 It is fun to shoot down Nazis. |
| Review Date: April 23, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Luke Meyers, Seattle, WA USA |
I got this game a week or two ago and wanted to share my endorsement of it. I have very fond memories of Sierra's Red Baron games on the PC and Mac, and the WWII dogfighting action of Blazing Angels strikes the same chord. I haven't gotten terrifically far in the missions -- 5 or so -- but with one exception (the sandstorm level, which is apparently the worst of the bunch by far based on forum posters' complaints) they're fun and present a good amount of challenge.
There are several non-campaign modes. One-on-one dogfights with an "ace" flying the same plane (chosen from all those you've unlocked) pit you against a fairly tough opponent. I've found the difficulty to depend a lot on the kind of plane, though -- the ace dogfight for the very first plane is pretty tough because the weapons are underpowered, but I had other fights that were over in the first 15 seconds. There's an "arcade" mode that pits you against waves of less-challenging opponents. And then there are little "mini-campaigns" which are like one-off versions of the campaign missions (haven't tried them yet).
Then there's multiplayer. I was initially annoyed because I read on Amazon that you could play with up to 16 players online, but there's no mention of this in the game or on the box. From what I've read, Nintendo is starting up its online play service in June, with a Pokemon title as the big launch hoohah, so hopefully Blazing Angels will be updated at that point for online play. Without online, there's still very satisfying 2-player split-screen play, both versus and co-op.
Now, the question for all Wii titles -- how are the controls?
Basically, I like them a lot. Several control schemes are available, and they vary along a couple of axes. First, you've got the choice between arcade-style and simulation-style. Arcade-style makes it sort of simpler to turn, but you can't do barrel rolls; I strongly recommend using simulation and never looking back. There are several different control configurations. There's a single-controller config (no nunchuck), a "classic" config (with nunchuck) which doesn't use motion sensitivity, and the default style which uses both controllers and tilt sensitivity for pitch and roll. You can have the tilt sensitivity on either the remote or the nunchuck (I think the default was the nunchuck, but I liked the remote more).
I did most of my initial play with the wiimote-sensitive version of the default scheme. I really like the feel of turning the remote around in the air to control the plane. Takes some getting used to, but there's a nice nimble feel to it once you do. However, there were certain things that really nagged at me about this control scheme. In particular, the targeting controls are very poorly placed. The analog stick on the nunchuck is used for throttle (up and down), but left and right on the same stick are used to select targets. This is a horrible thing because you're constantly using the throttle during fights, and it's extremely easy to let the stick slip to the side and lose your target. Holding the A button makes the camera track your current target, which makes fighting a *lot* easier, but this advantage is lost if you're constantly switching targets.
Fortunately, it turns out that the dark horse -- the single controller with no nunchuck -- is a vastly superior control configuration. I wound up trying this during multiplayer and can confidently say I'll never switch back. It has the same basic flight feel as the default -- better, actually; there's something very natural about holding a horizontal controller and tilting it around, sort of Excite Truck style, in the way that one might when getting a little excited about a game with no motion sensor controllers at all. The big advantage, though, is that the less-commonly-used functions are out of the way. The B button
(trigger) is used as a shift button to enable these lesser-used functions. It just works a whole lot better, and you don't have to fuss with the nunchuck -- love it!
So... yeah. Fun game if you like flying around and shooting down Nazis.
And who doesn't? |
PS3 version: Great game... definately under rated...
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| Review Date: December 22, 2006 |
| Reviewer: David Rankin, CA United States |
Ok... I just got my PS3 and I'll admit this game is not Resistance Fall of Man, but with my 4yr old I can't play it. So I was looking at other games. I came across this, and the reviews were kind of bad. I think they were mostly looking at the Xbox360 version as for the PS3 is an all new field.
First of all the game is Sixaxis ready and has a simulation mode using the sixaxis. The best example of the sixaxis's ability yet. It almost feels like your really controlling a plane. Next there is third person and first person (which can be switched between during play... how awesome)... This is simply the best flight sim I've seen, a good number of levels along with a wide variety of planes to fly. Also, something rare is the ability to look around in the cockpit with the analog stick.
