These games have not aged well. Not the graphics so much as the controls. The last time I played them was more than a few years ago, and back then I recall the mouse being the worst option for controlling a fighter, with the keyboard more or less as viable as it is in Privateer. Now I've no choice but to use the mouse, as using the keyboard is made impossible by the fact that game just doesn't know how to deal with having two keys depressed simultaneously. And the mouse is bad - controlling a fighter with it makes manoeuvring and keeping the reticule on a target incredibly awkward, and the game frequently demands a pretty high level of precision.

Unfortunate, as I really liked this series back in the day. Now I'm finding that trying to use a fighter isn't a pleasure so much as a frustrating chore. Not the first time I've picked up an old game and found it much harder to grapple with than I remembered, though others thusfar have found other ways of keeping me playing. I have a bad feeling these might be the first games I have to give up on replaying, as they're just not fun when all of the dogfighting feels unpleasant.

I use a combination of a 360 controller and keyboard and it works great for 1 & 2. Since you already have several WC games, maybe you could look for a reasonably priced flight stick. Although I'm sure the idea of spending more money to enjoy a game is not appealing. I guess it depends on your financial situation.