Synopsis

IL-2 Sturmovik’s seasoned brand of aerial combat returns with Birds of Prey, featuring gameplay tailored towards both new players and hardened veterans.

Taking its inspiration from the aerial combat and ground operations of World War II, Birds of Prey puts players in the midst of some of the war’s most famous battles. Fighters, battle planes and heavy bombers are on offer across a series of missions, including The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad and The Battle of the Bulge. Visually, the series has been given a healthy update, with real-time damage effects appearing on each aircraft mid-flight, such as holes in the wing and tail.

IL-2 Sturmovik is best known as an authentic simulation of aerial combat, but with Birds of Prey the series has been made more accessible, while still catering towards its original fanbase. An in-depth difficulty level system lets players choose from either arcade or realistic simulation controls. Four multiplayer modes are also on offer, including Dogfight, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Airstrip.

With IL-2 Sturmovik - Birds of Prey, the flight combat series has been opened up to a whole new set of flight fans, but still keeps the sense of authenticity veteran players hoped for.