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A new free online multiplayer sim will soon offer a wild ride.

While we typically review finished products in “Airware” rather than previews of releases still in development, I recently had a chance to explore the beta version of the new free-to-play online multiplayer game World of Warplanes, where virtual pilots face off in air battles featuring about 20 to 30 aircraft at a time. This is the latest release from Wargaming.net, which earlier this year helped fund the failed search for buried Spitfires in Burma.

The idea is far from new; we’ve seen other online flight sims such as Warbirds, Aces High and WWII Online. World of Warplanes (worldof warplanes.com) appears to be more approachable than its competitors, however, all of which strive for realism. This is perhaps most evident in the control scheme, which allows players to fly using a keyboard and mouse, something traditional sim pilots frown upon, since they generally prefer a true joystick and throttle setup. WoW also supports joysticks, but its keyboard and mouse controls are nicely appointed. A little practice with them can make a player quite competent, although maneuvers such as rolls and loops are less intuitive at first, while functions like using the mouse’s scroll wheel to zoom a view’s magnification are more so. Players can also take advantage of customization options that tailor the interface to their preference.

Other concessions to gameplay abound. Where some of the more realistic sims encompass every part of the sortie, from takeoff to patrol and landing, in WoW the action starts quickly, with players dumped into the cockpit in midair, facing opponents. WoW is also more accommodating than some products in that it aids players with situational awareness, in addition to giving them maps and targeting aids for air-to-air combat and bombing.

The flight model is also much more forgiving, and while planes can stall, it’s not like hardcore sims where sneezing can trigger the stall-warning horn. WoW isn’t devoid of realism, however, and novices who try to “yank and bank” by constantly pulling on the stick will find that although they’re not careening constantly into spins, they’ll be easy pickings for pilots who understand the relative strengths of their aircraft and are able to manage altitude and energy.

The way players acquire aircraft and upgrades reflects historical realism. The aircraft and weapons are all based on real counterparts, and players start with a basic airplane from an American, German, Japanese or Russian manufacturer. Performance in battles leads to experience points and credits that can be spent on research to unlock and purchase engine, airframe and weapon improvements as well as new aircraft. Players can also purchase in-game “gold” currency with real money—one way Wargaming profits. Planes are ranked by technology levels one through 10, and the matchmaking algorithm in the game sets up teams with equal numbers of aircraft at each level.

The graphics are pleasing, though not as detailed as some of the non-online sims. I expect them to continue to evolve. The current aircraft variety is interesting and includes some experimental planes that did not see operational use. On the other hand, iconic steeds such as the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 and Lockheed P-38 Lightning have yet to make an appearance, though they likely will.

The software is currently at version 0.4.2 and has iterations to go before formal release. There are now about 70 aircraft available in total, and Wargaming has said it expects to reach 100 per nation. WoW is shaping up to be a wild ride. I’ll definitely revisit this package once it’s released.

 

Originally published in the September 2013 issue of Aviation History. To subscribe, click here.