We attended a closed press presentation of the game Korea. IL-2 Series: we piloted the first jet fighters and fought in aerial combat

Korea: IL-2 Series is a new generation of the legendary flight simulator, created using completely new technologies. Players will experience battles over the peninsula with contemporary American and Soviet aircraft, as well as squadron command. We attended a closed presentation of the project and are eager to share the details.

The very first game in this series was released almost 25 years ago, on November 23, 2001. It is a realistic flight simulator with a special emphasis on historical accuracy. Cutting-edge graphics at the time combined with realistic aircraft physics, and various campaigns allowed players to participate in a wide range of World War II battles. The project received rave reviews from the industry press and performed well in sales.

It's worth noting that IL-2 Sturmovik is primarily designed for hardcore flight simulator fans willing to spend hours mastering all the intricacies. To fully experience the intricacies of controlling local aircraft, it's advisable to purchase a professional joystick designed for this genre. If a player isn't willing to spend the time to master the project's basic features, they'd be better off finding another flight simulator. For example, at IgroMir 2011, the prize was awarded to perform a simple maneuver — landing a plane on an airfield. But not everyone could handle this task.

All these years, the developers have been actively developing the Il-2, releasing large and small add-ons, expanding the available aircraft fleet, and offering new features. Now it's time to transition to modern technology.

The Korean War (1950-1953) remains one of the most little-studied conflicts of the second half of the 20th century, especially compared to Vietnam and Afghanistan. No victor was ever identified in this conflict, and the fighting ended roughly where it began — near the 38th parallel. Meanwhile, it was on this peninsula that the USSR and the USA utilized the latest developments in military technology, including aviation.

For example, the first jet fighters, which fly much faster than piston-engine fighters, clashed in the skies. The latter were also used for specific missions, so encounters between aircraft of different generations occurred. Something similar will be present in the game itself. However, the transition to new missile weapons had not yet occurred, so pilots continued to fight with machine guns and cannons. This specific aerial confrontation is relevant only to the Korean War.

If you're interested in historical details, the game will feature an interactive museum dedicated to the aviation of that era.

The demonstration begins with the hangar where the aircraft are stored. There, you can examine their technical documentation and examine the combat vehicles from all angles. The level of detail is beyond praise. This applies not only to the aircraft themselves, but also to the surrounding environment as a whole. You can examine it during acceleration across the airfield, which is necessary for takeoff, as well as during the flight over the base. Then you can fast-forward through time and "transport" yourself to the combat mission location.

The aerial battles are reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Pilots spend a long time adjusting their planes' positions, aiming their machine gun crosshairs at an enemy fighter, and then have a couple of seconds to hit the target. With proper skill, this is enough to disable the enemy. We are shown the consequences of hits, from broken wings in various places to damaged skin.

I'd especially like to mention the stunning sound. The roar of the planes during takeoff, the sound of the wind during flight, the firing of heavy machine guns — everything is executed to the highest standard. It truly enhances immersion and creates the right atmosphere.

The pilot managed to return to the airfield, but he failed to release the landing gear, resulting in a hard landing. However, the plane wasn't badly damaged and can easily be repaired. The pilot, however, remained safe and sound, so he calmly went to rest.

In addition to the usual fighter jet flying, you'll be asked to lead an entire team of combat aircraft. You'll complete specific missions, level up your pilots, and request resources to support the operation. They promise that everything will be entirely historically accurate, so leading one side to victory won't be an option. However, it's worth keeping in mind that you'll be commanding a single squadron, not an entire front, so you'll face tactical missions centered around ensuring air superiority in a specific area of ​​the map.

The developers claim that IL-2 remains a hardcore simulator, but if desired, aircraft can be controlled using standard gamepads used on modern consoles. The game's developers are hesitant about a release on Xbox Series and PlayStation 5, as they are having difficulty obtaining permission from Microsoft and Sony. Furthermore, the technical capabilities of these devices are severely limited. It's worth noting that in 2009, a previous version of the game, titled IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, was released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, the latest platforms of the late 2000s.

The original IL-2 Sturmovik was essentially a basic foundation, to which new aircraft were gradually added. "Korea" will develop along a similar principle. The Starter Edition will include six nuclear-era fighters—the F-80C-10 Shooting Star, F-86A Sabre, F-51D Mustang, MiG-15bis, Il-10, and Yak-9P — as well as two collectible aircraft—the F-84E Thunderjet and La-11. An expanded edition called the Founder's Edition is available, providing access to five more aircraft, which will be added throughout the year. The developers call this pack akin to a Season Pass.

At launch, story mode, additional campaigns, standalone scenarios, the ability to complete a single flight, and multiplayer will be available.

Korea. IL-2 Series offers exciting dogfights, realistic flight physics, and a variety of missions, bringing players to the real life of 1950s pilots. Detailed locations, and an advanced damage system make Korea an excellent choice for all fans of military aviation and true history aficionados.

Have you played the original IL-2 Sturmovik? Are you looking forward to the new version of this flight simulator? Share your thoughts in the comments!