computer users during the late 1980s.