Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

"Flying with prestige"

Imagine living in the 1930s, but with a unique twist. The United States is no longer a country, as each of the 50 states break apart and become independent. Taking the skies in beautiful machines, Nathan Zachary and his gang travel across the divided America to seek personal monetary status. In a world ruled by planes, Crimson Skies provides plenty of slick flying action, coupled with precision aiming. Crimson Skies has plenty going for it, as it brings plenty solid fundamentals to a flight simulation type game. The mechanics build a solid foundation, and the interesting story acts as a buffer zone, as this game becomes quite good.

While not without its flaws, Crimson Skies was able to provide me with a worthwhile experience despite my lack of enthusiasm towards the genre. One thing that is particularly nice is the pacing of the story. Backed by a fictional, yet, fantasy filled drama that simply entertains, Crimson Skies pleases in its storytelling more than it disappoints. The story set a nice pacing to fill in those tense battle actions.

The controls for the most part felt slick and intuitive. However, some of the rolls during mid-flight weren't quite as tight as I liked. Or the situations that require sharp turns didn't flow all too well either. But for the most part, it controlled rather well. The controls for the most part allow you to be precise when aiming at incoming planes. Furthermore, trying to maneuver your plane to escape from a tailing plane can be quite fluid also.

During these missions, there are always several different types of scenarios that play out. While I wished there would have been a little more variety, the game still provides plenty of scenarios that offers a lot of fun. For one, you will have escorting missions that test your ability to mow down planes before your objectives get blasted out of the sky. Usually, there will be several fighters coming at you, which offers an intense and fun filled battle. With its fairly big map, there are times that the player can get a bit lost, and lose track of their objectives. But for the most part, the objectives offer a linear meaning to the game. Not to mention, the game's solid storyline makes you want to further the story.

Backed by a strong online multiplayer, the game has added depth and replay value. For one, the dog fights online does get pretty interesting. With a vast array of weaponry, different planes, and some stiff competition, it is hard to stray away from such intensive action. More importantly, the game allows more than 1 user on an Xbox to participate online. So instead of having just a few friends play against each other, you can have all your friends join you online and duke it out with others.

With its lavishing details, and gorgeous backgrounds, Crimson Skies became an instant graphical showcase with its release. As you are traveling through the beautiful environments, one can't help but admire the calming scenic views. Coupled with a fluid frame rate, the technicalities of this game is quite impressive. Furthermore, the animation just feels extremely polished with plenty of touches that sport its good looks. The music in this game lends a solid portrayal of this fictitious world. With melody that flows nicely with the game's overall atmosphere, it feels just right. The voiceovers were also well enacted, which gave the game plenty of flavor.

The game for the most part is fairly long. It feels just about right. It should take a good 10 plus hours to complete. Throw that in with online multiplayer, and you have plenty to love. While the controls could have been a bit better, and the game's overall pacing a bit more fluid would have pushed this game to the upper echelon, as it stands, it's still a good, action filled adventure with plenty of thrills. For a genre that I am not particularly fond of, Crimson Skies breaks down barriers and helps me make some strides as a gamer.

While not quite the best of its genre, there is still plenty to love about this game. With tons of action, and some deadly weaponry to back up its claim, this game should be a fine specimen in any collection. Those that love the genre will find much to love, and those that aren't particularly fond of this genre might still find much to love. Even with some of its downfalls, the game's impending success is based on the game's ability to bounce back and entertain you to the fullest. With the vast array of fps on the Xbox, this is definitely a welcome sight and change to the normal Xbox library. I am quite pleased with this game. Remember; don't knock it till you tried it.

Pros
+ Plenty of action
+ Great online multiplayer
+ Good length
+ Solid storyline
+ Gorgeous visuals
+ Plenty weaponry at your disposal

Cons
- Controls were a bit off occasionally
- Pacing felt a bit off
- May get lost with one's sense of direction at times

Gameplay – 8/10
Graphics – 9/10
Sound – 8/10
Value – 9/10
Presentation – 8.5/10
Overall – 8.4/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/03/06