Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War

A fantastic WWI flight-sim for the hard-core that might encourage a few others to join the ranks. [Oct 2009, p.93]

Has all the ingredients for sim greatness, except a strong singleplayer campaign and a robust number of planes. [Jan 2010, p.108]

Rise of Flight really surprised me. If you like hardcore simulations you will get what you want topped with detailed aircrafts and a great physics engine. If you prefer action you should rather pick IL2 Sturmovic: Birds of Prey.

Shines in flight and physics modeling as well as the actual combat, but AI and especially the campaign engine could use a lot of further development. Whether or not the engine can handle proper campaigns remains to be seen, however. [Apr 2010]

A meticulously detailed World War One flight and combat simulator that will entertain and enthral devotees with its period accuracy.

Rise of Flight has, hands down, some of the best flight modeling and graphics of any sim I've played. Given the lack of good flight sims, that alone is more than enough to justify its presence on my hard drive. But as impressive as the overall visuals and flying are, the campaign system and plane roster just feel more than a little anemic.

Rise of Flight offers a great simulation of the planes of WWI, lacks however in terms of campaign design and multiplayer.

Rise of Flight offers great and realistic battles during the First World War, but without a story and variety it's short-lived fun. But there's no comparable game out there where you can just go and fly into battle without much hassle. A joystick is recommended.

There is a reason for comparisons between Rise of Flight and the legendary IL-2 Sturmovik. Rise of Flight is truly a good game. Now all it needs to do is to use its potential.

We won't lie to you – Rise of Flight is a great game if part of your daily routine is going to bed with a pilot helmet and smelling of Revell colors. [July 2010]

The reason for buying Rise of Flight, you'll quickly see, is the graphics. Most notably, it's the planes.

There is a lot of promise here for Rise Of Flight, though it is being held back by a few things such as load times, lack of front end mission menu information of any depth.