Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jane’s Combat Simulations: Attack Squadron offers an immersive WWII flight-sim experience that balances historical authenticity with accessible controls. As a pilot in either the Allied or Axis campaigns, you’ll undertake patrols, intercept enemy formations, provide ground support, or execute strategic bombing runs. Each mission places you at the center of dynamic aerial dogfights and large-scale engagements, giving you freedom to decide when to press the attack or issue orders to your wingmen.

One of the standout features is the ability to switch gunner positions on bombers, letting you man the nose gun, tail gun, side guns, belly turret, top turret or take on the bombardier’s role. This multi-crew mechanic shines in multiplayer mode, where friends can form a full bomber crew or spice up air combat by taking on dedicated fighter roles. The result is a highly social and tactical environment that goes beyond a traditional solo flight simulator.

AI wingmen respond well to commands, maintaining formation integrity or breaking off to engage designated targets. Strategic depth emerges when you balance fuel and ammo management with mission objectives, planning your attack runs to minimize exposure to flak and enemy fighters. Whether you’re flying a nimble Spitfire or lumbering B-17, the sense of responsibility for your squadron’s success adds tension and excitement to every sortie.

Graphics

The graphics engine of Attack Squadron was cutting-edge for its time, featuring satellite-mapped terrain data that covers all of Europe and Britain. As you fly low over the French countryside or soar above the English Channel, the ground textures and elevation changes feel strikingly realistic. Villages, airfields, and strategic locations are accurately placed, enhancing immersion and aiding navigation.

Fully modeled cockpits set a high bar for detail, with accurate instrument panels, switchgear, and even gun sights that function as they would in real aircraft. The level of polish is evident when you peer out through the canopy, spotting incoming bogeys or lining up a bombing run with the Norden bombsight. Weather effects such as rolling clouds, sun glints, and rain on the windshield further reinforce the atmosphere of mid-air tension.

Aircraft models themselves are meticulously crafted, from the sleek lines of the P-38 Lightning twin-boom fighter to the bulky fuselage of the Heinkel He 111 bomber. Damage modeling delivers satisfying feedback when you inflict hits—smoke trails, flak bursts, and wingtip shrapnel all contribute to the thrill of aerial combat. While modern sims have advanced beyond its era, Attack Squadron’s visuals still hold up for players nostalgia-seeking or those new to the genre.

Story

Unlike story-driven shooters, Attack Squadron builds its narrative through historical context and mission variety. The Allied and Axis campaigns each present a distinct perspective on the European air war, with missions aligning to significant milestones such as the Battle of Britain or the Allied push into Germany. Briefings include period-accurate maps and intel reports, setting the stage for each operation.

You play not as a single named ace but as a squadron pilot thrust into the chaos of war. This allows you to chart your own path—one day you might be escorting bombers over Berlin, the next strafing supply convoys in the Ardennes. The sense of progression comes from unlocking new aircraft and rising through campaign ranks, rather than following a rigid scripted storyline.

Supporting materials such as archival photos, radio chatter, and in-mission debriefs lend an educational layer that history buffs will appreciate. While the game doesn’t feature cinematic cutscenes, the authenticity of the missions and period detail imbues each flight with narrative weight. You become part of a broader tapestry of conflict, experiencing the ebb and flow of WWII air power from cockpit-level vantage points.

Overall Experience

Attack Squadron excels as both a solo simulator and a multiplayer playground. Single-player fans will enjoy the robust AI, variety of aircraft, and campaign breadth covering the full European theater. Campaign missions are lengthy enough to foster attachment but still approachable for casual sessions. The mission editor further extends replayability, inviting players to craft custom sorties with tailored objectives and adversaries.

Multiplayer takes the game to another level. Filling out a bomber crew or forming fighter wings with friends transforms each sortie into a cooperative strategy session. Tactical coordination, voice communication, and role specialization make every dogfight and bombing run feel unique. The added customization of skins, models, and user-created missions ensures that communities can keep the action fresh years after release.

For anyone seeking an authentic WWII flight experience, Jane’s Combat Simulations: Attack Squadron remains a compelling choice. Its blend of historical accuracy, diverse gameplay modes, and mod-friendly architecture offers strong value. Whether you’re a veteran flight-sim pilot or a newcomer curious about aviation history, you’ll find plenty to admire and challenges to conquer in the skies over Europe.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10