- The Early Days of Flight
- Origins and RealSpace Engine
- Taking to the Skies
- Initial Missions and Aircraft
- Gauntlet Mode and Mission Builder
- A Pilot’s Narrative
- Plotting the Skies
- Grounded Moments
- Airborne Realism
- High-Flying Realism
- Flexible Flight Engine
- A New Horizon
- From Strike Commander to Wings of Glory
- Playing Wings of Glory Online
- Conclusion
Developed by Origin Systems and published by Electronic Arts in 1995, this game offers a unique blend of historical accuracy and immersive gameplay.
The Early Days of Flight
Origins and RealSpace Engine
Wings of Glory took its maiden flight in 1995, soaring into the gaming world on DOS. Developed by Origin Systems, the game harnessed the power of the RealSpace engine, first introduced in their earlier flight simulator, Strike Commander.
This engine laid the foundation for a realistic and visually engaging flight experience.
Taking to the Skies
Initial Missions and Aircraft
As a novice American pilot stationed in England, players navigate the challenging skies, participating in missions that involve take-offs, objective completions, and safe returns to base. The game introduces a progression system, starting with a humble Sopwith Pup and unlocking more advanced planes as players advance.
Each aircraft is a faithful representation of its real-world counterpart, equipped with machine guns and, in some cases, the ability to drop bombs.
Gauntlet Mode and Mission Builder
Beyond the main campaign, Wings of Glory offers a Gauntlet mode, challenging players to survive against a relentless wave of enemies.
Additionally, a level designer empowers players to create their own missions, adding a layer of customization to the airborne adventure.
A Pilot’s Narrative
Plotting the Skies
Immerse yourself in the narrative as an American pilot serving with the Royal Air Force during the tumultuous times of 1914-1918. The game weaves a tale involving spies, German aces, and the inevitable loss of comrades.
This Origin creation infuses a plot into the historically accurate setting, providing a unique storytelling element to the flight simulation genre.
Grounded Moments
While in the barracks, players can interact with fellow pilots, engage in conversations about life, or discuss missions with the commanding officer. The game’s attention to detail extends to kill boards, medals, and moments of reflection upstairs, where you can admire your achievements.
Airborne Realism
High-Flying Realism
The realism in Wings of Glory extends from the skies to the ground. Air battles are a thrilling spectacle, with detailed elements like pilots screaming when shot down, zeppelins slowly descending, and bombers inflicting damage on targets below.
The game captures the essence of World War I aviation with meticulous attention to detail.
Flexible Flight Engine
The flight engine offers a spectrum of realism options, catering to both beginners and veterans. From engine pull dynamics to gun jams, wing shearing, and collision realism, players can tailor the experience to their skill level.
Each aircraft behaves uniquely, presenting a diverse and authentic flying experience.
A New Horizon
From Strike Commander to Wings of Glory
For those seeking the next adventure after conquering Strike Commander, Wings of Glory arrived as its spiritual successor. Despite the absence of SVGA support, the game introduced enhanced graphics, immersive sound effects, and speech elements, breathing new life into the flight simulation genre.
Playing Wings of Glory Online
Play Wings of Glory online, in a web browser, for free!
Conclusion
Wings of Glory remains a timeless classic, offering a captivating blend of historical accuracy, engaging gameplay, and a narrative that unfolds among the clouds.