Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

 Xbox
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 60
  3. Negative: 2 out of 60
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  1. GameMan2005
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    One of the best flying game that I have ever played. Good graphics, sound, and gameplay make this a classic.
  2. BWT
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    Very enjoyable game. Setting is amaizing and levels are very different. I wish only missions were more varied as well.
  3. Termin8ter
    Jul 3, 2017
    8
    This game was way ahead of it's time. Featuring excellent flight and dogfight controls, solid graphics, and a competent length, not to mention the amazing Xbox Live multiplayer that was booming back in the day. Make an effort to play this game, whether it be in the upcoming Xbox One port, or on the original Xbox.
  4. DRiVER_helsinki
    Sep 12, 2014
    10
    Sure 100% fast and artistically punched action ! Epic game ;O , Even arcade version has FAST MOVING aggressive seat
    http://i.imgur.com/giDIdiI.jpg
  5. Esposch
    May 21, 2011
    10
    The planes in this game are a joy to fly, the characters are badass and the story is a blast! The graphics are amazing for an original XBOX too. Everything has a surprising amount of detail, the worlds are aesthetically pleasing and the water especially is stunning. It looks even better on the XBOX 360, where it runs in HD with a smooth framerate.

    Simply put, the best game you can get    The planes in this game are a joy to fly, the characters are badass and the story is a blast! The graphics are amazing for an original XBOX too. Everything has a surprising amount of detail, the worlds are aesthetically pleasing and the water especially is stunning. It looks even better on the XBOX 360, where it runs in HD with a smooth framerate.

    Simply put, the best game you can get for the original XBOX, even though XBOX Live is no longer supported for it. Pick it up. It's well worth the $10 it'll cost you.    … Expand
  6. SamF.
    Apr 29, 2006
    9
    Great Flying Action Game that has smooth controls, great graphics and music. This title is no flight sim but an arcade type Flying shooter thats loads of fun. With a variety of things to do like racing for money between missions and Landing for repairs, you will be glad you bought this Title.
  7. Rick
    Mar 2, 2006
    8
    Best flying action game on the Xbox. Deserves the praise. What I want to know is when are they going to bring back a remake of Elite from the Commodore 64. An open ended galaxy full of anarchaic star systems, with trade options, ship upgrades, docking stations and unlimited adventure. Sorry am off the track - buy this game, best in its field.
  8. Alex
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    Too fun. too addicting. too awesome. most all of the planes are based off of real-life designs, which adds a sence of "this really could have happened". One-stick flying takes a few minutes to get used to, but its manageable. some of the bosses remind me of "Wild Wild West" starring Will Smith.
  9. FirePants
    Jun 25, 2005
    9
    I love the music, it is really fun to blow up the Zeps, and it is a very good storyline. I just wish the controls were the same as Halo (using both control sticks to move). contrary to Edwin's beliefs, you can control your air speed, press Y and B genius.
  10. EdwinC.
    Mar 21, 2005
    4
    A Disappointment. Flight physics are poor, and compared to the PC version (I played the demo of that) the controls are crappy. With two analog sticks, why not follow the convention of RC planes, and use Right Stick for Elevator/Ailerons, Left Stick for Throttle/Rudder. Knowing how to fly is a disadvantage in playing the game, as little of flying is captured in the gameplay. Game has No A Disappointment. Flight physics are poor, and compared to the PC version (I played the demo of that) the controls are crappy. With two analog sticks, why not follow the convention of RC planes, and use Right Stick for Elevator/Ailerons, Left Stick for Throttle/Rudder. Knowing how to fly is a disadvantage in playing the game, as little of flying is captured in the gameplay. Game has No Throttle, No Airspeed management, it's not a flight simulation at all!… Expand
  11. Doctor
    Jan 5, 2005
    10
    Hands down the best flying game on the xbox. I dig the alternate universe it creates and blowing up zeppelines is way too much fun.
  12. [Anonymous]
    Nov 15, 2004
    9
    This is a great game! The sound affects are cool, and the graphics are great. Multiplayer-1 word awsome. So why do i give it a 9 well the music really gave me a bad headache after a while, and the gamplay seems too repetitive, but overall a great game. Go and buy it... NOW!
