The game's controls change ever so slightly between the standard arcade and realistic modes, to the simulator mode.  The left trigger, the target camera in the easier modes, becomes a zoom button in simulator mode, while the X button changes from the zoom button to the flaps button and the A becomes the trimmer button (leveling out our flight) instead of the target select button.  B and Y stay the same, bringing up your map and changing camera views respectively.

And there is a huge difference in gameplay between the modes.  You can only unlock the simulator mode by completing the simulator training, the same applies for the less realistic realistic mode.  You won't be able to fly with nearly as much ease in simulator mode, in fact you'll find it a real struggle if you don't have the basic flight knowledge.  That's not to say it's impossible, it just means you have a very steep learning curve, peppered with frustration ahead of you.  For seasoned pilots this again is a mode which you'll not enjoy with the standard control pad set up.  To really take advantage of this mode you have to have a flight stick, minimal setup is required, but when you're trying to trim your aircraft using a control pad, it just takes away a little from the game.  And beware of very realistic physics models, damage and do keep your eyes on your speed.  Playing this game in simulator mode is definitely a challenge.  Beware though, you can't, in any mode, re-map the buttons, so you have to learn this set up from the get-go.

For the more casual player, the arcade mode is ample.  Not only does it give you a very good flying experience, there is enough content to keep you happy in the single player.  Once you've finished the main campaigns and dominated Europe's airspace, there are a whole host of other missions you can complete.  There is enough content for your money, and you won't be disappointed.  And that's just the single player missions, when you get to multiplayer, a whole host of other options are opened up for your flying pleasures.

Multiplayer missions can support up to 16 players with four game modes and various customisable details for the objectives, such as weather, time and day, and plane types.  Dogfight and Team Battle modes are pretty much what they say on the tin, while Strike and Capture Airfields offer a slightly different take on multiplayer game modes with the flight sim player in mind.  Capture Airfields requires you to land on the enemy's airfield, which sounds a lot easier than it actually is, while Strike sees you taking out all of the opponents ground forces.

As much as I loved the game, I loved the story sections in between too.  A combination of real footage, as well as some beautifully animated sequences sets the tone of the war, with Jeremy Soule of Oblivion fame, bedding the whole thing beautifully with an orchestral ensemble that does the game proud.  My issue is with Joss Ackland, the voice of the narrator.  Although authentic some times, I can't help but feel the Russian accent is extremely Germanic, while the American accent is put on.

And to add to the disappointment, which is why this game hasn't scored higher than it has here, you are unable to choose aircraft and loadout for the missions.  There is never an opportunity to create missions, or to take out any of the aircraft you seemingly unlock for a quick spin.  This is an unforgettable oversight, and couple this with not being able to fly Axis aircraft, means that the game does leave you wanting.

You might argue that's not always a bad thing, if you're left wanting more then the game must have delivered.  But to have the weight of one of the most influential flight sims on the PC behind a console release, to add a whole host of other aircraft; aircraft which don't feature in the title of the game and can be seen as misleading, only to stop you from playing with the aircraft at your own leisure is a little disappointing.

But it's not enough to ruin the experience, and before long you'll have forgotten about it flying six feet over the ground trying to evade enemy fire by flying under bridges, over buildings and through forests.  Not only does this offer a unparalleled console gaming experience, its a history lesson too.  A very sexy history lesson.

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