Apache: Air Assault

Another proof of how good the guys at Gaijin are at what they do. An entertaining, deep and challenging helicopter flight simulator.

Helicopter sims may be a niche interest but after IL-2 Sturmovik this is the best flight simulation available on current consoles.

While some graphical blandness and frustrating gameplay elements chip away at the game's overall experience, in the end this is going to be a game that appeals mainly to the flight simulator audience anyway.

Maybe saying that this is currently the best helicopter simulation game is not the greatest of the praise due the lack of competition, but certainly it is an enjoyable game.

A very interesting game but somewhat unrefined. Good environments and missions design isn't followed by a suitable storytelling, denying us a more deep immersion. It stays however a good flight combat sim, with a very solid and satisfying gameplay.

Always-fantastic flight physics and map design make up for the occasional duff level. [Feb 2011, p.106]

Overall, Apache: Air Assault is up there as one of the best simulations you can find on a console.

The game isn't bad but it does have a very narrow focus on Apache helicopter combat.

Apache: Air Assault is a great flight simulator that really knows how to show the true importance of helicopters during warfare. The controls and the gameplay won't let casual gamers join in on the fun and so Air Assault is really for those that have been playing with toy helicopters as a kid.

Apache: Air Assault faithfully captures all the nuance of piloting an attack helicopter while including plenty of extras to keep fanatics coming back for more.

The combat is a sight to behold, but the missions are more than little formulaic thanks to the nature of the aircraft.

Passable as a helicopter simulation or arcade romp, but doesn't attempt to do much more. But as a rare flying game you may have a craving for this kind of game.

Apache: Air Assault isn't as engaging, fast-paced and story-driven like Ubisoft's H.A.W.X. 2 or even Gaijin's own IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. But it does have enough simulation charm to please fans and fill the heli-simulator void, should you be experiencing one.

A competent helicopter simulator. It will most certainly push some gamer's buttons and become a well loved addition to their military combat collection. But I'm not sure how large that market is.

This game is no core gamer simulation. Sometimes the action is unfair and you should really be a fan of trial-and-error. Apache: Air Assault is nevertheless an entertaining game.

Decent helicopter action with some flaws that keep it from flying higher on the grade skies.

It could have been better, but as a simulator it's quite good. It may be too difficult for many people, but those willing to accept its realism will find a game that doesn't often come out on consoles.

Despite niggles, Apache: Air Assault manages to walk a fine line between po-faced simulation and Desert Strike-esque explosive arcade fun.

Fans of games such as H.A.W.X., that rely on fast paced arcade controls might find Apache a bit too slow for their tastes, especially with the odd omission of competitive multiplayer. Still, it manages to fill a void in a genre that combat flight sim enthusiasts haven't yet experienced on next-gen consoles.

At this time the game is just a scoot and shoot um up game, it does not attempt to do much more than that. The hard-core fans of the Apache Helicopter may enjoy this passable Helicopter game. Those looking for a more polished game complete with any meaningful story may have to look somewhere else.

Apache : Air Assault is for a niche audience. So if you're not a chopper fan, don't even consider it. If you are, but a little, then Apache will offer you some nice sensations. Too bad its interface is so basic, its staging non-existent, and its solo campaign lacking diversity in the missions, because Apache would have been a real benchmark, with a position to appeal to a larger audience.

Playing through the campaign cooperatively and online multiplayer also aren't as fleshed out as they could have been. Apache Air Assault is an overall enjoyable flight simulator, but its lasting appeal is as short as your joystick.

It's not a bad game but it is outstripped by developer Gaijin Entertainments other offerings within the same market. Unless you're someone who really must get to the chopper, there are far better flight simulators available, including the excellent IL-2 series. Granted, it's not on consoles, but they really aren't the weapon of choice for simulations.

If you can grab a buddy, you can pass some time in it, but don't expect too much. [Jan 2011, p.78]