Pros: Easy to learn, yet with depth. Good for both young and old.
Cons: Flying model better than most arcade games but not truly accurate.
The bottom line: If you want a game that can be enjoyed by almost anyone at any age, check this one out.
OVERVIEW

As a private pilot, I love to get my hands on any interesting or unusual flying games and/or simulations. Unfortunately most of the console and PC offerings fall short in either flight model fidelity or the nebulous "fun factor". This game does an excellent job of providing a passable flight model with a number of fun adventures.


THE FLIGHT MODELS

There are two flight/controller models to choose from. A simple model limits banks to about 70 degrees and automatically provides elevator input in turns. My 3-year-old originally preferred this model while getting used to the game, but quickly outgrew it. No one else liked this model at all (oops, Grandpa could only fly in this mode but he doesn't count as his gaming experience is zero).

The advanced model provides full 3-axis control and does a passable job of simulating flight dynamics in all areas EXCEPT FOR RELATIVE WIND (discussed in greater depth below). The various planes and configurations react appropriately to changes in weight, drag, power, etc. Indeed, mission success is often determined by the correct selection of aircraft and options.


THE WIND PROBLEM

A significant portion of this game involves navigating difficult areas while the wind is blowing. If you are a pilot, the reaction of your aircraft will not make any sense to you. A wind gust will cause you to weathervane into the wind as if you were on the ground. In a real airplane, the yaw axis would not change, but your ground track would change significantly. Furthermore, very strong headwinds will cause your airspeed to rapidly diminish, sometimes to the point of a stall. This just isn't the way it works in real life.

That being said, I simply learned to accept the unusual physical wind rules of this universe and enjoy the rest of the game. It is irritating, but the rest of the game is interesting and challenging enough to make me keep coming back for more.


OVERALL PLAYABILITY

This game has multiple modes: adventure, skywriting, target practice (fly-through, not shooting). It is amazing to me that this one game has so occupied such a wide range of gamers. We've all been playing it off and on for months and still find it exciting. When I say "we", I mean my 3-year-old, my 11-year-old twins, and me. Okay, my wife doesn't play it but she doesn't like any of the fun toys.

No other PS2 game has received the quantity of play nor the widespread interest in our house. I can't say this is the best game we own, just the one with the broadest appeal.