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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
98 of 102 people found the following review helpful:
It is fun to shoot down Nazis.
I got this game a week or two ago and wanted to share my endorsement of it. I have very fond memories of Sierra's Red Baron games on the PC and Mac, and the WWII dogfighting action of Blazing Angels strikes the same chord. I haven't gotten terrifically far in the missions -- 5 or so -- but with one exception (the sandstorm level, which is apparently the worst of the...
Published on April 23, 2007 by Luke Meyers
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47 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
I have mixed feelings about this one
in Blazing Angels you play the part of a WWII pilot and guide him through his war experience, through training and in several missions in key battles during the war. While the game makes innovative use of the Wii's control system, the game falls short in graphics and lacks a real addictive element to draw in the average gamer.
Audience: I thought, with the...
Published on June 27, 2007 by bixodoido
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98 of 102 people found the following review helpful:
It is fun to shoot down Nazis., April 23, 2007
Fun:
This review is from: Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (Video Game)
I got this game a week or two ago and wanted to share my endorsement of it. I have very fond memories of Sierra's Red Baron games on the PC and Mac, and the WWII dogfighting action of Blazing Angels strikes the same chord. I haven't gotten terrifically far in the missions -- 5 or so -- but with one exception (the sandstorm level, which is apparently the worst of the bunch by far based on forum posters' complaints) they're fun and present a good amount of challenge.
There are several non-campaign modes. One-on-one dogfights with an "ace" flying the same plane (chosen from all those you've unlocked) pit you against a fairly tough opponent. I've found the difficulty to depend a lot on the kind of plane, though -- the ace dogfight for the very first plane is pretty tough because the weapons are underpowered, but I had other fights that were over in the first 15 seconds. There's an "arcade" mode that pits you against waves of less-challenging opponents. And then there are little "mini-campaigns" which are like one-off versions of the campaign missions (haven't tried them yet).
Then there's multiplayer. I was initially annoyed because I read on Amazon that you could play with up to 16 players online, but there's no mention of this in the game or on the box. From what I've read, Nintendo is starting up its online play service in June, with a Pokemon title as the big launch hoohah, so hopefully Blazing Angels will be updated at that point for online play. Without online, there's still very satisfying 2-player split-screen play, both versus and co-op.
Now, the question for all Wii titles -- how are the controls?
Basically, I like them a lot. Several control schemes are available, and they vary along a couple of axes. First, you've got the choice between arcade-style and simulation-style. Arcade-style makes it sort of simpler to turn, but you can't do barrel rolls; I strongly recommend using simulation and never looking back. There are several different control configurations. There's a single-controller config (no nunchuck), a "classic" config (with nunchuck) which doesn't use motion sensitivity, and the default style which uses both controllers and tilt sensitivity for pitch and roll. You can have the tilt sensitivity on either the remote or the nunchuck (I think the default was the nunchuck, but I liked the remote more).
I did most of my initial play with the wiimote-sensitive version of the default scheme. I really like the feel of turning the remote around in the air to control the plane. Takes some getting used to, but there's a nice nimble feel to it once you do. However, there were certain things that really nagged at me about this control scheme. In particular, the targeting controls are very poorly placed. The analog stick on the nunchuck is used for throttle (up and down), but left and right on the same stick are used to select targets. This is a horrible thing because you're constantly using the throttle during fights, and it's extremely easy to let the stick slip to the side and lose your target. Holding the A button makes the camera track your current target, which makes fighting a *lot* easier, but this advantage is lost if you're constantly switching targets.
Fortunately, it turns out that the dark horse -- the single controller with no nunchuck -- is a vastly superior control configuration. I wound up trying this during multiplayer and can confidently say I'll never switch back. It has the same basic flight feel as the default -- better, actually; there's something very natural about holding a horizontal controller and tilting it around, sort of Excite Truck style, in the way that one might when getting a little excited about a game with no motion sensor controllers at all. The big advantage, though, is that the less-commonly-used functions are out of the way. The B button
(trigger) is used as a shift button to enable these lesser-used functions. It just works a whole lot better, and you don't have to fuss with the nunchuck -- love it!
So... yeah. Fun game if you like flying around and shooting down Nazis.
And who doesn't?
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59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
Did WW2 Enemies Really Taunt You Incessantly?, April 6, 2006
Fun:
In Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII you're a Yank pilot flying a variety of planes all around the globe in World War II battles. Do you feel the wind flying through your hair? Not really.
First, the basic layout. There are 42 different airplanes that you can eventually fly. The detailing on each one is quite nice. You have to start the propeller, get up to speed, learn how to zoom around in the sky. Do a barrel roll! No, just kidding, this isn't StarFox. Still, you get sun glinting off your landing gear, movement off the flaps, you name it.
