Name:  - Combat Flight Simulator 2
Microsoft Description:
Combat Flight Simulator 2 takes the excitement, realism, and challenge of the original Combat Flight Simulator from the skies over Europe to the South Pacific for one of the fiercest air battles of World War II. Amid the Pacific Theater of Operations of 1941-43, players advance from rookie ensigns to fighter aces by engaging in one thrilling air battle after another.
Combat Flight Simulator 2 takes combat realism beyond the fighter plane to the pilots themselves, with a story line that unfolds in gritty realism as the war rages across the Solomon Islands.
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10/15/2001 - My father-in-law and I used to spend hours playing this style of game (remember the first Chuck Yeager flying game?). I have had some bad experiences with flight games being way too much for my video card, and it was refreshing to see Microsoft come out with a flying game that has great video effects, without a huge penalty for not yet having a state-of-the-art video card (at time of this review still running a 32meg ATI Rage Fury - with latest drivers).
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92.8
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| First Impression and Game Installation |
The pictures on the box are nice, but nothing reflects the quality of the planes flying within a few feet of you on a near miss. When you line up behind an opposing plane and prepare to blow it away, you appreciate the detail you see.
Make sure you get the latest drivers for DirectX, your video card, and sound card - this game needs them to execute to the maximum. If you aren't sure how to do this, go to a computer professional or you can easily screw your machine up and render it useless for your other needs until someone can fix it that knows what they are doing.
Now if that scared you, don't blame the game - you should be doing this for any of the new games that come out. |
8.0
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| Configurable Options and Ease of Use |
Microsoft definitely listens to their users, and it generally shows in their games. The interface is extremely easy to use, and considering the learning curve that generally comes with this type of game, you can very easily get into the game and punch around the options without having to get into the manual until you are learning the more advanced flying, arming, and strategy features. |
9.5
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| Graphics |
The graphics were simply exceptional. When they look as good as they do on an older video card like I am currently using, it simply leaves me impressed.
When you are in the game flying and blowing stuff up, I was very impressed. However I would have liked a more modern realistic interface when I am outside of the game, making configuration modifications, and with the intro. Microsoft's designers went for a 'comic book' look that they carried throughout the game. If you are 'into' comic books, you will love this interface - because they did an outstanding job completing there task… it simply didn't match my taste buds. I simply like to 'keep it real' - show me the real photos, and real action clips boyz. |
9.5
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| Video at Minimum and Maximum |
I like a game that can figure out what kind of card I have and configure it without me having to mess with it - this game does that nicely. However, if you like to tweak your graphics - this game will NOT disappoint. There is a plethora of advanced graphical configuration options that you can set inside the game, plus the range of resolution is great (640x480x16 to 1800x1440x32).
One of the things I hate about most games, is when you need to get out of the game for a minute and return to the desktop. Have you ever tried this and had the game freeze up, or freeze you system for a dreaded hard boot?! I hate it when that happens. Well it took a long time to complete this review and there were several nights where I had to go to the desktop for some extra curricular activities, then return to the game… and I never experienced a lock up - neah, not even a hiccup!!!
The game performed excellent low end resolutions - and looked great in the high end. My card didn't allow me to experience the high end with fluidity, but I assume the experience to be worth the hefty investment today's excellent video cards. |
9.5
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| Sound |
Keep in mind that I have a very nice surround sound system and am spoiled - this game really delivered in the area of sound. From the time you are sitting on the ground or air craft carrier and start you engine, to the in-flight buzzing of air-to-air combat - the sound of the game is an excellent experience. The sound guys simply deserve a raise, and if I had it my way - this same sound crew would be leading the sound efforts of all of my gaming experiences. |
10.0
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| Beginner thru Advanced Use |
The game has a full range of combinations to increase the difficulty. Of course you can be invincible and never get shot down, run out of gas, experience equipment failures, or run out of bullets - and that pretty much lets you go right through the game with out any problems. You simply bounce off the ocean, land, or ship. I guess it doesn't get much easier than that.
When you take off invincibility and start a new game, the first few excursions are simply enough, but I really ran into problems on some of those combination ground/air assaults when you are taking it from both ends. Plan to have to replay the same events over and over until you get smart enough to start looking at maps and finding out where people are hiding. The advanced difficulty level will challenge you as far as you need to go. |
9.0
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| Multi-player |
The multi-player options are robust and the interface is easy to use. They included a full range of connection options including IPX, TCP/IP, Modem, Serial, and the Zone. I always like a full list of options to connect. I scored this category based on the interface, but did not really give the options a test drive due to the time commitment I had to make to complete a campaign. |
8.0
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| Help Instructions |
The help manual that comes with this game is simply up to Microsoft standards. If you ever wonder why you have to pay more for some of the Microsoft games, you may want to remember what you are getting. The documentation is nothing short of outstanding.
And just when you think Microsoft is in their own league with manuals, simply hit the F1 key on any screen for their intuitive online help. I'm not sure what to say here… I'm speechless. Well for those who know me well, they know that will never happen… when you hit the F1 key on any screen (in the game or on any of the configuration windows), you exit to the windows interface with the game in a small window (reminding you where you are), and the help screen is right on the help reference you need. If you need more details click around, or use the index.
I will take a chance sounding like a tape recorder on this review and say that I want the Help crew to lead the help design of every game I play the rest of my life. This help interface is simply as good as it gets (until they decide to raise the bar). |
10.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
A professional gaming package, supported by great graphics, sound, and help… all in one game. If you like the best, stop whining and just buy it. |
9.5
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| Recommend to Others |
If you like flying games, I would simply say that this needs to be in your collection - period. |
9.8
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
LAZ
- I would like you to consider more modern approaches in all of your games. Just because the time period of the game was in the 1940's doesn't mean the interface needs to look like it was designed before the advent of motion video.
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