Your first mission in this game involves simply shooting down some bombers. Done? Woohoo, first mission complete. That was exciting. However, do not let this spur you into thinking this is not a worthwhile game, soon enough you'll be performing late-night raids on massive oil production facilities, attacks on solar-power plants and massive dogfights over Pacific-looking islands. This game rates as more of an experience than just a game, as you swoop and glide over some amazingly real looking environments, dogfighting some incredibly modelled planes(the Gran Turismo of the plane world).
The gameplay itself is also great, Flying your chosen craft is quite simple to master yet very elegant. If you can't get the hang of it then there is also an Easy mode that can be used to ease you into controlling your plane. Attacking opponents is as easy as gaining a lock-on and firing your missiles away. And attempting to dodge an enemy missile, as it streaks towards your blip on the radar, and you enter all sorts of evasive manoeuvres is thrilling.
The atmosphere generated is also quite remarkable. There are thousands of lines of dialogue that are used only once each battle, so the impression of being in an actual battle, with ground and air forces being constantly coordinated and redirected. There is also an actual in-cockpit view which shows you all the actual instruments inside the plane. Throughout the atmosphere is kept up, especially in later levels when ground forces start referring to you as the Grim Reaper. It's a fantastic touch and makes you realise how much you have contributed to the outcome of this war.
The story is simple, with you cast as a pilot for the ISAF. You have been pushed off your territory on the continent Erusea after a war over the superweapon Stonehenge. From your position on a island off the coast, you begin top press the advantage on the enemy, and eventually establish a beachhead on the continent, fighting your way towards the capital. This is interspersed with the story of a young boy in the midst of the fighting, who loses his parents. Through a series of incidents he starts to live with the people responsible for the death of his family. It's a simple yet touching tale, told through the use of fantastic Japanese cartoon animation. By the end you might even feel sorry for the boy and his situation.
The only real problem with the game is it's length. There are 18 missions and while most are a complete thrill ride, the game can be completed rather quickly. But if you can't find the sequel Squadron Leader, then don't be afraid to settle for this as it is still a fantastic title in it's own right.
Looks: 9 Sounds: 9 Plays: 8 Lasts: 7 Overall 9/10
