Designed by Gilman Louie and Les Watts, it used bitmapped 3D MiG-21s as adversaries, several years before Origin's Wing Commander used a similar graphics engine.
In comparison to the older game, this version allows external viewing of the player aircraft, enables a "head-to-head" multiplayer mode, and includes the MiG-29 as an adversary.
Computer Gaming World in November 1993 criticized MiG-29's new redout/blackout model as unrealistic, and lack of fixes to existing bugs, but approved of the improved modem play and its "new set of challenges designed to broaden Falcon's appeal".
[4] In a January 1994 survey of wargames the magazine gave the title four stars out of five, stating that the game was "mandatory" for serious players but not for "the casual weekend flyer".
While citing "some irritating bugs", the magazine concluded that as "basically Falcon 3 with new scenarios and a different flight model", it "will make a very welcome addition to the hard-core pilot's collection".