Fans of realistic flight simulators for the Xbox 360 console have been pretty much starved since the console was launched. It has long been accepted that games like this only really work on the PC. However, developers have now fully learned how to take advantage of the Xbox as a simulator platform (behold Forza 3), and finally fans of the genre are rewarded for their patience.
IL-2 Sturmovik Birds Of Prey Options
Sturmovik was originally a PC release, but the developer Gaijin has keenly noticed that console gamers are often looking for more of a short-term hit, rather than an in-depth simulation. For this reason, an Arcade version is provided for those players who just want to get on with things. The Head-up display features a target reticule which shows the player where to aim at in order to hit a target at distance. The handling controls are also simplified in this mode. It allows those who are not experienced with flight simulators to get straight on in and play. Those with a few more flight hours under their belt can entertain the Simulation mode, where the HUD is removed, and the pilot is susceptible to “blacking out” should the player turn too aggressively. This adds up to a lot of long term playability.
IL-2 Sturmovik Birds Of Prey Flight Experience
By far the most stunning aspect of IL-2 is the graphics. The scenery and aircraft have been lovingly rendered, and this sits on the cutting edge of Xbox graphics programming. At times, it almost gets too much for the 360 as the frame rate drops and it all gets a little jerky. Generally though, battles are conducted with fluidity and the aircraft move as would be expected. Colours are strong, and the various landscapes appear crisp even when flying at low altitude. The sounds throughout are atmospheric, and it all adds up to a touching and beautifully crafted experience.
IL-2 Sturmovik Birds Of Prey Conclusion
Unfortunately, Sturmovik's downfall is exactly that of other flight combat games such as Fires of Liberation. Regardless of the variation in mission types, inevitably the pilot is either hitting a ground target or shooting something from the air. This can quickly get repetitive, leaving only those who have a strong interest in this period of aviation to be titillated on a long-term basis.
Anyone looking for a part-realistic part-enjoyable WW2 shooter will enjoy IL-2 Sturmovik Birds Of Prey. If the buyer is after a crushingly real simulator, then the PC is still the king. If, however, it is an enjoyable pick-up-and-play experience that is sought, then IL2 will deliver for a time.
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