Air Cavalry Review

In the heated debate as to whether or not mobile gaming can catch up to where console games are, many developers are doing what they can to push the envelope of games on phones and tablets. Whether it be ingenious new ways of implementing new game mechanics, updating graphics, or whatever the imagination can bring, the gap between mobile and console is getting smaller. Flight Simulators, while maybe not as popular as they were in the 90s, haven't been cracked all that often in mobile gaming. Luckily, Air Cavalry exists to give those who thirst for flight sims a taste of the genre on their iOS devices.

While Air Cavalry looks pretty good graphically, and has some pretty good controls, there is a major problem that has to be addressed; the game was released without any missions. What the user is currently paying $4.99 for is the ability to fly around with a plethora of helicopters, equipped with guns and missiles (on some), but with no real point to it other than to satisfy the biggest of flight simulator enthusiasts.

Luckily those missions are coming, as stated by the developer on the game's page in the app store. That's good news, because Air Cavalry is an incredible flight simulator otherwise. It has all the makings of what could turn out to be a great combat flight simulator, reminiscent of this genre's greats. Controls are fairly simple but still require the player to figure in speed, wind, and other factors when flying their copter. Additionally, the on-screen controls give players a bit of copter flying realism, while still giving them the joy of a fun game that's playable by rookies and vets alike.

One of the more impressive features in Air Cavalry may be the realistic camera angles, with lifelike cockpits and commands from the individual helicopters. For instance, the combat screen players can see while flying the Apache helicopter will be different than those seen in the Black Hawk or Iroquois. In addition to that, the realistic weaponry payloads are also usable on the various aircraft featured within Air Calvary, giving rockets to those choppers who have them in the real world.

Air Cavalry has the makings of what will eventually be a pretty sweet title on iOS. However the lack of missions, and really the lack of any point to this title, is what knocks it down a few pegs to start. Despite a questionable decision from the developer to release an incomplete game, one can see where this title is heading: a spectacular combat flight sim that uses the touch screen without blocking the sight, all while allowing users to fly and create some damage. This game may be grounded for now, but soon enough it'll fly sky high.