Each combat mission begins with a diary/journal entry by the pilot drawn in comic-book style. Fortunately the virtual cockpit is eminently usable with all necessary information overlaid in a HUD-like arrangement.Ĭompared to the adventure-oriented Crimson Skies, CFS2 feels dull and bland in the style department. Though the 3D view may be superior to the 2D view for actual combat (the 2D view snaps every view), the engine cowling significantly restricts a pilot's view. To keep an enemy in view during combat the aircraft must be steered using the stick and panned using the hat switch - a daunting task made more difficult by the missing "snap" button. On the downside there is no "snap back" button to bring the view back front and center. The 3D view can be panned using the hat switch and moves at a near-perfect rate. The 3D cockpit is more functional than in its predecessor but not up to WWII Fighters. As with Flight Simulator, the 2D cockpit interior features fully-functional knobs, dials and buttons. The cockpit interior looks as good as any simulator ever sold. The protected lagoons and reefs looks as beautiful here as in a vacation brochure. Practically every major and minor island in the Pacific is represented and drawn with amazing detail. As you might expect from a Microsofttitle, the terrain looks spectacular. This adds quite a bit to the authenticity of the game. Everything looks authentic and battle-tested, not fresh from the factory floor as in CFS1. The leading edge surfaces appear worn down to the bare metal minor patches cover previously damaged and repaired panels on the plane's fuselage. The most significant enhancement may be the incredible paint details that give each aircraft the battle-worn appearance of combat at sea. These have been replaced by high-polygon count models accurately detailed down to the flaps, ailerons and other moveable parts. Gone are the blocky models, uninspired cockpits and garish textures that tainted the original game. Microsoft has addressed practically every complaint leveled against the original CFS1 and significantly improved CFS2 in every way. It seems absolutely ludicrous that two years ago publishers produced eight WWII sims set in Europe and zero set in the Pacific. The decision to follow up with a Pacific theater setting was quite easy. Though most reviewers felt strongly that Combat Flight Simulator 1 was the weakest of the three titles, Microsoft's distribution channel kept it on store shelves long after the competition faded.
Microprose's European Air War garnered the most respect from the die-hard simulation crowd while Jane's WWII Fighters made a favorable impression on the less demanding audience. The game wasn't that bad but didn't hold up well compared to other more aggressive releases of the time. Two years ago Microsoft released the capable, if underwhelming Combat Flight Simulator.
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