Saturday, December 8, 2012

Review of Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders



Sky Gamblers Storm Raiders Review
I know that this is a blog for MSWM, but I also know that many of you are interested in the latest Sky Gamblers release, so here is my review of Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders.

Namco/Bandai/Revo has released a 3rd dogfighting game named Sky Gamblers:Storm Raiders.  This is in addition to their other offerings of Air Supremacy and Rise of Glory.  As most of you know, Air Supremacy has both modern jets with missiles along with WWII fighters.  Rise of Glory focuses on WWI bi-planes.  SGSR (as we’ll call it from now on) is strictly a WWII dogfighting game full of P-51 mustangs, Japanese Zeroes, German Stutkas along with all their relations.





Cost:  Similar to SGAS, the new SGSR costs $4.99 on the App Store.  However, similar to SGAS, once you shell out the $4.99, you really will not ever have to buy anything again if you don’t want to.   (there are some in-game purchase options to buy custom paint jobs or accelerate unlocking of planes).   This is in sharp contrast to the Metalstorm "fremium" approach where the App is free but to advance in the game you will need to pay to upgrade your plane or buy advanced weaponry which can cost upwards of $30 per plane.

Graphics:
Lets start with the graphics and terrain detail.  If you thought that SGAS had stunning graphics and landscapes, wait until you see SGSR.  It is simply stunning.  Canyons, bridges, mountain ridges, Pearl Harbor, and what particularly caught my attention were the villages – each house is rendered with great detail – you can barnstorm down a village street and see each door, window roof shingle and tree!  Similar to SGAS, there is also weather: haze, rain, twilight, flying through clouds. 
There has also been a real advance over SGAS in showing damage to your opponent’s plane.  You will see a burst of fire when you score some damage and then the plane will trail smoke (progressively more smoke as its damage increases).  Your own plane also shows much better damage than in SGAS.  Along with your own fire and smoke, pieces of metal from your plane will start to flutter and break off the further you get damaged.  There is also an amazing mode where you have full 360 view inside the cockpit, including a picture of your sweetheart taped to the instruments, floor pedals and cockpit frame.  This is a fascinating view which really gives you a great feel for what it really must have been like to fly these old beauties.  However, in my opinion, this is an interesting view but not one that you would want to use for a competitive game since the cockpit causes such obstructed views that it is much harder to see your opponents.
Graphics Verdict:  Similar to SGAS but bumped up to even more realism
Enough of my talk though, take a look for yourself:
Great rendering of trees, buildings and villages


Every building has detail


The tunnels rock - you can fly into them but watch out for the train!


This canyon is one of my favorite landscape features - especially dogfighting in it


The graphic detail of the towns is stunning

How low can you go!




Game Types:
SGSR is basically a complete copy of SGAS as far as game modes.  All the exact same game types exist:
Survival Mode
Free For All
Team Deathmatch
Capture the Flag
Defend the Base
Last Man Standing…

Game Type Verdict:  SGAS had really done it right with the variety of game play.  SGSR follows the blueprint exactly and you won’t see any surprises here.  The one criticism that I have is that SGAS and SGSR still do not have the quality of 1 VS 1 individual matches that you find in Metalstorm Wingman.  MSWM still reigns supreme in the up close and personal mano-v-mano versus matches (which are really the most fun for me) rather than the large group matches.

Campaigns:
Campaigns for SGSR are modeled after real events in WWII such as Pearl Harbor and some European conflicts.  They are action packed, as are all the Sky Gambler campaigns.  You dogfight, divebomb ships, drop torpedoes on aircraft carriers and submarines and lots more.  The campaigns are so full of action and events that I’ve pondered about writing articles about them but there are just sooo many things that happen in any given campaign that it would require a book!  Thumbs up on the campaigns!!
Flight Controls:
Flight control for SGSR again is the same as SGAS.  No surprises here.  You can go full simulation, casual simulator, with or without accelerometers…


Plane Types and Specs:
SGSR has an interesting set of planes.  They all have their “real” names, I believe, unlike SGAS and MSWM with the hokey made-up names for each plane.  There are WWII fighters, “Classics” and Bombers.  Each plane has its own set of ratings similar to SGAS. 
Plane Verdict:  Similar variety as SGAS but with some nice varieties of plane types.

