This page is dedicated to Ubi Soft's excellent flight sim, IL-2 STURMOVIK.

The IL-2 STURMOVIK Series

The IL-2 STURMOVIK series of games, developed by Ubi Soft and Maddox Software, were introduced in 2001 and an expansion pack entitled Forgotten Battles, was released the following year. Refreshingly, for a flight sim, the game play centers on the air war over the Eastern Front, between 1941 and 1945.

 

 

 
This flight simulation has excellent graphics with superbly detailed aircraft models, skies and terrain. They are backed up by great sound effects, including distinctive engine and weapon sounds and convincing cockpit chatter spoken in German or Russian. The level of realism is also exceptional, with superlative flight models, damage models, weapon lethality and ammo loadouts. However realism levels can be adjusted to enable even the novice to enjoy this game.
There are some familiar German planes, namely the Bf-109 and the Focke-Wulf FW-190 and on the Russian side are MiG's, Yak's, LaGG's and of course the aircraft of the title the IL-2. Although the manual boasts 31 flyable aircraft, most of these are variants of about a dozen different aircraft.
There are three campaigns and 20 single missions to let you get to grips with some of the different aircraft. There's also a quick mission builder that lets you set up preferences for anything from one-on-one tests, to ground-attack practice, to massive dogfights. There's also an easy-to-use full mission builder, in which you can load any of the campaign missions and fly them.
The expansion pack, IL-2 Forgotten Battles adds a further 20 authentic new aircraft, three new environments and 30 demanding new missions. Its Ace Expansion Pack will plunge you deeper than ever into the perilous world of a WWII fighter pilot.

 
Report to the briefing room, while the ground crew prepare your aircraft for today's mission. Once your briefing is complete its time to get airborne.
Follow your your radio instructions and accompany your wingman to the patrol area. Once the enemy is in your gunsights, let him have it.
Just as this Pe-2 reaches its target, a German interceptor seals its fate. This Pe-2 has had more success and leaves the target area burning in its wake.
Two adversaries go head to head in the skies over Russia. Keep your wits about you, or your dogfight will end like this.

The success of the game has generated a large community, the members of which have endeavored to improve the game and have provided a good variety of supporting websites. The main site can be found at www.il2sturmovik.com The site hosts forums, screenshots, downloads and a series of links to various fan sites which amongst other things include some excellent new aircraft skins and custom missions.