This game is just fun and feels so relistic to flying a small plane. I have played with a standard control scheme because the sixaxis is way to fun. It's awesome to be doing a nose dive and to pull up on the controller at the last second to come swooping off the ground.
The graphics could probably be a little better for the PS3, but when playing the game your usually to busy to notice.
It's a great game for sim lovers or in general to add to the PS3 collection. Did I mention it has Multiplayer abilities and Online!
The sixaxis is what makes this game.
This comes from a person that has 80 PS2 games and is a harsh critic.
If you want to try something unique try it.
It is definately a rent, if you not into games like this.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because I haven't played all the way through yet and the graphics could probably be more detailed.
Have fun... |
Awesome PS3 Game with Sixaxis functionality
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| Review Date: December 29, 2006 |
| Reviewer: XQS2FLY, USA |
This is my second PS3 game. While Resistance is fun, its not ground breaking. Blazing Angels is a unique game that is a blast to play. I was somewhat skeptical of the Sixaxis functionality before buying this game. It turns out to work great, and this is the perfect type of game for it. This Sixaxis is what makes this game so fun to play. The graphics on an HD TV are pretty impressive as well.
As far as game-play itself, the game has an abundance of aircraft choices, missions, and types of play. Co-op mode is a lot of fun. My only complaint is there is not a difficulty option and some of the missions are extremely challenging (at least in Co-op mode). Single player flying with a squadron of 4 may make it easier.
All-in-all, Blazing Angels is a great game and definitely worth buying. |
Loving it and frustrated
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| Review Date: May 7, 2007 |
| Reviewer: edanc, Florida RV Park |
Being the proud owner of a new PS3, a copy of Blazing Angels (among other games), a new Sony LCD HDTV and digital connections , I have not been dissapointed in any of those purchases especially "Blazing Angels". The graphics and sound (I play it thru a BOSE entertainment system) alone will blow your mind, especially if you previously have not been exposed to that environment.
Now to the game: It has a short training mode whereby you fly basic older aircraft designed to get a layman exposed to the controller and the game's interaction. Then to the missions; WWII is closely paralleled. While the game does take some liberties with actual facts of the war, it won't disappoint you if you are a student of the war. The game gets progressively harder and in the Arcade mode, shorter alloted times; which is sure to frustrate you as you are learning how to fly, bomb, torpedo and avoid being blown out of the sky.
My experience with the motion sensitive controller has pretty much relegated it to the back burner. It doesn't appear to be responsive enough to turn tight loops with the aircraft. But in all fairness, I have been concentrating on those things that work for me. I'll give it another shot as time passes.
Find the time to play it. It will give you many hours of enjoyment; be prepared to get frustrated, though. Thus far, I am protecting (or trying to) Midway island. But I am also frustrated, as I can't imagine downing all the incoming bombers, before time runs out (I've tried many, many times). Maybe my age is a detriment, though. I am almost 70 yrs old but "Loving it and Frustrated". |
These negative reviews aren't telling the story!
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| Review Date: July 26, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Dr. Cap'n Sessions, Esq., Los Angeles, CA |
Sucks to be you I guess, if you're one of the other reviewers who couldn't get this game to work because it's really an amazing game and you are totally missing out. Graphics are incredible and very smooth (with my P4 3.4Ghz, EVGA GeForce 7800 card, 3 GB RAM). Game installed without a hitch - I downloaded and ran the sizeable patch - and it played perfectly right away (no phone calls or support needed). The missions are quite challenging (sometimes VERY challenging) and fun and the WWII planes are really beautiful. I could come up with some minor gripes - like the repetetive radio messages (taunts) that come from the enemy pilots...the fact that you can't inflict collateral damage in the scenery (which includes some planes on the ground)...but they are minor and don't take away from the greatness of this game. The multi-player modes are a lot of fun also - you can play over internet, LAN, and even split screen. I should also say that I use a Logitech Rumblepad 2 as well as a Logitech Extreme 3D joystick, both without any troubles whatsoever (especially after I configured them using the utility included with the game).
I am honestly very confused about why this game has so many negative reviews - I almost didn't buy it because of them - but I am certainly glad I did! Love this game! |
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