A wide variety of classic WWII planes are at your disposal as you unlock the levels and progress

Early model primitive "Jets" are also available


Each weapon has its own set of specs




Weapons Types and Specs:
SGSR has really taken some good steps in the weapons aspects of the game.  There are machine guns, larger cannons and bombers that drop gravity bombs and torpedoes.  There are even planes that fire unguided missiles.  There are also modes that you can pair your 2 weapons together (machine gun and cannon) to fire both at the same time and increase the damage.

Weapons Verdict:  A nice upgrade from SGAS.  Thumbs up!

Dogfighting and Overall Game Play:
Dogfighting and overall game play in SGSR is very similar to SGAS.  I have to say that I don’t see too much difference in the physics of the dogfight in this game.  I do believe that they have made improvements on number of planes visible on your screen and it can be pretty impressive, especially when multiple planes are trailing smoke.  There is also black air bursts of flack that appear from ground fire which is pretty cool.  I have yet to fly thru one so not sure if you actually get damaged from them, but it most definitely adds to the realism.  As I said though, the actual act of chasing and circling your opponent seems very similar to SGAS.
This is supposed to be battleship row in Pearl Harbor, I believe


There are options for sunrise/sunset and night fights!


Your opponents trail smoke when hit

Flack clouds add to the realism


Fighting in the canyon is awesome!

Overall Verdict:  Overall, I have to say that I love SGSR.  The graphics alone are the best out there and a million miles above Metalstorm’s latest prelim release (Metalstorm: Aces).  The actual game play is very similar to SGAS and the structure of the game is basically a copy of SGAS, but you can tell that the developers really paid attention to detail and made some thoughtful upgrades.  I thoroughly enjoy playing it.  

However, as I mentioned, similar to SGAS, SGSR still has not dethroned Metalstorm Wingman in the 1 vs 1 matches.  MSWM still has better physics in the up close and personal dogfighting arena of 1 vs 1 matches (which amazingly, they seem to have lost in their new release, Metalstorm: ACES which I will also review soon).   SGSR is not bad in vs matches, it just does not require the skill that MSWM  demands in the 1 vs 1 mode.  Besides that though, I really enjoy everything else about SGSR and have had a great time playing it!

56 comments:

  1. My favorite weapons are rockets and Spread Mg's (in beta testing this was a killer and still is) i know High already mg has rubish accuracy and overheats too fast but if you shoot with it at someone from close you will totally rip their plane appart! I live using FW190D because the plane has the highest damage in the game and has 6 rockets on the wings and ready to own off

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like! My dream came true!
    -SVCYJ

    ReplyDelete
  3. @florovic full of crap. I have played the game since it came out. There is no way you have got to that rank in such a short of time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's been farming, I've seen his rank, I once looked on the leader board and he was 11th. So shut up you, just because he's better than you doesn't mean you have to act that way.

      Delete
    2. 09Florovicj, what's your Metalstorm GC name?
      -SVCYJ

      Delete
  4. Seriously, SGSR not dethroned MetalStorm Wingman? You're obviously a super fan of MetalStorm. There's no changing your name, is there?
    MSWM does not have better physics. You never stall when at low speeds, planes can pass through each other, the opponent's plane doesn't even look damaged when at low health. SGSR and SGAS are different. And besides, SGSR and SGAS have MUCH less lag, not to mention that they're much more worth the money.
    To purchase a plane and fully upgrade it in MSWM, you'll need almost $21. While in SGSR and SGAS, you only need to pay a tiny price of $5, to get tens of planes which don't need upgrades. Besides, MSWM is only limited to 1 vs 1, and in SGAS and SGSR, the online mode is much more enjoyable and fun. You can chat to other players, change camera modes.
    Good review though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. American companies are greedy. :D
      -SVCYJ

