European Air War - PC Games

Straight out of the box, European Air War is a little rough around the edges. The low-resolution graphics are serviceable but by no means beautiful. A quick trip to the Microprose Web site ([Link removed - login to see] for the latest patch will fix all that. The patch lets players crank the maximum resolution up to 1,600 x 1,200, producing some of the cleanest graphics found in any flight simulator.

Battles in EAW are absolutely thrilling, and many times their resemblance to WWII footage is eerie. Bomber escort missions are among the most exhilarating we've ever played. Imagine a flight of 50 escort fighters picking their way through heavy flak puffs over Berlin as they protect over 50 friendly bombers from more than 100 marauding enemy aircraft. Stricken bombers are slowly peeling off from the main formation, grouping at low level for mutual protection as they limp home. Meanwhile, the bombers that successfully ran the gauntlet are churning an enemy rail yard into fine powder with their munitions as terrified citizens near the attack's epicenter flee from buildings and run through the streets. You scream down from altitude to help the chewed-up bombers, ordering the remainder of your squadron to guard the main attack force as the sun begins to set in the West, bathing the world in a pinkish-orange glow. Fights like this are common in EAW, since the game engine can support a few hundred planes in the air at once.

In fact, the game's authenticity is ultimately the only thing that stands in the way of unadulterated fun. Campaign missions sometimes are boring affairs where you don't even make contact with the enemy, while other times you'll be in a 12-plane flight tasked with taking out an overwhelming mixed force of bombers and fighters. Enabling unlimited ammo can help things, but many times we'd prefer balanced missions over utter realism. Regardless, once patched, EAW stands as perhaps the most authentic and fun WWII flight simulator on the market. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros: Amazing number of aircraft in the air at once Believable flight models for all planes Intense dogfights Cons: Needs the patch to truly shine Uses only 256-color graphics

Amazon.com Product Description
Take to the skies over Europe during the most dangerous days of World War II. Pilot 20 authentic fighters from Great Britain, Germany, and the United States. Defend the skies of southern England from waves of German bombers, fight off harrying Messerschmitt fighters while escorting B-17s deep into the heart of the Third Reich, or engage in savage dogfights over France. Vivid graphics and a dynamic game environment will captivate you in this sequel to the critically acclaimed and award-winning 1942: Pacific Air War.