Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge - Reception

Reception

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge is not considered a best-selling title on the Xbox. The game had a software-to-hardware attach ratio of about one percent, and is considered to be a "cult classic."

The game's critical reception was much more positive. GameSpy described it as "one of the most fun, and almost more importantly, unique games to hit the scene in awhile." The game's graphics were very well received by reviewers; of particular note were the game's explosions, long draw distance, fanciful plane models, and large, open environments. Critics wrote favorably of the game's audio, applauding strong voice acting as well as its swashbuckling and adventurous background music. Reviewers lauded the game's presentation, highlighting the contribution of the game's visuals and audio to the game's style and atmosphere.

Game Informer and GameSpot complimented the game's streamlined arcade control scheme, noting the ease with which it is possible to learn the game in comparison with other flight games. However, IGN noted that the gameplay would appeal more to casual players than flight sim fans. Reviewers also praised the game's mission design, with Edge magazine stating that "the mission structure is surprisingly open-ended," and that the ability to utilize stationary turrets "adds a much needed strategic aspect to combat and spices up the online play immeasurably."

The game's single player campaign was generally well received, partially because critics found its "escort missions" less frustrating than those in other flight games, and partially due to its depth in comparison to similar Microsoft Game Studio titles. However, critics most notably acclaimed High Road to Revenge for its Xbox Live features, many describing the online component as the game's best feature. IGN has stated, "The freedom to fly in any direction and unleash tons of firepower on human opponents will want to make you hug your Xbox Live subscription," and has commended elements such the game's capacity for 16-player matches and the quality of downloadable content.

Although 1up.com likewise approved of the game's action-oriented gameplay, the site criticized the "lame 'favors for everyone' mechanic" surrounding the missions, noting that the player is always forced to perform "chores" for other characters in the game. GameSpy noted that the game had "some repetitiveness." IGN disapproved of the game's undescriptive plane selection screen, which does not inform the player of a plane's weapons loadout. IGN also disparaged the game's upgrade system, which was described as "dry and unimaginative" in comparison to the plane customization feature in the Crimson Skies PC game.