The world around you is rather well detailed too. It's important to remember that unlike most other games where they world you can see is limited, in this game, because you're high in the sky, your visible landscape is *huge*. The game has fully rendered towns, villages, forests, moving tank formations, sailing ships, you name it. There is drifting smoke, raging fires and pounding surf. The skies are gorgeous at times. Yes, we did see occasional "shift lines" as the game coped with high speed turns, but considering the number of objects being tracked simultaneously I didn't think it unreasonable.
It's funny, we played this first right after I watched Last of the Mohegans. The soundtrack is almost *exactly* the same in some parts. I didn't consider that bad. What I *did* consider really bad is the inane radio chatter. Your enemies taunt you - in English - with the same phrases over and over again? It is questionably cute the first time, but it drives you completely insane after a few minutes. I realize they want you to feel "in the fight". They can certainly do that with comments from your own side, without having to resort to German snide taunts.
On to gameplay. The game checkpoints automatically rather frequently, which is good. The game isn't flight-sim difficult - I *love* flight sims but realize that many people don't want to put that kind of effort into learning to fly a plane. The plane flying is very arcadey. I don't say that in a bad way. This is a "fun" combat game, not a learn-to-fly-warplanes-after-3-months-of-practice simulator. What this means is that there's a lot of circling around, shooting down fighters, strafing tanks, and perfecting your aim. This isn't a game of detailed flight mechanics. It's a game of understanding the basics of flight, aiming your plane and shooting.
Because of this, they give you time limits so there is *some* challenge. If you're too slow or not accurate enough, you'll have to replay the mission. I actually found this to be a nicer / fairer balance than giving you a paper tissue plane that exploded all the time. If you're going to be frustrated that you were too slow, that's something you can work on. If on the other hand they made you so flammable that you blew up all the time, that would be a sure recipe for frustration.
If you're good, then you can zip through the missions in the game in about a day or two. But that's only starting the fun. Now you get to go online and face the *real* challenges, for which the game was merely a preview. It's always far more challenging to face real live enemies than simple AI. Also, there is a ton of replayability because many of the planes won't unlock until you hit special goals in the missions. It gives you incentive to go back through the worlds, pushing yourself to go more quickly, to shoot with more precision.
I'm sure some people will complain about the lack of "modern technology" in World War II. You don't have radar on your screen, for example. That's the way things were! Heck, your enemies light up with red symbols making them super easy to spot even from a long way off. I'm sure WWII fighters didn't have that either :) That being said, surely WWII planes had air speed and level indicators! I'd like at least the option of turning on and off those basic visuals.
Still, I found it really immersive to fly over London, the widescreen graphics shoing me all the streets below, with the dark clouds above, and tons of planes circling around in the air attacking each other. You just sort of tune out the inane chatter part, listen to the air raid sirens and do your best to keep the civilians safe. There was plenty here to keep me having fun. If / when they come out with the next version, I'd just ask that they tone down the overly talkative characters.
Rating: 4/5
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44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
PS3 version: Great game... definately under rated..., December 21, 2006
Fun:
Ok... I just got my PS3 and I'll admit this game is not Resistance Fall of Man, but with my 4yr old I can't play it. So I was looking at other games. I came across this, and the reviews were kind of bad. I think they were mostly looking at the Xbox360 version as for the PS3 is an all new field.
First of all the game is Sixaxis ready and has a simulation mode using the sixaxis. The best example of the sixaxis's ability yet. It almost feels like your really controlling a plane. Next there is third person and first person (which can be switched between during play... how awesome)... This is simply the best flight sim I've seen, a good number of levels along with a wide variety of planes to fly. Also, something rare is the ability to look around in the cockpit with the analog stick.
This game is just fun and feels so relistic to flying a small plane. I have played with a standard control scheme because the sixaxis is way to fun. It's awesome to be doing a nose dive and to pull up on the controller at the last second to come swooping off the ground.
The graphics could probably be a little better for the PS3, but when playing the game your usually to busy to notice.
It's a great game for sim lovers or in general to add to the PS3 collection. Did I mention it has Multiplayer abilities and Online!
The sixaxis is what makes this game.
This comes from a person that has 80 PS2 games and is a harsh critic.
If you want to try something unique try it.
It is definately a rent, if you not into games like this.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because I haven't played all the way through yet and the graphics could probably be more detailed.
Have fun...
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47 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
I have mixed feelings about this one, June 27, 2007
Fun:
This review is from: Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (Video Game)
in Blazing Angels you play the part of a WWII pilot and guide him through his war experience, through training and in several missions in key battles during the war. While the game makes innovative use of the Wii's control system, the game falls short in graphics and lacks a real addictive element to draw in the average gamer.
