Recent reviews by Thx1164

So far it is looking excellent and it is a lot of fun to drive. I wasn't sure about the automatic ranking system to start off with but it has proved to be an excellent coaching and training tool. For me anyway.

There are some criticism of how multiplayer will work but it is good to see a company improve on the the simplistic matchmaking systems that most others have used over the years. Some say it will "not have matchmaking". Simply untrue. I personally think the system they are implementing based not only on skills but track safety will be light years beyond the older systems given how well the early access version is already working in determining skills and safety.

It isn't too bad though it is a bit limited in terms of gameplay, though it's a fairly cheap game. The graphics aren't cutting edge but if the simulation is good then I don't mind that too much. It is good enough where it counts.

A mode where you have a busy channel with realistic buoys around that you have to take head of with speed limits, etc would be cool.

I think this is a good foundation for the franchise.

I didn't like the sounds of what many sim enthusiasts were saying about the game but I bought it anyway. Soooo glad I did. The XP system is a non-issue for me, just playing it unlocks add-ons quick enough and they are not necessary to play well or enjoy the game, the graphics are amazing and run like a dream on my 4k monitor (running at 2560x1440) and I feel like the sensation of flying way better than most aircraft in FSX ever felt and remind me of some of the excitement of real flying (I've not flown for a couple of years).

The hint iconography that some consider arcadey is even less of an issue. Don't like it, turn it off. It is a boon for newcomers though and we do need newcomers to the genre.

The game may seem expensive for those that compare it to older games but his isn't just an update to an old superseded engine. This is a modern game with a definite focus on quality over quantity. I think most simmers will appreciate that, Whats the point of having 30 planes if they are almost the same except for the skin? How many can you really fly well (unless they fly the same and therefore pointless)?

There isn't a lot for people that just want to play single player with little in the way of variety (at least for experienced players) but to me that's true of almost any single player game. Online with a group of like minded people is where it is at.

I am impressed with BoS. The core components as a flight simulator are just fantastic even if there aren't tons of frills. In the end if we want a good WW2 sim there only a couple of options. One won't be ready for some time and the others didn't impress me. Especially "free" games that get very expensive if you want to be competitive. BoS is definitely not pay-to-win.