Video Game Vintage Title: Blazing Angels: Squadrons Of WWII

Blazing Angels: Squadrons Of WWII

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII is a flight combat video game for the PC, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 and Wii. It was developed by Ubisoft Romania during the second fiscal quarter of 2006 for both the North American and European regions. The game features 46 different World War II fighter planes and allows the player or players to take part in several World War II events as a fictional squadron. Online support allows 16 players to take part in head-to-head and co-operative battles. Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII was released on March 24, 2006 in the United States and March 31, 2006 in Europe.

On August 3, 2006, Ubisoft announced that the game would also be released for the Wii as a launch title. However, it was postponed and did not make the Wii launch. It was released on Wii March 20, 2007. On August 16, 2006, Ubisoft announced that the game would also be released for the PlayStation 3 and that it will be a launch title. This version features all-new missions, a 16 players online mode and support for PS3's controller motion sensing functions.

The European Windows version is protected by StarForce. At least one published American Windows version also uses StarForce.

A sequel, Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII, was released in 2007.

The arcade version of Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII was developed by Global VR and released in 2008, based upon the PC version of the game. The initial arcade cabinet was a sit-down model that used a flight stick and throttle control scheme as well as a seat thumper to simulate the plane being shot at. An up-right model followed in 2011. Among the various locations where one is found at, a sit-down cabinet is currently available at DisneyQuest

Blazing Angels: Squadrons Of WWII Plot

The story varies slightly from console to console. The story followed the player's squadron, nicknamed the Angels of Dunkirk, as they go through various World War II battles and missions. Battles include the Battle of Britain, the Liberation of Paris, The Battle of Midway, D-Day, and the Battle of Berlin. However, in the Wii and PS3 releases, the story changed slightly, adding more depth to the characters. Scenes narrated by the main character were added before the level to explain the battle. The player also talks during the actual game, shouting commands and conversing with the wingmen. Other changes included Tom being Joe's brother-in-law instead of a random pilot the player saves from a German fighter squadron and Joe getting shot down on D-Day.

Reception
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII received lukewarm reviews from most critics. It was criticized for its repetitive gameplay, sluggish controls and bland graphics, though it was appreciated for its 'epic' and 'realistic' feel.

Most criticisms were dealt with in the sequel, Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII.