Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 delivers one of the most comprehensive WWII flight simulation experiences on PC by merging the core IL-2 Sturmovik series with all its expansions and patches up to version 4.07. Players can choose from over 300 flyable aircraft—fighters, bombers and ground-attack planes—each modelled with unique performance characteristics. Whether you’re tackling the fierce dogfights over the Eastern Front in the original IL-2 or strafing Pacific convoys in Pacific Fighters, the depth of content ensures hundreds of hours of varied missions.

The flight models remain impressively realistic, drawing on Oleg Maddox’s original engine to simulate key aerodynamic effects like torque, gyroscopic precession and compressibility at high speed. New add-ons such as Pe-2 Peshka, Sturmoviks over Manchuria and the 46 expansion deepen the simulation with additional mission theaters, while the Forgotten Battles Ace Expansion and Pacific Fighters introduce unique aircraft roles and multi-engine dynamics. Patches up to v4.07 refine control responsiveness and add support for modern hardware, making the entire compilation feel both authentic and up-to-date.

Beyond single-player, IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 boasts a thriving online community. Most user-made campaigns and dedicated servers require a merged installation, which this compilation provides out of the box. Dogfight enthusiasts can jump into Team Deathmatch modes, co-op bombing runs or scripted historical campaigns crafted by the community. The included detailed 450-page Plane Guide (UK only) and making-of videos help newcomers learn tactics and setup, while veterans can tweak flight controls, VR settings and mission parameters to their liking.

Graphics

While IL-2 Sturmovik’s engine first debuted in 2001, the 1946 compilation’s patches polish environmental details, lighting and textures to respectable standards even by today’s measures. Aircraft skins are richly rendered, with authentic squadron markings, weathering and panel rivets that hold up under close scrutiny. Ground vehicles and static scenery—trenches, airfields and anti-aircraft emplacements—have been refined in the later expansions, giving each battlefield a lived-in appearance.

The second DVD’s bonus content elevates the visual package, offering high-resolution art galleries, cockpit schematics and rare photographs from Storm of War: Battle of Britain. These assets not only serve as wallpaper fodder but also help simulate true-to-history cockpits and ground vehicle textures when applied as custom skins. Screenshots included in the making-of videos reveal behind-the-scenes model creation, providing further insight into the art team’s dedication to authenticity.

Dynamic weather effects—clouds, haze, rain and snow—add tactical depth, forcing pilots to rely on instruments or ground-based navigation aids. The sun’s glare on metal wings, volumetric clouds you can fly through and realistic water physics over Pacific atolls all contribute to an immersive aerial combat setting that, despite its age, remains remarkably atmospheric and engaging.

Story

Although IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 is not a narrative-driven title in the traditional sense, its campaign structure conveys the epic scale of WWII air warfare. The original IL-2 and Forgotten Battles put you in the cockpit of Soviet attack aircraft facing the German onslaught, complete with branching mission paths that simulate the harsh realities of frontline air support and ground-attack warfare.

The Pacific Fighters add-on transports you to the Pacific Theater, where you experience the island-hopping campaign from both Allied and Japanese perspectives. Separate mission chains allow you to escort bombers into enemy harbors, defend carriers under fire and engage in vicious dogfights above coral reefs. The Pe-2 Peshka expansion offers a taste of high-altitude precision bombing and night operations, enriching the overall narrative of aerial strategy and endurance.

Later content such as Sturmoviks over Manchuria and the 46 pack extend your service into late-war theaters and experimental aircraft trials. While there’s no voiced protagonist, the sheer variety of historically grounded missions creates an emergent storyline: one of pilot progression, from green recruit to seasoned ace. The detailed mission briefings and authentic radio chatter further anchor you in the unfolding saga of WWII aviation.

Overall Experience

As a single package, IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 stands out as a benchmark for WWII flight simulators. It combines the foundational realism of Oleg Maddox’s original engine with years of community-driven expansions and official add-ons, all wrapped in one convenient installer. Patches up to version 4.07 ensure compatibility with modern systems, while the merged install requirement for many community servers means you’re ready to join dogfights from day one.

The supplemental materials—450-page Plane Guide, making-of videos and a DVD of art, screenshots and cockpit references—add tremendous value for enthusiasts who appreciate historical context and technical depth. Whether you’re fine-tuning joystick sensitivity, experimenting with VR tracks or painting your own skins using the included assets, there’s a level of customization here that few other flight sims can match.

In the end, IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 delivers an enduring experience for simulation purists and history buffs alike. Its sprawling content catalog, combined with a dedicated online community and richly detailed bonus materials, makes it an essential purchase for anyone seeking the ultimate in WWII aerial combat. From first-time flyers to veteran “aces,” this compilation remains a high-altitude journey through one of history’s most pivotal conflicts.

Retro Replay Score

8/10