Oleg Maddox's Il-2 Sturmovik series of flight simulators continues to expand. The latest offering, Il-2 1946, adds 36 new planes, four new gigantic maps, over a hundred new ground objects, and nearly 200 new campaign missions. This new opus also includes all of the previous Il-2 series content.
What began as a one-aircraft study sim is now an astonishing anthology, with a whopping 229 flyable aircraft and over 300 aircraft total! Not to mention that players will have the opportunity to get a first glance at the future of the series arriving next year: Storm of War Battle of Britain via exclusive bonus videos.
1946 might as well be the holy grail of WWII flight sims, a platinum anthology of everything good about no-frills airborne scrimmaging. The new material's a deal, whether you own the earlier games or not. And if you don't, 30 bucks nets you something that -- six years on -- still outclasses everything else.
This is the biggest and best combat flight sim money can buy, but it's by no means flawless. [Jan 2007, p.70]
Many of the new planes are a bit odd, although admittedly pretty fun to fly. As a collection Il-2: 1946 is a true masterpiece. The best version of the greatest simulator of all time. [Jan 2007]
It feels like a retro collection, but it's pretty much a no-brainer for flight sim fans until "Storm of War" arrives. [Feb 2007, p.65]
For forty bucks, you can't really go wrong here, particularly since this version of the game includes every expansion that the series has seen so far. It's a shame that there's not more US or UK content here, but that's to be expected.
Excellent gameplay and an amazing level of detail should make those who enjoy flight sims giddy (and may even convert a few that aren't into amateur flyboys).
The definitive "IL-2" collection. [Feb 2007, p.79]
November 23, 2020
Cyberpunk 2077 retail copies already out there, leaks are coming…. Read more
November 19, 2020
iO Interactive unveils its new project called Project 007. Watch video
November 19, 2020
Among Us is getting a new map. Read more
November 19, 2020
Far Cry 6 release date listed as May 26 in Microsoft store. Read more
August 17, 2020
Sony Confirms Work On ‘Next-Generation’ VR Headset That Might Not Be PSVR 2. Read more
August 17, 2020
About 40% of worldwide population plays video games of some form, only 8% on consoles. Read more
August 14, 2020
Ubisoft potentially teasing return of delisted Scott Pilgrim game. Read more
August 13, 2020
Fable job listings suggest game is still a long ways away. Read more