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Review By:
Greg Lynch |
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| Developer: |
Asmik Ace Entertainment |
| Publisher: |
Sammy Studios |
| # Of Players: |
1-2 |
| Genre: |
Flight Sim |
| ESRB: |
Teen |
| Online: |
No |
| Accessories: |
iLink, Memory Card |
| Date Posted: |
3-4-04 |
There is a fine line a developer must walk when creating a flight
sim for console gamers. Finding the right balance between the
realism required for attracting armchair pilots, and the arcade
style gameplay necessary for console-based controls can spell the
difference between greatness and utter failure. Asmik Ace
Entertainment’s second foray into PS2 flight games is one of the
lucky few that seem to have found that line, hitting all the right
notes to make the game feel passably realistic while simplifying
physics and gameplay for the action craving console crowd. While
the game may alienate some casual gamers, it’s easily one of the
best flying games available on a console.
Lethal Skies II
starts by separating itself from the pack of similar games by
offering a compelling storyline. Taking place in the near future
following global war, you are a pilot for the Frontier Nations who
flies to protect the world against a rival army bent on global
domination. While the story may not sound particularly inspired at
first glance, the way it unfolds over the course of the game results
in a fairly interesting backdrop and is surprisingly well done. The
end result is not only a more cohesive connection between
globetrotting levels, but also gives the developers an ability to
include new technology that is both plausible and futuristic at the
same time. It is a very commendable job considering how dry most
flight games can be.
Similarly, the game continues to strive for uniqueness by adding
more of an arcade quality to the overall presentation. The menus are
created with a dramatic flair, cut scenes are dynamic and
reminiscent of action movies (as are the game’s fantastic replays),
and the wailing of guitar-based rock music backs all of this up. The
presentation will probably feel like familiar ground for fans of
Sega’s arcade simulations, but it also feels a little out of place
when compared to the game’s pseudo-simulation gameplay.
A quick trip through some mission information and plane options will
have you in the plane of your choosing. Controls remain fairly
intuitive, and apart from some issues with the shoulder button’s
analog settings (press down to accelerate, crush it with all your
might for afterburners), everything is easily utilized and accessed.
Options allow you to choose your own sensitivity settings for the
analog stick, but rather than using a slider for complete control
there are merely settings for Normal, Quick, or Slow. There are also
rudder controls that allow for slight horizontal adjustments without
banking the plane, but ultimately I found their lack of sensitivity
made them worthless for the most part.
The missions run the full spectrum of flight simulation’s standard
fare, and their design is well done for the most part. However, the
casual gamer should be warned that even setting the game on its
easiest difficulty will provide quite a challenge at points in the
game. Of special note is the all-too-frustrating landing missions
that will likely test both your patience and the durability of your
controller as you throw it against the nearest wall. While the game
eases the controls in almost every aspect, it fails to make landing
anything more than an exercise in frustration. More often than not
you’ll find yourself bouncing off runways, driving off the edge, or
just plain missing them thanks to little forgiveness in terms of
level design and how you get to line up your approach. While there
is a very basic tutorial on landing, it does little to help.
Multiplayer is passable given the fact that you can only play two
player games. The game features either split screen, or i.Link
connection for multiple PS2s. The modes consist of the typical
dogfight mode (which isn’t particularly fun for two players in
jets), and Time Trial. The Time Trial is divided into Gun Run, a
race to see who can shoot down 16 fighters the fastest, and Snake
Race, a race to see who can fly through a canyon and land in the
least amount of time. While Gun Run can be a decent diversion, I
don’t think I need to mention the complete lack of fun in the
uninspired Snake Race.
Graphically, the game is astounding. Weather effects, sparkling
water, and aircraft design are all some of the best seen in the
genre, and the frame rate stays silky smooth for the most part. If
there can be any complaint, it would have to be that some of the
land-based textures don’t match up very well on close inspection.
However, the problem is hardly noticeable as you fly over them at
breakneck speed, and does little to detract from the overall
presentation.
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