      Delete
  5. Me, ranked Number 1 at F-18 landing carrier-) does anyone knows this game ? Check the leaderboard out!!!!! Managed plenty of cross-wind landings at wire 3 there!!! I invite u all to have a look-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Still and since August , have not managed to brake my record!!!! Who knows may be Mr Florovic to manage it-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. By the way , whats ur rating Florovic? and ur nickname? Pleased to find out-) and i challenge u then for MSWN round!!! I am expecting ur lessons!! I am around 45000 , and X-23 is loaded with apollo/R-27 waiting for u-) Come on then!!! Show me ur skills!!! It is said that u are good-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They can't. People bought planes and if they delete the game it's stealing... Also they would get sacked

      Delete
  9. You wanna play me?! Alright lets play it the way aces do. No coin weapons allowed and free boost only my GC = [FF] Laurelix

    ReplyDelete
  10. Guess what?! M RW lancers/Osiris is waiting for you. Also I might use the F-105 Dragon mwahaha

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think that time has come to mention here my view in regards to my favorite X-23. Mainly X-23 build the 45000 skill rating ( i had the Arbiter before). So far went-through opponents of the MSWN entire fleet! Weak points that have been experienced are as follow: Spectre , Rath , Cobalt and i may say the Hawken as well. Downed all of them-) but are not easy. !!!! When it comes to ammo are the : Lancers followed by the Raams. I rather try to play higher skilled players and therefore my view is mainly associated to the + 25 side !!! Lol. Dragon is +25 guarantee!!! My favorite one! No matter what it wears!! Mostly/easily locked in. I should rather avoid to say in this instance when it comes to be a completely sitting-duck!! Loaded with Apollo/Vympel (as i do often) its powerful point is when its locked in Yellow!!!!! Lol. At this moment and when the ammo is fully operational ( server does its tricks many times) no matter what the opponents skill level is or the ammo that is loaded with, is downed where the X-23 goes almost unscratched!!! From what it has been said before and i do tend to believe it -) is that from the MSWN entire fleet, if there is a plane that matches the F-22 Raptor is the Nightwing!!! I am pretty sure that i came across u many times!!!!! FF Laurelix. If u remember : X-30 Stealth shadow, or X-30 Stealth power, and now recently: Number 1 (at F-18 Carrier) well its me, Mr Florovic-) Hmmm... I am pretty sure that we will get matched soon!!! Finally i have to say, that i am losing interest as many other players do in MSWN and the reasons, which many of them have already been said before and as things stands at the moment where not a major update takes place, then i will rather try to focus in any other similar topic with much more interest. I am already thinking to join a real Fighter-Pilots forum-) Mr Florovic , and as pilots say: " lets kick the tires and light the tyres" P.s make sure it will not be a sea-landscape, where u locked me in yellow at 3 O'clock! Well done everyone-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Correction: " lets kick the tires and light the fires"

    ReplyDelete
  13. By the way has anyone come across with a player "Mugon" ? a Japanese one? And around 70000? I rather think that this player may be a hack!!! Lol. As many times as i have come across with him , there is no chance that i will get away!!! Lol Only once i got a draw and that was lucky indeed. He is coming with different types of planes, and mainly using the standard cannon ( clipping me all over !! Lol) and the raams!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm not being a noob but I'm trying to prove a point about defence class