Audience: I thought, with the Wii's control system, that this game would be a blast for anyone, but I was at least partially mistaken. I'm not a flight sim fan, and it turns out the game couldn't really capture my attention for very long despite the cool control setup. This game would probably appeal to WWII fans and/or fans of flight games, but its appeal outside those demographics is limited.
Graphics: Definitely a shortfall here. I don't expect stellar graphics from the Wii, but I had a difficult time even identifying ground targets at times. I guess the red boxes that outlined my targets were supposed to make up for that...
Gameplay: The missions I played (and I didn't get all the way through the game) were pretty standard for this type of game--escort something, blow up a convoy, protect a bridge, etc.
Control: This is the game's strong point for sure. There are several control options, which let you choose between using the motion sensor capability on the Wiimote or the nunchuck and give you a wide variety of other options for controlling your craft.
Challenge: Some parts of the campaign are really challenging. There is also a single player dogfight mode that offers a wide range of difficulty.
Storyline: The campaign storyline was enjoyable, and the scenes in between fights were well done.
Overall this is a...well, an adequate game. Despite the game's excellent use of the Wii's controls there was nothing in the game that really made me want to continue playing it. If you're into WWII games or flight sim games I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot--if not it may be just worth a rental.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
Awesome PS3 Game with Sixaxis functionality, December 29, 2006
Fun:
This is my second PS3 game. While Resistance is fun, its not ground breaking. Blazing Angels is a unique game that is a blast to play. I was somewhat skeptical of the Sixaxis functionality before buying this game. It turns out to work great, and this is the perfect type of game for it. This Sixaxis is what makes this game so fun to play. The graphics on an HD TV are pretty impressive as well.
As far as game-play itself, the game has an abundance of aircraft choices, missions, and types of play. Co-op mode is a lot of fun. My only complaint is there is not a difficulty option and some of the missions are extremely challenging (at least in Co-op mode). Single player flying with a squadron of 4 may make it easier.
All-in-all, Blazing Angels is a great game and definitely worth buying.
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
Loving it and frustrated, May 7, 2007
Fun:
Being the proud owner of a new PS3, a copy of Blazing Angels (among other games), a new Sony LCD HDTV and digital connections , I have not been dissapointed in any of those purchases especially "Blazing Angels". The graphics and sound (I play it thru a BOSE entertainment system) alone will blow your mind, especially if you previously have not been exposed to that environment.
Now to the game: It has a short training mode whereby you fly basic older aircraft designed to get a layman exposed to the controller and the game's interaction. Then to the missions; WWII is closely paralleled. While the game does take some liberties with actual facts of the war, it won't disappoint you if you are a student of the war. The game gets progressively harder and in the Arcade mode, shorter alloted times; which is sure to frustrate you as you are learning how to fly, bomb, torpedo and avoid being blown out of the sky.
My experience with the motion sensitive controller has pretty much relegated it to the back burner. It doesn't appear to be responsive enough to turn tight loops with the aircraft. But in all fairness, I have been concentrating on those things that work for me. I'll give it another shot as time passes.
Find the time to play it. It will give you many hours of enjoyment; be prepared to get frustrated, though. Thus far, I am protecting (or trying to) Midway island. But I am also frustrated, as I can't imagine downing all the incoming bombers, before time runs out (I've tried many, many times). Maybe my age is a detriment, though. I am almost 70 yrs old but "Loving it and Frustrated".
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
These negative reviews aren't telling the story!, July 25, 2006
Fun:
Sucks to be you I guess, if you're one of the other reviewers who couldn't get this game to work because it's really an amazing game and you are totally missing out. Graphics are incredible and very smooth (with my P4 3.4Ghz, EVGA GeForce 7800 card, 3 GB RAM). Game installed without a hitch - I downloaded and ran the sizeable patch - and it played perfectly right away (no phone calls or support needed). The missions are quite challenging (sometimes VERY challenging) and fun and the WWII planes are really beautiful. I could come up with some minor gripes - like the repetetive radio messages (taunts) that come from the enemy pilots...the fact that you can't inflict collateral damage in the scenery (which includes some planes on the ground)...but they are minor and don't take away from the greatness of this game. The multi-player modes are a lot of fun also - you can play over internet, LAN, and even split screen. I should also say that I use a Logitech Rumblepad 2 as well as a Logitech Extreme 3D joystick, both without any troubles whatsoever (especially after I configured them using the utility included with the game).
I am honestly very confused about why this game has so many negative reviews - I almost didn't buy it because of them - but I am certainly glad I did! Love this game!
