IL-2 Sturmovik - PC Games

Based mostly on the Russian side of things, this flight simulator will appeal to anyone looking for a challenge and features everything from stalling engines, impressive AI run enemy and even the ability to play the gunner positions on some planes.

While the game play will keep you on your toes for many a mission--there is a level editor included to further your enjoyment--the real icing on the cake is in the little details. View the plane from outside while you shoot your way through a dogfight and you'll notice cartridges falling to the ground. Go too high and the plane starts to leave turbulence trails.

Multiplayer options haven't been neglected either and the game can accommodate up to a whopping 32 players in dogfight mode and 16 when tackling co-operative missions, making this a great game to play with friends.

If you're a fan of the Microsoft combat flight series, then IL2 Sturmovik is going to be the perfect addition to your catalogue. If however, you are new to the flight simulator genre, then this might be a little too taxing to start with. --Jason Denwood