Halo 4 Features

For:Xbox 360 Release Date: 6 November 2012

Top 10 Ways to Fly in Video Games

FeaturePosted 20/01/2010 - 4:09pm GMT

Our favourite ways to take to the sky.

Dark Void takes off for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC this Friday, and while the game isn't as excellent as we hoped it would be, its brilliant jetpack got us thinking: Just what are the best ways to fly in video games? What are the best methods of airborne transportation? What virtual vehicles kick arse in virtual skies? After cracking our heads together we've come up with the Top 10 Ways to Fly in Video Games. What iconic ways to fly will make the list? Sit back, make a note of the nearest exit, and read on to find out.

10. Jetpack - Dark Void

Who says third-person shooters should be ground-based? Not Capcom. Dark Void might not be a brilliant game, but its jetpack is superb, letting you leap into the sky and take flight, or just hover from platform to platform, picking off enemies while in mid-air. Jetpacks are fun. Simple as. Dark Void is from Airtight Games, the studio formed from key members of the development team responsible for excellent Xbox flight combat game Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, so it's no surprise that aerial combat is handled so well here.

9. Carpet - Magic Carpet

Who needs space ships and fighter jets when you've got magic on your side? This PC (later ported to consoles) action game saw you take to the skies on board a flying carpet, attacking monsters and rival wizards as you soared high above the mountains. It was a shame that most people never got to play the game in its full glory, such were the demands the cutting-edge game placed on PC hardware. It even supported 3D glasses and virtual reality headsets. As a Peter Molyneux creation, maybe we'll get to see the carpet return in a future Fable game.

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clangod @ thompo555

Sweet thompo, I may have to shop around on ebay to find a cheap copy. I don't have many options when it comes to retailers in my area but I'll be sure to give you a yell when I pick it up.

Cheers.

Posted 09:32 on 22 January 2010

thompo555 @ clangod

The P51 handles better than in the demo ;)

No problemo! Want a game, jus shout - as long as it's simulator! Once your in a game then it's rare that there is lagg under 12 or so players. My connection struggles at 13+. When I say "once your in a game" it can some times take a while as there are only a few sim players (there are loads of arcade). However, most of the sim players are congrigated on the official game forum so I'd sign up there and arange matches, maybe join one of the torniments. Here's a link: http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/forumdisplay.php?f=132 (sorry if I'm breaking any rules by posting that) I'm called P-51 over there so say hi :D

If you do decide to shell out about £17 (saw it at that somewhere, can't remember where) then give me a shout on reaper1526.

Posted 21:12 on 21 January 2010

clangod @ thompo555

Now that I am aware I can tweak the controls to my liking IL2 is now on the list. It's a shame to hear the P-51D isn't well represented but I'll consider this a small price to pay for a good dogfighter.

Thanks for the info mate. And yes, I own a PS3.

I also hear that online is good in IL2. Is this the case or are users prone to connection issues?

Posted 20:35 on 21 January 2010

thompo555 @ clangod

Hehe, the demo - in my opinion was good, I found out later that the P-51D was mutilated and didn't fly like it should. The demos controlls were wierd with no way of changing them. (you have a ps3 right?) I think the patch - ps3 only at the min - changed a lot of things to make the game much better. First of all there was a custom controll scheme option inserted with the patch, this also enabled the use of PC flight sticks, it basicaly eliminated the "push R3 to look" problem. The aircraft now all fly superbly. I really would buy it if you have a ps3.

That again Is so true. I was playing ace combat te other day an was going about Mach 2 at 50ft and it only felt like 70mph.. Again, il2 has this sorted - I love taking my spit and flying under bridges and along roads. It's just so much more fun for some reason.

Posted 20:22 on 21 January 2010

clangod @ thompo555

Lol thompo, I kinda expected you to weigh in on this with reference to IL2. I've read how much you enjoy it and I must say that although I didn't really click with the controls in the demo, I probably didn't give it the time it deserved.

I've also found that the majority of dogfighters set in today's age cannot replicate the feeling of speed like they should. The fighters of 'ole are far better replicated and the physics of flying all the more enjoyable.

Posted 19:59 on 21 January 2010

thompo555 @ clangod

So true. I love dogfighting because every single dogfight is different. The chances of a 109 hitting your spit in the same place is miniscule! I love il2 birds of prey, there is a great community on the official forum. They have a few torniments going at the min and it's keeping the community alive. I, too, want a modern flight sim on ps3 that's realistic. I was really let down by hawx too, I thought it would be something more than defying the laws of physics. I wouldn't even mind if the graphics are dodgy it's just the principle Of having a game that is great fun, realistic and has online being made for the ps3.

Posted 19:54 on 21 January 2010

clangod

Well I'd forgotten about Star Fox up until now. I remember loving that game. It was one of the most enjoyable games of that generation.

The X-Wing is a no-brainer. I still think its one of the best looking spacecraft ever conceived.

The Dodo gave me the *****s tbh. I preferred the attack chopper and the "Harrier" from San Andreas. The airport challenges were fun too.

I guess that personally, I will always prefer the more traditional types of aircraft when it comes to gaming. That's not to say that I don't enjoy flying around in the futuristic or downright ludicrous vehicles and animals that are available in games, I just prefer games like Heroes of the Pacific & Battlefield 1943 as they represent an era without all of the fancy futuristic weaponry and the like. I like the way the aircraft play within the games. And as much as I love the fighter jets of today, Tom Clancy's HAWX was a huge let down. I'm still waiting for a decent dogfighter featuring today's technology. The Ace Combat games were okay...

I've always been a plane & helo freak. Dogfighting is in my opinion one of the most enjoyable video game activities there is. As far as I'm concerned, it never gets old.

Posted 19:44 on 21 January 2010