Digital Image Design's 1998 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1998 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Digital Image Design
- Publisher
- Infogrames Europe SA
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.25
- Players today
- Positive on Steam (100% of 11)
The history
Released in 1998, F-22 Total Air War (also known as TAW) was developed by Digital Image Design and published by Infogrames. Serving as the successor to F-22: Air Dominance Fighter (ADF), the title sought to expand upon the foundation of its predecessor by integrating deeper systemic elements into the flight simulation experience.
The game mattered primarily because it delivered the dynamic campaign mode that had been promised for ADF. By creating a living, breathing scenario where the war progressed based on player actions, it moved beyond simple mission-based gameplay to offer a more comprehensive simulation of aerial warfare.
How it plays
The core loop centers on the management and control of dynamic campaigns set around the Red Sea. These campaigns are randomly generated, featuring various factions thrown into randomly selected alliances or opposing sides. Players can choose to fly combat sorties in the F-22 Raptor, with the game registering the success or failure of these missions to reflect results in the overall campaign. For those preferring a more strategic approach, players can opt for E-3 AWACS sorties.
In AWACS mode, the gameplay shifts from first-person flight to a tactical map. Rather than piloting a plane, the player directs the movements of allied forces and issues commands to control the drama of the conflict from a high-level tactical perspective. Additionally, an editor mode allows players to modify aspects of missions before taking flight.
What players say today
Modern players describe the experience as an incredibly fun and charming "bullet-hell" in a retro style, comparing the feel and art style to old Touhou PC-98 games. They praise the responsive controls, the variety of shot types, and the "collectathon" nature provided by hidden treasures and score items that fill the screen.
“Super fun and over the top. This game came out of nowhere but I'm having a great time with it. I love how it just fills the screen with score items and hidden treasures and super large bullets. This n…”
“Ah, this game reminds me of the old Touhou PC-98 games. The art style and feel of it is so arcade-y and I love how adorable it all is. A truly unique Danmaku game and a pleasure to look at!”
“Incredibly fun and oozing with charm, please give it a go!”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Digital Image Design previously achieved significant acclaim for its work on F-22: ADF, which won the Grand Best Game Award at the Milia D'Or Awards in Cannes—the first time a simulation had received the honor. Total Air War remains worth seeking out today for those who appreciate the ambition of its dynamic campaign and the intersection of flight simulation and tactical strategy.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
Whether viewed as a rigorous F-22 flight simulator or experienced as a charming, arcade-style shooter, the game offers a unique blend of tactical oversight and high-action combat. Its ability to simulate a shifting political and military landscape in the Red Sea gives it a depth that transcends simple dogfighting.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.