Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rise of Flight delivers one of the most authentic World War I flight simulation experiences available. From the moment you taxi onto the grass airfield to the instant your rotary engine roars to life, the game challenges you to master aircraft that were among the first true fighters in history. The developers have modeled each plane’s handling with meticulous attention to detail—every torque twist from the rotary engine, each wing’s lift characteristics, and the fragile nature of early airframes are faithfully represented. If you choose to fly the nimble yet delicate SPAD XII.C1 or the renowned Fokker D.VII, you’ll feel the unique personality of each aircraft under your control.

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The game’s learning curve is steep but rewarding, with a series of tutorial missions woven into a small storyline that introduces core flight principles. Beginners appreciate the optional aids—simple gauges, navigation symbols, and pre-warmed engines—while purists can disable assistance for full realism, complete with limited ammo, engine stall risks, and authentic physics. Whether you’re mastering synchronized machine-gun firing or learning to manage fuel and payload for a bomber sortie, the controls feel intuitive, especially when using a joystick with keyboard hotkeys for fine-tuned maneuvers.

Beyond tutorials, Rise of Flight offers an array of single-player scenario missions that blend historical engagements with imaginative “could-have-been” battles. Dogfights against aces like the Red Baron, escort duties, and ground-attack assignments keep the campaign varied. Multiplayer mode scales up the action—hundreds of pilots can join a single server, forming squadrons, staging large-scale raids under the cover of engine mufflers, or engaging in free-for-all chaos. A powerful mission editor further extends replayability, letting you craft bespoke battles or recreate obscure skirmishes from 1917 and 1918.

Graphics

Graphically, Rise of Flight sets a benchmark for WWI flight sims. The historical aircraft are exquisitely detailed down to the aluminum alloy panels and wood-and-fabric wing structures that defined the era. Close inspection reveals rivet patterns, painted squadron markings, and the signature “lozenge” camouflage on German fighters. Weather and lighting play major roles—early morning fog can mask enemy patrols, while golden-hour sun glints off wings during low-altitude passes.

Terrain and ground textures are equally impressive, showcasing rolling fields, winding trenches, and rustic farmsteads characteristic of the Western Front. Damage modeling shines once you’re in combat: a direct hit tears wing fabric, sends splinters flying, or coats your windshield in oil. Even distant anti-aircraft bursts and ground fires create realistic ambiance, pulling you deeper into the theater of war. The attention to scale—tiny troops marching in formation, trucks rumbling on dirt roads—adds to the immersion.

Inside the cockpit, instrument panels look and function as their real-world counterparts did in 1917–1918. Needle gauges, fuel lines, and exposed wiring lend authenticity, while optional instrument overlays help new pilots keep track of altitude, airspeed, and engine temperature. Pop-up labels and HUD elements remain unobtrusive, ensuring that you focus on the wild ballet of WWI aerial combat rather than superfluous on-screen clutter.

Story

While Rise of Flight is primarily a sandbox for aerial maneuvers, it employs a loose narrative to contextualize each mission. Tutorial missions introduce you as a rookie pilot in 1917, learning on antiquated machines before graduating to frontline units. This simple story framework offers continuity as you progress from basic flight handling to complex operational objectives, giving your training a sense of purpose beyond mere checklists.

The scenario missions further explore hypothetical and documented battles on the Western Front, blending real-life dogfights against aces like Manfred von Richthofen with dramatic “what-if” encounters. Escorting bombers equipped with engine mufflers on silent night raids or leading strafing runs on enemy trenches creates varied mission dynamics. Though there is no cinematic dialogue or branching plot, each sortie feels like a chapter in the unfolding air war, reinforcing your role as a piece in the broader conflict.

Multiplayer and mission editor modes let players craft their own narrative arcs, teaming up for cooperative campaigns or staging rival squadron face-offs. In this way, the game’s story evolves organically: friendships form in dogfight duels, and rivalries spark during combined-arms objectives. The absence of a rigid storyline may deter narrative purists, but for many, the living, player-driven history unfolding in the skies is its own compelling tale.

Overall Experience

Rise of Flight: The First Great Air War stands out as an unmatched tribute to the infancy of aerial combat. Its combination of painstakingly recreated planes, historically inspired missions, and flexible realism settings caters to both simulation enthusiasts and newcomers willing to learn. The decision to split realism aids into granular options—engine warm-up, ammo limits, weapon convergence—means you can tailor the challenge to your tastes, whether you’re seeking an authentic warbird test or an accessible intro to biplane dogfighting.

Technical performance is solid on modern hardware; high-resolution textures and dynamic weather effects rarely hinder framerates. Occasional server hiccups can impact multiplayer sessions, but the thriving online community often hosts stable, organized events. The in-game store for additional period aircraft is unobtrusive, allowing you to expand your hangar at your own pace. For pilots who want to relive the pivotal years of 1917–1918, the extra investment is well worth it.

Ultimately, Rise of Flight is more than a flight sim—it’s a living classroom of World War I aviation. Every mission is an opportunity to experience first-hand the rapid technological advances of the era, from early synchronizers to aluminum alloys. With a robust mission editor, vibrant multiplayer scene, and hours of scenario-based content, this title remains a must-have for anyone curious about the dawn of aerial warfare or seeking a challenging, historically grounded flying experience.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10