Summary
- Release Year: 2009
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360
- Developers: DiP Interactive, Gaijin Entertainment, SME Dynamic Systems
- Publishers: 505 Games, Gaijin Entertainment
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is a combat flight simulation game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Ubisoft. It was released on June 16, 2009, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game is based on the IL-2 Sturmovik series of simulations, and focuses on the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II.
Players can participate in some of the war’s most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and bombers across a range of thrilling missions. There are six theatres of war to engage in – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Ardennes, Berlin, Sicily and Korsun’ representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey also boasts an all new damage effects engine as well as advanced environmental visuals enriching the game play. Players can see real time damage to the aircraft such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dog fights. IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey features hundreds of airplanes taking part in air battles. The unique environmental engine also produces highly detailed, realistic landscapes that allow players to see breathtaking ground support actions.
Gameplay
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is a combat flight simulation game that puts players in the cockpit of some of the most iconic aircraft of World War II. The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including single-player campaigns, multiplayer dogfights, and cooperative missions.
In the single-player campaign, players take on the role of a pilot in one of the six theatres of war. Players must complete a series of missions, which range from escorting bombers to attacking enemy ground targets. The missions are based on real-world events, and players will often find themselves flying alongside or against famous historical figures.
In multiplayer mode, players can compete against each other in a variety of dogfight modes. Players can choose from a variety of aircraft, and can customize their loadouts to suit their own playstyle. Multiplayer matches can be played with up to 16 players, and feature a variety of maps and game modes.
Graphics and Sound
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey features stunning graphics and sound. The game’s environments are highly detailed and realistic, and the aircraft models are meticulously recreated. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and players will feel like they are really in the cockpit of a World War II fighter plane.
Flight Model
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey features a realistic flight model that accurately simulates the flight characteristics of World War II aircraft. Players must take into account factors such as speed, altitude, and wind when flying their aircraft. The game’s flight model also features a variety of damage effects, which can impact the aircraft’s performance.
Damage Model
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey features a detailed damage model that simulates the effects of combat damage on aircraft. Players can see real-time damage to their aircraft, such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dog fights. The damage model also affects the aircraft’s performance, and players must be careful not to sustain too much damage or their aircraft will be destroyed.
Conclusion
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is an excellent combat flight simulation game that offers a realistic and immersive experience. The game’s stunning graphics, accurate flight model, and detailed damage model make it one of the most realistic World War II flight sims available. Whether you’re a fan of flight sims or just a history buff, IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is a must-play.
Pros:
- Stunning graphics and sound
- Realistic flight model
- Detailed damage model
- Variety of gameplay modes
- Large selection of aircraft
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Some missions can be difficult
- Multiplayer can be laggy at times
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