  13. JohnS.
    Dec 26, 2003
    9
    I was all set to hate this game. But after one level, I returned my rental copy and bought it. How's that for a good review? The controls are smooth and intuitive, the music/sound is excellent, and the graphics have that punch and inventiveness that makes you happy you have the best console on the market. Once you finish the relatively short but satisfying game, you have some I was all set to hate this game. But after one level, I returned my rental copy and bought it. How's that for a good review? The controls are smooth and intuitive, the music/sound is excellent, and the graphics have that punch and inventiveness that makes you happy you have the best console on the market. Once you finish the relatively short but satisfying game, you have some excellent multiplayer (XB Live or systemlink/splitscreen) to make this a keeper. You've never played Capture The Flag until you've played it in all directions like this. My only disappointments are that the system link is only 2 per xbox, and that I want many more game options (defend a zeppelin, bombing runs, etc.) If they add those additions as a download, this could easily replace Halo for those system link game nights I have with friends.… Expand
  14. RatCore
    Dec 17, 2003
    8
    The single player of this game is very entertaining and fun, it plays like a movie. The controls are very simple. yet take alot of skill to master. The one problem with it is the fact there are no Bots in the non live multiplayer. Not everyone has the luxury of Live. Overall, great game definetly worth 50 bucks.
  15. JustinD.
    Dec 5, 2003
    7
    Pretty good game. The multiplayer has bored me after a while. There just seems that there are such better online games out there. I personally think that the single player is the online. The fight sequences are amazing. Sadly, that is the only thing that is keeping this game on my shelf.
  16. SteveE.
    Nov 28, 2003
    9
    Brilliant single/multiplayer game, a must for aerial-combat fans.
  17. DC
    Nov 24, 2003
    8
    Instant arcade fun with a good single player and great online mode.
  18. MichaelC.
    Nov 23, 2003
    8
    I really enjoyed this one. It's got exceptional graphics, idiot-proof controls and even a decent plot (a rarity these days). The multiplayer is a lot of fun, too. With this and Secret Weapons Over Normandy, XBox players will finally have some decent flight sims. Now only if we could get Rogue Squadron 3 some how....
  19. Jake
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    This game is totally awesome, and a must have for anyone who enjoys flying games. The graphics are amazing, and the locations are extremely detailed, even up close. The multiplayer is extremely addicting, and the varied game choices (dogfight, keep away, flag heist, and wild chicken) make this game my favorite game since Halo. Yes, Halo. It's that good. My only complaint (if I have This game is totally awesome, and a must have for anyone who enjoys flying games. The graphics are amazing, and the locations are extremely detailed, even up close. The multiplayer is extremely addicting, and the varied game choices (dogfight, keep away, flag heist, and wild chicken) make this game my favorite game since Halo. Yes, Halo. It's that good. My only complaint (if I have any) would be that I would like to have more environments to fight in (there are only 5, but all beautiful). However, that is a minor complaint. If they reissued this game with new planes and new environments every year, without changing anything else (a la Madden 2003, 2004, etc...), I would keep buying it. Although less "authentic" than Secret Weapons Over Normandy, it is more fun to play, and has better graphics and environments to explore. I would highly recommend this game. … Expand
  20. BrianK.
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    This game awsome from the great graphics to great gameplay. I was really suprised that u could get out of the plane and drive trucks and fire turret guns or whatever at planes trying to bomb u from above u!!!! Great Game!!!!!!!
  21. PerrinM.
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    What bad things can you say about this game? Incredible graphics, crisp controls, deep gameplay, great environments, great Live content... the list goes on. Is this a true combat flight sim? No. Is it more accessable and fun? Yes! I love the deep flight sims too (Falcon 3 and 4 are my favorites) but there is something cool about the simplicity of this game. If you are a seasoned flight What bad things can you say about this game? Incredible graphics, crisp controls, deep gameplay, great environments, great Live content... the list goes on. Is this a true combat flight sim? No. Is it more accessable and fun? Yes! I love the deep flight sims too (Falcon 3 and 4 are my favorites) but there is something cool about the simplicity of this game. If you are a seasoned flight sim player, your skills will tranfer into this game. If you are new to the genre, it is very accessable and simple to learn. Note: I have yet to experience one laggy session on Live with this game. … Expand
