IL-2 Sturmovik: The Forgotten Battles - PC

Not an expansion pack, but a stand-alone game in its own right, IL2-Sturmovik: The Forgotten Battles, effectively a direct sequel to the Sturmovik game from 2001, takes players across the Finnish Front and Hungary, in dozens of new single and multi-player missions based around the Second World War.

In case you didn't already know, the IL-2 Sturmovik fighter plane, also known as the Stormer, was crucial to the outcome of World War 2 in aircraft terms. This PC sequel gives players the opportunity to gain control of this superior fighter plane and participate in some of the many battles that took place in this grisly era.

Twenty extensive single-player missions - ten on the Finnish front and ten in Hungary - cover what is yet another significant period of the six-year war. These are stand-alone missions, great for quick arcade-style conflict, but there are also two lengthy campaigns covering the same regions for those looking for something a little more in-depth.

Forgotten Battles also features a comprehensive multi-player game in which you can battle with up to 32 players in dogfights and co-operative missions online. Broadband connections and flight yokes are advisable for smoother gameplay, but not essential.

Finally, it's definitely worth mentioning Forgotten Battles' graphical prowess here. Even with minimum system requirements, texturing, weather effects and landscapes look simply beautiful. The aircraft themselves have been accurately modelled, and surrounding scenery, ships and buildings help immerse the player even further into this realistic flight simulator.

Microsoft, you have some competition. more