How good is Flanker 2.0?

Sound options

If there were one area that separates Flanker 2.0 from other simulation games hands down, it would be in sounds. The engine rumble in Flanker 2.0 that SSI managed to simulate is simply unbelievable! I found myself pushing the fly-by view more often than almost any other key simply to hear the rumble of those large Lyulka AL-31F (Al-31FM in the case of the Su-33) turbofans.

No one seems to able to simulate that tremendous "whine" you hear when standing in front of a plane yet but Flanker 2.0 has clearly pushed the quality of sound in flight simulations another notch.

This FA-18 won't get away

AA-10 Fox 2

What about playing with my friends?

Multiplayer was one of the strengths of Flanker 1.5. The game looks to support 16 players again and if SSI can get the code as stable as Flanker 1.5, LAN squadrons all over the world will be rejoicing. Word on the street is that Flanker 2.0 is pretty stable but only a release of the "Gold" version will confirm this. (the game has gone gold and will be in stores October 25 -ed)

The mission planner was also a strong part of Flanker 1.5. SSI has enhanced this feature by allowing players to create missions that can be linked to an entire campaign. Players can fly for either the US, Russia, Ukraine or Turkey. I know many LAN groups that create Tactical Engagement missions in Falcon 4.0 for this same purpose. This option should be a real winner for all Flanker fanatics!

These FA-18s are in HOT pursuit

Tomcat Launching AIM-54C

Flight model

The flight model in Flanker 2.0 is second to none. It has excellent feel and great effects. I always found the flight model in Flanker 1.5 to be twitchy and a bit too sensitive. The flight model in Flanker 2.0 feels much more smooth and with enhancements like induced drag algorithms for the rudders, canards effects (for the Su-33), Angle of Attack (AoA) limitations, and enhanced G- effects, Flanker 2.0 is top notch in flight simulation feel.

Flanker 2.0 AI

The AI in Flanker 2.0 also seems to be a step above Flanker 1.5. Look for enemy planes in Flanker 2.0 to use various maneuvers to try and defeat you in both BVR and ACM. If you are being engaged by a pair of aircraft, expect one to push forward with a BVR shot using a AA-10 Alamo while his wingman either drags off to the side, pinches you from the side, or tries to enter into Doppler "notching" while his wingman pushes forward into ACM. These are only some of the possibilities that the AI in Flanker 2.0 can provide. For those who love great air combat, the AI in Flanker 2.0 should prove very entertaining, quite challenging and often, very humbling!

F-15C bites the dust

F15C fires AMRAAMs