The graphics are impressive, beginning with your finely-detailed aircraft. Real-time damage is slowly applied as you take fire, and little things like the vapor trails that stream from each wingtip during a turbo boost really seal the deal. Sure, a few effects still need work, like the fire you spout when severely damaged, and the occasional blocky detail on airships and buildings. Overall, the design is an effective mixture of camp and high-tech that really complements the gameplay. Look away from the foreground and the sky and sea shimmer with interesting effects, and the destruction of every craft is an attractive sight, indeed.
The mission 'A Dark Night' really shows off the game's power. The night sky is bursting with electricity, as huge bolts of lightning arc to the ground and sea. Two zeppelins face off - your home battleship against a sinister enemy bearing an exposed electrical core. This is your target, but trying to get to it is another matter. Balls of electrical discharge and a swarm of enemy planes dog your efforts. Your opposition is piloting modified A-10s, and their dark blue paint blends into the stormy sky. Destroy the zeppelin, and it goes down in a broken, flaming wreck that honors the spirit of the Hindenburg. Oh, and when the nosecone then spouts legs, and crawls off spider-like to wreak further havoc? That's a good time for pants-wetting.
Down in flames she goes.
