Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

[gopadres]

Had no idea about this game until a couple days ago. Demo plays and looks really good! I love the attention to details: wings being shot off, machine gun effects. Definitely a step up from Blazing Angels. Will have to rent first and decide if worth a purchase.

[Flawless]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

TeamXbox Review - 8.8

Well, maybe not 100% as hardcore, but pretty damn serious nonetheless. The “simulation” difficulty mode is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever encounter in a video game, though I’m still not sure it will satisfy the real old-school grognards (that’s old-school talk for wargame and simulation fans). Hardly anything satisfies those types of gamers. The real question in front of the developers at 1C though is not about satisfying that small but vocal group; it’s about satisfying the larger group of gamers out there without scaring them off.

Don’t be scared by the simulation mode of IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, which practically requires a pilot’s license just to keep your virtual plane in the air. The “arcade” setting is much easier to deal with in terms of learning curve. What you do need to know though, is despite the ease of staying in the air you find in arcade mode, the game is anything but an “arcade-style” experience. Even at its easiest and most newbish, it’s a highly authentic representation of WWII air combat. Well, except for that infinite ammo and fuel, and it being largely impossible to spin out, and the whole radar system that identifies enemy units on the air and ground; except for that stuff it’s a very realistic recreation of the battle in the skies over Europe.

What makes it so real? For one, the airplanes don’t move like X-wing fighters, they move like real airplanes. The real airplanes they represent. Not that I’ve ever personally flown a Hawker Hurricane, but the dev team has been working on this stuff for years, with the endorsement of many an old pilot who would know. If you play the hardcore simulation mode, it’s tough to even maintain level flight. You gotta mess with trim and flaps and other odd-sounding aeronautical devices. If you’re in a single engine plane, you’ll even have to contend with the torque of the engine slightly banking your plane. It’s undoubtedly the most realistic flight simulator to ever grace the Xbox 360.

But it’s still fun for regular shmoes like you and me in arcade mode. While a bit more complex to control than the traditional “turn and burn” concept behind most console flying games, it’s tough to make a lethal mistake with the arcade difficulty. It doesn’t feel too dumb, and it doesn’t feel to brainy. This porridge is just right.

[Jistic]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

This is one of those games that a guy like me would love, but the public won't. Which means I bet I can pick this up for $35 in a few months.

[mkharsh33]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

i've enjoyed the demo...might wait awhile for a price drop, but definitely on the list.

[Flawless]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

IGN Review - 8.6

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey has almost all the bases covered. It can be an accessible, forgiving flight combat game for novices, a challenge for veterans, and a true test of will for the ultra hardcore. With some sharp plane models, a number of gigantic and realistic settings, and a flurry of effects onscreen, the game manages to look and sound just as good as it plays. Throughout its campaign and single missions you'll take on huge swarms of fighters in World War II-style dogfights, using your machine guns and tactical knowledge to fly away victorious. It draws you in with its strongly realized setting, gives you plenty of planes to play around with across numerous missions, and offers up four multiplayer modes in which you can test the limits of your piloting talent. This isn't a game that seeks to amaze with some kind of gimmick or flash. Birds of Prey is more subtle and sturdy, where the strength of its play mechanics and attention to detail make it one of the best choices for console-based flight combat.

[richinspirit]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

i've enjoyed the demo...might wait awhile for a price drop, but definitely on the list.

totally with you! i had the original on pc so was very happy when i saw the demo. It plays great and looks unbelievable, but I think the price will drop so we can pick it up cheaply a few months down the line!

[teambayern]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

I'm torn here. I know this is one of those games I'll buy full price today and a month from now, it's $30, which sucks. BUT, I also know that finding a game online after MW2 comes out is probably going to be like striking oil in my backyard, so I feel like I should enjoy it now or never. Then again, this will probably at least get a dedicated cult following from some sites.


Also, anyone picking up the aviator flight stick? The ace-edge is too pricey.

[goh]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

9 from Gamesradar: http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/il...11171259584087

You'll love

* Flawless simulation
* Bum-clenching dogfights
* Well-designed modes for all skill levels

You'll hate

* No co-op
* No mission builder
* Simulation mode near impossible

[gopadres]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

* Bum-clenching dogfights

LOL. It's a bloody good game.

[Candyman5]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

9 from Gamesradar: http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/il...11171259584087

* Simulation mode near impossible

Wonder if that is because they suck or they are used to Ace Combats severe inaccuracy of actual flight to base this off of?

[3nDAmornin]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

When I tried sim mode I couldn't even keep the plane in the sky! lol Hats off to anyone that can master that mode in this game.

[gopadres]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

When I tried sim mode I couldn't even keep the plane in the sky! lol Hats off to anyone that can master that mode in this game.

I'm surprised they can even make a simulation mode with a console controller...must be a ton of button combinations.

[Whitesox]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

Downloading the demo now. I'm interested in how "sim" this simulation mode really is. I love to play Flight Simulator X, so it should be interesting to see how much of a simulation they can make on a console.

[teambayern]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

Sim is not anywhere near impossible. You just need to get used to it, and also, turn down sensitivity. Furthermore, the final release seems toned down to me, so it's easier still. Then again, it could just be that the stick I bought makes it that much easier.

Overall, this game is fantastic, just needs to get it's online community rolling and fix some MP problems (people not getting credit for kills when others crash).

Once the DLC arrives, this should be a classic.

[gopadres]

Re: Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

Sim is not anywhere near impossible. You just need to get used to it, and also, turn down sensitivity. Furthermore, the final release seems toned down to me, so it's easier still. Then again, it could just be that the stick I bought makes it that much easier.

Overall, this game is fantastic, just needs to get it's online community rolling and fix some MP problems (people not getting credit for kills when others crash).

Once the DLC arrives, this should be a classic.

Very cool! Hmm...might have to get a flight stick now. Damn, I'm gonna go broke this fall season with all the games I want!