    ReplyDelete
  15. GE needs a lot of ammo. Lots of Vumpel/Bisnovats. Not to forget the cannon as well. And that for as many times that i have come across with GE. So far it does not possess a threat to X-23. I got many draws (+25) few wins/loses. Loses from GE were coming out during the remaining few last seconds and even through a background echo while credit me, the defeat!!! Usually it starts heads on, and distantly positioned. Further it happens....(lol) that i got matched with opponents that are fully loaded too, most of the times. I mean with (Zeus/Bisnovats). I reckon that i need -- so the opponent obviously---around 40-60 Vympel plus around 300-400 cannon ammo after each fight. I learned my lesson very very early!! Unless i matched with a higher rating player, never but never engage with GE any more. It gets rather expensive to me. U need easily 10 blue coins after 3 to 4 matches. More or less the same with the Dragon too. Tapjoy is not that generous lately!!! and therefore i am cautious with the ammo. Definitely i do not consider myself to be a noob player either-). Well i have a pattern that i do try to follow and if i may say that anyway, that as soon as i engage, i am trying to enhance the distance further. ( Check six) Opponent directly behind--- me Speeding up for 30 sec until u completely reach the end of the landscape, and then backflip/ braking at the same time. Now and at this stage depends on the player. Some they tend to keep on firing at me ( Locked me Yellow) and for as long as i am distancing from them. To say that any cannon/missile and for this period do not do any good to them. I remain unscratched. Now and while i am waiting, until i locked them Red before launch missiles(Vympel) plus the cannon. As soon as the first launch goes i accelerate heads on before i have the time to launch again. I try to relaunch again just before the pass-by. If lucky then the opponent is downed at this stage. Sometimes it happens that i launch 3 times. I do always accelerate since the first launch given that they come to terms with overheating/reload. On the pass- by moment i still got half armour and keeping up accelerating for few seconds until i make backflip and launch missiles/cannon again. During the remaining of the time dog-fight takes place but as we are at the very end of the landscape things seems to be Glued /lagging a bit if not a lot. Many times i have seen opponents, sitting-ducks there completely trapped. ( Effect of the autopilot redirect) . Myself as well if i am not careful gets trapped. When i get engaged like this, i do mostly go away with a draw (+25). It usually ends up 1-1 or 2-1 loss. There are 2 players with GE that i do engage. One is around the 74000 barrier and the other used to be lately 99000. That one gots me twice 2-1 with the background downed echo, while credit me defeat!!! It is good to mention here that when i come out with a draw my armour is minimal where the opponents one must be a lot lot more than mine, and if the time-limit was more than the 2&1/2 minutes, results should have been different. Finally no point to mention, for the loses that i have been occurred when i got matched and i get Downed immediately after the start with just 2 Bisnovats!!!! Well i simply surrender, and happens many times. The only interesting point about the GE is, that is the only plane so far that manages to fire missiles through the mountain!! Lol. I think that many other players may have experience this. Now Mr Tekbir around 47000, (wearing always Zeus/Bisnovats ) is not engaged with me since a while ago. Z2 always trying to match us but unfortunately we have learned the lessons and save the ammo!!!!! Other than that i have realized that many players do not intend to carry on the match and simply surrender when distance/range comes in place. It is obvious that they get annoyed/irritated by the fact that their ammo cant reach the opponent.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Continued from above....... Well X-23 and in general defence class planes if have a strong advantage is the distance/range. The more the distance the better off they are to lock the target. Otherwise have no chance with an agility plane. Anyway and so far to me, the only plane that is still hard to beat is the Rath-). To some players and no matter their rating, the best i can get is the draw. I just wonder if there are indeed some noob players!!! and i mean it!!! Lol. Other than that i think nightwing holds well against the entire MSWN fleet, and i find no need to exchanged it with another one. I regret it a lot lately that i spent nearly 350 blue coins for the iron fang and not using it. Along side the Reaper are not any good to me unless i play with the ones rated below me! Lol!! I feel ashamed!! Who knows , some very noob players may come forward and give me some agility lessons. I am just welcoming them. The only plane that i am intending to get is the Rath. Honestly i am impressed so far. I was intended to get it long ago before anything else, although is not available. I am based here in London and i have not got a clue how Z2live regulates which planes are available to whom and where. Best of luck everyone! P.s I am just waiting to get matched with u Mr Florovic-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Florovic i am trying to invite u through game center for a match. Are u getting the invitation?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Florovic i do admit, that was impressive!!! U downed me 4 times without me even get u once!! Lol. I feel ashamed. U must be a bit of a noob player lol!! Well done

