IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey

 Xbox 360
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Eurogamer
    70
    Taken as a rousing aerial shooter, it's easy to recommend - and sadly rather too easy to complete. There's a ton of content, at least, and it's all presented in a whiz-bang style that draws you in with heart-pounding action without belittling the history behind the explosions. It's just a shame that for such a venerable simulator series, it's the more serious game modes where Birds of Prey feels most compromised by its hardware.
  2. Eurogamer Spain
    70
    It's a great game, but having the IL-2 Sturmovik name is more a burden than anything: the old PC game still has some important advantages like joysticks, better multiplayer and user created content.
  3. RealGamer
    70
    IL2-Sturmovik is a solid aerial combat game that is accessible enough for anyone to pick-up and play, whilst still offering hardcore simulation fans the option to play the game in a fashion they feel comfortable with.
  5. AceGamez
    60
    If you have, or intend to, invest a massive amount of time in learning all the delicate intricacies of the IL2 series, then by all means give this latest addition a stab. However, if you simply wish to play an engrossing and hair raising thrill ride in the skies, you'd be much better off queuing up on the aircraft carriers in Battlefield 1943 for your chance to fly a plane for 30 seconds.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. X-ONE Magazine UK
    60
    It's arcadey enough to be fun but engine issues and a confusing UI and missions bring it down. [Issue#50, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
19
#19 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. Wyzilla
    Nov 9, 2012
    10
    Of all the World War Two fighter sims I've played, and simply historical games in general, this game ranks with me among the best, if not theOf all the World War Two fighter sims I've played, and simply historical games in general, this game ranks with me among the best, if not the best. I'd recommend it and do recommend it to all of my friends quite frequently. The environment of it is stunning, even for a game that's three years old, it possesses graphics better than many new releases. Although those that are in it for the multiplayer should pass this one over- the multiplayer of this game is virtually dead, and its beautiful single-player campaign and quick missions is where the playability lies. I urge any history nerds to buy this game immediately, along with anyone else who appreciates terrific flying/fighter sims.… Full Review »
  2. TJ
    Sep 17, 2009
    9
    Currently, one of my favorite air combat games on any console. In some ways, it's more viscerally satisfying than ace combat - the Currently, one of my favorite air combat games on any console. In some ways, it's more viscerally satisfying than ace combat - the destruction of enemy planes is so realistic and the plane models all lovingly hand-detailed - it gets so many things right it's easy to ignore the few flaws. Amazing audio work and excellent graphics make this a must buy for anyone who likes aerial dogfights.… Full Review »
  3. AlexNewman
    Sep 14, 2009
    10
    If you liked IL-2 for the PC and like me no longer have a computer, this game is the closest you'll get to the realism of flight on aIf you liked IL-2 for the PC and like me no longer have a computer, this game is the closest you'll get to the realism of flight on a console, the realistic mode is awesome and makes the game feel real, after the first couple of missions the controls come easy and the game is just fun.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »