The Wings of POWER II: B17 Flight Simulator X Add-On Review

Ratings: Graphics & Audio: 25/25, Gameplay: 23/25, Creativity 20/25, Fun 22/25
Total: 90/100

Shock Wave Productions brings this highly detailed and accurately realistic model of the famous Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. When I say highly detailed I mean this plane looks superb with its small details like oil stains trailing back from each engine, paint chips from normal use and realistic landing lights. The B-17 handles extremely well and is a breeze to fly even though it is over 65 years old, yes I know it's a simulation.

The B-17 is a historically significant part of the successful formation bombing as well as a mainstay of World War II operations around the world. The planes breeze of handling and ability to sustain massive amounts of battle damage and still return home made the plane the mainstay of bombing operations. After several significant changes to the bombers armament and armor the planes largest production of the G model produced 1,680 planes of the first mass produced heavy bomber.

During World War II the B17G was a feared bomber for the Germans and a welcome tool of war for the Allies due to its ability to take so much damage and still survive enough to land back home. Planes were known to receive so much damage that spotters often declared the planes shot down when they were able to limp back home for repairs and more service. Several improvements to the previous models made the planes armaments better able to fend off Luftwaffe attacks while on bombing runs over the skies of Germany. The nose turret is the most apparent difference from previous models and by the G model the aircraft was bristling with 13 50 caliber machine guns. This amount of firepower to defend the planes brought about the bomb group formation that became the mainstay of bombing runs to defend the planes against attacks by individual fighters.