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Birds of Steel
There are definitely not enough flight sims on the PS3 and generally
this genre has been allocated to PC Gamers. Fortunately this is not the
case for this game and developers Gaijin have released Birds of Steel for the PS3 that
boasts around 100 classic planes such as the Messerschmitt and even the
Australian Beaufighter MK21. Consider this Forza game for flight sim
fans!
However unlike some supposed flight simulators for the PS3, Birds of
Steel is actually quite an in-depth simulator for the PS3 that is more
simulator than arcade. Of course, console simulators generally can't
compete with their PC brethren, however Birds of Steel is actually quite
detailed from both the planes and the control system as you take these
classic World War II planes up in the air. If you enjoyed Gaijin's Birds
of Prey than Birds of Steel is of a similar premise as you take to the
skies.
From the moment you boot up Birds of Steel on the PS3, you immediately
get the impression that you are in for a treat and thankfully this is
definitely the case. With its slick presentation, easy to navigate menu
system, outstanding in-game graphics and various gameplay modes (arcade
included), there's something for all flight connoisseur of different
levels. For those players first experiencing this genre, the arcade
level is definitely the start as it teaches you the basics of the game.
Once you have found your wings, you can then increase the difficulty
level to give you a harder challenge, especially controlling these birds
of steel. There are a number of tweaks that can also be adjusted such as
unlimited ammunition but this does put a hamper on the realism of the
game. Just be warned that on simulator level, you need to control all
facets of your plane and when enemy planes are on the horizon, this can
be a real juggling game.
With a variety of game modes from free-flight to something more
engaging like the campaign mode where you replay a variety of authentic
military operations, this is where the title is opened up to all the
detailed and different airplanes. In campaign mode, you are awarded XP
which allows you to unlock additional planes that all fly quite
beautifully. However all this would not be possible
if it were not for the sturdy controls of the PS3.
On arcade level,
everything feels just right as you fly through the skies and engage in
enemies on land and in air. On the simulator mode, the controls can
sometimes be a battle, however through perseverance, you generally do
succeed. Add in some unlockable content that allows you to access
authentic paint decals for your planes and you'll be feeling like a real
top gun.
The game even supports a robust online experience with up to 16-players
challenging each other for air supremacy as they engage in dog fights.
If players cannot be found, the blank spots are filled with bots. My
favourite aspect of the multiplayer was the online co-op which created
this great team environment and really forces you to change your
strategy on how you play the title.
For additional gaming longevity,
Gaijin have included a mission editor which allows you to tweak and
create your own missions with quite a few options. Although I'm not a gun
at mission editors, I did found the tools included to be quite user
friendly but can end up to be quite time consuming as you attempt to
create that perfect mission. One mission I did create had around 100
enemy and allied planes in the air at once which created this almost
Star Wars like epic battle.
Graphically, Birds of Steel is an exceptional looking title on the PS3
that really assists in immersing the player into the engaging gameplay.
The cockpit is quite detailed but where the game shines is through the
realistic plane models that really come to life on FULL HD. Seeing the
planes in action is quite impressive, especially with the realistic
lighting and weather effects. The commentary of the game is also done my
the masterful Stephen Fry.
I loved the metallic reflective surfaces
on the plane, especially when the sun hit them or the way the sunlight
sometimes blinds you as you fly towards it. Another highlight with the
graphics are the gaming environments and fortunately flight simulators
have come a long way from the flat ground models as there is quite a bit
of texture from 3D buildings to rich dense forests and massive oceans. Add
in some authentic sound effects from machine guns to chatter plus huge
explosions and the graphics and audio comes together quite well with the
gameplay.
Final Level
Birds of Steel is easily one of the best flight simulators for the
PlayStation 3 that really takes the simulator genre to a whole new level
on this console. It's easily one of the best looking flight sims around
at the moment with the realistic planes and exceptional gameplay. With
over 100 planes available in the game, a campaign mode, online player
and even a mission creator, there's plenty of longevity to be found in
this game. Developers Gaijin once again succeed in creating a sturdy
console title that will appease both arcade and simulator flight fans.
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