European Air War

About

"European Air War" is a WWII combat flight simulation, putting you in the cockpit of 20 authentic fighter planes from America, Britain, and Germany. Engage in various mission types with up to 256 planes in the air, and improve your skills over time in campaign mode. Realistic flight models and historical film footage add to the immersion.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 77 reviews

story1 positive mentions

graphics6 negative mentions

A nostalgic classic that offers a great retro gaming experience, especially for fans of WWII flight simulators.
The game features a variety of detailed aircraft and well-crafted missions, providing an engaging and realistic flight simulation.
It's easy to pick up and play, making it accessible for both new players and those looking to relive their childhood memories.

The game suffers from technical issues, including crashes during campaign missions and joystick compatibility problems.
Graphics and controls feel outdated, and the lack of modern features like extensive joystick mapping can frustrate players.
Some players find the absence of tutorials and training to be a significant drawback, making it challenging for newcomers to get started.

graphics
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
50%
30%
The graphics of the game, released in 1998, are considered outdated by modern standards, yet they possess a nostalgic charm that some players appreciate. While the visuals may not compare favorably to newer titles, they were among the best of their time, particularly in terms of flight graphics for aircraft. Overall, the graphics are seen as a testament to the game's historical context, despite limitations and aging issues.
- “Obviously don't expect amazing graphics from this game as it was released in 1998, but they do have a sense of charm and I personally feel they hold up today.”
- “It's a testament to European Air War that it romanticized this dark period of history, with classy visuals, a catchy menu theme, and gameplay that offered depth whilst still being relatively easy to pick up.”
- “It had a better game engine than Aces Over Europe, more style than Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator, and better visuals than Warbirds.”
- “Surprisingly, the graphics on EAW were not that much better than MCS-2, which is a lot more challenging.”
- “Although it's aged badly, with limited graphics options, and then Battlefield 1942 eventually came along implementing more playable flight controls (and IL-2 Sturmovik did better as a proper simulator).”
- “Graphics were garbage as well.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game's story, particularly the missions and campaigns, is well-crafted and engaging, despite the outdated graphics. However, technical issues, such as crashes during the carrier path, detract from the overall experience and hinder recommendations.
- “The graphics are old but the missions and especially the campaigns are very well made.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The gameplay of *European Air War* is praised for its depth and accessibility, making it easy for players to engage with while also providing a rich experience. The game's classy visuals and memorable soundtrack further enhance the overall experience, contributing to its romanticized portrayal of a historical period.
- “It's a testament to European Air War that it romanticized this dark period of history, with classy visuals, a catchy menu theme, and gameplay that offered depth while still being relatively easy to pick up.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's replayability is hindered by outdated graphics and limited flight controls, especially when compared to newer titles like Battlefield 1942 and IL-2 Sturmovik, which offer more engaging gameplay experiences. Overall, players find it less appealing to revisit due to these shortcomings.