Crimson Skies PC Game

Hop into the cockpit and take to the wild blue yonder over the devastated landscape of a fictional 1937 America in Crimson Skies. Although well known for detailed, realistic flight simulators, Microsoft takes a slightly more arcade-style approach to flight combat in this release with an emphasis on fast, furious dogfighting over the realistically sophisticated control schemes found in the Microsoft Flight Simulator titles.

Due to prohibition, the time for smugglers and raiders was at hand And what better way to transport illegal products throughout the land than the airplane? This "business" became even more lucrative when the stock market crash of 1929 emasculated federal finances and the call for state support was largely ignored. 1931 saw the beginning of "modern" air piracy as bootleggers and illegal pirate groups proliferated.

For four years, the relatively untamed chaos continued. It's now 1937 and North America is still at war -- with itself. Playing as the notorious air pirate Nathan Zachary, you defend your airspace from attacks by rival bandits. You fly solo or lead a squadron of privateers through several objective-based missions, always on the lookout for new technology and fighter designs to help keep your team on top.

11 unique aircraft models become available over the course of the game, including fighters, bombers, interceptors and anti-Zeppelin craft. A detailed storyline supported by mission-specific air chatter and cinematic cut scenes fleshes out the plot and provides the context and motivation for Nathan Zachary's heroic exploits. Airplane construction (customization) is offered in the areas of engine, armor, guns (over 50 versions), hardpoints and painting.

Crimson Skies supports multiplayer action for up to eight players via the ~MSN Gaming Zone on the Internet, a LAN or head-to-head via modem. Direct airplane control is handled through either the keyboard or a joystick. Are you ready to reap your share of the benefits of air piracy in the shoes of Nathan Zachary? Climb aboard, rev it up and take off to find out ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide