Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

"The Absolute Best XBOX LIVE Game, PERIOD."

XBOX Live is just getting bigger and better everyday. Each with a new genre game delivering the best in online entertainment. Racing, Sports, and even Fighting. There was one key element missing. Online dog fighting. Sure enough, Microsoft Studios delivers what is to be the coolest, slickest, fastest, and most lag-free Live game to date. Even if you dont have XBL, this is truly a wonderful game to get.

Graphics

Beautiful. Lots of great looking backgrounds, arenas, and planes, and terrific bump mapping. Lots of shiny buildings, fluent animations and just great detail. Even the elements such as rain makes nice effects by falling on the camera. This is with out a doubt one of the nicest looking XBOX games.

Sound

The brilliant score of dashing, daring, adventurous music being played adds terrific environment and setting. The gun chains, propellers, boosters, blasters, rockets, missiles and explosions are top notch and make the game even better. Also on a up note, the voice acting is quite acceptable.

Game Play

Extremely Addictive. Each mission is full of destroying planes, escorting missions, saving towns, women, yourself, and getting the dough for new gear and planes. It's quite simple really. If you've played Halo, which most of you have, then its right at home. R trigger is guns, L trigger is missiles and all controls are inverted. Boost and Brake are all here. Simple to pick up, however, when it comes to multi-player, it could take months to master. Yes, I know there is no FPS mode. But this was not the intention of playing the game. Do not let this stupid draw back ruin it for you. It hasnt for anyone else. All in all, its simple and addictive, what more could you ask for?

On-Line

Oh. My. God. There is absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing that can prepare you for online dog fighting like this. Thanks to the brilliance of MS Game Studios, there is absolutely no in game lag what so ever. Thats right, you heard me. NO LAG. Instead, if someone's connection is too slow or weak that individual is released and does not slow down the game. Lots of talk, lots of fun. The Re-Play value is almost endless. Possibly the best XBL for years to come.

Overall

This was one of those games you will come to love for all time. The online alone makes this game worth every penny. AAA title? Yes. Addictive and fun? Definitely. Worth picking up? You bet your ass it is. Which is why this gets a 10 out of 10. See you in the skies!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/22/03