Pearl Harbor Trilogy - 1941: Red Sun Rising

 Wii
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    74
    Surprisingly deep given how in-depth and graphically impressive it is. [Sept 2010, p.93]
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  2. Multiplayer.it
    70
    Good controls and visuals are the bright sides for Pearl Harbor Trilogy: 1941 - Red Sun Rising. Given the fact of the small price and the lack of competitors on Wii, this game can be interesting for lovers of the aerial combat shooters, but its flaws in terms of gameplay and level design can be very restraining also for the most firm virtual pilot.
  3. Cubed3
    70
    For the price, this is one flight you might want to take, but best strap yourself in for what is an initially rough ride.
  5. IGN
    70
    A problem I do have (and where I'll agree with Charles) is in the game's difficulty level -- this one's a bit too tough to get into, with an opening mission that's sure to send you to the Game Over screen more than once before you figure out how to fly through to success.
  6. D+PAD Magazine
    70
    Ultimately, whether or not Red Sun Rising succeeds or fails is a question of how much the player is enticed by either its historical setting or relatively niche genre. Awkward controls and a thunderous difficulty may threaten to spoil what is a WiiWare title of unrivalled depth and value, yet if you're ready to battle unforgiving AI, you'll find plenty of bang for your buck.
  7. XGN
    70
    This game has a lot to offer but the difficulty is ridiculously high and it will take a while to get used to the game. If you love a challenge, the fair price of 700 Wii Points shouldn't bother you.
  8. Gameplanet
    65
    If you want the full flight/action WWII experience on the Wii then pick up a copy of Blazing Angels: Pearl Harbor. However if you've got a tenner to spare or some Wii Points to use up – and from the perspective of value for money – this is well worth a look.
  9. Everyeye.it
    65
    Pearl Harbor Trilogy - 1941: Red Sun Rising is a mixed-bag: it has variety, frantic action and solid graphics, but it's flawed by poor difficulty balance. Still a quite funny arcade, but not a must-buy.
  10. Eurogamer
    60
    With a bit more substance to the missions and a few control refinements it would have been a must-buy. Let's hope Legendo gets it right in time for the next two parts.
  11. Kombo
    55
    An air combat game with potential, marred by its own identity crisis.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best Wii Game of 2010
64
#64 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2010
68
#68 Most Shared Wii Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Vicsor
    Sep 17, 2010
    9
    All in all this game is great value for a Wiiware game, with 2 campaigns to play, several planes to fly and a couple of extra game modes.All in all this game is great value for a Wiiware game, with 2 campaigns to play, several planes to fly and a couple of extra game modes. Considering the limitations of the service, the graphical representation is surprisingly good. There's definitely a learning curve as far as the controls go, specifically the nunchuck's motion capabilities used to steer, but once you get used to it they work wonderfully. On the other hand the difficulty curve oddly seems to go in a downwards manner, in which the later levels of the campaign are surprisingly easy compared to the challenging first levels. A multiplayer mode however is sadly missed.… Full Review »
  2. WiiAndTheKid
    Dec 28, 2010
    8
    So I remember my early experience with war flight simulators. The exact game escapes me but the controller is pretty typical. Big bulky flightSo I remember my early experience with war flight simulators. The exact game escapes me but the controller is pretty typical. Big bulky flight stick with a million buttons and triggers and the suction cups on the bottom. First person point of view. Nothing but a pretty blank blue sky. A radar system I didnâ… Full Review »
  3. blondowl
    Oct 2, 2010
    9
    This is the best action game available on WiiWare and one of the best flight games on the Wii. The controls are perfect and really helps addThis is the best action game available on WiiWare and one of the best flight games on the Wii. The controls are perfect and really helps add to the fun, and the aerial battles are very impressive with a large number of opponent enemy aircraft and friendly wingmen combating each other. The first mission in the game is Pearl Harbor which is quite difficult but very satisfactory, then again I guess that is what one would expect from a historical game such as this. For only 7 bucks this is a no-brainer as it easily trumps many Wii retail games both in terms of fun and quality.… Full Review »
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