    ReplyDelete
  19. GG's and now you see that the S-03 Marauder is worth the price

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very immpressive indeed! Lol!!! U lowered my skill rating by 48 points consecutevely lol!!! Was hard to lock u. Not a chance!!! Lol. Definitely looks worthy!! Lol

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sorry about -48 SR and I was flying in circles around your Nightwing getting a lot off chances off lock ons. This is why I love agility class. Eventhough they have low armour they are hard to hit but if you don't get hit your the master of the skies

    ReplyDelete
  22. On our 2nd game you hit me 3 times with bisnovats that's when you got me really low on health I had 5% left

    ReplyDelete
  23. If you have noticed the S-03 Marauder is in the hangar. If you want it get it fast. It will be gone in 3 weeks

    ReplyDelete
  24. Come on!! Just kidding!! Its just points and easily recoverable. Well X-23 needs a bit of a distance orherwise no chance with agility planes. I get the reaper now. With reaper always lock the target but it seems that i got shoted-down pretty quick!! Lol

    ReplyDelete
  25. Agility class have very low health, if you want to be succesful avoid getting hit at all costs. If you will be agility class player you'll see why people hate bisnovat players. Well I'm agility class and reaper is too agile for me. You are used to very rubish agility and you are going straight to the most agile plane on the game?! Also I don't reccomend reaper for begginers because it has no evasion bonus and its harder to dodge bisnovats. A tip is that when you get fired at make sure you're going full speed and in close contact stay as close to the enemy and behind at all times shooting it.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Honestly, hardly to lock u in, during all of our matches. Well happens sometimes to get only close-by matches only. I put on the Vympel in case distance/range was taking part in the match. U know Marauder/Iron fang is on the hangar fleet now. I mean along side the rest of them. How can they go? Sparrow popped -in lately and is about to go soon. Anyway i have not got 68000 credits right now. It may get cheaper soon. I spent lately 350 blue coins for the iron fang plus 10000 credits. Lol!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sparrow is horribly bad plane. It's like cyclops... The aimer is too high and fills so unnatural

    ReplyDelete
  28. Also Marauder was always 68,000 credits and always will be

    ReplyDelete
  29. Its true!! Lol. Reaper is far to agile at least for me!!!! Lol. U know, i cant even stabilize it while i got the target locked-in. I tried the settings and i got the sensibility far to the left. I use the i phone 4s for gaming which is not the best for this purpose, i think. Well i will load it with the Bisnos to see how it will go.

    ReplyDelete
  30. U know, i just waiting for the Rath to pop in, if and when! It seems very good.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yeah I used to fly Rath all the time but then I went to S-03 Marauder because I found it more deadly

    ReplyDelete
  32. Interesting. Hmmmm.. Some planes are not available here in London. Cobalt as well seems very good and relatively cheap. Whats ur opinion about Spectre. ( anyway not available as well)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Marauder is available but to have it operational straight-away, i reckon needs around 850 blue coins which currently i do not have. Lol Popped up and stayed in the hangar shortly after the Iron fang. Both replaced orher planes ( i dont remember which ones) unnoticeably.

    ReplyDelete
  34. USS -Cyclops. Vanished at Bermuda triangle during WWI.

    ReplyDelete
  35. F-18 carrier landing game hacked this morning!! Lol.

    ReplyDelete
  36. My damn sister won't give me the phone!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am off to work soon. When i come back then. In the meantime have a nice time and best of luck everyone-)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Can anyone tell, how much effort it is too unlock the Messerschmitt Me262?
    How much time, how many accomplished missions, how much money?
    I consider to purchase SGSR, but it would be for this plane.

    ReplyDelete
  39. It is a really nice game and I got it. I completed the campaign but it is still extremely fun. Also no lag.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I have SGSR loaded on my IMAC but can't find where to enable my Logitech Joystick..can anyone help me?

    ReplyDelete