The game really looks to show potential shine in multiplayer. Ubisoft has recently announced that support for up to 128 players in dogfight arenas may be possible. Theoretically it is possible to put together some rather large aircraft carrier based air battles. If (and this is a big if) the game runs decently with that many players it will be a large leap forward in online play. It won’t take the place of dedicated online simulations like Warbirds or Aces High but it might show them some increased cause for concern. We shall see about that.
Overall it feels like a worthy add on to IL2:FB. It doesn’t feel like a new game, more of an updated add on but in reality that is what it is. I loved the series so I will of course love this game. I suspect the carrier heads will get off on trying to land on some of these ships. I imagine some of the more memorable battles will be recreated on Hyperlobby. I think a lot of people will enjoy this game, even more if some of the ships and aircraft promised make it into the game. Look for this title real soon.
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Test System Specs
- Dell Dimension 4600
- Pentium 4, 2.8 GHz (HT)
- 1GB 400MHz DDR RAM
- 80 GB Ultra ATA 100 HD
- ATi Radeon 9800 Pro video card
- Creative Audigy 2 sound card
- USB 2.0 (for TrackIR3 interface)
- Cable modem connection