Lover of indie and AAA games alike. My roots include FF8, Skies of Arcadia, Ace Combat 4, Fallout 2, Morrowind, Freelancer, and NOX.
I first picked up this gem when I was fourteen. I didn't make use of the mouse control, and now I realize that the keyboard was infinitely more accurate and agile.
This game truly gives you 6-D.o.F. and has a wonderful physics system- not too ultra-realistic, but complex enough to allow you to execute hairpin turns, 180-degree spins (while maintaining the same flightpath), and more.
I have found it hard going back to the game recently, possibly because of my experiences with Freelancer and the X Series, but that is only because the graphics are quite dated, and not because of the gameplay.
Give this one a try.
Awesome. Just cut down the number of enemy fighters... :P