  22. MarkJ.P.
    Nov 3, 2003
    7
    This is a very enjoyable game. Fair story line, good alternate history plot line with some nice twists. Not too linear, not too easy. This is no RPG, but is no basic shoot-em-up either. A little strategy is required. The levels are a decent size and highly detailed with some nice ?hidden? touches. The in game ?scenes? can however be a little irritating, as can the sound track. The This is a very enjoyable game. Fair story line, good alternate history plot line with some nice twists. Not too linear, not too easy. This is no RPG, but is no basic shoot-em-up either. A little strategy is required. The levels are a decent size and highly detailed with some nice ?hidden? touches. The in game ?scenes? can however be a little irritating, as can the sound track. The controls are well designed for a pad. If however you want to use a Joystick, forget it, they cannot be re-configured. As for longevity, I think that once you complete this game you won?t want to re-play it for a while. The live play does add to the game?s life though. It also permits content download, so let?s look forward to some big levels, I hope. However, I have had this game for two days. In that time I had a level with no goals to achieve, but the program did not permit the level to conclude. I also have a 'player' that is permanently locked out. Upon entry to the game it simply shows the inside of the Pandora with two men working and refuses to proceed. Not enough testing. Graphic detail 9/10 Sound 7/10 Level design and detail 9/10 Longevity 5/10… Expand
  23. J.Hill
    Oct 31, 2003
    9
    This game rocks. Fantastic controls, great design, awesome visuals and the pull off the 'feel' they were looking for to perfection. I totally feel like Indy Jones in a biplane. It is great. AND I AM NOT A LIVE PLAYER. I am talking 70% about single player. We have done some split-screen mahem, and it is obvious that to more live-oriented gamers (to a graying dinosaur gamer like This game rocks. Fantastic controls, great design, awesome visuals and the pull off the 'feel' they were looking for to perfection. I totally feel like Indy Jones in a biplane. It is great. AND I AM NOT A LIVE PLAYER. I am talking 70% about single player. We have done some split-screen mahem, and it is obvious that to more live-oriented gamers (to a graying dinosaur gamer like me, I don't get why a videogamer would want to talk to *people*, but you youngins' know what you like) this is gonna be a blast and then some.… Expand
  24. Riposte101
    Oct 25, 2003
    10
    Simply Breathtaking. When I see 16 players swarming all over each other vying for dominance of the skies I?m tempted to sit back and just marvel at it all, but I can't because if I'm not at the controls I'm dead in two seconds flat.
  25. Dark
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    One of the best online games to date on the xbox. haven't even played the single-player yet. and i see no reason to.
  26. JasonJ.
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    I haven't enjoyed a flying game in a long time as much as I enjoy Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge. The game is perfect for the X-Box. Flying games tend to need less unique controls than other genres and the ability to chill out in your leather chair and play this guy on a 60" HDTV is .... well ... awesome. One thing I did notice that doesn't seem to be the topic of any I haven't enjoyed a flying game in a long time as much as I enjoy Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge. The game is perfect for the X-Box. Flying games tend to need less unique controls than other genres and the ability to chill out in your leather chair and play this guy on a 60" HDTV is .... well ... awesome. One thing I did notice that doesn't seem to be the topic of any reviews so far is that the user-interface is one of the best I have ever seen designed. I DEFINITELY recommend picking this one whether you are a flying genre fan or not. It's worth it!… Expand
  27. Emcg
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    This game makes me feel so cool, I'm almost tempted to go talk to girls! Now that's saying something.
  28. KyleK.
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    I know people who worked on this game, and they shed a lot of blood sweat and tears to make this game what it is. this is a true testament of dedication.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Xbox Game of 2003
15
#15 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
52
#52 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    80
    9 / 8 / 8 / 7 - 32 gold [Vol 805; 28 May 2004]
  2. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    In defiance of the weak missions, air battles are frantic affairs, and they are great. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.78]
  3. GMR Magazine
    80
    But whoever designed the final level) filled with screen-obscuring lightning attacks) and behemoth boss is a cruel, cruel person indeed. [Jan 2004, p.52]
See all critic reviews »