EUROPEAN AIR WAR


Brilliant WW2 flight action

By JAMES ANTHONY

Never, in the field of human conflict, has so much time, been spent on one game, even after the review has been finished.

And for anyone who has already tried European Air War there will only be the nodding of heads and a few quiet "hear, hears". For the game is second to none in the World War 2 flight simulation world and would match it with all comers for all types of flying games.

The graphics are gobsmackingly good and will have your eyes popping out as you hurtle through a flight of bombers to intercept the enemy fighters trying to shoot them down.

You can fly one of 20 WW2 fighters in a series of combat missions that cover every part of the war over Europe - fighter duels, escort missions or just plain old find-a-bomber-and-blow-it-to-hell. Go German or Allied and pick the years you want to cover, the never-boring Battle of Britain, the mid-war battles over Europe and the final stages where Germany lets loose its jet-propelled Me 262.

European Air War gives would-be pilots (casual and hard core) the chance to really get involved in the air battles of 50 years ago with near-perfection in all areas. As mentioned before the graphics are something else (and the ground detail has to be seen to be believed), but the gameplay is engaging, the sound is realistic and the game never gets too bogged down in detail.

Microprose has made this a title where you can be up and flying against the Hun within a couple of minutes, but that's not to say this World War 2 will not be enjoyed by those who love realism, because EAW can be adjusted to make it as life-like, or as easy, as you like.

The aircraft - up to 30 classics that include Spitfires, ME 109s, Mustangs, Focke Wulfs, Hurricanes and a host of bombers - are absolutely beautiful. The detail is astounding and if you fly with the chase view on (F9) it will have you spellbound. Particularly in the middle of a dogfight that can involve more than 200 planes.

The cockpit detail is all you could ask for, the view of the fields over which you are battling is astounding, and add to that realistic sound with engine noise, radio calls and chattering guns and you have an experience that will take you right into the middle of propellor-driven action.

Missions are easily adjusted to suit your taste for action - take on enemy fighters or try to bring down bombers raiding your cities, or escort your own heavies as they bomb the tripe out of the opposition - and your wish for realism - including limited ammo, pilot fatigue, engine limitations, weather, formation size, enemy activity and just how much flak you face.

But if, like me, you just want to launch and get stuck in to the opposition, then EAW can have you doing that quicker than it takes to shoot down a Stuka. Either select instant action or, if you want to follow the career of one pilot during the three campaign games, take off and hit alt-n (next incident) and you are within view of the enemy.

European Air War is just brilliant and is an absolute must for anyone remotely interested in flight sims, fantastic graphics, World War 2 or just having one heck of a good time.

ORIGINALITY 75%
SOUND/GRAPHICS 95%
PLAYABILITY 95%
ADDICTION 95%
ENJOYMENT 95%