Secret Weapons over Normandy (PS2/ Xbox)

Reviewed by JON MINIFIE


Herald rating: * * *

Word War II-inspired games are commonly fought on terra firma but if you have been waiting to take to the skies and give Jerry what for, Secret Weapons Over Normandy could be right up your alley.

Lawrence Holland, renowned creator of Star Wars X-Wing, Star Wars Tie Fighter and Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe, was the brains behind this new air combat title.

The name is a little deceptive. There is a lot of action over France but players also have to battle it out in the skies above North Africa, Britain and the Pacific.

Single-player missions are nicely varied, ranging from dogfights and bombing raids to tank killing and attacks on enemy shipping. There are 30 combat missions to complete, with the allied and Axis aircraft provided, including the B-17 heavy bomber, P-38 Lightning and the speedy ME 262, which appears to be at the top of the food chain in the multiplayer dogfights.

After completing all the single player missions, you'll unlock Star Wars X-Wings and Tie Fighters for use in Instant Action and Multiplayer modes.

Secret Weapons offers little by way of visual breakthroughs, though the graphics are crisp, functional and all the aircraft look realistic. New planes are unlocked every time you complete a mission with around 20 aircraft in total.

The simplified controls work well, and are in keeping with the game's arcade-like feel. Wild turns and swooping dives largely ignore the laws of physics but the focus here is on having fun. You can still stall and crash but in general, a blindfolded chimp could win a medal in one of these planes. Considering the potential to team up with some friends for missions, it's a surprise that there is no online support.

$99.95


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