Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. GamesRadar+
    80
    We had trouble getting enough planes into the air, though when we did, the mode shone out as one of the better additions to this otherwise serviceable flyer.
  2. PSM Magazine
    80
    Aside from those problems, Blazing Angels easily transports PS3 gamers back to the Big One, with action and excitement for all. [Feb. 2007, p.78]
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  3. Game Chronicles
    80
    The graphics are a touch better and the sound is much more dynamic, and all the extra content really puts a nice polish on an already-excellent game.
  5. Games Master UK
    79
    It can be quite unforgiving at times but for the most part it's thoroughly enjoyable. [Apr 2007, p.61]
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  6. Digital Entertainment News
    77
    Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII is a fun game to fly around in and decent as a combat title, but falls short of achieving launch-window greatness.
  7. Pure Magazine UK
    75
    Not a perfect game by any means, but an audio and visual treat that provides simple blasting fun. [Apr 2007, p.62]
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  8. PSX Extreme
    73
    Indeed a better version of the original released last year. There are several significant improvements, but none of them are enough to vault the game into the enviable "buy-it-now" category.
  9. Next Level Gaming
    71
    I almost fell asleep playing it because it was just too easy. But, it does have some very nice online play. Too bad you have to unlock planes in the Campaign mode to play them online.
  10. IGN
    70
    While the Sixaxis functionality offers an alternate control method, it doesn't really improve the game very much. It's fun to use for a while, but when it comes to accuracy, players will likely opt for the analog sticks.
  11. Game Informer
    70
    Blazing Angels is a competent air combat title. I just wish Ubisoft would have delivered the kind of epic experience I’m used to after playing games like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty.
  12. GameSpy
    70
    Blazing Angels wasn't a smash success on any of the platforms it was released on in 2006, but its release on the PS3 is undoubtedly the best version of the bunch.
  13. TotalPlayStation
    70
    Blazing Angels may be the first flight game to sport SIXAXIS controls, but that doesn't mean it's any more innovative. Fortunately, the game itself isn't half bad.
  14. GameZone
    68
    The game gets some points for the innovative use of the controls, but otherwise it's somewhat predictable and sadly lacking in the "fun" department. Just an average game on what should be an un-average system.
  15. DailyGame
    68
    Ubisoft upped the ante with Sixaxis support, new planes and new missions, but dropped the ball with inconsistent framerates and an online network desperately seeking gamers.
  16. GameSpot
    66
    Blazing Angels' very straightforward campaign and barren online play don't add up to make a particularly engaging air combat game.
  17. Worth Playing
    65
    The addition of motion controls is an interesting experiment, but the actual execution leaves a bit to be desired when you find yourself with a couple bogeys on your tail.
  18. Game Almighty
    65
    Overall, as aeronautic enthusiasts, we were pretty happy with this game. Currently it serves as the only way to use the Sixaxis as a flight controller, even if it’ kind of lame.
  19. GamePro
    60
    A mediocre title that won't exactly leave you bragging to your friends about your shiny new toy.
  20. games(TM)
    60
    Fly about, shoot planes, and go home. It’s all you could ask for, and not a lot else. [Apr 2007, p.131]
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  21. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    60
    If you're wondering why pilots don't use tilt sensitive joypads, just try the woeful Sixaxis option. [May 2007, p.120]
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  22. AceGamez
    60
    The graphical issues can be a real problem, which is my only real gripe, but it really is a gripe that cannot be ignored - and one that surely a little more development time could easily have solved.
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  23. PALGN
    60
    Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII is a marginally better game on the PS3, but it's just not enough one year down the track. Good for a rent.
  24. Cheat Code Central
    56
    The game action is repetitive and it doesn't deliver a great experience overall. I would call it a game for enthusiasts of the genre. The rest should be prepared for frustration and a lot of dust-biting.
  25. Play UK
    54
    Distinctly ordinary. [Issue #151, p.79]
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  26. PSM3 Magazine UK
    52
    A lazy port of a dull original - just what PlayStation 3's UK launch could do without. [Apr 2007, p.84]
  27. Gamestyle
    50
    The definitive average experience. You can play through this title with little effort and come out at the end with next to no lasting impression of any kind. It merely exists to pass away a few hours and should be consigned to the history books.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS3 Game of 2006
14
#14 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2006
9
#9 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. Jaidenbrkl1
    Mar 30, 2023
    8
    Ubisoft attempt at Ace Combat is surprisingly fun with nice motion controls, tight gameplay, and a great game for its time.
  2. aspentitan
    Apr 12, 2021
    5
    I really wanted to rate this game an 8 or even 9 because in many respects the game is extremely fun and replayable. The game is essentially aI really wanted to rate this game an 8 or even 9 because in many respects the game is extremely fun and replayable. The game is essentially a mission based (20 missions) combat flight game where you not only engage in dogfights but also bomb or pound objective areas with missiles. The game is an excellent cross between arcade and simulation and you can try controls of each type to build your own preference or challenge yourself. For further immersion you can choose cockpit view or 3rd person. As you play missions you unlock new planes, which kind of feel the same but you can notice advantages and try to replay completed missions with the new planes if you like. There are badges and unlockables given depending how you do, some based on time and others based on performance and what you yourself destroyed. So there is a lot of value in this game. The reason I had to go with a score of five is mostly because I encountered software crashing and other software issues. My first software crash was a freeze after a mission and I was lucky to only need to repeat that mission and carry on. My second freeze was after completing mission 14/20 and I was not so lucking it was game breaking and corrupted my profile forcing me to start back at the first mission. You only get one save file so if it crashes you are at the mercy of the software. I would like to say this game was very entertaining and it is likely I will try again at a later date. Missions are varied and there is some real time strategic choices you can employ during gameplay. Not only can you choose squadmember assignments to assist you, you can also choose how and when they engage targets. The air is pretty much open world and you can for the most part go where you want and do what you like. For example one mission you can decide to bomb airplanes on a runway or instead take out aa on your first pass. The gameplay each time will be different depending on your combat choice. How the game plays out is largely in your hands and with the possibility of replaying all the missions this part of the game is extremely strong and yet not overbearing with complicated gameplay. Unfortunately the game has some other bugs. Some missions are timed and most can be easily finished before the timer but some are very challenging with little room for mistake depending on your health when encountering a checkpoint. It can become very time sensitive to not make any errors and be very fast and you guessed it the camera can go awol on you. For the most part the camera is decent but there are times when it gets confused and starts acting off key and really messes up. Its mostly an annoyance when it happens but it does happen and can impact your game. As a last issue there are some frame rate slowdowns at times. They are not that bad but you can notice them at times. I didn't encounter anything major with slowdown. I found the story in this game very reasonable and I found the teen rating extremely accurate to what I would expect. This is a very flexible game with lots of easy to learn "go out and do it now" gameplay. It is extremely fun but has some issues that could ruin your enjoyment. If I could make a metaphor it's like choosing a domestic car over a import car. You get a lot of bells and whistles for your money but it might break sooner than you think making you wish you spent your money on the other choice which may be less features but better quality. Overall I'd still recommend this game just with a definite heads up on the issues I mentioned.… Full Review »
  3. ckiverigan1
    Aug 25, 2020
    10
    One word

    Masterpiece.

    Needs a remaster right now

    I would pay 300 dollars for a remaster
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