Pacific Fighters - PC

Even though most combat flight sims seem generic in their efforts to re-enact some of the Second World War's most significant aerial battles, it's the developer's ability to deliver an accurate flight simulator that makes the genre so popular, and at the same time, competitive. In a bid to raise the benchmark that little bit further is Pacific Fighters, a 1C-developed epic built on the success of the Sturmovik series of games.

In Pacific Fighters' obligatory solo campaign, players will find themselves up against enemy forces once again as they square off against the notorious air-power of the Japanese empire. Would-be pilots will be charged with destroying enemy ships, vehicles, airfields, and of course a plethora of enemy aircraft in historic battles that include Pearl Harbour, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima.

Under normal circumstances, flight-sims aren't best known for their pick-up-and-play approach - they are complex and even require a degree of training. Pacific Fighters however, incorporates an extensive tutorial as well as a number of difficulty settings that allow players to tailor missions to suit their level of skill.

When taking to the skies, players can witness first-hand the immense technical detail of Pacific Fighters. Visually, the game is remarkable, boasting smooth visuals and a stunning damage model. Furthermore, the underlying play mechanic of this combat sim offers a level of realism rarely seen in the genre, not just in the control of your own fighter plane, but in the behaviour of your enemies as well.

More importantly, Pacific Fighters' multiplayer game is near perfect. Partaking is various online scenarios, players can take to the skies with dozens of others to join in a number formation, free-for-all and dogfight missions. It's here that Pacific Fighters proves its longevity, and will no doubt see players visiting the online world of 1C's latest project for years to come. more