One of the most notable and attention grabbing games currently in the App Store is X-Plane 9 from Laminar Research. It is a true flight simulator where accurate flight modeling is a primary concern. For true flight simulator fans, it’s an iPhone gaming goldmine. But there are those who find the notion of doing a little flying on the iPhone appealing, but are less interested in–or perhaps even put-off by–the accuracy and minute aircraft details of such a game.
To those gamers, we point to Bottle Rocket‘s recently released Wings 2: Flight Simulator Experience [App Store] for the iPhone and iPod touch. This flight simulation title is far more simple, and perhaps more accessible and fun to the average gamer, than Laminar’s release. Wings 2 is much closer to a rather simplified version of Pilotwings 64 than to a traditional flight simulator.
Wings brings the fun, excitement and relaxation of flying to everyone, not just pilots. Wings’ flight visualizer and virtual worlds have the most beautiful terrains and environments available on the iPhone. Tailor your flying to have fun or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Play your own music from your iPhone or choose one of the built-in tracks. Go searching for salt flats and cruise through a riverbed canyon. Make Wings your own personal flying escape. Download it now and you’ll be amazed. This is a fun and entertaining way to pass time for anyone and is 100% safe for kids. Both relaxing and fun, Wings is the best way to get away.
This tilt-controlled game features both a Floating and a Flying mode. The former is a very responsive and smooth mode that conveys a since of soaring like a bird, while the latter feels more like a traditional flight simulation title. (It’s hard to explain, you’ve got to try it to understand.) According to the developer, Wings 2 features 50,000 square miles of terrain spread over four different environments and four different times of day and year.
While I am, and long have been, a big fan of true flight simulators, I find Wings 2 to be a fun diversion. Its ethereal soundtrack mixed with its smooth control and flowing visuals makes for a relaxing bit of mobile gaming. There are no missions or milestones, but that’s usually the case with true flight simulation titles. A particular criticism, though, is its rather short scenery draw-distance. The draw-point of the distant horizon is always quite visible, which detracts somewhat from the overall feel of flight.
Anyone with a fondness for flight simulators may want to have a look at Wings 2: Flight Simulator Experience.
App Store Link: Wings 2: Flight Simulator Experience, $1.99
