My perspective is going to be a touch on the biased side as i played Aces High for 15 years but had/chose to stop about 3 years ago. For anyone coming from that game(same studio) it will all be very familiar if limited in comparison. For me even after 3 years away, a lot of it from flight mechanics to the graphics, was like riding a bike:) That said, i have some good, some meh impressions.
Good: unlike the main title aces high, this IS free to play and in that regard is already a positive. The controls are easy to get used to, and the flight model is a real nice balance of realism/arcade. The AI is also impressive compared to many games in this genre even the higher end ones.(Its not GREAT, but challenging and tactics can vary) The model for attaining new aircraft is all earnable, in-game credits which is a nice change of pace from the typical ptw norm in other titles!
Middle: The damage model is not health-bar based(which bothers me in other games) but its not overly complicated either. Currently theres a small player base so theres only 1 of the 5 game modes thats really viable(and that only because its populated with the AI) If it grows, or if the devs add more AI to the other modes, thisll become a possitive. The UI is tricky if youre not familiar with any HiTech games already(and even if you are, it still took me a min to figure everything out) IF they add more game modes or diversity to whats there(ex: have airfields, allow re-arms, include some ground element which itself doesnt have to be player controlled vehicles or anything) Then that would be another tick in the possitive attributes.
Bad: The graphics are fine, but def dated when compared to other games in genre(IL2, WT, WOWP) my bias at play here, im fine with the looks, but many new/younger players may be turned off by it. The AI tail-gunners are faaaar too acurate with their fire! feels like 4 of 5 times im shot at by them, i get pilot wounded. this may be to compensate for the lack of forward-firing gunpower in these planes, but it is very frustrating. Lack of diversity in game modes. im trying to not be too picky with this one as it is free to play, but without more growth or developement, the replay value goes down rather quickly over time.
Overall: If you liked any HiTech games before, but dont/cant afford a subscription, this is def the game for you! If youre new to HTC, give it a try! It wont hurt ya(unless youre facing me in a duel;) and see if its a good fit!