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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
Graaak gak gakcak....., May 16, 2007
Fun:
This review is from: Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (Video Game)
What Blazing Angels for the WII does right far outweighs the few downsides. Capturing the thrill of flight and the adrenaline rush of dogfighting the controls are EASY to pick up initially (I like the Nunchuck sensitive arcade control in my right hand with the wii mote laying on my leg like a control panel. This leaves all the primary plane controls (pitch, angel, acceleration, both weapons)in one hand and it just feels right to me, the downside of this control scheme is that you need to use your other hand to make formation adjustments and camera changes, but I find it works great. Gameplay is fun with the standard issue WWII action and dialogue and the SFX are terrific in this game as you unlock more powerful planes and guns. The game has a great amount of unlockable content, and is the perfect combination between aracade and sim. Many experienced fliers might find the options a little thin eventually. There doesn't appear to be any online (yet?) so don't buy it for that. Recommended heartily.
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Blazing a hole in the ground, April 1, 2006
Fun:
This game does NOT work with joysticks (well, it works, but planes immediately do a barrel-roll into the ground, evidently a mapping problem which you can't correct on your own - I tried!) - specifically, I have a Logitech Force3DPro, which works great w/other flight sims. This game is a poor port of an XBOX 360 game, and it even gives instructions for the XBOX in the tutorial. To activate the flight controls, you hit keys - A, D, E, etc. - only problem is control surface are "full on" or "full neutral" - no in-between. So the planes jump around and rarely go where you want them to, and almost impossible to land. Graphics are ok, but not great. Maybe when Ubisoft has a fix available to make it work with a proper joystick, this it would be worth $10 to $12 USD. Otherwise, it's junk. I bought it for the PC, 'cause the XBOX 360 is STILL unavailable...last time I'll do that. Total waste of $40.
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23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
Gun blazing fun, without any fanfare, March 25, 2006
Fun:
Technically, the game is well designed. The controls are unique and interesting (for example, you rotate the right stick to hand-start your airplane) and the graphics are beautiful. They're so good, in fact, that everyone who has an Xbox 360, owes it to themselves to fly over Paris, it's an amazing experience. The game also features a wealth of different game styles, including multiplayer (online or up to 4 players on the same Xbox 360 playing split-screen), mini-campaigns, arcade and ace duels.
But once you start playing the single-player campaign game, you'll be disappointed. The missions are too contrived and you don't receive enough information to successfully carry out a mission. For example, one desert objective is to "fly around and home in on a radio signal" but there's no real way to gauge where the signal is coming from and you'll end up just flying around in a sandstorm and happening upon the enemy camps by luck alone. Another example is when you're tasked to protect a fleet of bombers and your in-flight orders are contrary to what you need to actually do to complete the objective. As a result, the game becomes more frustrating than fun as you get deeper into it. What's worse, although you are not given a radar or any directional information (which, admittedly fits with the time period in which the game is set) the only on-screen information is a "health bar" for your fleet, ruining the effect of feeling like you're in WWII and making you focus on the only piece of information you have, which is dreadfully out of the element.
What's worse, the game gives only a basic list of mission objectives, and you're never specifically told how to earn all of the medals for each mission, or how to unlock the planes that are awarded for completing specific parts of a mission. Finally, the campaign portion of the game is short - it can be finished in a single day. And the "replayability" of the game is hindered by the fact that you have no idea how to go back and earn the medals and planes for each mission.
Although the scene that plays before you enter the mission is rendered, the in-game cut scenes are not rendered (meaning they don't use a higher level of graphics than you'll see while you're actually playing the game) and mostly consist of footage of groups of planes flying as the other characters in the game talk about the upcoming mission. It isn't exciting and you'll find yourself wishing it would end (but it cannot be skipped) when you have to replay levels with tough objectives or to earn the "ace rating."
And speaking of aces, Blazing Angels only offers seven achievements to earn the 1000 points of gamerscore available on the Xbox 360. These won't come easy either, as you don't earn anything for completing each level, but only once you've finished the game. Achievements are awarded for outliving your enemies in Arcade Mode, achieving the highest score in all campaign missions, earning all 18 medals from the single-player campaign, being branded the Ace Killer, reaching the rank of Colonel, and collecting all of the planes. Gaining gamerscore in this title is certainly not a walk in the park.
All said, Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII is the only air combat title available for the Xbox 360. In fact, there aren't even any flight simulators available for the console, so if you're craving any sort of "in flight" experience, this title is the only game in town. I'd recommend it to die-hard flying game fans and those who like to battle online, but users looking for an exemplary single-player experience should look elsewhere.
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