History Channel’s Battle of Britain is basically a repackaged version of Warbirds III (now known as Warbirds 2004). iEN designed a new terrain and a number of offline missions for this version. If you had fun with it offline you should try it online (can’t remember if the BoB program gives direct access to the main Warbirds arenas). If not then you can download the client software for free. They also have a free 2 weeks trial period so you can give it a try. Be warned though, the arenas are very competitive, and there are some excellent virtual pilots cruising around looking for targets.
The basic arena play consists of trying to capture the opposing side’s airfields, towns and cities. The arena is spilt into the Axis and Allied sides which gives the opportunity for historical matchups (although sometimes this does not work as all theatres are usually represented in the arena at the same time). There is a rolling plane set in place during the 2 week “tour of duty”. They basically reduce the 6 year war into the 14 day tour of duty, so day 1 you get to fly Spitfire Mk1’s against Bf109E’s, and by day 14 the late war aircraft are available.
There are also several organized scenarios most weeks which are very immersive. There is nothing like escorting a squadron of bombers to their target, knowing that real people are flying those B17’s or 24’s. Likewise, it makes you quite nervous as an Axis pilot setting up to attack a tight formation of bombers, knowing that their escort is looking for you and even if you do get through the fighter screen, the tight formation has plenty of guns trained on you… but you have to press through to prevent them getting to their target……..phew!
The website is at http://www.totalsims.com I think. I have played Warbirds for going on 5 years now. It is a lot of fun, especially if you get in with a virtual squadron. The guys I fly with all use Teamspeak for voice comms which adds a lot to the experience. Give it a whirl.
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