Conclusion

Graphics

As you can see in the screenshots, the graphics are solid even in this stage of development. Judging by the Spruce Goose and Hawaii scenarios, the game engine's terrain looks particularly impressive. All the necessary effects - rotor blur, explosions, smoke, shadows - are present. The performance-saving fog is quite far in the distance, and the level of ground detail is amazing as well - you can fly your plane down the middle of a bridge, through buildings and valleys. You can even try your hand at strafing trains!

Hawaii!

Bridges don't scare me!

All the airplane models look pretty damn cool. We know that most of these wouldn't fly without modern fly-by-wire technology (if even), but we don't care. Just check out the rear-powered Bloodhawk, with its canards and rear-placed swept-back wings. The Zeppelins/carriers are massive SOBs, which easily dwarf any fighter.

Target practice!

Oh, did that hurt?

Final Words

Crimson Skies is an excellent looking action flight-sim set in a very interesting world. Judging by their past work, Zipper has a knack for creating faithful and fun renditions of FASA games. The setting is cool, the developer is experienced, they have full backing and support from FASA, and they have MS money behind them. The prospects look very good.

Between the buildings