Heroes of the Pacific

Reviewed by Matt Steele
February 8, 2006

Developer: IR Gurus Interactive Publisher: Ubisoft Platform(s): PC, XBOX, PS2 Number of Players: up to 8 (multiplayer) Website: Click Here ESRB Rating: T for Teen Review Rating: 8.2 out of 10

In recent years, certain genres of video games have been more grossly oversaturated with WWII themes than others, the first-person shooter genre being a good example. If they announce one more Medal of Honor or Call of Duty, I'm going to give up on gaming and become a Buddhist monk. On the other hand, the flight sim genre has miraculously been spared the recent onslaught of WWII games (for the most part). I'm not quite sure why that is, but regardless, Heroes of the Pacific is a solid addition to a genre that has not yet become trite.

I must start out by saying that the presentation of Heroes of the Pacific is flawless. The game really nails the style of the 1940's. From its incredibly stylistic title and menu screens to the animated cut scenes in between missions, this game screams wartime USA . It's like watching a 1940's WWII recruitment poster come to life. No other WWII game that I can think of has taken this approach, and it's a truly welcome idea that helps the game successfully weave its story into the history surrounding it.

The player assumes the role of William Crowe, a young fighter pilot straight out of Navy flight school. Crowe joined the Navy right out of high school along with his brother, who trained as a sailor. Crowe is stationed at Pearl Harbor in the beginning of the game, along with his brother who is aboard the U.S.S. Arizona when the Japanese attack. The Japanese sink the Arizona , and Crowe vows revenge as he tears through the skies garnering kill after kill in a total of 26 different missions.

The first few missions, like with most games, are a bit sluggish and mundane. But once past the simple “shoot down this many planes” missions, the player is treated to a wide range of satisfying exploits. From torpedo attacks and dive bombing to ground escort missions, the game keeps your mind and reflexes sharp. But don't worry, your effort is well-rewarded. Anywhere between 1 and 3 planes are unlocked after every mission, all of which can eventually be upgraded. Thankfully, the planes themselves handle realistically according to their weight and purpose. For example, the Corsair fighter handles like a feather in the wind, as opposed to the long-range torpedo bombers that handle like flying anvils. Though planes handle realistically, this game is by no means a true flight sim. Even when they are set to a “professional” configuration, the controls still exhibit an overwhelming arcade feel.

The planes are the best-looking part of the game. All 36 of them are beautifully rendered, complete with fresh paint jobs and historically accurate markings. The environment is also good-looking on the whole. There is the occasional ugly ground texture and the lack of detail in some of the naval ships and ground structures, but these imperfections are insignificant. The combat is visceral and exciting with plenty of bright explosions, above average smoke and cloud effects, and a decent real-time damage model complete with blood splatters on the camera when really hit hard. This game is by no means a stunner, but it easily gets the job done.

If you can shed the distaste for increasingly trendy and unoriginal WWII themed games, I honestly recommend giving Heroes of the Pacific a shot. It easily surpasses any previous WWII game, and even provides some legitimately engaging arcade action to boot. The bottom line: it's polished, and it's fun.

I give Heroes of the Pacific a HIGH Evolution Factor. Multiplayer dogfighting is a blast, and arguably more difficult and strategic than fighting the AI. The impressive amount of unlockable planes and missions keeps the replay value high as well.

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