Ballistics Report

Pros

Graphics
Amazingly, after all these years, the engine still looks good. Much of this is due to the painstaking detail of the modelers and artists, but the code updates certainly help.

Flight models
Realistic, even though we still think the controls are way too touchy. The adjustable realism settings work, for the most part - though you can never seem to turn engine torque off.

Dynamic Campaign
Realism extends even here. If you get off by flying in formation around an airfield as you wait for the rest of your flight to take off, this could be your dream game.

Multiplayer
If you know to use Hyperlobby and can get past the huge learning curve, the multiplayer offers some truly spectacular experiences over some of the most scenic vistas ever rendered by a game. The netcode is excellent. Unfortunately, the vast majority of players own all three titles - meaning that you'd have to buy Forgotten Battles and its expansion in order to play with them.

Cons

Patch process
Lacking such modern conveniences as a unified patch, Pacific Fighters has the player install patches in a specific order, also limited by the combination of Pacific Fighters and Forgotten Battles software he already has installed.

Dull campaigns
Most people don't get all choked up inside at the thought of flying in circles, in formation, around an airfield for 20 minutes before embarking on an hour-long flight to their target. Autopilot and time compression help, but there's a very, very dry feel to it all.

Sound
The sound effects are too repetitive. It's just not believable that every engine and propeller in the world sounds the same. Even differentiating between inline and rotary engines would help a lot.